10 minute read
BATHROOMS The top 10 bathroom mistakes to avoid
by MediaClash
VANITY PROJECTS
Experts advise on how to avoid that sinking feeling by properly planning your bathroom
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By John Mather
Increased time spent in the home thanks to lockdown has triggered a spate of hasty house renovations – not least the bathroom. We realised this room offered more than just a place to wash, it was a place to destress and for many, to steal some valuable alone time. But while we might be in a hurry to make our bathrooms beautiful, putting in a new bathroom isn’t cheap, and can be tricky to rectify if you get it wrong, so we ask five local experts to share their advice on how to avoid these 10 common, and costly, bathroom errors.
Design by Woolf Interior
above: Want wallper, then apply a few coats of clear acrylic varnish on top says Verity of Woolf Interior; below: Nastaha of Hobson’s Choice stresses the importance of using the right materials 1 ODD LAYOUTS Verity Woolf, head of residential and commercial interiors at Woolf Interior Architecture & Design, advises on the importance of this first step, “You need to think through your layout – try not to have the loo facing you as you go into the main entrance or doorway of the bathroom unless the loo is located in a cubicle setting. If your loo is being positioned in a corner of the bathroom, to enhance privacy, make sure you have adequate head height above the seat.”
Philippa May, Bath Life’s interiors columnist, agrees, “It’s important to map out exactly what you want in a scaled drawing and then map it with tape again if you can, in the actual room. Things might suddenly feel more crowded, or you’ll be filled with joy that you can actually fit in a wider than anticipated washstand.”
2USING UNSUITABLE MATERIALS Natasha Townsend, design consultant of Hobson’s Choice, the luxury bath and kitchen designers, says, “It’s vital to avoid materials and finishes that might not be ‘bathroom friendly’, ie. water is able to penetrate the material over time and cause damage and discolouration. Research and select products that are made for bathrooms, easy to clean, protected from water-damage and capable of standing the test of time.”
However if you do have your heart set on wallpaper, there are ways it can be done, as Verity points out, “If a wallpaper is not manufactured specifically for a bathroom but you love it, then you can get a good decorator to apply a few coats of clear acrylic varnish over the installed wallpaper to boost its resistance to moisture and heat.”
3LEAVING OUT COUNTER SPACE “You want the bathroom experience to be really easy, comfortable and ergonomic,” says Verity. “A golden rule in designing a bathroom is to ensure that you have planned for adequate storage space and surfaces on which to put products. Equally, designing in too much storage space can mean that you amass bathroom clutter.
“I am a huge fan of a double sink for a sharing couple and undermounted sinks do maximise the counter top, and also of wellpositioned niches or ledges in showers. They provide another form of worktop space and make for a much better showering experience.”
4A RIGHT SHOWER Natasha points out how often taps are in the wrong place: “Positioning mixer controls in a walk-in shower in a place that causes the user to get wet before the water has warmed is a common mistake. Examine your reach, where is a comfortable ergonomic position for you to activate a shower without being under the flow of water.”
Controversially Philippa insists you don’t always need a shower screen, “Let’s face it, they’re a bugger to keep clean and streak free, especially with Bath’s very hard water. If you can, create a wetroom without one and use a tiled or Moroccan plastered wall instead – just make sure you fit your towel rail and sanitaryware far enough away so it doesn’t get wet, and make sure you design a tiled skirting for the room to prevent the walls from getting damaged.”
But before you ditch the bath, think carefully, advises Verity, “In a family home, we think it is best to keep a bath in the house, it is always handy to have one with young children, and many people still like a long relaxing soak.”
5INSTALLING INSUFFICIENT HEATING “The heat generated by a towel radiator will be suppressed by the towels themselves, reducing the impact on the room,” Natasha points out. “Research ‘British Thermal Unit’ (BTU) and calculate the value you require for your bathroom. Select appropriate heating products that provide you with the right level of BTU output for your space.”
6NOT KNOWING YOUR WATER PRESSURE “Understanding your water system will hugely affect which products you can use in your bathroom,” says Neil Curtis, senior designer at Ripples, the city-based bathroom specialists. “Knowing what type of water pressure you have and how it’s supplied to the bathroom will allow you to maximise the choice of product you specify and help you to achieve maximum flow rates.”
top: Ripples’ Neil says make sure you know your water pressure above: Hobson Choice’s Natasha reminds us not to overlook lighting left: Philippa suggests trying the wet room route
Design by Woolf Interiors
Neptune’s Lulu believes in enhancing white with paint and timber
7ALWAYS WHITE? “White can be an easy way to resolve a bathroom, particularly if you are on a tight budget and you want to maximize the feeling of light and space,” says Verity. “However, the execution needs to be sharp and all white can drain the room of personality, unless you put in some fun accessories. Don’t be afraid to include artwork in your bathroom where you can, provided it is not hung too close to the shower.”
