Bathroom Design Ideas

Renovating the bathroom is a project many people embark upon after deciding that they have become unhappy with their current bathroom. Depending on the size of the bathroom and the intended scale of the renovation, such a process can be either simple of very complicated, but there are some tips and general guidelines to take into account to ensure that the project will not get out of control and become too overwhelming, regardless of its size.

The first step is to decide precisely what in the bathroom requires alteration, and why. For instance, is the size of the bathroom a problem (too small?) or is it just that the style and general décor is looking rather out of date? Perhaps some of the bathroom is damaged, or there is not enough natural light coming into the room. Determining precisely what changes need to be made and why can make the whole process of bathroom renovation considerably less complicated, and possibly even less expensive in the long run.

Sometimes the renovation need only be purely decorative – giving the walls a fresh lick of paint, changing the wallpaper, or simply adding a few new bathroom accessories and replacing dated items of bathroom furniture. Sometimes the project can be so complex (particularly if the size of the bathroom needs to be increased, which would entail the knocking down of walls and the like) that the services of a professional contractor would most likely need to be engaged. On other occasions, the bathroom size problem can be solved far more easily by replacing cumbersome bathroom cabinets with far slinkier sink vanities.

Bathroom renovation can be simple or complicated – but knowing precisely what changes are required and how to go about implementing them before commencing the project, can make it proceed in a considerably smoother fashion.

Bathroom furniture speaks volumes about your personal taste and sense of style; it should not be chosen hastily. Bathroom furniture is the very heart of your bathroom and says a lot about the household when seen by visitors. Every part of bathroom furniture tells a story, whether it is the basin taps; bath taps, the bathroom sink, the radiators, the shower cubicle, the shower enclosure, the bathroom mirror, and any wooden furniture items such as stands and drawer units, every piece of bathroom furniture should radiate your own personal theme and taste.

When purchasing bathroom furniture, one should take into account the size of the bathroom.  The object is to maximize space and make the bathroom not only a welcoming place for the family but also for guests.

With so many variables to consider, creating a pleasant environment is essential in order to relax and enjoy your bathroom experience. For those with small bathrooms, consider space saving bathroom furniture such as space saver bathroom suites, complemented with under the sink storage, corner units or corner shelves. A corner bath is ideal; although it occupies more floor space than a rectangular bath of the same capacity, but because it is fitted across the corner it may take up less wall space leaving room for a shower cubicle or shower enclosure. Furthermore, a corner bath usually provides some shelf space for essential toiletries.

Whatever your situation, be sure that your bathroom furniture enhances the look and develops the true potential of your bathroom space, and ensure that every finishing touch, whether it is the shower curtain, the bathroom rug or even the toilet seat, radiates the image that you desire. 

Inda bathrooms are the height of sophistication in terms of bathroom design and it is no coincidence that they are based in Milan, Italy. This city is well known for being one of the fashion ‘hot spots’ of Europe and Inda bring fashion to the bathroom, in quite a serious way!

The Inda Bathrooms style concept is very swish, yet modern. This is not about a clinical white bathroom this is about colours, use of space and modern living in the 21st century. Their products have an air of the future about them, with very angular and sharp lines, nestling alongside rounded, curved wash hand basins. The result is a blend of the two styles, with one setting off the other. This concept makes their designs almost unique and certainly worthy of consideration.

For those with young children, some of the products may not be entirely suitable, due to the sharp edges on some of the basin counters/vanity units, but for everyone else, they are a real style statement.

These products are also quite cutting edge in terms of design, so if you like heritage pieces and a charming or quaint bathroom, then this is probably a range that you will not find too interesting. For anyone who likes a timeless style, expressing individuality and an endorsement of modern life, particularly in the urban setting, this really is a quality range, which will last a lifetime. Since you will probably love your new bathroom suite so much, you may well want to keep it for a lifetime.

