Bathroom design mistakes to avoid

FOLLOW OUR TIPS TO SAVE TIME, MONEY AND STRESS WHEN PLANNING A NEW BATHROOM

- THEA BABINGTON-STITT

Planning any room in your home can be a daunting prospect – and certainly not something you want to get wrong. Make designing your new bathroom a breeze by knowing in advance what things you should avoid when making decisions.

There are many aspects of design which need to be considered. Getting them wrong can lead to costs – and stress levels – spiralling, so it’s key to know what to look out for from the start.

‘Whether you’re updating or completely renovating, plan perfectly and get the design right to make the most of your space,’ says Adam Chard of Victoria Plum. ‘Plumbing, ventilation, storage, lighting and colour are all things to consider to ensure your bathroom is as functional as it is beautiful.’

We’ve asked the experts to reveal their top bathroom planning tips – and what you should avoid in planning, design choices, fittings and installation.

1 RUSHING THE LAYOUT, OR KEEPING THE OLD ONE

‘One of the most important things to consider is the layout,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. ‘Getting it right means you have a bathroom that works for all the family. Don’t think about how you use your room now, but how you’d like to use it in the future and have that as a starting point.’

Clearly, an effective layout that makes good use of the space available is the most important aspect, yet it can be all too easy to pick something off the shelf without consideration. And sticking with a current layout which doesn’t work is another pitfall. ‘The cost of a new layout is elevated due to changes in plumbing and electrics. However, it is necessary in some cases,’ says Joe Debono, sales director at Ashton & Bentley.