Whether you’re planning a furniture re-jig or renovating your bathroom entirely, striking a balance between style and functionality can be a challenge. And while interior designers will be happy to help, their services often come at a premium.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of functional, aesthetically pleasing bathroom design, so you can plan the layout in advance and achieve the bathroom of your dreams. Here are all of the things you need to consider when planning your bathroom.

Floorplan

It’s essential you know how much floor space you’re working with when designing your bathroom, and you can accomplish this yourself using graph paper. This will enable you to visualise where the furniture and essentials will be located, as well as establishing spatial requirements for the door and windows.

Furniture

Start with a list of essentials (toilet; bath, shower etc.), before considering which items you’ll include to put your own stamp on the design. This can be anything from smart bathroom features to a piece of wall art – your imagination is your only limitation.

Selecting a bathroom style

When you’ve settled on the furniture and fittings, it’s time to home in on your desired style. Broadly speaking, there are two main styles of bathroom: traditional and modern. The former prioritises classic period looks marked by decorative features and ornate lines, while contemporary designs pare down the décor to achieve clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

Heating

Of course, bathroom design isn’t all about aesthetics, and heating is one of the biggest practicalities to consider

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is ideal for bathrooms, particularly when space is scarce. And in addition to its space saving capacity, its location at the room’s lowest point utilises heat’s natural propensity to rise, making the system arguably more efficient than a single radiator. And it needn’t cost the earth either, as you can extend your existing radiator system to include an underfloor heating circuit.

Heated towel rails

Fuse style and functionality, tradition and modernity, with a traditional heated towel rail. Combining rapid heating functionality with traditional Victorian looks, it’s the perfect practical accessory for any bathroom inspired by yesteryear.

Baths

For those of you adopting a space-saving approach, corner baths are a great option as they fit flush in the corner of a room, freeing up valuable floorspace. Double-ended baths are a great option, too; with their centrally positioned taps, sharing becomes much more comfortable so they’re wonderful for bathing young families. But if your plan won’t accommodate both a bath and shower, don’t despair. Rather than choosing one over the other, consider installing a shower bath that’s wider at the tap end to allow for a more spacious shower area.

In terms of aesthetics, freestanding baths add a touch of luxury to any bathroom and come in both traditional and contemporary designs, so you’re guaranteed to find your dream centrepiece.

Whirlpool baths may not boast the same visual appeal as their freestanding cousins; they do, however, promote luxury, comfort and relaxation, and come in a vast array of shapes, sizes and styles.

Showers

Aside from style, there are some important logistical issues to consider before installing a new shower system.

Types of shower

Firstly, make sure the system you buy is compatible with the hot water system in your home. Electric showers excel here as they run from a cold-water supply and can be heated on demand. Mixer showers provide another useful option, as they use pre-heated water from a hot water tank or combi-boiler and can be fitted with a special pump to produce high-pressure flow.

For families, thermostatic mixers make perfect sense as they regulate water temperature – even when someone flushes the loo! And remember, if you’re considering splashing out on a shower with massage jets, make sure you select a shower head that can regulate the required water pressure.

Space saving showers

When it comes to space saving solutions, over-the-bath showers work well and allow parents to bathe the little ones. Ensuite showers, on the other hand, are ideal for couples and those looking to maximise their living space and privacy.

Shower enclosures

Maximise your shower space by choosing the perfect shower enclosure and tray for your bathroom. Square and rectangular enclosures are best fitted flush in the corner, while quadrant enclosures are great for opening up more floor space in spatially limited bathrooms.

Low profile shower trays fuse style and accessibility, complementing the contemporary look while making access easier for less able users.

Shower doors

Available in styles to suit all tastes, shower doors boost a bathroom’s aesthetic appeal while improving its functionality. Bi-fold and sliding doors are ideal when space is limited, for instance, while hinged doors, like low profile shower trays, improve shower access.

Creating a wet room

If your bathroom is especially small, or you’re planning a second bathroom, it’s worth considering a wet room. Essentially, a wet room is a bathroom in which the shower floor is flush with the rest of the room. And the benefits don’t stop there; they also enhance accessibility, broaden your design options, and can even add value to your home.

To create a wet room, you’ll need to ensure the room is fully tanked (waterproofed), while we also recommend installing a shower screen to contain splashes. If a wet room is beyond your budget, a generously sized walk-in shower presents a viable alternative.

Choosing a sink

There are four main types of sink and knowing the distinctions between them will help you select the ideal model for your bathroom.

Pedestal

Pedestal basins have neatly concealed pipework, making them ideal focal points in contemporary bathrooms.

Wall-mounted

Wall-mounted sinks free up floorspace and provide enhanced accessibility to less able users.

Counter-top

Mounted basins can be beautiful features in themselves, as well as offering a smart space saving solution for those with limited space.

Inset

Neatly housed in a bathroom surface, inset sinks provide a clean minimalist finish typically seen in Scandinavian bathrooms.

Taps

The style of tap you choose can have a huge impact on your bathroom’s overall look. If you’re aiming to roll back the years and embrace tradition, opt for classic features like cross head handles and Edwardian ceramic inserts finished with warm metallic hues like rose-gold and copper.

Contemporary taps, on the other hand, prioritise minimalism – think geometric styling and clean lines. Stainless steel and chrome taps create a sparkling clean look sure to upgrade any modern bathroom’s aesthetic, while matte black taps look luxurious against crisp white fittings and subway-tile style wall cladding.

Toilets

Traditional and period designs are beautifully complemented by high -level cistern toilets, with the cistern on display and the flush coming in lever or pulley form.

Contemporary bathroom designs profit from wall-mounted toilets, as they save space and embrace the minimalist look. Or strike a balance between tradition and modernity by opting for a classic close-couple toilet, whereby the cistern sits on top of the pan. These are available in both modern and classic designs. And if you’re simply replacing your current toilet, minimise the work and costs by selecting a new one with the same rough in (distance between the wall and the centre of the outlet pipe).