Sharing a bathroom with family members or housemates can be difficult. If you have a large bathroom, then installing more than one sink is a good idea; so that people do not have to wait to use the sink for quick and simple tasks such as washing their hands or brushing their teeth.

If you need to decorate the bathroom there can be disagreements about colour schemes and furniture if you are sharing with someone else. The best solution is to settle on colours that suit everyone and if new bathroom furniture needs to be added, make sure that everyone contributes towards the cost so that you do not have to spend as much yourself.

Sharing a bathroom can also be frustrating if you have people using products that you have purchased for yourself. The best option is to buy double bathroom cabinets and give a section to each person or buy one cabinet each. If you do not feel comfortable with having your products stored in the bathroom, then there are a variety of wash bags and cosmetics bags to choose from. These are available from a variety of stores for around £5.00 and are ideal for keeping your bathroom products private.

It is also important to keep your bathroom hygienic. Since there is more than one person using the bath, shower, sink and toilet, you will need to make sure that you clean each one after you have used it. It is always a good idea to share cleaning tasks so that one person does not end up having to do all the work. 

Since the bathroom is the best place for relaxation, you will want to make it as luxurious as possible. There is a variety of top quality bathroom furniture available to give your bathroom a touch of luxury. Large glass vanity cabinets, deep baths and large shower enclosures are all items that you can utilise.

Whirlpool baths are perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Bella Bathrooms, a bath store, offer luxury baths for under £80.00, which is ideal for anyone looking for a more affordable option. The store’s whirlpool baths are also reasonably priced and are much cheaper online than in the showrooms.

If you are tired of your boring bathroom, but cannot afford a new tub or shower, then there is a selection of products that will add a hint of luxury, such as massage oils, soap, bath products and scented candles. Showerheads can be used to add an element of luxury to your bathroom and are reasonably priced.

Spotlights or low lights can also give a luxurious feel and installing a dimmer will allow you to control the degree of light, so that you can create an ambience that is comfortable and relaxing. Darker colours, such as red also create a more luxuriant feeling.

Having extra heat in your bathroom improves the level of comfort. Install heated flooring or use heated towel rails to make your bathroom cosier when it comes to stepping out of the bath or shower. Fluffy towels are also perfect for adding a little luxury.

If your bathroom is in desperate need of repair, then you may want to think about renovating it. You may need replace your plumbing or fix up any areas that have become damp or mouldy from exposure to water. You may be able to take care of some of these jobs yourself, but if you do not feel confident, then the best option is to hire someone who has experience of bathroom renovation.

Jobs such as installing baths, toilets, sinks or tiling can either be done by you or perhaps a family member, if they have the experience. Seeking out a professional will be more costly, but it is the best option for getting the job done properly if you have any doubts about your own DIY ability.

If you are looking to extend your bathroom, then you will need to do lots of planning to decide which areas need to be worked on. If you are on a low budget, then it may be better to buy more storage items rather than building an extension. Extensions can be quite costly, so it is essential that you make proper plans before commencing work.

If you are looking to remodel your bathroom completely, then you will also need to upgrade any old plumbing. Having a modern bathroom with new plumbing will enhance the value of your home. Replacing mouldy carpets or wallpaper will provide you with extra comfort and also make your bathroom look cleaner. Any damp areas, such as around the bath or shower will need to be treated.

If you are aiming to have a Victorian theme for your bathroom, then there are a variety of accessories available that will help you achieve the look that you want. Victorian bathrooms usually have dark colours and wood. Antique stores are a good place to visit if you are looking for Victorian bathroom furniture and usually have a wide variety of top quality products to make your bathroom look good.

Victorian Plumbing, a UK company, offer a selection of Victorian products to suit your theme, including Victorian basin taps, which can be purchased with a matching bath mixer if you wish. If you are looking for a bath to fit your Victorian theme, then Plumbworld offer a Clearwater Victorian Bath, which is available in Green and White, with stone cast resin reinforcement and is priced at around £530.00.

