Elevate Your Lifestyle: Why Your Bathroom Deserves some extra time
Bathrooms are no longer mere functional spaces. In today’s world of design, they have evolved into sanctuaries of relaxation and luxury, reflecting personal style and the practicalities of everyday life. This transformation from utilitarian to bespoke is epitomised in a recent project I’ve been working on in London, specifically in the Wimbledon area. As an interior designer, I’ve had the privilege of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and I’m thrilled to share the design process and decisions behind two master bathrooms – his and hers – in a high-end property.
Here’s an in-depth exploration of how I approached these designs, what factors drove each decision, and how you can apply some of these principles to your own home.
Start with a Strong Plan
The cornerstone of any successful bathroom design is meticulous planning. Before selecting materials or fixtures, it’s crucial to understand how the space will be used. Functionality should always be at the forefront of your decisions. For instance, during initial consultations with the clients, we discussed practical details such as:
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How they move within the bathroom.
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Where they place towels while showering.
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How they prefer to control water temperature to avoid discomfort (no one likes an unexpected spray of cold water!).
In larger bathrooms like these, planning involves maximising the available space, while in smaller bathrooms, it’s about smart optimisation. For this project, the luxury of space allowed us to create distinct zones within each bathroom. However, the principle remains the same: good planning is not about budget, but about understanding and anticipating user needs.
Materials That Stand the Test of Time
When designing high-end bathrooms, material selection is paramount. Bathrooms face constant exposure to moisture and fluctuating temperatures, so durability and maintenance must be considered alongside aesthetics. Here’s what we chose for this project:
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Floors: We opted for large-format ceramic tiles. These are highly durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain. While natural stones like marble can be treated to reduce porosity, ceramics provide a cost-effective solution without compromising on elegance.
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Walls: For both bathrooms, textured wall tiles were a game-changer. We chose large-scale tiles with intricate textures, adding depth and a tactile quality. Textured walls not only bring an element of luxury but also draw attention to eye-level details, which are more noticeable than flooring.
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Ceilings: While often overlooked, ceilings in bathrooms should harmonise with the overall design. In this case, subtle lighting added a soft, ambient glow, enhancing the spa-like feel.
By strategically allocating budget towards high-impact areas (like walls) and choosing cost-effective but high-quality materials elsewhere, we achieved a balance of luxury and practicality.
Grout and Grout Lines
A detail often overlooked in bathroom design is the choice of grout and the spacing of grout lines. For a seamless and elegant look, we matched grout colours closely to the tiles, ensuring an almost monolithic appearance. Narrow grout lines further enhance the sense of space and sophistication.
Distinct Styles: His and Hers Bathrooms
While the bathrooms share a cohesive design language, subtle variations reflect the individual preferences of the clients.
His Bathroom:
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Tone: Darker, bolder, and more masculine.
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Fixtures: We chose matte bronze taps and fittings to add a sense of understated elegance.
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Materials: With a window allowing natural light to flood the space, we embraced darker tiles and accents, creating a striking yet balanced aesthetic.
Her Bathroom:
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Tone: Light, serene, and spa-like.
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Fixtures: Satin gold fittings complement the calming palette.
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Materials: Lighter tones dominate, enhancing the sense of tranquillity, especially as this bathroom lacks natural light.
These tailored decisions ensure that each bathroom feels personal and unique while maintaining harmony across the home.
Attention to Detail: The Power of Fixtures
Fixtures may seem like small components, but they define the bathroom’s style. In this project, we used the same tap design but varied the finishes – matte bronze for him and satin gold for her. This consistent yet customised approach ties the designs together, creating a unified yet distinct look.
Shower Design:
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We avoided the common frustration of poorly placed shower controls. Thoughtfully positioned taps allow the user to turn on the water without being drenched.
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Incorporating niches within the shower walls provides a dedicated space for toiletries, eliminating the need for unsightly add-ons post-construction.
Glass Enclosures:
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Fluted glass (or reeded glass) was a deliberate choice for the shower enclosures. It’s a practical solution that adds texture while cleverly disguising watermarks, a common issue in hard-water areas like London.
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Minimalistic frames, matched to the tap finishes, maintain a clean and elegant aesthetic.
Furnishings and Storage
Ample storage is essential for maintaining a clutter-free bathroom. Custom vanities in both spaces ensure there’s a place for everything, from everyday toiletries to special items. Here’s how we enhanced functionality:
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Customised Drawers: Dividers tailored to the client’s needs.
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Laundry Bins: Separate compartments for lights and darks.
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Extras: In her bathroom, a small fridge for skincare products adds a touch of indulgence.
Lighting: Layered and Luxurious
A well-designed lighting scheme transforms the bathroom experience. In both spaces, we combined:
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Ambient Lighting: Recessed lights for overall illumination.
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Task Lighting: Perfectly placed around mirrors for grooming.
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Accent Lighting: Soft glows from under-cabinet LEDs, adding warmth and dimension.
Tips for Smaller Bathrooms
While these bathrooms benefit from expansive layouts, the principles can be adapted to smaller spaces:
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Opt for Transparent Glass: Maximise the sense of space.
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Use Vertical Niches: Clever storage solutions make the most of limited areas.
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Minimise Visual Clutter: Choose cohesive fixtures and finishes to create a streamlined look.
The Timeless Appeal of Thoughtful Design
A truly luxurious bathroom isn’t about the most expensive materials or extravagant fixtures; it’s about creating a space that aligns with your lifestyle and feels timeless. Here are a few key takeaways for anyone planning a bathroom renovation:
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Invest in Quality: Durable materials and well-crafted fixtures are worth the cost.
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Plan for Functionality: Ensure your design works for your daily routines.
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Focus on Timelessness: Trends come and go, but classic design endures.