Storage

Fresh white towels stored in a smart storage solution.

Smart storage solutions are essential when designing a bathroom, as bulky items like towels and toilet paper can quickly eat up floorspace. Consider the following space saving tips to make the most out of your new bathroom.

Fitted storage

Fitted bathroom storage makes use of floor to ceiling space, allowing you to store the family’s essentials in clutter-swallowing cupboards and units.

Vanity units

Vanity units combine the sink with a storage cupboard, making practical use of what would otherwise be an overhanging, unused space. Available in a vast range of sizes and finishes, you’re sure to find your ideal model regardless of your bathroom’s size and style. If space your top concern – along with budget, it usually is – opt for a wall mounted version. Paired with a large mirror and carefully selected cladding, your bathroom will open up before your eyes.

Freestanding furniture

Freestanding furniture is perfect for housing your essentials and opens up limitless design possibilities. Upcycling, for example, allows you to breathe life into old furniture that’s been gathering dust in the attic, while charity shops are treasure troves for style spanning furniture.

Walling

When it comes to walling, you can choose between tiles and wall panels. Tiles are the traditional option but require grouting that can become mouldy and requires constant upkeep. Wall panels, on the other hand, are waterproof and fit together seamlessly, meaning wiping them down regularly is enough to keep them in perfect condition.

If your desired bathroom design features a centrepiece like a freestanding bath or vintage radiator, you’re going to want people to notice. For emphasis, apply a uniform cladding scheme to three walls, before adorning your feature wall with another colour or design.

Lighting

Bathroom lighting presents an overlooked design element that can create the perfect ambience for bathing, as well as serving as a functional space to host those manic morning routines.

Multiple light sources

Regardless of your bathroom’s size, having multiple light sources will enhance the design. Combining mood lighting, accent spotlights and task lights will establish a scheme to suit all needs; providing practical illumination for daily tasks like shaving, and a serene ambient glow for evening bathing.

See below for our handy breakdown of bathroom lighting.

Task lights

Task lights illuminate areas that require high visibility, such as mirrors and the surrounding sink area. By strategically placing lights in these spots, you’ll prevent eye strain while enhancing tasks that require precision like applying makeup and shaving. Mount your task lights either side of your bathroom mirror to avoid the interference of shadows.

Mood lights

Mood lighting combines a warm glow with a comfortable brightness level – ideal for bathing relaxation and creating a calm ambience. To make the most of mood lights, position them around the room – as opposed to the centre – to avoid shadows and highlight statement wall cladding and furniture. Never fit mood lights above a mirror or vanity unit as they’ll cast strong light and shadows onto your face, effectively defeating the purpose.

Feature lights

Feature lights are ideal for highlighting design details and creating an atmosphere. Use LED light strips to emphasise and draw attention to your bathroom’s focal points.

Night lights

Night lights are ideal for families with young children and people with mobility issues as they come on automatically courtesy of a presence detector. Situate LED strip lighting under a vanity unit or bath panel to provide muted illumination that won’t awaken the rest of the family!

As overused neutrals like beige go out of style, grey in the bathroom has been creeping up in popularity. Its versatility and modernity, as well as its many different shades, make for a colour that can be used in hundreds of ways – making it fantastic for any bathroom. No matter what type of home you live in, or what style of bathroom you’re going for during your next bathroom renovation, grey is a good idea.

This blog will cover each style of bathroom and demonstrate how grey can be turned into something very exciting, stylistically. So whether you’ll repaint or install grey wall panels, there truly is something for everyone with the colour grey.

The nautical bathroom

Nautical or water-themed bathrooms will always be in fashion, but rather than making your bathroom an ode to the 90s with blue walls and wave motifs, take elements of the great outdoors and bring them inside.

These grey distressed oak wall panels are ideal. Choose to paint the walls white, using the wall panels for a feature wall behind your dual sinks or walk-in shower. Go for seagrass or wicker accessories in plant pots, bathmats or laundry baskets in order to create a stunning, Scandinavian inspired bathroom that brings the nautical bathroom into the 21^st century.

The Victorian bathroom

Patterned tiles have been popular for a while now, and especially in Victorian or other period homes, they look great as they compliment the home’s age. In the Victorian age, patterned tiles lined hallway floors, garden paths and fireplace surrounds. Today, a lot of these original features might have disappeared from your home, but why not add a nod to the Victorian era with these grey patterned wall panels from Swish Marbrex.

These wall panels will also be easier to install and maintain than patterned tiles. Pair them with white painted wooden floors, jewel tone accessories and plenty of plants.

The rustic bathroom

If your home is more country cottage than ultra-modern, this mosaic bathroom cladding will be ideal, helping you to bring a rustic feel to any home – whilst keeping things modern. Install the bathroom wall cladding behind your dual sinks or bath to create a feature wall.

Style with wooden worktops and a top mounted Belfast sink, complemented by floral or botanical wall art to bring a feel of the traditional bathroom into the 21^st century.

The ultra-modern bathroom

It’s always been a popular option to keep things sleek and modern in the home, and especially in the bathroom, it’s a great way to achieve a unified look. Bathrooms large and small will benefit from minimal grey wall panels.

Add mirrors over the sink to make the most of the space, and you could also install the latest technologies to make your bathroom experience the best that it can be. Create a smart bathroom at home with surround sound or a smart mirror.

The loft-style bathroom

Whether you live in a converted warehouse or in a Victorian townhouse, the loft style bathroom is ideal for those wanting to retain some character in their home whilst stepping forward into a modern look. These grey brick wall panels are ideal on one or two walls of the room – they’re easier to install than original bricks are to clean up, and have a textured finish meaning nobody will know the difference.

Accessorise the bathroom with black hardware and a huge rainfall shower head, to bring the creative glamour of a New York loft to your humble bathroom.

