Bathrooms, like kitchens, have to fulfil definite functions, but because they are often the smallest space in the house, making them 'work' takes careful planning. Nevertheless, it's possible to achieve dramatic effects with the minimum effort and money, since they are such small rooms. Bold treatments can work really well in a bathroom.
Many bathrooms tend to have quite high ceilings. Although painting a high ceiling in a dark colour usually has the effect of lowering the ceiling in a larger room, it can make a bathroom appear like a box. Instead, try 'breaking up' the walls with a dado rail and treating the sections above and below it differently.
While coloured bathroom suites are readily available, think long and hard before you buy, as it will remain for quite some time as the dominant influence over any future colour schemes. If you live in a hard water area, it's best to avoid all but the very palest colours for bathroom suites, to avoid showing up limescale deposits.
Moving your bathroom to another space can be expensive, but a 'convenient convenience' can make a real difference to your life. If you are planning a completely new bathroom, you must make sure you comply with local water board regulations. Don't forget to consider the existing layout of water pipes, sewage outlets and ventilation ducts.
All materials used in the bathroom must be moisture-proof, so avoid uncoated wallpapers, matt emulsion paints, corrodible metals or jute-backed carpeting. Joints and cracks should be well sealed with caulks and silicone sealant.
Of paramount importance when planning your bathroom is safety. Not only should floors and bathtubs be non-slip, or fitted with non-slip mats, glass doors must be shatterproof, and medicine cabinets should have childproof catches. Electrical sockets must be a specific distance from taps and must be fitted with waterproof covers. Electric light bulbs should be enclosed, as they could short-circuit if they become damp, and lights, heaters and ventilators should only be operated by pull switches or from outside the bathroom.
Because bathroom fixtures are permanent – and expensive – it's important that you choose them with care. First, draw an accurate scale plan of your bathroom. Mark the position of windows and doors, and remember to allow enough space for them to open. Plot the location of taps and lights. In this space you need to fit a bath and/or shower, a sink and a lavatory (if this is not in a separate room of its own). Leave room for a bidet, if you like them. You will also need somewhere to store and hang towels, and a place for bubble-bath, soaps, shampoos and so on.
Classic tiled bathrooms can sound like an echo chamber. Choose materials with sound-proofing qualities, such as cork floor tiles, carpet or polystyrene ceiling tiles. Muffling sound can be especially important if your bathroom is just through the wall from a bedroom.
