Bathroom Confidential

International interior designer Daun Curry answers your design questions

WORDS JURA KONCIUS

Q: There is room on our vanity to add something in addition to soap and a tissue box but I’m unsure what else to put there.

A: Think of accessories that are not necessarily meant for a bathroom. Some of my favourites for a bathroom are plants and natural elements such as corals and shells, candles and luxury linens.

Q: Your tips for designing tiny bathrooms?

A: The first factors to consider are an absolute needs for function. Make a list as you go through your daily routine. Consider if you truly need a bathtub; this can be a huge space saver. Medicine cabinets are great for storage and options can be vertical storage on walls. And remember that bright colours will open up the room.

Q: How do you choose whether a bathroom should have lighter surfaces or a darker theme? Does either light or dark make a space seem bigger than the other?

A: Lighter bathrooms tend to feel fresh and clean, whereas darker ones have a moody, sexy vibe; it just depends on what you’re going for. Powder rooms are great candidates for a dark, moody palette.

Q: I want to resell my home in a few years’ time but in the meantime want to redo my bathrooms. Any advice?

A: Keep everything white and fresh and don’t get too decorative. I do think that people look for a double vanity in the master bathroom, so that would be a great investment. I would not suggest wall-mounted toilets, because they are very specific and not for everyone.

NEEL ANDREW PICTURE

Q: We need to replace the floor tiles in our main bathroom, and I have fallen in love with a marble tile. I’m worried the marble will be hard to care for and will look stained or worn quickly. Do you have any recommendations for caring for marble or should I try to find a porcelain that looks like it?

A: Marble and natural stone always top my list because of their timeless beauty but there always needs to be a balance between beauty and durability. You can seal marble, but over time, it will show wear and patina which, in my opinion, is part of the beauty. Porcelain is a great option and there are many wonderful products out there.

Q: What design considerations do you take into account when weighing the use of large or small format tiles?

A: The size of the bathroom is definitely a consideration but you can use large- and small-format tiles in the same bathroom. Shower floors need small tiles to protect against slipping. I love large-format tiles on walls and the main floor areas.

Q: How do you choose a bathtub? What are the benefits of a free-standing tub versus a built-in? I love free-standing tubs but I always worry about the potential mess.

A: If you have the space for a free-standing tub, I think it’s a beautiful look, and the benefits far outweigh a little water on the floor. – Washington Post