Hi there! I'm Tamiko, interior designer and owner of Howard Lane Designs.
I'd love for you to follow our Instagram page (@howardlanedesigns) and reach out and let me know what stage of your bathroom project you are. Are you gathering ideas? Have your plans ready? Dreaming of your next space? After you say hello, you can find a wealth of advice, tips and ways you can incorporate quietly sophisticated elements in your home!
Understated, yet intentional, considered luxury is something so many of us strive for in our homes and especially our bathrooms. Creating a bathroom that combines functionality with style requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Below, I outline my five must-have elements that instantly elevate your bathroom design.
1. Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is a game-changer for any bathroom, providing unparalleled comfort and a touch of luxury. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto warm tiles, regardless of the season. The benefits of underfloor heating extend beyond mere comfort:
Even Heat Distribution:Â Traditional heaters often create uneven heat, leading to cold spots. Underfloor heating, however, ensures consistent warmth across the entire floor, enhancing overall comfort.
Energy Efficiency:Â Modern underfloor heating systems are designed to be highly efficient. They operate at lower temperatures than conventional heating methods, which can lead to significant energy savings and reduced utility bills.
Remove Bulky Towel Rails: I always recommend running the underfloor heating up the wall behind robe hooks. This ensures your towels are kept dry, and without the bulk of heated towel rails.
Cleanliness: Underfloor heating aides in keeping your bathroom dry, which in turn helps to reduce and prevent mould.
2. Natural Light
Natural light is a crucial element in bathroom design, capable of transforming the space by making it feel larger, more welcoming, and healthier. Here’s how to maximise the impact of natural light in your bathroom:
Large Windows: If your bathroom’s location allows, install large windows to flood the space with natural light. To maintain privacy, consider frosted glass or window films that let in light while obscuring the view from outside.
Skylights:Â For bathrooms without exterior walls or those on upper floors, skylights are an excellent solution. They bring in abundant daylight while preserving privacy, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Light Tubes:Â Also known as sun tunnels, light tubes capture daylight from the roof and channel it into the bathroom. This is an ideal solution for interior bathrooms or spaces with limited wall space for windows.
Reflection: Consider mirror placement and if you can, position your vanity mirror to reflect and emphasise any natural light that comes into your bathroom space.
Natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also has practical benefits. It improves visibility for grooming tasks and can have a positive effect on your mood and wellbeing.
3. Sensor Lights
Bathrooms are not the place for clinical stark lighting. Especially when you're needing to go to the bathroom at night and don't want to turn the lights on completely, or are conscious of not waking others near you by turning on bright lights.
Under Vanity:Â Ask your builder/electrician to run a length of LED lighting underneath your vanity, and have this connected to a sensor that is usually position in the ceiling. At night, you won't need to turn on the light, but simply, walk into the space and a soft illuminated light, bright enough to see and use your bathroom, will create a welcome glow when you're still half asleep!
Energy Efficient: No more forgotten lights! Incorporating sensor lights in your bathroom is a smart and elegant way to enhance energy efficiency. These lights ensure that illumination is provided only when the bathroom is in use, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. This automatic functionality is not only environmentally friendly but also adds to the overall luxury by integrating advanced technology into your living space​
Other Areas:Â Depending on your bathroom design, it may make sense to include LED lighting under/behind your mirror, or in the niche of a shower/bath. Assess what will work best for your space, and discuss your needs with your builder/electrician/designer.
Incorporating sensor lights into your bathroom doesn't just boost functionality and energy savings; it also adds a layer of luxury and modern elegance that transforms everyday routines into a more refined experience.
4. Recessed Shaving Cabinet
A recessed shaving cabinet is a sleek and practical addition that enhances both storage and style. By embedding the cabinet into the wall, you can keep essential items within easy reach without sacrificing space:
Space Optimisation:Â Recessed cabinets maximise space efficiency, keeping the bathroom uncluttered and making it easier to move around. This is especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms where every millimetre counts.
Modern Look:Â A recessed cabinet with a mirrored front integrates seamlessly into the wall, offering a clean and contemporary appearance. The mirror can also serve as a vanity mirror, further enhancing functionality.
Functional Storage:Â These cabinets provide ample storage for toiletries, grooming tools, and medications, keeping them organised and out of sight. Adjustable shelves allow for customisation to accommodate items of different sizes.
Installing a recessed shaving cabinet is a smart way to combine functionality with a sleek design, ensuring a clutter-free and stylish bathroom.
5. Concealed Power Points
Concealed power points are essential for maintaining a clean and safe bathroom environment. By hiding electrical outlets, you can achieve a sleek look while ensuring the space remains functional:
Clean Look: Concealed power points keep the bathroom looking tidy and uncluttered. They can be hidden inside cabinets or behind discreet panels, preserving the room’s aesthetic integrity.
Safety:Â Keeping outlets hidden reduces the risk of water exposure, which is crucial for maintaining electrical safety in the bathroom. This is especially important in a wet environment where safety is a top priority.
Convenience:Â Strategically placed concealed power points inside drawers or cabinets allow you to charge electric toothbrushes, shavers, and other gadgets out of sight. This keeps countertops free of cords and devices, maintaining a clean and organised look.
Concealed power points are a small but significant detail that can greatly enhance the functionality and appearance of your bathroom.
Achieving quiet luxury in a modern bathroom
By focusing on these key features, you can create a bathroom that is both beautiful and highly functional, providing a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern luxury. Ensure you include these elements into your new or renovated bathroom, and if you need guidance on how best to do this, book a call with us and we can discuss if our design services are right for your project.
Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Read our visual timeline outlining all of the steps and trades involved!
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