14 Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid

Bathrooms are generally the second most expensive room (after the kitchen) to build or makeover. Whether you are renovating or building, here are fourteen mistakes I have seen in bathroom design to avoid:

1. Too Clinical

While we want our bathrooms to be practical, we also want to avoid making them look like what you might find in a hospital. Therefore don’t be afraid to take some risks with colour and pattern. If you are concerned about resale potential, use a classic colour palette – for example, black and white.

2. Leaking Shower

Unless they are large and there is sufficient fall for drainage, showers should have a proper raised edge to avoid water running all over the floor.*

3. Mould-attracting corners

Consider where you can’t reach to clean properly – this goes for free-standing baths and hand basins sitting on benches.

4. Hand basins that don’t drain

Believe it or not there are some hand basins on the market that do not drain properly. So don’t just go for appearances – check the functionality.

5. Cheap taps

Spending more on hardware is worth it – the look and feel of quality hardware will elevate the bathroom and serve you better in the long run.

6. Only overhead lighting

Lighting from overhead is the least flattering. Stretch your budget to incorporate wall lights, recessed lighting or mirror lighting for atmosphere, nighttime visits and makeup application.

7. No storage

Nothing spoils the look of your bathroom more than surfaces cluttered with toiletries, medicines and cleaners. So try to incorporate as much storage as possible. Open shelves should be reserved for neatly folded towels and decorative accessories.

8. Nowhere for rubbish

Try to avoid the cliche stainless steel bin by incorporating a rubbish bin in the cupboard. Likewise, a hamper for dirty clothes can be built in. A clever design feature I have seen in two-storey homes is a laundry chute.

9. Poor heating and or ventilation

Depending on your climate, bathrooms need to be properly ventilated and heated. Heated towel rails are a personal favourite touch.

10. Not future-proof

If you are designing your home from scratch, make at least one bathroom age and access proof.*

11. Uncomfortable baths

Don’t just go for a look – try out the bath to make sure you can recline in it properly.

12. Guest towel

If your bathroom is also used for guests, make sure you have a separate rail for a hand towel. It’s awkward for your guest if they can’t identify what towel they are supposed to use.

13. Lock on door

If you feel a lock is a good idea make sure it’s of good quality and foolproof to use. No-one wants to be locked in a bathroom!

14. Poor sight lines

People like to have privacy in the bathroom. Therefore views from outside need to be blocked or screened. If the bathroom is an en suite, consider the sight lines from the bedroom, particularly for the toilet.

As always, if you would like advice on creating your dream bathroom, please do get in touch,

* Be sure to check local regulations before embarking on any renovation or new build