Planning the Ideal Family Bathroom
How do you make your bathroom family-friendly and attractive to both children and adults? There are four main aspects to consider – Space, Fittings, Flooring and Lighting.
Space
Is your current bathroom large enough for your needs? If not, is it possible to take a little of the space available in an adjacent room by re-positioning the wall or if you have a separate toilet could you knock down the wall between the bathroom and toilet to make one large space? Either of these options would enable you to create a bigger, well-planned, family bathroom.
If the size of the room is fine, then the cheapest way of revamping a family bathroom is to keep the fixtures and fittings in the same place, thus avoiding the costs of altering pipes and electrics.
However, if the existing layout is no longer right for your family you will need to re-arrange the room. Decide what fittings you want and then draw a plan on graph paper, making a note of windows, doors, radiators, plumbing and any other permanent features. Draw your chosen fittings to the same scale as the floor plan and cut them out so that you can move them around until you find the layout that suits you best and don’t forget to include as much storage space as possible.
Fittings
If space is in short supply and you don’t have room for a separate shower cubicle why not consider a shower-bath which is wider at one end, with a glass screen to facilitate the shower. Vanity units can be built under basins thus concealing pipe work and providing valuable storage space for all those plastic toys small children like to have in the bath with them. Wall hung fittings are easier to clean around and give the impression of more space. When a bathroom is regularly used by all members of the family it is best to keep things neutral, uncluttered and easy to clean. Bold colours or fun themes can always be added in the accessories such as towels, shower curtains and bath mats.
Flooring
As the bathroom floor is likely to get quite wet when there are small children in the family it is important that whatever flooring you choose is non-slip and easy to clean. Ceramic tiles or vinyl are a popular and practical choice and come in an array of patterns and colours to suit any style of bathroom.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in a bathroom and it is really a matter of choice. You may choose to have one central light with perhaps a task light by the mirror, for shaving or applying make-up or you may favour inset ceiling spotlights which are very popular and stylish at the moment. Some storage units have integrated lighting as do some wall cabinets such as the Torino Illuminated Mirrored Wall Cabinet which not only provides a mirror and lighting but also offers a neat and convenient space for storing toiletries, medicines and cosmetics.
For something different why not consider adding colour changing plinth lights which can be activated by remote control.
They are designed to add colour to your bathroom lighting scheme and are easy to install and will add an element of the theatrical to your bathroom. The kids will love them!