The chic bathroom

The light grey shade of the Alba Bathroom Wall Panels is warm enough to make your bathroom feel like a welcoming space. Timeless and sophisticated, marble is a fantastic addition to any bathroom and is perfect for any style home. Although a large marble panel would cost thousands to install, these marble wall panels provide a fantastic alternative to the budget-conscious.

Complement it with fresh flowers, plush bathmats and choose accessories in rose gold or bronze to add a feminine touch.

Remodelling options span a wide range of accessible furniture, from lever taps to walk-in baths. In this blog, we’ll share eight of our top tips that’ll transform your bathroom into a senior-friendly sanctuary.

Lever taps

Lever taps eliminate the need for excessive twisting and turning of taps, which can prove problematic for elderly people. With hundreds of styles to choose from, including foot operated taps, you’re sure to find the perfect set.

Detachable showerhead

A detachable showerhead makes showering and bathing much easier for elderly people who are less mobile, allowing bathers to sit down while showering if they have a shower seat, in turn increasing their independence.

We also recommend installing a thermostatic shower mixer to safeguard against any sudden temperature changes, while ensuring the brassware doesn’t overheat. And if you opt for a built-in version, the bulk of the product will be concealed behind the wall, reducing bathroom obstacles and improving usability.

Easy-clean walling

Convenience and ease of use are key in bathroom renovations for the elderly, so every design choice should be made with these two principles in mind. One way to improve the ease of use of a senior’s bathroom is to reduce the need for cleaning time and installing waterproof wall panels is one of the best ways to do that.

Plastic wall cladding as a replacement for tiles cuts down on all of the hassle of cleaning each tile individually and maintaining the grouting. Wall panels for the bathroom are usually 100% waterproof, easy to fit, and come in a range of styles so they’re versatile.

Grab bars and rails

Grab bars and rails are a great cost-effective way to make your bathroom more senior-friendly. Available in a wide range of sizes and finishes, grab rails aid toilet use and enable people to enter and exit the bathtub safely.

Their minimal, practical design makes installation simple, while their anti-slip, insulated coating adds comfort and peace of mind. Not only are they useful in the bathroom, in fact, they’re used all around the home in some cases to make getting around as easy as possible.

Toilet height

High toilets, or ‘comfort height’ toilets, are designed to raise the position of the bowl and reduce pressure on the knees. As a result, sitting down, standing up, and the transition between becomes much easier for people who are less mobile. Simply raising the toilet’s height by a few inches can make all the difference for both users and caregivers.

Alternatively, instead of a comfort height toilet basin, you can find specialist toilet seats for the elderly that are thicker than regular seats, helping to raise the sitting position by an inch or two.

Walk-in showers and bathtubs

Not only do walk-in showers offer aesthetic appeal; they facilitate smooth transitions from wheelchair to shower seat. Walk-in baths feature similar cosmetic advantages, while improved access and the inclusion of a seat boost their senior-friendly credentials.

Non-slip bathmats and rugs

Non-slip bathmats and rugs offer numerous senior-friendly benefits. Firstly, they’re a great cost-effective alternative to shower pans and tub bottoms, but most importantly, they help prevent and cushion falls.

An additional and often overlooked advantage is their capacity to provide comfort to caregivers when providing bathing support. This is something that isn’t talked about often but can be a great addition to a bathroom for an elderly person who receives regular care.

Trend forecasting is hugely important in the world of interior design. What we predict today, could be in everyone’s homes next year. Not only can trend forecasting predict the colour and style that will prove popular in the year ahead. Here at DBS Bathrooms, we know that bathrooms are primarily functional spaces, but what’s stopping you from making a statement with its design?

This year, interior design trends focus around three main releases in the year: the Dulux Colour of the Year is announced in September and was ‘Tranquil Dawn’ – a shade of green. The Pantone Colour of the Year was announced in December to be ‘Classic Blue’.

These key 2020 bathroom trends build on the success of some bathroom trends from 2019, but take into consideration the popularity of styles, patterns and textures seen in magazines, Instagram and Pinterest. They’re design statements that are worth investing in, as they’ll stand the test of time from 2020, well into the future.

Colour

Gone are the days of all-white bathrooms – in 2020, colour will be the biggest trend. Whether you choose neutrals or a darker colour like teal or even terracotta, be sure to go bold. Whilst choosing a colour, make sure to think about how it can impact your day. Green is optimistic, ochre is warm and relaxed – how do you want your bathroom to feel?

It’s even possible to introduce colour through the wall coverings you choose. Whilst a lot of people would automatically go for tiles, a contemporary solution is bathroom wall panels. Whether you decide to go for something traditional – in the style of subway tiles, for example – or more modern, they’re a fast, easy and waterproof solution. These red brick wall panels are ideal for industrial style homes that need a quick bathroom update. They add a bit of warmth to the room without it being stark and will work well with existing white bathroom suites.

Texture

Overshadowing the natural materials that have been so popular in recent Japanese inspired bathroom designs, in 2020 we predict two big trends returning: marble and concrete – but this time, it’s going to take over our walls. Marble is a great way to add a luxe feel to the bathroom, whilst conversely, concrete is a great way to bring an industrial feel to the room. Do your whole walk in shower with groutless marble wall panels in order to hide a multitude of sins with something beautiful.

In beautiful, high end bathrooms, concrete is used alongside wood to create mid-century style countertops with double basins, and stunning floors and walls. When it’s paired with wood, this often-harsh material takes on a warm feeling – meaning that although it’s not always the natural choice, it give your bathroom a stunning modern update.

Lighting

Not all bathrooms are blessed with natural light, but if yours is, consider how to make the most of the light that you have. Mirrors will help to bounce light around the room, so don’t be afraid to decorate dark. It’ll help to create a sense of cosiness and warmth that is hard to replicate with stark white.

If you’re not lucky enough to have a window in your bathroom, create a sense of light with plenty of downlights that you can keep on a dimmer switch. Adding a run of lights over the sinks and shower or bath will help to control the mood, whilst spotlights will ensure the brightness is ideal for morning ablutions.

