7 Key Bathroom And Laundry Design Elements

When embarking on a renovation, extension or a new build there are seven key bathroom and laundry design elements to consider.

Without proper planning and consideration of this, you are more than likely going to make some mistakes or over look important features along the way.

I’ve just recently moved into a fairly new building, and it is lovely… On first inspection it seems like everything had been carefully considered, so many things are just right and really clever.  However, it’s not until you start living in a space that the deficiencies rear their heads…  Usually quite quickly.

Here’s a rundown on some very important design elements to consider. They are also nearly impossible to change once finished without massive expense. 

Bathroom and laundry design deconstructed!

Bathroom Hardware & Storage

On first inspection: Lovely huge shower stalls with rain soaker heads. 

Problem:  No shower rail. Only the rain soaker and you get soaked every shower.  I don’t want to be a drowned rat each time I shower and it is extremely hard to wash kid’s hair under such a downpour.

The other big downfall with this configuration is that there is no way to give the shower a quick rinse off as the only direction the water falls in is straight down.  Integrated shelving is great, but again needs to be rinsed off each day so you don’t end up with soap and shampoo scum etc.

Solution: Always have a shower rail. The rain shower is a secondary fitting.

Main Bathroom Tiles

On first inspection: Black high gloss floor tiles are only ever going to look great at the open for inspection before anyone has lived in the space. 

Problem: They are a nightmare! Firstly, there are hundreds of tiny little surface scratches from shoes and the swinging of the door.  They can also be slippery which is a big problem for anyone, but if you have little ones or an elderly inhabitant the slip hazard can be downright dangerous. 

Secondly, it’s just one solid colour… black!  There is no movement through the tile (by movement I mean some type of mottling or swirling) so everything from hair to dust is so noticeable.  Actually the dust is the worst. Solid black = dust magnet.  Wipe it, turn around and it’s back again. It also shows up splash marks and drips.

Solution: A tile with a honed finish would have eliminated this problem, hiding a multitude of sins. A honed finish is not only safer but gives a softer, more natural aesthetic.

Ensuite Tiles

On first inspection: Fresh and clean, high gloss white floor tiles.  

Problem: After first shower and blow dry of hair… nightmare!  I have dark shoulder length hair and there is no hiding it… The ensuite is no longer looking fresh and clean!

Solution: Don’t go with a sold colour. Pattern or movement and in a matte finish is your best option. 

Laundry Tiles

On first inspection: This home has a beautifully appointed laundry; Ironing board/broom and linen cupboard, as well as loads of under and overhead cabinetry.  There are lovely large profile floor tiles that seamlessly continue up the walls…. and here lies the problem, and it is a big one! 

Problem: This is a long narrow space with a conventional drain plonked into the centre of the width and about three quarters of the way down its length.  The issue with this is that there is no fall to the drain… it is level along the entire floor.  The tile is too large to be able to create a fall in to the centre of the floor. So, when accidental flooding occurs, or in the case of a burst pipe, the water doesn’t drain away. It just sits and rises.

Solution: The tiles should be laid so that they fall away to the opposite side of the room with a drainage grate that spans the width to catch and drain away before flooding occurs.  The result is beautiful cabinetry that already shows tell tale signs of swelling at floor level due to water absorption.  This is an architecturally designed home and I was quite shocked that a faux pas like this occurred.

Bathrooms & Laundries We Love

How To Plan Your Bathroom & Laundry Well

1. Gloss finishes show up imperfections i.e. finger/foot prints, scratches etc.  The same as it does with gloss paint. So, keep gloss to a minimum.
2. Choose tiles with ‘movement’ in the finish so that dust and hair isn’t too noticeable.
3. Lay tiles so that they fall away (meaning that the water will also fall in this direction)
4. A shower rail is a must. Functionality is your friend.
5. Always include face level storage if possible.
6. Have power points hidden in vanity drawers or shaving cabinets.
7. Some luxe features like heated towel rails and heated flooring are fabulous if budget allows.

Get a fresh set of eyes on your project before you send plans to council!  Get in touch with your plans and ideas and we can help.