Having a Victorian theme may be more suitable if you have a lot of money to spare, as some products can be quite expensive. But if you look around on sites such as eBay, you may be able to find a few bargains. There are some stores that offer discounts for products purchased on their website, or you could have a look around to see which stores have items on sale.

Finding a website with an online decorator will help you to see which colours are suitable for your Victorian theme. Visiting showrooms is also a good idea, as this will give you an idea of different layouts, colours and products for your Victorian theme.

If you feel your bathroom is cramped, but you cannot afford to build any extra space, then there are many ways in which you can make it appear bigger, without having to spend too much. There are colours, such as white or cream, which you can use to create the illusion that your bathroom is bigger than it actually is.

If you have items that take up a lot of space in your bathroom, then swap them for smaller items. This will make the room look much bigger. Choose furniture that suits a small room. Some stores offer sinks that have a vanity cabinet attached to them. This provides more floor space and can help your bathroom look larger. ‘Shades’, a bathroom company, offer a selection of space saver products, including small, wall-mounted basins, which are ideal for saving space.

If you have a bit of money to spare and really wish to improve the look of your bathroom and make it look more spacious, then Heritage Bathrooms offer a selection of space saving suites. There are many different styles available, as well as a variety of wall-hung products that create more space. The company also offers washstands, which combine a sink, drawer and shelf at the bottom of the stand. These are ideal for small bathrooms as they offer lots of storage and increase floor space.

Getting rid of items that you keep on the floor will also allow you to have a bathroom that looks bigger. Instead of keeping your bathroom bin on the floor, try opting for a cabinet that has a built-in bin or swap it for a smaller one.

In very many houses the bathroom is indeed quite small with larger space having been allocated to living and eating than has been awarded to functional activities; so for many householders, space is certainly at a premium in the bathroom.

However, this does not mean that you cannot still enjoy a full range of facilities.  There are some spaces saving tips which will help you to make the most out of the space you do have available.

First of all if space is very tight, then you should look at installing a close coupled toilet since this will save you space in terms of how far the toilet projects into the room.

Next, it is also possible to buy baths which are slightly shorter than normal, but still an adequate length (unless you are exceptionally tall).  These are often narrower as well, so allowing you to get that extra bit of space next to, or at the end of, the bath.

Consider installing a shower over your bath and then fitting a bath / shower screen to make sure that the water is contained.

Fit a countertop wash hand basin and, if space is really tight, then consider installing the wash hand basin in the corner.  Storage space can then be created underneath the basin, enabling you to completely maximise your space.

Finally, consider fitting a towel rail over your radiator or have a heated towel rail adjacent to the toilet.  Therefore, you can have all the luxury of a modern bathroom even in the tiniest of spaces.

Non-heated towel rails may not be as luxurious as their heated counterparts, but they are still a very useful addition to any bathroom.

The towel rail actually serves two functions; firstly, it provides towels within easy reach, so that as you come out of the shower or bath you can immediately put your hands on one. Secondly, it enables air to circulate around the towels, with the result that they don’t have to be washed after each use. This is good for the environment, saves wear and tear on your towels and cuts down on the amount of laundry you have to do.

The humble towel rail also has a less obvious function, in that it helps to keep your bathroom looking at its best. A bathroom looks unsightly if there are piles of damp towels simply hanging over the bath. On the other hand, if they are hung over a towel rail then the bathroom will look tidier and more co-ordinated.

Towel rails should complement the look of the bathroom, so if you have a very modern and chic room, complete with chrome fittings, then you may well wish to choose a chrome rail. Alternatively, a more traditional looking towel rail will complement a traditional style bathroom.

The choice of towel rails available, both heated and non-heated, is actually quite diverse, with prices ranging right the way from bargain basement to high-end designer. The only constraints you have, when making your final choice, are what will suit your bathroom and what you can afford.