Lulu Keyzar, the store manager of Neptune, the interiors and lifestyle brand, also believes in enhancing the white-not-quite look. “Incorporate paint and timber rather than starkly white tiles to evoke a richer, warmer and softer appearance. Bring in other pieces of furniture if you have room; a cosy armchair to sink into in your dressing gown, or simply a place to temporarily drape your clothes. This will introduce softness of fabric to your bathroom, although best to avoid velvet as it’ll mark easily.”
8FOLLOWING FASHION “Don’t be dictated to by trends,” warns Philippa. “Whether you’re there for the long game or renovating to sell, beware of fashions. We all scroll Pinterest and Instagram for the latest beautiful bathroom inspiration but be careful with what you choose. It’s expensive fitting out a bathroom and if you want to change the tiles later down the line, it’s going to be painful.”
Neil backs this up by suggesting tiles be chosen on their merit, and not what’s the latest trend. “A tile will look very different on its own, compared to how it looks when it’s in place in your bathroom. It’s vital that you think about the colour and size of your tiles, as well as where you want them placed, as these factors will have a huge impact on the overall design of the bathroom. If you’re using tiles on the walls and the floor, we often recommend choosing designs in similar colours as this will help create a seamless look and tricks the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it really is.”
9POOR LIGHTING “Not considering lighting and the respective electrical circuits as a priority is a another common mistake,” says Natasha. “Particularly important if the bathroom only has a small window or if the lighting casts unwanted shadows/glare across mirrors. Review the space, where are dark areas? Are you installing illuminated mirrors that can provide additional illumination? Which lights do you wish to be on when you are getting ready and which provide a relaxing ambience, how will you distinguish between the two?”
10 DOING IT YOURSELF “Bathrooms are technical spaces requiring careful planning by knowledgeable designers who understand the details and can foresee challenges that may arise,” says Natasha. “Not talking to a professional first often means underestimating the amount of expertise, work and budget required to achieve an excellent and long lasting finish.” n
OUR BATHROOM PANELLISTS 1. Lulu Keyzar; www.neptune.com 2. Natasha Townsend; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com 3. Neil Curtis; www.ripplesbathrooms.com 4. Philippa May; www.maydstudio.com 5. Verity Woolf; www.woolfinterior.com
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FOR THE HOME Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for autumn
KUTCHENHAUS Kutchenhaus have opened a brand new showroom in the heart of Bath bringing their beautifully designed and highly engineered German kitchens to the city. Owner Rob Cash and his experienced and talented team look after every customer through the journey from enquiry to completion, creating kitchens of the highest standard at affordable prices. 5 Saracen St, Bath BA1 5BR; Tel: 01225 634025; www.kutchenhaus.co.uk/showroom/bath
CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN Clair Strong Interior Design is a small, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 01225 426906 or 07855 79731 www.clairstrong.co.uk
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ETONS OF BATH Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is the UK’s only specialist interior design practice focussed on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating Georgian and Regency homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers can help you design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space. Tel: 01225 639002; www.etonsofbath.com
WESTSIDE DESIGN Westside Design is a family-run Bath based company offering a tailored design, manufacturing and installation service for all aspects of cabinet making and joinery. Specialising in contemporary bespoke kitchens and interiors. Contact Michael on 01225 330843 or 07976 268458 or email info@westsidedesign.co.uk www.westsidedesign.co.uk CHEVERELL Cheverell is set in the heart of Wiltshire with a stunning showroom and workshop, offering a full bespoke design, manufacturing and installation service in kitchens, bedrooms, and interiors. Established in 1989 it has over 30 years of experience to guide you through the whole process. Cheverell, Waller Road, Hopton Park, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 2GH; Tel: 01380 722722; www.cheverell.co.uk
BONITI Boniti is based on the outskirts of Bath and offers a wide range of quality interior and exterior products: natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot range cookers, garden furniture and Kadai firebowls. As well as the vast selection of products on offer, a friendly and personal service is at the heart of all that they do. Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com
