Designing the Perfect Bathroom
When you’re building a new home, so much careful consideration is given to the high traffic areas of the home. Kitchens, living and dining areas, and bedrooms feature heavily as part of every family’s daily routine. But what about the bathroom and ensuite? These rooms were traditionally seen as utilitarian spaces with simple décor that were functional and bland. These days people are putting more thought into how they can design and style their bathrooms to emulate that luxury hotel feel at home. We’ve got some great tips on how you can design a bathroom that oozes style while still being functional for every family member!
Layout
An efficient layout is key to any bathroom. Consider how many people will use the main bathroom when you’re building your home, both now and in the future, particularly if you’re thinking about having kids. A family bathroom will need space for people to move around in, whether it’s adults bathing babies and toddlers to tweens and teens fighting over sink and bench space in ten year’s time. Work with your builder to ensure there is enough space to comfortably fit a toilet, bathtub and shower and still have room to move in between each fitting to make it easier for multiple people to use the room simultaneously.
Fixtures and Fittings
Not sure if you should have a bath and a shower? A family bathroom should include a bathtub if possible. This will help parents of young kids bathe them without having to hop in the shower themselves, and allow for numerous kids to be scrubbed clean at once! A bathtub is also beneficial should you decide to sell your home in the future as it’s appealing to prospective buyers to have at least one bathtub in the home. If space is an issue, a shower over a bath will save on floor space while still giving you the option to use both. If your toilet is in the bathroom, installing a wall hung toilet without a visible cistern is helpful because it won’t protrude out into the room as much as a traditional toilet. Frameless shower screens also give the illusion of more space, since the lack of visible framing keeps the line of sight unobstructed, and slimline wall-hung vanities also don’t impose on the floor space, making the room feel bigger.
Ensuites
Most new homes include an ensuite in the master bedroom, giving parents a little more privacy and allowing kids their own space in the family bathroom. Ensuites usually comprise of a toilet, sinks, and a shower, however some are also big enough to allow for a bathtub as well. Including a double vanity in the ensuite means adults can get ready concurrently without feeling too cramped. A generous shower with an inbuilt niche shelf will neatly house any bath and body accessories needed, and the inclusion of a freestanding bathtub will elevate the space and add a spa-like retreat feel for some peace and quiet.
Décor
Because bathrooms are wet areas, floor and wall tiles are a must-have in the space. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be bland and boring! With so many tile options available, you have the ability to create a statement with colour and patterns to really make the space pop. Choosing metallic or matte black tapware and sleek basins will add a contemporary feel, and a vanity in a soft neutral colour or natural finish will tie the whole look together. Touches of greenery in the corners will add life to the room, and adding some large windows will invite natural light in to add depth and space to an otherwise compact room.
Bathrooms are one of the most-used rooms in the house, so putting a lot of thought into the design, layout and décor will create a space that will suit your family through many stages of life. With so many beautiful design options available, you’ll be able to work with your builder to create a bathroom and ensuite that’s unique, functional and stylish to elevate a serviceable room into a luxurious five star space! For more building and design ideas, visit the Hotondo Homes website today.
