“Choosing between a bath and a cubicle will also depend on users, as well as available space. For example, a wet room with level entry provides easy access. Square cubicles and corner enclosures also work well in smaller spaces as they tend to be more compact in size.
“Alternatively, an over bath shower offers great functionality for households that need both bathing options. Larger bathrooms will offer greater flexibility to include a separate shower and bath. If you include both options, you’ll want to match your brassware to create a consistent design.
Involve an expert in the planning stages
“Speaking to an installer early on is crucial, as they will be able to advise on how best to change the existing layout – ensuring that any products you choose are suitable for your home’s water system and pressure, plus the household’s overall needs.
“Budget-dependant, you may also want to involve a bathroom designer when it comes to the interior scheme, as they can help get the most from your design and choose features that will create impact. They will also be able to advise on options that replicate the look you love at a range of price points, allowing you to pare back costs while still achieving your desired design.
Think long-term
“It’s important to consider not just how your bathroom is used now, but how it will be used in five to 10 years’ time – choosing fixtures and fittings to future-proof it accordingly. This will ensure that your new bathroom suits you for years to come.
“When future-proofing a bathroom, choosing durable materials is key. Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular options for flooring and walls, and there are endless colours, textures, and shapes to choose from. If you’re on a budget, laminate and PVC are perfect options for both wall panelling and flooring that can replicate the look of natural finishes such as stone, marble and wood. It’s also well worth considering anti-mould bathroom paint for your walls, which is formulated to resist moisture, humidity and stains.
“There’s no better time to consider making sustainable changes than when updating your bathroom. If you’re updating a new space, such as an ensuite without a pre-existing shower, installing an electric unit is the ideal solution to cut water usage. Wastage is limited by heating water on demand, while bills can be reduced too.
“Triton also offers a handy tool to calculate your water usage, and help you estimate potential energy and water savings. You could also opt for a smart shower, such as Triton’s ENVi® electric shower, which allows users to track the cost-per-shower and make habitual changes to reduce usage. Its control panel also features an eco-mode that enables users to cut their shower time down by a minute at the touch of a button.
Incorporate efficient storage
“Vanity units are a popular option as they provide ample storage that blends seamlessly into your chosen bathroom décor. Open shelving grants additional storage while making items easy to reach (add baskets for further organisation), but be sure to pair them with bathroom cabinets for a place to hide items away to avoid clutter.
“Don’t build out, build in. Built-in niches are a great solution within a shower space, as they provide the perfect location for bottles and shower accessories, while at the same time creating a stylish feature. There are also shower options, like the Triton Push Button Bar Diverter mixer shower, which are designed with storage in mind, featuring integrated shelving which maximises space where you need it most.
Suitable ventilation
“Naturally, a bathroom tends to feature a high level of moisture, so it’s important to factor effective ventilation into your design.
“Windows are the simplest way to ventilate a room, but they should not be solely relied upon for correct air circulation. Extractor fans are the best method for removing moisture from a bathroom, reducing the risk of mould. Finding the best solution for your bathroom will depend on the room size and how often the shower is used, as higher moisture levels will need a more powerful fan.
“Extractor fans can be activated in several ways to suit user need. Typically, they can be turned on and off by a standard switch or pull cord. For extra ease of use, fans can alternatively be connected to the existing light switch, meaning they turn on and off with the lights. Sensor activated extractor fans work similarly to security lights, coming on when someone walks into the room.
Carefully choose your lighting placement
“It’s best practice to incorporate natural and artificial light sources into your design to create a well-lit and comfortable space. Consider this during the initial planning stages as the placement of features such as mirrors and showers will help determine where each lighting source should be situated.
“If you’re planning a full bathroom renovation, carefully consider where windows will sit within the room’s layout. Allowing natural light into the room will make the space feel open and airy.
“Spotlights or strip lights work well around mirrors and sinks, providing illumination when brushing teeth, washing hands, and applying makeup. Once you’ve set your practical lighting sources, consider fixtures that will add ambience. Short pendant lights or wall-hung lamps are great options, as well as adjustable downlights that offer customisation.