BALANCING STYLE AND PRACTICALITY IN YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION

How many times have you drooled over that Pinterest bathroom image? Or imagined yourself escaping to that gorgeous bathroom sanctuary as you scroll through Instagram?

Social Media does a great job of inspiring us with gorgeous photos of stylish bathrooms. But when it comes to planning a renovation, designing our dream space can become a bit of a logistical and practical nightmare—tempting us to throw in the towel and simply live vicariously through the gorgeous spreads in magazines and social media.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I spend a lot of time thinking about bathroom design and making imagination come to life. I openly drool over free standing baths, glowing white grout and spacious main bathrooms that devote 2.5 metres to the shower (All. That. Room.).

But, through experience, design school and being married to a plumber, I’ve discovered that not everything I lust after actually works for me and my lifestyle.

Style and practicality require trade-offs, and it’s important to get the right trade-off for you. You may be very happy to trade-off convenience for style impact, (much like I trade off comfort for style when I put my dancing shoes on), and that’s great; as long as you’re making an informed decision about your reno.

When it comes down to it, if I’m living in it (and potentially cleaning it) I’d rather my bathroom be functional and beautiful.

So, when you’re investing your hard-earned money on a new bathroom, how do you invest wisely? My best bathroom advice is below and is designed as a useful guide when planning your next bathroom build or renovation.

Free standing bath

I make many of my design decisions based on ease of cleaning. A free-standing bath is absolutely stunning, but oh so hard to clean; and a shower over a free-standing bath is a recipe for mould—tough to kill and even worse for your respiratory health. Ain’t nobody got time for that (unless you employ a cleaner, in which case – skip ahead).

There are plenty of alternatives to achieve a luxury look without the grime. For example, back-to-wall baths give you the best of both worlds by sitting flush against the wall, while still showcasing the freestanding edges. Alternatively, a fully built in and tiled bath can still achieve a polished and modern look.

Small spaces—no room for separate bath and shower

Small spaces don’t have to be cluttered.

This one might be a simple decision for the now, “I’ll just go for a shower only”, and this might be the right choice for you. However, don’t rush a decision and look further into the future if you can. Are you going to sell in the next five years? Maximising your appeal in the market means that buyers paying a premium for a finished home, don’t want to renovate. If the pitter patter of little feet is on the cards, you may want to give more consideration to a bath, if only for your own sanity. Consider a shower over a built-in-bath; you can still get a great outcome with the bonus of practicality.

Super minimalist style

I love a minimalist space, clean lines and the absence of clutter. However, don’t let minimalism translates to zero storage. Think outside the box when it comes to storage for products and self care paraphernalia. I love an inset shaving cabinet to maximise storage without sacrificing a streamlined look. Better yet, ask your electrician to install a power point inside the cabinet to hang your appliances (hair dryer, shaver, etc.) out of sight.

Extractor Fans

These are non-negotiable in my opinion. You might choose to opt for an IXL tastic option (heat lamp, regular light and fan combined), but they’re not particularly attractive. An alternative is to hide your fans behind downlights – quiet and subtle.

Long live the niche

Practical - yes, but don’t make it boring!

Shower and bath storage

A niche or ledge in your shower or adjacent to your bath is super handy to store your everyday products, or to balance that glass of wine while you’re enjoying a soak! Make this decision early and chat to your carpenter and tiler at the rough-in stage to frame it up.

Other things you might like to consider for a functional and easy to clean bathroom:

White grout— I’ve done this in previous homes, looks beautiful, but would I do it again? Not if I was the one cleaning it.
Wall hung toilets (with in-wall cistern) and a wall hung vanity—beautiful clean lines that make a small space seem bigger, not to mention the ease of cleaning. Yes, they are more expensive, but if you can afford it, it’s well worth it.
Above vanity basin—these are so popular and for good reason. Again, I’m lazy and it’s just another area to collect grime and mould and nothing beats a single piece of ceramic or cement vanity top for ease of cleaning and to achieve that streamlined look. Even better, opt for wall hung taps rather than having them protruding from your vanity.

Hire a plumber you connect with

The big one for me, outside of the design and fittings, is finding a plumber that you trust and connect with.

Choose a plumber that you trust and communicates well.

You need a Licenced Plumber with the experience, skills and integrity to do the job right. Communication skills are key to managing a renovation. Good communication means no surprises and a collaborative approach to resolving unexpected issues.

No one wants to spend more than they need to on a renovation, but beware of opting for the cheapest quote. Instead, have a conversation with each tradesperson; ask to see images of previous work, seek testimonials from clients and trust your gut. If they don’t seem genuine, if you don’t feel a connection, if they’re not interested in knowing or helping you develop your vision; they’re not the right fit for you or your new bathroom project.

Sally O’Donnell AKA Mrs Action Plumber

Form vs. Function

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