Bathrooms are, first and foremost, functional spaces with clearly defined purposes, and giving due thought to their layout, flow, lighting and ventilation ensures that they tick all the desired boxes.
And yet, beyond their mere function, bathrooms can be designed as sanctuaries for rest and relaxation in our very own homes, making them both practical for daily use as well as visually appealing with the right choice of materials and fixtures that suit your style and budget.
Together with Banju Boutique – home to a vast choice of sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, faucets, tiles and more – we’ve mapped out a guide to outlining and achieving your bathroom goals, from the big picture down to the last detail.
Define the purpose
Beyond the obvious uses, there’s much to consider in the planning stage of a bathroom. Is it a guest bathroom to be used sparingly? Is it a family bathroom that will be used by many? Will there be a bath or a shower, or both? How much storage do you think you’ll need? All these elements will segue into designing the layout of the space, prompting you to weigh and consider where the essential sanitaryware will go, and how much you can fit in the space available.
Plan the layout wisely
No matter the size of the space, dedicate good time to playing around with the layout, trying various combinations until you feel you’ve reached the best possible one. Measure continuously – ensuring there’s clear space in front of the fixtures for ease of movement. Try separate the wet parts where the shower or bath are placed from the dry and, for compact spaces, make use of smart solutions such as wall-hung toilets and vanities, or a walk-in shower over an enclosure to create an open, airy feel.
Focus on lighting
How often have you entered a dressing room and hated the garish lighting positioned right above your head? Think of that when planning your bathroom lighting. For an enclosed space that typically depends on artificial light, it’s crucial to layer the lighting in a bathroom to achieve both functionality and ambience as part of your overall design – ranging from the main overhead lighting to task and accent lighting, as well as low-level lights for nighttime use.
Choose a cohesive style
From the choice of flooring to the furniture, faucets and accessories, all aspects of a bathroom ultimately contribute towards achieving your desired style. Banju Boutique’s broad choice of brands facilitates this process – whether you lean towards the classic and find joy in Burlington’s pedestal basins and chrome-plated brass taps, or seek a more contemporary aesthetic with artistic flair, which Acquabella delivers in droves.
Choose quality materials
Beyond how each piece will look in its planned place, consider the quality and durability of the brands you choose, ensuring they not only carry out their intended functions but are ultimately built to last. Inquire about the materials used for each piece and their properties – whether its moisture-resistant furniture, anti-slip tiles, corrosion-proof fixtures, or finishes that are designed for easy maintenance.
Make it personal
For many, the fun lies in choosing the accessories and finishing touches that not only tie the space together but reflect your taste and personality, whether it’s a touch of greenery or decorative mirror. Also, consider any must-haves early on in the designing process. If you want your bathroom to achieve a wellness-inspired aesthetic with a rainfall shower system or freestanding bathtub, be sure to factor it in from the start, ensuring that the space you create is, ultimately, uniquely your own.
Visit Banju Boutique in Paola for expert advice on planning and designing your complete, idyllic bathroom.
Main image: A complete bathroom by Acquabella