Zoning

Instead of seeing fully panelled or tiled bathrooms, this year we will start to see carefully placed wall panels around the bathroom that will help to divide the space up into different functions. This is a great way to draw the eye around the room – particularly good if you have a long, thin bathroom or a room that’s an odd shape.

Use stone effect or tile effect wall panels alongside neutral or coloured walls. Panelling behind the sink, bathtub or the whole length of the wall that has the walk-in shower on it is a great way to give your bathroom an instant update. It can also look more considered than panelling or tiling on all four walls, whilst drawing attention to your bathroom’s best features.

Maximalism

Where minimalism is the philosophy that less possessions equals a greater quality of life, maximalism is the interior design trend that will be seen all over social media and magazines in 2020. With maximalism, more is more! Whilst this trend might only work in large bathrooms, it’s ideal for adding personality to a space, so lessons can be taken even if you’re working with something smaller.

Jewel-tone colours, textures and plants combine to create a carefully curated look. Think 1970s kitsch inspired stylings: bright wallpaper, geometric floors and walls adorned with mirrors, prints and plants. Maximalism is a great way of incorporating vintage influences into the bathroom. If you’re lucky enough to have an Art Deco period home with its original bathroom, this 2020 bathroom trend will go perfectly with the brightly coloured tiles and curved edges of your existing bathroom.

Traditionally, people tend to convert an unused loft into an additional bedroom, but this often means that the nearest bathroom is located a couple of flights below, resulting in the attic dweller being last in line for the morning shower. The solution? Utilise the existing space and raise your home’s value by up to 5% by incorporating an ensuite bathroom into your attic area.

Ensuite bathroom designs range from the sleek and contemporary to the classic and traditional, and you really don’t require bags of space to accommodate your new furniture. With thorough planning and attention to detail, you can implement your desired fixtures and aesthetic qualities and establish your new space as your home’s crowning glory.

To start, we’ll lay down the foundations you need to start planning your dream ensuite bathroom.

Planning

Designing and implementing a bathroom in the loft certainly comes with its challenges. Factors such as planning restrictions, uneven ceiling height and limited space can make the ensuite ensemble you envision seem like a distant dream. So, is it achievable? Let’s take a look.

Budgeting

As with any home improvement scheme, budgeting is crucial, and it’s best to plan ahead and consider parts and fittings as well as labour costs. Of course, you may decide that you can carry out a lot of the work yourself; a process that’ll be made easier by employing user-friendly materials such as bathroom wall panels, as opposed to tiles. For period bathroom conversions, pick our ever-popular subway tile wall panels, and for those seeking modern aesthetics, look no further than our moonstone bathroom cladding.

Permission

While it’s not usually a requirement to seek planning permission for an ensuite, it may be necessary to apply for building regulations approval, meaning that you’d be complying with your local council’s building regulations. To stay on the safe side, contact your local council before commencing the project. If approved, you’ll be issued with a council-certified certificate upon completion that you can then show to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future.

Spatial requirements

Start planning the layout of your loft ensuite by creating a scale floorplan of the attic space, before marking a line to illustrate where, in intervals, the ceiling height slopes down to 1.8m, 1.6m and 1.4m, respectively. Primarily, this will allow you to decide where your bedroom furniture will go, before ascertaining where you’ll situate your new ensuite. And remember, a space measuring just 1×2.6m can accommodate a toilet, sink and a 900mm square shower tray. If you want to include a bath, sink and toilet, however, you’ll need a minimum floor area of, 1.7×2.3m.

Required headroom

Mark your plan at the reduced ceiling height intervals so you can clearly see where there is sufficient full height space – this is where you will locate the bathroom.

Windows

A window in your bathroom will create the illusion of extra space; allow light in and remove the need to install an extractor fan. A dormer window can create even more headroom of around 150mm and allow ample light to filter through, while a skylight is a great way to let in light and dehumidify the room simultaneously.

Plumbing

Plumbing and pipework are key considerations when drawing up your plans. Establishing the location of the pipes serving your home’s existing bathroom(s) is crucial as the simplest way to incorporate a new bathroom is by connecting your new ensuite’s drainage and water pipes to them.

On the floor plan you devised, clearly indicate the existing soil pipes. If it’s not possible to connect to a soil pipe, however, you may need to use flexible bore waste pipes and a macerator pump.

Water pressure

Next, you’ll need to consider water pressure. Your existing plumbing system may only be suitable for your current bathroom; in this case, the existing header tank will need to be resituated above your new ensuite to ensure sufficient water pressure. Please note that this will have to be completed by professional plumbers.

If your hot water is served by a combi-boiler, however, it’s best to seek professional advice to ensure your current boiler has the capacity to heat and supply hot water to your new bathroom. Don’t worry if not, though, as you could fit an electric shower instead, which will provide hot water on demand.

Space saving ideas

Once the necessary plumbing work is complete, it’s time to consider how best to utilise the space available in order to fashion your dream attic ensuite.

Reflective surfaces

Consider fitting glass doors and reflective surfaces as they’ll perform a similar function to the way that wall-length mirrors create the illusion of doubling a room’s size. Similarly, bright white wall cladding will accentuate the room’s light and airy ambience; ultimately opening up the space.

Sliding doors and shelves

Sliding doors save space as they don’t swing into the room’s main area, while shelves are superior to drawers in compact spaces for the same reason.

Corner furniture

Consider situating the main pieces of furniture (bath; shower; sink; toilet) in the corners of the room as this will save floor space, and ultimately allow you to decorate and personalise the larger areas of the room.

Wall mounts

Your ensuite bathroom is likely to be the smallest room in your home, however, big things come in small packages. Like fitting corner furniture, it’s worth considering installing wall mounted bathroom furniture, such as a toilet, sink or shower cubicle. The great thing about wall mounted fixtures is their propensity to free up floor space while at the same time furnishing the room with a smart, modern aesthetic.

