Advice from Amy
Bathroom Interior Design: Approach, Challenges, and Keys to Success
Spa-inspired bathrooms remain a top trend in interior design, with homeowners increasingly prioritising spaces that evoke the calm and luxury of a high-end spa. Below is my approach as an interior designer on how to create a calm and relaxing environment in your own bathroom:
My Approach as an Interior Designer: How to Start Designing a Bathroom
1. Spa-like Serenity
Freestanding Bathtubs: sculptural and elegant, these bathtubs serve as the focal point of the bathroom, offering both aesthetic appeal and luxurious soaking experiences
Natural Materials and Tones: incorporating materials such as wood brings a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the serene ambience through green colours, brushed bronze and neutral tones
Wet rooms: a seamless, open-plan layout not only maximises the sense of spaciousness but also infuses an element of luxury, transforming your daily routine into a rejuvenating spa-like experience.
2. High-Tech Innovations
Modern bathrooms are embracing technology to enhance functionality and comfort.
Smart Mirrors: equipped with touch controls, LED lighting, Anti-Steam, and more, smart mirrors are transforming the daily routine into a more efficient experience
Heated Flooring: long gone are the days of cold feet on chilly mornings. Heated flooring provides consistent warmth, adding a touch of luxury to any bathroom
Lighting: layered lighting, such as downlights, strip lighting, uplights and light sensors, allows the space to become a place to relax further than a functional duty.
3. Bathroom layouts
Creating a well-thought-out bathroom layout improves functionality and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. By considering the specific needs and preferences of those who use it, you can design a bathroom that is both functional and beautiful. Crafting an efficient and visually appealing bathroom layout can significantly enhance the overall living experience. Here are some key considerations for bathroom layouts to consider, along with design tips to make the most out of each configuration:
Who Uses the Space?: Understanding who will use the bathroom is crucial. If one person loves baths and another prefers showers, consider how these preferences impact the space. Can both a bath and shower fit comfortably? If neither of you takes baths, do you really need one? This can be controversial, but why take up a large amount of floor space if a bath is hardly used?
Existing Layout and Plumbing: Always consider the existing layout and where waste pipes are located. Moving the toilet or other fixtures can be challenging and costly. Refer to building regulations (see Building Regs PDF) to ensure your design is feasible. It's important to create beautiful layouts that are also practical and compliant with building codes.
Bringing the outside in: If you have stunning views, like those from my Lewes project, can you maximise them by positioning a bath to look out over the scenery? Alternatively, strategically placing a mirror to reflect the outside can also enhance the space.
4. Bolder Design Aesthetics
Neutral bathrooms are no longer the default. Bold design choices are transforming these spaces, adding character and personality. Consider these elements to make a statement:
Colour schemes: When designing a bathroom with a zen feel, consider selecting earthy neutral tones that connect to nature. These colours create a serene and calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Alternatively, choose a colour palette that personally evokes a sense of calm for you. Everyone's preferences are different, so you must pick what you like rather than follow trends you've seen online. After all, you will be the one using the space and enjoying its tranquillity!
Tiles: From geometric patterns to rich, colourful mosaics, tiles are used creatively to add visual interest and dynamic energy to bathroom spaces. This is why we added the curved wall and stunning green mosaic tiles in the Lewes bathroom [link] to complement the curve
Statement Vanities: Custom vanities with unique materials, many colour options, and intricate designs turn functional pieces into statement pieces, which ground the space. This is why the unit was selected for the Lewes project, as it added to the space rather than getting lost within the room. Looking at my other projects, such as the new build in Cobham, is also a great way to see how a vanity can transform the space.
5. Sustainable Design
Sustainability is at the forefront of modern design, and bathrooms are no exception. Eco-friendly choices are good for the planet and add a timeless appeal to the space. Key trends include:
Water-Saving Fixtures: low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads help conserve water without sacrificing performance
Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED lighting options reduce energy consumption and offer versatility in design and ambience
Avoiding land-fill: Sell or pass on your old bathroom and extend its lifespan.
6. Personalised Touches
Lastly, personalisation is vital to making a bathroom truly your own. Incorporate elements that reflect your style and preferences:
Custom Storage Solutions: Tailored storage options ensure everything has its place, keeping the bathroom organised and clutter-free
Art and Decor: Incorporating artwork (remember artwork will get damp, so only place items you aren't worried about having to replace over time), plants and decorative items add personality and make the space feel more inviting and lived-in.
Whether you’re planning a complete remodel or a simple refresh, these ideas offer a wealth of inspiration to elevate your bathroom to new heights. For more inspiration, look at some of my bathroom interior designs for clients in the Reigate, London and South East areas, see more projects here