How to Design a Bathroom: A Complete Guide

When it comes to refreshing a bathroom, the vanity unit often takes centre stage. It is not only where the basin sits, but also the feature that ties style, storage and practicality together. 

But here’s the challenge: how do you pick the right one? And with so many sizes, finishes and storage options to choose from, it can feel very overwhelming. The good news is that a little planning below will make the process much simpler for you.  

In this guide, we’ll look at the essentials, from just measuring the space you have to work with, to picking a style and aesthetic that matches your home, so you can select a unit that works beautifully for your bathroom. 

Layout and Space Planning

A modern bathroom with a white oval bathtub and a light blue floating vanity. The room has light-toned textured tile and a round backlit mirror.

Assess available space and traffic flow

Start by measuring every part of the room including doors windows and alcoves. Remember to think about how people move around the space because a clear path makes the bathroom feel more open. Good planning prevents tight corners and ensures each fixture feels comfortable to use. 

Zoning wet vs dry areas

Bathrooms work best when wet and dry zones are clearly defined. Wet zones include showers and baths while dry areas include basins toilets and storage. Keeping these zones organised helps with cleaning and protects surfaces from unnecessary water. A well-placed screen can keep water controlled without blocking the flow of the room. 

Plumbing drainage and fixture placement

Fixture placement is influenced by the location of existing plumbing, drainage requirements and building regulations. Working with a licensed plumber ensures that toilets, showers and basins are positioned optimally and that drainage systems function properly. Planning for these considerations early in the project helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth installation process. 

Fixtures and Fittings Selection

Ambiance Bain Modular Bathroom Furniture Range

Choosing bathtubs showers and enclosures

Your choice of bath or shower depends on the room size and your lifestyle. Walk in showers create a modern spacious feel while traditional baths offer comfort and relaxation. Shower enclosures come in many styles so be sure to pick one that suits your layout and cleaning preferences. 

Toilet and basin types

Wall hung toilets create a clean floating look that makes the room feel larger. Floor mounted toilets offer a classic style. Basins come in countertop inset or wall mounted designs and each option influences the overall feel of the bathroom. Consider both style and ease of cleaning when choosing. 

Tapware mixers and shower systems

Tapware can bring the whole look together, so choose styles and finishes that complement the rest of the room. Some systems have pressure requirements so check compatibility with your home. Concealed systems offer a sleek finish while exposed systems provide easier access for maintenance. 

Materials Finishes and Flooring

IMAE Modular Bathroom Furniture Ambiance Bain

Waterproofing and underlayment essentials

A reliable waterproof base is essential in any bathroom. Underlayment materials like cement board and waterproof membranes create a secure surface for tiles or panels. Pay extra attention to showers and bath surrounds where water contact is constant. Good waterproofing protects your bathroom for years to come. 

Tile stone and alternative flooring choices

Ceramic tiles natural stone and modern vinyl flooring are all popular choices in recent times. But each material has its own level of durability and slip resistance. Stone may require sealing, then there’s the tiles that need more grout cleaning, while vinyl offers easier upkeep. And if you want underfloor heating, make sure to check compatibility before choosing the right material for your needs. 

Wall finishes grout and long-term durability

Tiles offer a traditional choice, but wall panels as well as moisture resistant paint can create a smooth modern finish. High quality grout reduces staining and improves the long-term look of your walls. When selecting finishes think about both appearance and how much maintenance you want in the future. 

Lighting Ventilation and Electrical

Ambiance Bain Mirrors and Lights

Layered lighting

Bathrooms benefit from several types of lighting. Ambient lighting provides general brightness while task lighting supports activities such as; shaving or applying makeup. Accent lighting creates a softer atmosphere for relaxing moments. Warm tones feel soothing while cooler lights suit task areas. 

Ventilation extraction and moisture control

Proper ventilation is key to a comfortable, long-lasting bathroom. A well-designed extractor fan helps reduce condensation and prevent mould. A professional bathroom fitter will ensure the fan is the right size and positioned for optimal performance, keeping your bathroom fresh and low maintenance. 

Safe electrical placement and IP ratings

Bathrooms have specific safety zones that guide where lights and appliances can be placed. IP ratings show how well a fixture resists moisture. Always choose lighting that matches the zone it will be installed in and use a qualified electrician for any electrical work to ensure full safety. 

Storage Accessibility and Styling

Ambiance Bain Venus Range

Built in vs freestanding storage solutions

Storage is essential for a tidy and comfortable bathroom. Fitted cabinets create a seamless look while freestanding units let you change the layout more easily. Moisture resistant materials keep your storage looking good over time. 

Universal design and accessibility features

Accessibility can be built into any bathroom design. Features like slip resistant flooring wider doorways and easy to reach fixtures improve comfort for all ages. These design elements can blend seamlessly with modern styling. 

Colour palettes accessories and finishing touches

Colour has a big impact on atmosphere. Neutral tones give a calm spa like feel while bold colours add personality. Mirrors, plants, towels and accessories complete the look and tie the design together. 

Designing a bathroom becomes much easier when you follow a clear plan. By focusing on layout choosing the right fixtures selecting durable materials and thinking carefully about lighting and storage you can create a space that works beautifully every day.  

A well-designed bathroom supports comfort cleanliness and long-term enjoyment. Use this guide as a starting point when planning your renovation and if you need expert guidance, contact our team today or visit one of our showrooms! We are always here to help bring your design ideas to life. 

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How to Design a Bathroom: A Complete Guide

Immerse yourself in a realm where cosy nooks are transformed into enchanting retreats, exuding an everlasting allure. Embarking on our exploration of ‘Nostalgic Bathroom Ideas for Small Bathrooms,’ we delve into the mastery of converting limited spaces into captivating sanctuaries with a nostalgic twist. Embrace the thrill of conquering spatial constraints with our handpicked insights on amplifying the visual expanse of a small bathroom.

