The greatest test of a good bathroom is to ask yourself whether you like to linger there. If the answer is no, its time to convert that cold, sad, clinical space into something much more pleasurable.
Why the bathroom should be given such low priority by most people and why architects and developers pay so little attention to this vital room is a mystery. Often allocated the meanest of budgets and constructed from what little space remains after all the important rooms have been decided upon, the typical bathroom is frequently small, misshapen and possessing the very worst of views (if, indeed, it has a window at all). From this it can be deduced that we need to be very skilful if we are to create a warm practical room that invites us in.
Conventions dictates that the bath should run along a wall, but why not be adventurous and place it coming out into the room from a wall or even position it in the centre of the room? Not a new idea this - some of the first baths were so placed to be near an open fire. On which subject, if you have the opportunity to retain an existing fireplace or to construct a new one, think how cosy this could make your bathroom.
The bathroom is a perfect place for incorporating fitted furniture. Not only will it help to hide away much of the engineering, but it will also give your room a smarter, more tailored appearance. Incidentally, never overlook the view that you will get while sitting in the bath - from that low level much that is not particularly attractive (the underside of the basins and so on) is revealed.
Some bathrooms need little more than a face lift. In such cases the addition of co-ordinating towels, the introduction of a carpet or the adjustment of lighting systems can sometimes transform at little cost. Sometimes a bathroom can take on a new lease of life if you simply clear away the clutter. Enclose the basin in a vanity unit or attach a wall cabinet and much of the bathroom paraphernalia can be stored out of view, greatly improving the overall effect.
When it comes to thinking about the decorative details, a tired palm, fluffy seat cover and a dish of broken shells will not suffice! Not only are these features hack-neyed, but they bear little relation to each other and add up to nothing short of a mess. Instead choose a theme for your room and follow it through.
