Seems simple enough, you just need a bath, shower, sink and toilet yes? Yes, essentially that’s all you need but for the perfect bathroom that will really satisfy everyone’s needs, there is a lot more to consider.

Image from Decorpad

Renovating your family or master bathroom could be the best decision you ever make. When you have a bathroom that really works with your lifestyle, it saves time and makes your life easier.

So what might you need?

1. Storage and lots of it! Think a medicine cabinet above the vanity rather than just a mirror for everyday bits, a vanity with plenty of storage, ladder towel rail and a linen cupboard if space allows.
2. Vanity. If you have young children then possibly a wall hung vanity that allows for easy storage of steps underneath would work well.
3. Tiles. Not only do you want non-slip tiles, think about the longevity of the material they are made from.  Kids are usually not the tidiest and accidents happen, especially with little boys around the toilet! Natural stone tiles are more porous and so more prone to damage from the acidity of urine so porcelain or ceramic may be the better option. Larger tiles will have less grout joints, so easier to keep maintained.
4. Tapware. Find taps that are easy for children to use but also suit the style of your home. With younger children you may even want to use taps that make the direction of hot and cold more obvious.
5. Towels. A ladder style heated towel rail offers three benefits – additional storage of towels for all the family, towels at different heights and they can quickly warm up and dry the towels when necessary. Note that heated towel rails can be set-up so they are both part of your hydronic heating system and on a separate electronic heating element to work independently.
6. Shower. Most adults love a rain head shower but a riser rail shower allows for both height adjustment for kids and the ability to remove the shower head when required. Plus, it is far easier to clean the shower round. A shower cubicle with both offers something for everyone.
7. Bath. Despite the trend for freestanding baths, there are factors to consider when thinking about a family bathroom that will be used by children. Let’s face it, children love to splash and cleaning up water behind a freestanding bath is not always that easy and not a task you want to be doing too often. Also, think about the practicality of where the soap and shampoo will sit. An in-built bath hob may offer a much easier bath time.
8. Toilet roll holder. Think about the placement, can everyone reach? Men and women tend to prefer different placements. Do you want it on the side of the toilet, rather than behind, so it is fair for everyone?
9. Plug sockets. Whether it be the shaver, electric toothbrush charger, hairdryer or straighteners, everyone needs access to electricity these days. A double GPO in each medicine cabinet means you’ll never be left short. All electrical work needs to be compliant and obviously think safety first and don’t have the GPO close to water.

These are the main considerations when thinking about a new family bathroom. Feel free to speak to Room For Improvement Pty Ltd to discuss your needs.

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A feature wall can, but does not have to be, bold and really bring out your personality. Or it can be subtle, bringing a sense of warmth to the room. Either way, a feature wall is a great way to add interest to a plain space. You can choose from modern, classic and traditional. Here are a few ideas…

Textured tiles add depth so you can keep the same or similar colour scheme throughout the bathroom – perfect if you have a smaller room. You can choose between more traditional textured brick tiles or go contemporary with the design. Using smaller or larger textured tiles also creates different effects.

You can use different sized tiles on the feature wall such as subway or fish scale tiles.

On the other hand, if all your walls are tiled, you can use tiles of the same size but contrasting and complementary colours to create a feature wall. This can be done in two ways – simply having one wall in a different colour or have the feature wall with a mix of tiles. If you are doing the latter, avoid making the pattern to regular.

Mosaic tiles create a classic feature wall – you have so many choices from the shape of the mosaics to colours and effects – matt, gloss, metallic, ceramic, porcelain and glass. Again, you can choose whether the wall is bold or neutral.

Wood effect tiles look fantastic as a feature wall. The finished look can range from modern to antique, with rustic, weathered and reclaimed all options. With many different tones on offer, you’ll find something to suit your room.

And remember, the feature wall may be the only tiled wall in the bathroom. For example, all the walls could be painted one colour, with the shower area a tiled feature.

Another consideration is whether your room can take a feature wall at all. A bathroom usually has a lot going on so there is a chance it can look too busy.

Visit a few tile showrooms to see what is on offer and take samples home to see what your choices look like in the actual space where they will be used. Different lighting scenarios will create different effects with the tiles, especially with textured tiles. Think about what you want to create with a feature wall and where it will be best placed for your room.

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