Conceal pipework

Housing unsightly pipework in an ensuite bathroom is essential to create an appealing, streamlined space. As above, wall mounted furniture can facilitate this look as it usually features concealed fittings behind a panel or in the toilet’s base unit, which provides a neater finish and makes cleaning easier, too.

Clever storage solutions

To establish a calm, soothing ambience, implement savvy storage solutions into your ensuite. Cluttered surfaces antagonise any sense of relaxation, so aim to keep only your daily essentials on display.

Vanity units are ideal to store away the toiletries you use less often, while combining it with a basin helps to maximise space. Again, wall mounted units create the illusion of a larger room, while mirrored vanities make it appear twice as big.

If you’re starting from scratch with your ensuite, consider recessed shelving in your shower to store your soaps and shampoos. Foldable laundry baskets can be compressed into small spaces, and make sure you fit robe hooks so your towels and gowns can be hung up neatly.

Cloakroom toilet

Available in traditional and modern designs – and everything in between – cloakroom sinks’ compact construction makes them ideal for an ensuite bathroom.

Lighting

Lighting is a crucial consideration in a compact ensuite. To keep it bright and airy, consider spotlights controlled by a dimmer switch; they’ll allow you to set the mood and provide a therapeutic experience, while also eliminating the need for a protruding lampshade.

Heating

Banish the bulky radiator and invest in some space-saving underfloor heating. If this isn’t viable, a heated towel rail can furnish your ensuite with some functional flair. A sleek chrome design will elevate the room’s aesthetic quality, while its capacity to keep your towels toasty underline its usefulness.

The finishing touches

No ensuite is complete without some carefully chosen accessories that showcase your personality. Scented candles emitting your favourite scent, or some tasteful towels and a nice bathmat will instantly transform your little bathroom into a tranquil attic haven. You could also embrace nature by adding a touch of greenery with a couple of houseplants – just make sure they’re of the moisture-loving variety.

Make a statement

While it’s true that darker colours and loud décor can constrict an area, there are ways to make a bold decorative statement without strangling the space. A large opulent mirror set against dark grey wall panels creates a sense of 1920’s glamour, for example, while using a bold cladding design on a single wall establishes an eye-catching feature that’ll exude personality and character.

Another method is to match the colour scheme of your walls with the floor, creating an optical illusion that’ll raise questions of where the walls end, and the floor begins!

Loft wet rooms

Wet rooms combine a host of space-saving benefits with sleek modern aesthetics. What’s more, they’re easy to maintain and clean, which is handy when you’re ascending two flights of stairs to get there! However, if your budget won’t stretch far enough, a walk-in shower enclosure with a low-level shower tray can help you achieve a similar effect.

Walk-in showers feature frameless glass screens instead of doors, resulting in a bright, airy feel – all while maximising space. Fitted flush to the floor, low-level trays create a neat, streamlined look and eliminate the need for a step, making them super stylish and ideal for people who’re less mobile.

Plants are a great addition to any bathroom, adding colour, life and even purifying the air. They’re a mainstay in lots of different bathroom styles, including Scandinavian inspired and Japanese style bathrooms. But when choosing the ideal plant for your bathroom, it’s important to do your research. Despite the warm, humid air that’s produced by your daily shower, it can get cold when the room is left unused or empty during the day or at night.

Owners of houseplants will already know the benefits of using plants in the home. But with this, there are difficulties too. Some houseplants are notoriously difficult to look after, and if they aren’t cared for properly, they could die. In order to help you to buy the best bathroom plants, we’ve put together this guide.

Good bathroom conditions for plants

Humidity

Humidity levels in bathrooms vary naturally, and when the shower is in use, the bathroom will be at its most humid. If you want to fill your bathroom with plants but keep the bathroom cold apart from when it’s in use, you may need to rethink this habit in order to keep your plants happy.

Not all plants enjoy humidity, however. Succulents prefer drier conditions that imitate the conditions of the desert, and if they’re kept consistently moist, they will rot.

Sunlight

A lot of bathrooms have low levels of sunlight, and some bathrooms have no windows at all. To remedy this, choose fluorescent light bulbs that can provide light that plants can enjoy too. Low light, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations are all crucial considerations when choosing plants for a bathroom.

Before deciding on what plant you need, first consider the level of light and warmth in your bathroom. Once you select your plants, you may find yourself moving them around to find the ideal light – remember that this can change from season to season.

Design

If you’ve decided to include plants in the design of your bathroom, you may want to finish the look with natural bathroom design elements. Neutral colours and nature-inspired textures will go a long way to helping you create a natural space. Use wood effect bathroom wall panels to accentuate the natural theme that your bathroom plants establish, or you can go for a colder stone-inspired look.

Best plants for the bathroom

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera needs plenty of natural light to grow to its full potential, but this houseplant is easy to care for and will quickly multiply into other plants too. Either keep the smaller plants in the same pot together or separate them off to create new plants. Whilst Aloe Vera is a beautiful, elegant plant, it also is incredibly useful for immediate relief to mild to moderate burns, cuts or bites. Simply cut a frond off from the plant using scissors, and then cut away the outer leaf in order to access the Aloe Vera gel inside. You can apply this directly to the skin.

Aloe Vera should be watered deeply and infrequently, with less in the winter. Water every 3 weeks and allow the soil to dry completely 2 inches deep.

Bamboo

Bamboo is incredibly versatile as it will thrive at almost any light level and doesn’t always require soil. The plant will grow very quickly but trim it regularly or locate it in an area that will hinder its growth – for example, underneath a shelf. Bamboo is a crucial element in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and what’s more, bamboo farms are environmentally friendly as they reduce pollution through oxygen, and the roots are a water barrier that helps control soil erosion.

Bamboo should be watered twice a week but ensure there is good drainage in the soil.

