The vast array of options available when updating a bathroom design can be a little overwhelming. Here are some ideas and top tips from Granit’s interior designer Linzi Kettle to help on your bathroom design journey.
What are the latest trends in bathroom design and why?
The two biggest trends in bathroom design are to incorporate geometric patterns in to the decoration, and to use a different brassware finish rather than chrome for the fixtures and fittings.
Geometric patterns are typically seen on the wall or floor tiling, with metro tiles being very popular at the moment. Introducing a mix of textures and materials throughout a bathroom creates extra layers of interest too.
For the brassware, there is a gradual movement away from chrome. Taps, trims and details have typically been in Chrome or aluminium for a long time now, but the trend is towards other metals such as brass.
Where do you go for inspiration for your bathroom designs?
My main source of inspiration is Pinterest. It’s such a fabulous resource because you can gather images and concepts from all across the world in one location. There are also a lot of home shows in London that are worth attending, such as Grand Designs, 100% Design and Clerkenwell Design Week.
Finally there are many really good bathroom suppliers in London that are worth visiting.
What are your go-to shops and why?
I generally recommend these shops:
Fired Earth – they do beautiful tiling and brassware.
Domus Tiles and Marca Corona – they have such a great selection of modern tiles.
Bathroom Discount Centre – they have a massive range of products from many well known brands.
CP Hart – they have a great selection of sanitary ware and brassware. They also have plenty of showrooms where you can really get to grips with the products and discuss your needs with expert sales advisors.
Do you have any must-have buys and why?
Sterlingham heated towel rails – they come in a range of styles and finishes.
Lusso Stone – for modern baths and basins at affordable prices made from a mix of white limestone and resin. They provide a fantastic finish in matt or polished.
Drummonds – for beautiful, classic roll top baths.
Vado – for contemporary and affordable brassware.
What are your top tips for creating a beautiful bathroom?
1. Get the layout right from the start. Don’t try and squeeze everything in, better to have one large bath with a shower overhead than to have a small bath and small separate shower. If you can afford to, design in fitted furniture as it gives a very luxurious feel.
2. Create dramatic effects with lighting. Spend a little on beautiful pendants, or up lighters around the bath. For that extra special touch you could consider designing some lighting to any recesses.
3. Think about storage in your layout too. Can you get clever with recesses for example, which often make practical spaces for storage and can create a nice feature.
4. Use natural stone where possible. It can be expensive, but even a little adds a sense of luxury.
5. Buy a good quality bath, it will make all the difference to your room.
What are your favourite quick-fix instant updates for bathrooms?
The two simplest ways to make a difference are to upgrade the tiles – where possible using natural stone – and to install new brassware. Both of these will give your bathroom a fresh new look in no time at all.
What finishing touches are worth spending time or money on?
Feature tiles or stone work tops can really give a room the wow factor, even if the rest of the fittings are more economic price-wise. Stone or tile lined recesses to showers or bath areas for practical or decorative reasons can also make a big difference.
A large fitted mirror can make your room look double the size.
Lastly, don’t forget about accessories. Pictures hung in bathrooms can add a sense of luxury.
What’s the biggest mistakes people usually make when designing a bathroom?
The location of the toilet is quite often too close to other fittings making it feel very cramped. Either that or it can be stuck in the middle of a vast wall so you can’t reach the toilet roll holder.
The next biggest mistake is getting the position of the shower controls wrong. Ideally these should be located within arms reach so you don’t get wet when it’s turned on.
What was your favourite bathroom project to work on and why?
The master ensuite in our project at 1 Lambourn Road (pictured above) because of the use of interesting materials and colours. The layout works very well and I like that the sink looks out onto the garden area. The space feels very generous in size and the fittings used really compliment the overall look.
