MAKING A SPLASH Designing a bathroom but don't know where to start? This step-by-step guide will help you out.

Bathroom design has come a long way. From a purely utilitarian space hidden from view to a personal sanctuary for hygiene and wellness, it remains one of the key indicators of the livability of one’s home. Here are some handy how-tos and experts’ tips to design a bathroom that truly works, whether you are building a new one from scratch or updating an old one.

- ASIH JENIE

Designing a Bathroom from Scratch

Designing something from scratch is akin to drawing on a blank canvas—the possibility is limitless, which is both exciting and daunting. Here are the steps to help you get started.

1. Determine the Function The “form follows function” principle always applies to the bathroom. So before imagining what it looks like, you need to determine the functions it must fulfil. Who and how many people will use the bathroom? Where in the floor plan will it be? How much of the budget have you allocated to build it? These questions will help you determine the ideal size and layout of the bathroom.

2. Measure the Actual Space Measure twice, cut once, so the saying goes. Once you have the exact measurement of the bathroom space, including not just the width of the walls, but also the height of the ceiling, you can start making a shopping list for the fixtures and fittings. Remember to leave enough space between them for smooth traffic, and consult your contractor on the correct plumbing system.

3. Get Inspired Now that you know the dimensions of your bathroom, it’s time to imagine what it will look like. Get inspired by browsing magazines and image-sharing sites like Pinterest and Instagram, and identify the design elements that you like that fit the overall aesthetic of your home. Then you can craft the concept you want with your contractor, or reach out to a design professional to help you translate your vision into reality.

Expert Tip