Cast iron plant

The cast iron plant has been popular for hundreds of years since the Victorian era. Their resilience means that they tolerate almost anything, including your bathroom. Leaves are commonly dark green, yellow striped, or dotted with yellow. The cast iron plant is ideal for low light settings, changeable temperatures or bathrooms with no windows.

For the best results, you should let the soil dry out completely before watering again. To keep the leaves free from dust, wipe with a damp cloth.

Begonia

Native to subtropical and tropical climates, begonias can also be grown indoors as ornamental plants. With beautiful, brightly coloured flowers most commonly red and pink, begonias are ideal for bathrooms that need a colour injection. These plants need bright light and should be kept warm.

Do not let the soil of the begonia dry out completely. If the soil is dry up to the first knuckle of your finger, you should give the plant a water.

Croton

Crotons are wonderfully vibrant plants that need direct sunlight in order to prolong the colours on their leaves. Although it’s a beautiful plant, it may not be the best for those with pets as crotons are poisonous to cats. Crotons love humid environments, so placement close to a shower is best for the plant.

Water them regularly and they’ll grow quickly. When kept inside, it is easy for the plant to become dusty. If this happens, you can take the plant outdoors to spray it off or use a wet sponge to remove any dust.

Cyclamen

Cyclamens grow in cool, humid environments, but temperatures that are too high or even too low will cause the flowers to droop rapidly and the plant begin to yellow. Houseplant cyclamens are from tropical climates and they cannot tolerate temperatures below 4°C.

You should water cyclamen by putting water in a tray and then allowing the roots to take up the water, rather than getting the soil wet. Wet soil can lead to rot.

Dumb cane plant

The dumb cane plant is relatively similar in appearance to the Chinese Evergreen and Cast Iron plant, but it will grow much bigger. Ideal for bathrooms with no windows, the Dumb Cane Plant loves artificial light, high humidity and moist, well-drained soil.

Check the soil with your finger to make sure that you’re not overwatering the plant. Use your finger to check the soil is dry before watering.

Period bathrooms have always been popular amongst homeowners, especially those who are lucky enough to have Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco properties. Key features like free-standing baths, wooden floors and separate showers make a period bathroom the ideal family bathroom, with design TV shows and even period dramas allowing their continued popularity.

In this blog we’ll discover four different types of period home, and how you can decorate and design your bathroom to make sure it’s in-keeping.

Georgian Period Bathroom (1714-1837)

At this stage in history, bathrooms were still outdoors, with even the wealthy trooping outside at all hours to use the outhouse. Chamber pots and washstands were popular and provided an opportunity for people to relieve themselves at night-time or wash before bed without having to heat water on the stove to fill a bath.

Georgian homes are known for their large, floor to ceiling sash windows, and high ceilings. Bathrooms in Georgian homes tend to be a converted bedroom, so unless restructuring has gone on, they are often very large – giving you plenty of space to play with when it comes to a redesign.

Creating a Georgian inspired bathroom at home

When decorating a Georgian bathroom, focus on elegant and curved lines through your choice of bathtub and furniture. Finding authentic antiques at flea markets or online can be great fun, and antique style burnished mirrors are also a great addition to the space. Create a wash-stand by replacing the top of a chest of drawers with polished stone, and add brass taps and a large round washbasin to complete the look.

In terms of colour scheme, muted tones are the most authentic. In the Georgian era, colours were limited, but duck-egg blues and pastel greens were popular, as was off-white. Add wood-effect bathroom wall panels behind the shower and bath to tie in with the rest of the décor.

Victorian Period Bathroom (1837-1901)

In the 1880s, wealthy homes soon had a dedicated space for washing, which became known as the bathroom. Victorian bathrooms were cold places, with white ceramic tiles, exposed pipework and enamel fixtures and fittings. Although upper class homes would almost certainly have had roll top enamel baths – and later, showers – working class people would still have had only one bath per week at most, sharing the same water as their family members in front of the stove in the kitchen. Access to clean water was not widespread, and the sewage system as we know it was only invented in 1866 by Joseph Bazalgette as a solution to the cholera epidemic.

Designing Victorian bathrooms at home

Taking elements from history is a great idea whilst decorating a bathroom for your Victorian home. Go for dark colours like charcoal grey or blue, to hint at your property’s heritage whilst also retaining some modernity. In the shower or bath area, using Subway Tile Bathroom Cladding is a great way to do this.

In terms of fixtures and accessories, swap out chrome for gold or brass-effect taps, and replace your plastic toilet seat with a wooden one. In terms of furniture, add a wooden plant stand and candles to turn your bathroom into welcoming Victorian paradise.

Edwardian Era (1901-1910)

By the time that the Edwardian era had swung around, the ostentatious aesthetic of the Victorian era had been replaced with something simpler. The arts and crafts movement was well underway, putting an emphasis on handmade, quality products after mass production created poor quality items.

Creating an Edwardian bathroom

When working with an Edwardian bathroom, not much will be different to if it was a Victorian bathroom. However, instead of darker colours for the walls, go for something crisp and spring-like that will enhance any natural light in the room. Off-white pink, light yellow and pale green are all good wall colours, and will be nicely contrasted with these Grey Patterned Tile Wall Panels.

The bathroom was now an established room in many middle- or upper-class homes, so it started to take on less of a formal style.

Accessorise the bathroom with plant stands and lush green plants, wooden washstands and simple mirrors to allow light to flow around the room.

Art Deco (circa 1920 -1930s)

The Art Deco style is famous for its geometric and cubist shapes made from jewel tones and metal tones too. Thanks to the glamour of the age, there’s been a resurgence in interest in this style thanks to The Great Gatsby or Downton Abbey. Perhaps surprisingly, even in this era, many normal people still did not have indoor bathrooms. In larger homes that would have been owned by wealthier people, you may have a hint of gorgeous colourful ceramic tiling if you’re lucky – however, a lot of these original bathrooms would have been removed over the decades.

