BATHROOM DESIGN TIPS
One key tip in bathroom design is that it should cater to their needs - be it to relax, recharge or indulge. This is because it is the one place where they can relax completely and shut the rest of the world out. It is also a place where they can truly be themselves (nasty habits and all!).
Example
In the case of a client who enjoys having guests, the bathroom interior design includes a day bed for lounging in after a bath or for a chat if a friend drops by.
Natural materials which add warmth are used here: the walls are teak-clad while the bath and basin are in volcanic rock.
For indulgence, the bath sits centrally in the room and overlooks the rear terrace. Recessed lit floor panels on the floor surround the bath, giving the illusion of elevation. To either side of the day bed, enormous boxed closets are disguised as regular doors: handles pull the closets forward into the room.
In another bathroom interior, the brief was to create a relaxing environment which is easy to maintain. Thus plain dark gray mosaic bordered in polished black tiles are used on the floor and the walls. A mirrored wall and unique washbasin in black marble top and polished steel adds an edgy touch. The result: a modern bathroom with a neoclassical feel.
Space Clearance and Tolerances
Most apartment bathrooms are restricted by size, ceiling height and availability of natural light and ventilation. When you're renovating your bathroom, remember these minimal clearances - 32 inches (80 centimeters) for walking, 24 inches (60 centimeters) for knee space in front of the toilet bowl and 10 square feet in front of the wash basin.
TYPES OF TILES
Ceramic: Most commonly used, and easy to maintain. They come in gloss and matt finishes as well as ceramic- / porcelain-backed. Available in different patterns and colors, and in various sizes. Some recent designs show embossed tiles in myriad textures and available in different shapes, colors, and sizes.
Ceramic bathroom tiles cover the walls and basin, adding a sleek, contemporary touch. Note the shelf holding frames and decorative items like elephant statues. They show up well against the white contrasting background.
Homogenous: These tiles are easy to maintain. Their homogenous nature (front, sides and back are in same color tone) means the edge or thickness is in the same color. Almost scratch-resistant, they come in matt or polished finishes. Prices tend to be higher for polished finishes.
Granite: Durable and toughest among the different types of tiles. Almost scratch-resistant, it comes with a consistent tone. Designers and architects usually choose dark or dull-tone tiles for commercial premises. The most affordable ones come from China.
Other Stones: Limestone and sandstone are beautiful, but they are porous and prone to stains as they are difficult to maintain. Most commonly featured in tropical- or resort-inspired interiors.
Ceramic and Glass-mosaics: These can complement retro-inspired interiors and are easy to maintain. They are also available in primary and secondary colors. Be it square or hexagonal, they bring dazzling eye candy, especially for curved surfaces. They’re also the best choice for steps, hard angles and curbs as there are no sharp edges that can cause injuries.
The bathtub below is given the royal treatment with gold mosaics covering all curved surfaces. This is complemented with gilded faucets and handrail while the floor is in sanded marble.
Stainless Steel Mosaics: New and still relatively uncommon in the market, they are suitable for very modern and stark interiors. Other than square, shapes include hexagon and diamond. Finishes come in stainless steel hairline, stainless steel mirror, stainless steel etched or gold color.
The tiny bathroom below is finished with stark, metallic mosaics which embellish the walls while also making it easy to clean.
Enameled Porcelain: This is also relatively new. It gives your bathroom a sleek, metallic sheen as they look exactly like steel plates, complete with screws. They will not oxidize or rust, unlike the real thing. However, avoid using them on the floor as the metallic glaze can be slippery when wet.
looking at a way to make your kitchen, bathroom or laundry stand out – then your choice of tile is certainly one way to go about it. Tiles offer the unique ability to make something original, rustic, old-world or ultra modern. The options are almost unlimited. So what should you look for when selecting a tile?
Application type – Can the tile be applied to walls or floors? Check the tile thickness to determine the application. You must also give special consideration to wet area requirements.
- Size – Do you want big and bold or small and intricate?
- Type – What is the tile made of? What environment can it handle? Always check with the manufacturer to ensure that your tile of choice is suitable for your needs.
- Durability – Is it easy to clean, streak free and long lasting? Can it handle high traffic areas? Chip resistant? Non-porous?
- Contrasts – Do you want to go for one colour or accent with contrasting colours or textures?
- Colour – What colour range do you want to select from? Some tile types offer greater selection than others.
- Texture – Do you want a rough or smooth surface? Rough surfaces are usually more appropriate for walls rather than floors. What glaze do you need? Flooring tiles require more glaze than wall tiles as they are under greater lifestyle pressure.