Be inspired to design the bathroom of your dreams.

More than anything else, a bathroom needs to be clean and in good working order. But it has also become for many a soothing sanctuary – a place to escape and indulge in candle-lit baths and spa treatments. Add luxurious features, such as a roll top bath or marble vanity, and you’ll be amazed at how it can transform the space. Whether you’re thinking of giving your bathroom a bit of a facelift or embarking on a complete makeover, read our tips and ideas to create a bathroom that’s both fabulous and functional.

Thanks to interior designer Emma Hooton, founder and design director of Studio Hooton, for her help with this article.

The layout

Before splashing out on new fixtures and fittings, it’s essential to draw an accurate floor plan. Many bathroom stores have in-store designers who can help and there are also available easy-to-use design packages if your budget doesn’t stretch to an interior designer.

Think how doors will open and how you will use and move through the space. If it’s a big bathroom, consider dividing the space into separate zones for the bath, shower, vanity and toilet to make it feel more indulgent as well as practical. Hooton says: “It’s important to pay attention to the space, access and ergonomics around each of the zones: basin, bath/shower and loo, creating room to move around, dry off and change.”

Image supplied by Studio Hooton, photographer Martin Gardner

Get inspired

When Hooton designs bathrooms for clients she takes inspiration from the architectural bones of the building. “It’s the windows and how the light comes into the space.” Make a rolltop tub the star by positioning it under the window, for instance. Think about how the room will be used. Is it a modern, minimalist shower room, an indulgent spa for relaxing in or a busy family bathroom?

As an interior designer, Hooton makes sure the bathroom décor fits in with the colour schemes and textures in the rest of the house to create a coherent look and feel.

‘His and her’ basins

Image supplied by Studio Hooton, photographer Martin Gardner

The beautiful bathrooms designed by Hooton often feature elegant ‘his and her’ basins. There are plenty of reasons for choosing twin basins or double vanities, not just because they look so stylish, she says. “We will always try to fit these in, even in a small master bathroom, as they are so useful when two people are getting ready at the same time.  They are definitely a feature of the high-end bathroom as they give a sense of your own personal space and storage is also really useful underneath a longer stretch.  

“Not just for master bathrooms either, these are great in family bathrooms when two or three children can be getting ready for bed at the same time.”.  

Standalone bath or shower

Ask yourself do you have space for a standalone bath or walk-in shower?  Free standing baths are showstoppers but may not be the best option, especially for a smaller bathroom when an inset bath may make a better use of the space. Likewise with showers – having a large, walk-in shower that butts right up to the sink or toilet can make the room feel small and crowded.

But Hooton, who designs for high-end homes, says: “We would always try to create a separate shower where possible rather than a shower above a bath, even if it means it’s tight.”

Her tips for picking the perfect tub? “Keep things simple, bathrooms need to last as they are more permanent fixtures in a refurbishment, so go for clean, unfussy styles with quality that will last. We love clean, simple shapes which are best for longevity, stick to clean white.”

Image supplied by Studio Hooton, photographer Martin Gardner

Luxury feature shower

Stunning showers can be just as luxurious as baths. From stalls lined with richly veined marble to frameless glass doors and sleek chrome fittings, these chambers can be the epitome of fabulous functionality. Latest, state-of-the-art technology includes overhead rain showers, massage jets and steam to enhance the experience.

Hooton says: “Rainwater showers can be a bit of a gimmick as you generally want to get clean and the pressure is often hugely reduced which isn’t great for hair washing.  I think it’s better to have a generous sized shower head which makes the best of the water pressure and include massage jets for more of a spa experience. Always include a hand shower even if it’s just for cleaning.

“You could go one step further and seal the shower area to create a mini steam room with a tiled seat at one end if you have the space.”

Image supplied by Studio Hooton, photographer Martin Gardner

How to create a spa-like space.

Wondering how to create that spa-like atmosphere even in a small or dark bathroom? Hooton says: “Natural materials, or tiles that mimic them we think are the most luxurious.  You can mix a strongly veined marble on the walls and floor with a plainer, more solid one on the vanity top and in the recesses.”

Lighting can help create the right ambience and vibe. “Lighting is big when it comes to luxe too, mini lights in the shower recess and also floor lights inside showers can have a great effect, as well as being useful as night-time circuits for when you want to keep the lights dimmed for a midnight visit.  We use mirrors to reflect light and create a more spacious feel too if the space is limited.

“Taps and shower (heads) don’t just come in chrome, our favourite is polished nickel for a high-end feel, or an antique bronze for a more classic, original look.”

Don’t forget seating. “We like to incorporate comfortable bench seating or ottomans for added comfort and texture in fabrics to create layers,” said Hooton.

Neutral colours and simple shapes 

Image supplied by Studio Hooton, photographer Martin Gardner

Neutral colours and simple designs are the secret to choosing a scheme that will stay stylish and relevant for years to come, says Hooton. Think soft creams, greys or shades of beige marble tile. Use white for elegant simplicity. Hooton said: “We stick to neutrals in bathrooms as they need to last, so we’d always recommend keeping things natural, neutral and simple.”   

But bathroom tiles don’t have to be plain. For a more artsy bathroom, consider adding an unexpected pop of colour with tiles or a tub, as in this example. Choose one colour as an accent colour and repeat it throughout your bathroom. For instance, for towels, artwork, chair or mirror frame.

Mixing materials

Mixing materials with nature-inspired accents is a great way to create a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. It also creates a natural flow between inside and outside. Hooton said: “Layering is important in all schemes for interest and comfort. We often use marbles and natural woods alongside fabric seating in bathrooms.”

Green plants can add to the spa effect. “We fill our bathrooms with moisture and light loving plants which all help with a sense of wellbeing and also oxygenate and clean the air,” said Hooton.

Stylish storage

Clutter-free surfaces are essential for a clean and relaxing space. Nothing ruins the spa effect like half-empty shampoo bottles or used razors on display. Make sure to invest in cabinet storage with plenty of space to hide away toiletries. Hooton says: “Storage in a vanity unit under the basin, or in recessed wall cupboards or mirrored cabinets - this is essential.” Open shelves can be curated with candles, shells and attractive glass jars.

Even small bathrooms can get the luxe look with careful planning and smart colour choices. Splurging on materials like marble or polished nickel will help create five-style style.  Don’t forget the finishing touches - heated towel rail, fluffy towels, a soft robe and slippers for a relaxing and indulgent home spa.