Creating an Art Deco bathroom at home

Monochrome was a huge feature in Art Deco styling, so consider learning more about how to implement it through our blog ‘How To Create A Modern Monochrome Bathroom’.

This style suits both large and small spaces, so choose the perfect accessories to really make your Art Deco bathroom come to life. Chrome accessories will look great against frosted glass, and really evoke the glamour of the time. Bevelled mirrors look fantastic hanging on the wall and can be easily picked up at antique shops or online. Adding a pedestal basins, toilets and bathroom suites in a colour like light pink or green is a bold move, but one that could pay off massively.

The bathroom may not be the first space that springs to mind when considering a vintage style room in your home but there’s lots you can do to a bathroom to make it a vintage haven.

Don’t despair if your vintage vision is all fogged up, because we’ve put together our best tips and tricks to transform any bathroom into a quirky, vintage-inspired bathing space that’s 100% you.

Why vintage?

In the age of mass production, fashion cycles rapidly evolve; what was ‘in’ last month gets replaced by new fleeting styles looking to seize their moment. That’s what makes it so interesting that vintage styles are the ones that stick around for the long term.

Many modern, coordinated bathrooms can sometimes feel a little too standardised, leaving your bathrooms like so many others: dull.

And when the colour scheme that was previously all the rage is washed away by another haughty hue, you might feel that a premature bathroom overhaul is on the horizon.

By adding some simple vintage touches however, you can use your current bathroom as a vessel to house the quirky décor and shabby chic items of your choosing. But we’ll leave the thrill of the trinket treasure hunt to you.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into some practical tips to fashion your dream vintage bathroom.

Vintage bathroom design elements

Walls

Rather than opting for white tiles and chrome fixtures as most modern bathrooms tend to, embrace the vintage theme by incorporating PVC bathroom wall panels – available in a vast range of colours and designs – to create your vintage vision.

In particular, white subway tiles recreate that quintessential vintage appearance identified in bathroom interiors worldwide. This subway tile effect cladding establishes a realistic appearance by coupling a sleek bevel edged design with a high gloss finish, resulting in a classic, timeless feel.

For an arty rustic look reminiscent of a New York loft, opt for traditional brick style wall panels.

For those seeking a touch of decadent glamour, go for this tongue and groove matte effect white panelling, which includes dark grey grout for a truly authentic vintage look.

Marble effect wall cladding, on the other hand, will transform your bathing area into a mellow haven of relaxation.

Whichever cladding you choose to adorn your walls; a well selected art piece can make all the difference and further improve your bathroom’s vintage aesthetic.

Lighting

Now you have the walls the way you want them, light them with period lighting fixtures and low hanging lampshades. Avoid chrome; gold and brass work best here.

Your lighting options also present the opportunity to fuse vintage charm with contemporary features. Use mood lighting to create the right ambience to suit your mood, while scented candles – particularly calming scents like lavender – can turn bath time into a relaxing spa-like experience that’ll you’ll emerge from refreshed and rejuvenated. House your candles in wooden holders for a true vintage effect.

Accessories

While each period features its own specific accessories, a vintage bathroom can include numerous cherry-picked items sourced from a range of styles and eras. And if one of you is in awe of art deco while the other prefers something more subdued; a quirky, vintage mix and match style will satisfy you both.

But if you’d rather circumvent a culture clash, just one or two vintage pieces – an ornate mirror or an antique cabinet – can transform your bathing space into something that you’ll both adore.

Bath

A roll top bath will add a stunning vintage statement to your bathroom. Team it with a simple wooden chair and vintage light fixture to transform a stagnant space into a vintage boutique bathroom.

As well as adding a touch of class, a roll top bath taps into our natural penchant for nostalgia, making the vintage centrepiece the embodiment of a bygone era.

Also consider an oversized mirror – it’ll make the room appear twice as large, while reflecting the unique items you’ve placed in your bathroom. Copper or brass accents in the fixtures and fittings will also help to create the perfect bathroom.

Plants

Include plants and other natural elements for a calming, natural ambience that’ll keep you connected with nature while you wash away your worries.

Storage

Distressed, vintage cabinets and drawers can provide huge storage potential, while their quality craftsmanship and embellishments ensure they’ll stick around for the long haul. That old dusty cabinet in the attic? Buff it up and use it to house your toiletries. Upcycle an old chest of drawers to stow away your towels and linen. The possibilities really are endless.

Japanese bathroom style, and Japanese design principles in general, is synonymous with simplicity, minimalism, and zen, partly due to association with Buddhism. Since the 1920s, Japan has been a source of inspiration for homeowners and interior designers eager to incorporate the Japanese culture of relaxation into their everyday routine.

Bathing culture is very important in Japan, with a soak in hot water just as likely to be for wellbeing as it is cleanliness. By incorporating a deep tub into your bathroom as well as a shower, you can prioritise tranquillity and peace as well as hygiene. If you’re keen to incorporate Japanese styling into your own bathroom design, first you need to know what the features of a Japanese bathroom are.

Here are our top 5 tips for capturing the feel of Japanese bathroom designs.

Japanese bathroom design tips

Consider a soaking tub (ofuro)

Traditional Japanese bathrooms will usually include a deep soaking tub called an ofuro. Unlike in western societies, bathing in Japan is a shared experience – an opportunity to relax and unwind with good company. Because of this, it’s common for friends and family members of the same gender to bathe together at the end of the day. Before taking to the bath, it’s good etiquette to shower and wash your hair so that you’re clean when entering the water.

To incorporate the idea of a soaking tub into your bathroom, make sure to have a shower wet room that’s separate from the bath. Use waterproof bathroom wall panels to create a wet room, and enjoy a zen bathroom built for enjoyment and efficiency.

Choose the right furniture & accessories

Whilst in the UK, bidets remain uncommon, in parts of Europe and certainly in Japan, they’re utilised well. If you don’t have space for a full bidet, consider installing a spray wand next to the toilet. However, make sure that there’s a partition between the bidet, toilet, and bath for hygiene purposes.