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Ketty Duo

Embarking on a journey through the tapestry of time and design, the art of creating an illusion of spaciousness in a small bathroom intertwines the threads of nostalgia and contemporary sophistication. The dance commences with a selection of vintage-inspired tones, where pastel palettes transport us to a time when elegance adorned even the most intimate of spaces. 

At Ambiance Bain, pastel shades provide each and every bathroom design with a pinch of nostalgia, take our most-loved “Pompadour” shade for example, a dusky pink used to create a tranquil and luxurious bathroom design. No bathroom design is complete without Pompadour, take a look at our Sumiko collection, with a dusky pink twist. Pantone’s 2024 colour of the year is “Peach Fuzz” and our Pompadour shade provides the perfect pink bathroom for the peach and pastel shade lovers out there.

Embrace the simplicity of units and floating cabinets, like our Ketty Duo bathroom furniture, a gentle nod to an era where elegance seamlessly coexisted with utility. The vertical arrangement of units becomes a timeless ballet with dimensions, offering both a touch of nostalgia and practicality. Fixtures take on the role of temporal pillars, adorned with slender silhouettes and subtle embellishments reminiscent of eras past. As you make these choices, you breathe life into your small bathroom, transforming it into a sanctuary where memories intertwine.

Utilise Mirrors to Open Up the Space

Sumiko

Mirrors, those enchanting time-travellers, are far more than mere reflections; they are portals to nostalgia. When strategically placed, they become conduits of light, expanding the visual horizon and evoking the grace and elegance of yesteryears. At Ambiance Bain, we offer LED lit mirrors to expand your bathroom design, and create a more spacious illusion, as well as giving your bathroom that luxurious touch. Browse our mirrors and more to create the illusion of a larger bathroom. 

Like vintage windows, they beckon memories to dance within the room, imparting a sense of timeless grandeur. Embrace the art of mirror placement as a deliberate homage to an age when elegance and functionality were inseparable companions. Let large mirrors, reminiscent of cherished heirlooms, grace your walls, creating an illusion of vastness and echoing the sentiment of vintage sophistication. As these fixtures become echoes of temporal pillars, choose frames that whisper tales of eras gone by. 

Keep to a Cool Colour Scheme

Embark on a journey of timeless coolness by orchestrating your sanctuary with a colour scheme that whispers of both nostalgia and luxury. Envelop the space in hues reminiscent of days past, where cool tones evoke a sense of tranquillity and simplicity, echoing the grace of eras gone by.

Marry the past and present through a curated palette that transcends time, weaving a tapestry of dusky blues, muted greens, pastel pinks and gentle greys. These serene shades not only cool the visual temperature but also create a backdrop of understated elegance reminiscent of classic aesthetics.

As your space immerses in the cool colour symphony, witness the revival of your sanctuary into a haven where nostalgia converges with contemporary calmness, creating an ambiance that stands the test of time with grace and sophistication.

Dare to Go Dark

Sumiko

A dark colour scheme beckons both modernity and the fond echoes of the past. Embrace the nostalgia-laden allure of rich, deep hues that whisper of timeless elegance, casting your space in an enigmatic veil reminiscent of eras long gone.

Let your bathroom design don a coat of midnight blues, velvety blacks, and mysterious charcoals, creating a dramatic canvas that serves as a nod to the opulence of bygone times. Our F88 Cachou, F94 Matt Black and F93 Petrol Blue can be used to create a luxurious bathroom experience each and every day. Tap here to browse our Sumiko collection in a wide range of dark colourways and more.

Choose fixtures that embrace the dark side with a modern twist. Matte finishes and sleek silhouettes become the artefacts of this daring rendezvous, merging the contemporary with the nostalgic in a harmonious dance. The result is a sanctuary that not only defies convention but also pays homage to an era where bold choices in design were the epitome of timeless sophistication. As you dare to go dark, witness the resurrection of your space into an enigmatic haven that transcends the boundaries of time with audacious charm.

Choose Floating Units to Maximise Floor Space

Floating units

In the art of reclaiming space, the choreography involves gracefully freeing up the floor, a dance that seamlessly blends innovation with a nostalgic embrace of timeless design. Embark on this transformative journey by weaving a tapestry of light and neutral hues, reminiscent of an era where simplicity was the epitome of elegance. Bid farewell to clutter with storage solutions that pay homage to the past while catering to contemporary needs. Browse our small bathroom and cloakroom furniture to explore how freeing up floor space can provide the illusion of a spacious bathroom design.

Floating vanities, reminiscent of eras when simplicity reigned supreme, liberate your floor space with a touch of modern elegance. Elevating your sanctuary with these minimalist fixtures not only nods to contemporary design but also pays homage to a time when functionality was married to understated beauty. As you opt for floating vanities, witness the revival of your bathroom into a haven that seamlessly blends a nostalgic charm and the spatial liberation of today, creating an intimate sanctuary that transcends the confines of time.

Small Bathroom Ideas Round-up

small bathroom

In the poetic tapestry of bathroom design, where every stroke and hue converges, our exploration of transcending small spaces emerges as a symphony of sophistication and nostalgia. With a brush dipped in the soft pastels of bygone eras, we embarked on a journey through time, evoking the simplicity and charm that once adorned intimate sanctuaries.

From vintage-inspired tones to daring ventures into dark elegance, each chapter unfolded as an ode to timeless sophistication. Mirrors, our enchanting companions, reflected not only light but also the echoes of a larger world, resonating with the grace of yesteryears. We dared to embrace both the modern and the nostalgic, creating an enigmatic aura that defies convention and pays homage to the refined aesthetics of history.

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