Design
This is probably the part you are looking forward to – planning, budgeting and plumbing are essential but design is where you get to dream. For most people, a new bathroom is just that, a dream, a way to improve your lifestyle and a way to achieve the aesthetic you are after. It’s important to remember that these four processes often overlap. Designing a bathroom without a budget is a recipe for disaster, budgeting without a design in mind wouldn’t be constructive. However, once you have a realistic and appropriate (for you) budget, a good builder/plumber/fitter and have passed planning regulation, you can really start to nail down the look.
Of course, when considering how your bathroom will look, you’ll probably want to start with the mood you’re after. You might want a relaxing vibe (most do) or a clean, functional design. You may be after a classical European bathroom, a Balinese sanctuary or a modern, stone wet room. Always keep in mind where you live, you may want to escape from familiar surroundings, but you probably don’t want to stray too far from the architecture of your house otherwise the bathroom may feel disconnected.
A larger bathroom allows for free-standing furnishings
A larger bathroom will allow for more freedom, whereas in a smaller bathroom, the space available somewhat dictates the layout. The shape of the bathroom will also have a major influence on your design decisions. There is no point trying to force your bathroom into a template, it is much better to take a bespoke approach and work with the natural lines of the room. If you plan to expand your bathroom through structural building you will be able to form these lines yourself, though the size and shape will still be somewhat limited by the structural constraints of your property.
A smaller bathroom working within the constraints of its shape – prioritising practicality Continue reading