If you’re looking to incorporate a bit of Japanese styling into your bathroom, it doesn’t have to cost the world. Simple accessories like floating candles, rattan rugs, and plants and stones can really bring an element of zen to your bathroom. Consider buying a low stool to place next to your bath to rest your towel on or install hooks or a basket instead for the same reason.

Incorporate unique Japanese bathroom design features

Modern Japanese bathrooms often include brand new technologies meaning they can be referred to as smart bathrooms. A control panel allows users to determine the exact temperature of the water, whilst built in speakers can play soothing music that’s ideal for meditating. This might not be achievable if you’re looking for a low budget makeover, but you can add some Japanese modernity through other smart bathroom features.

Quite rightly, Japanese interior culture dictates that toilets and bidets should be found separate from a soaking tub. If you don’t already have a separate toilet (a lot of mid-century British homes do), it could be a good idea to create a partition between sanitaryware. It will also help you to relax as you can focus on yourself rather than the necessity of hygiene.

Add plants and greenery

As in many other cultures, plants are used in Japanese bathrooms to draw elements of nature into the space. Potted bamboo, moss-style plants, and bonsai trees can help to create a zen bathroom. You could even use hanging planters to display orchids or other humidity-loving plants to the room or create a pond in a pot with floating plants like Amazon Frogbit or Water Lettuce.

The placement of plants is essential. Ensure that freestanding plants are organised in a place with plenty of natural light as well as being organised in pleasing arrangements. This greenery promotes peace and tranquillity.

Use natural materials

The Japanese aesthetic focuses on the power of water and stones. No matter the arrangement, stones are a raw symbol of nature and can easily be incorporated into your Japanese-style bathroom.

Stone makes a beautiful background for the bathroom – whether it’s incorporated through tile-effect bathroom wall panels or a bathroom countertop. In many Japanese bathrooms water will also be incorporated in some form. For example, a small stone fountain on a bathroom countertop not only creates a pleasing and natural visual effect but incorporates natural sound into your relaxing environment.

Whilst Japanese bathrooms tend to feature stone or marble tiles, you can achieve this effect on a budget with marble bathroom wall panels. Elements of wood and stone are widely used in Japanese bathrooms and these elements are often referenced in spas in Britain. Choose towels and bathmats in natural colours and fibres to reflect the atmosphere in the space.

Japanese bathroom inspiration

Now that you know what you need to consider when designing a Japanese-style bathroom, get excited and inspired with our mini gallery of pictures.

A deep soaking tub is a central element of traditional Japanese bathrooms. Bonus points if it’s made out of a natural material like wood.

Japanese bathrooms often make use of more sophisticated technology than we’re used to seeing in the lavatory, like smart toilets and bidets.

Walls inspired by natural materials like wood and stone are important to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Candles and other assorted accessories can help to create the relaxing ambience you’re seeking.

More modern materials and colours can add a contemporary edge, while bathroom plants incorporate an additional natural touch.

Monochrome often refers to a colour scheme of black and white, or a colour scheme that includes two varying tones of the same colour. For example, a charcoal grey and light grey scheme would also be referred to as monochrome.

Black and white are two colours that have been used alongside each other for years. Going back to Edwardian times, they’ve been associated with elegance in both home décor and fashion. In our ultimate guide to bathroom colour schemes, we talked about how the contrast of a black and white bathroom works well with most people’s preference of white bathroom fixtures and fittings.

However, there’s much more to a black and white bathroom than that. Read on to find out 4 of our top tips for creating a modern monochrome bathroom you can be proud of.

Incorporating pattern

While most people imagine large blocks of black and white when they think of a monochrome bathroom, a great way to incorporate black and white into your bathroom with a little more style is to use elements of pattern.

A loud or decadent patterned wallpaper can add a luxurious touch to the bathroom, as long as it’s only used sparingly as part of a feature wall. It’s also now possible to get waterproof wallpaper, so you don’t have to worry about it pulling away from the wall after being exposed to steam.

Flooring can also be used effectively to flesh out the design of your monochrome bathroom. Create a mosaic-style pattern with floor tiles or choose dark waterproof flooring panels to contrast with light walls.

Monochrome colour palettes can even be introduced through marble-effect bathroom wall panels with their subtle and elegant pattern of grey against a white background.

Black and white bathroom walls

A great reason to have a monochrome bathroom is that it’s possible to balance the brightness of your space by choosing the ratio of black to white you use for your walls, flooring, and ceiling.

For something more luxurious, choose darker walls with white elements in panels around the bath and shower, as well as a white toilet and bath. Dark walls can make a space look smaller, so maybe stay clear if you’re working in a small bathroom, but if the space is right, they can create a dramatic effect.

If you prefer a fresher, more modern look that’s suitable for every type of home, white walls are a great place to start. Use subway tile wall panels or grey mosaic bathroom cladding for the walls. It’s then possible to introduce black elements in the fittings and fixtures. Black taps in particular have been popular in recent years.

A monochrome update

Even if now isn’t the right time for a full bathroom overhaul, it’s possible to easily incorporate the monochrome trend into the bathroom without having to rip it out and start again. As long as you have neutral coloured walls and simple white fittings, you’re able to experiment with monochrome easily through accessories.

Simply purchase black or dark grey accessories to go with your white bathroom suite – bathmats, soap dishes, toiletries, and towels, for example. Choose a black or dark coloured bathroom cabinet to finish the look. What’s more, accessories are easily replaceable in a few years’ time when you feel the need for an update, or you can keep hold of them and fit them into a larger renovation.

Industrial monochrome

Monochrome doesn’t have to be for period properties or minimalist inspired bathrooms. By using concrete-style wall panels as wall coverings around your bath or shower, you can create a masculine monochrome look that’s perfect for inner-city apartments or conversion properties.

Combine these industrial style panels with sleek white walls in other parts of the bathroom and a black wooden floor for the perfect industrial black and white bathroom.