In today's market the bathroom is one of the most important areas to get right when re-furbishing or building a house. In all of our busy lives, as it is used every day, it must suit the criteria of the family, couple or individuals who use it. When designing a bathroom you need to consider space, comfort, practicality/mod cons and of course the "look" besides bearing in mind the user and number of users.

The bathroom is probably second to the kitchen in complexity to achieve.We have previously written an article on interior design software and kitchen design software. The bathroom is another area in the house where it is probably a very good idea to have a design drawn up before starting work - it is too easy to make mistakes, particularly when plumbing is involved, and you need to achieve the least expensive end product without jeopardizing the bathroom itself.

When thinking about designing a bathroom, it is usually one of the smallest rooms in the house, but used very regularly, so using the space provided to the best advantage is very important, including storage space. Loos need to be nearest to soil pipes, or as near as possible to the sceptic tank etc. Plumbing likes straight lines and gravity comes into this as well. The more complex the plumbing the more expensive. Basins are often a good idea near a window for the light, but also the mirror needs to be thought about when placing the basin.Cast iron baths are more solid than plastic/acrylic (albeit that pressed steel baths have improved enormously over the last few years) - however it can be a good selling point if you have installed a cast iron bath - there is a certain cache about them and the price now varies hugely - you do not have to spend a fortune on them - and by setting the bath off you will give a very comfortable, luxurious feeling surrounded by all sorts of bathing "goodies".

Shower curtains are inexpensive but messy looking and not practical or particularly attractive: they are inclined to ‘stick' to you and can often be the cause of flooding. This could be a false saving. Also when considering the design of a bathroom and bearing in mind today's "health and safety" laws, such as no sockets in a bathroom - at most a shaver socket - ensure there is a socket relatively nearby so you can use a hoover or other appliance.

Lighting in the bathroom is vital (particularly during those dark, cold, wet November and/or January days). You almost cannot have enough light - we suggest lights either side of the mirror, in the ceiling (these can be inset/recessed or pendant lights) and over the shower or bath - but again they must adhere to our current health and safety laws.

Overall when designing a bathroom, if there is enough space, consider installing both a separate shower and a bath - a shower is becoming more and more popular, partly for speed and also for its economical use of water - however there is nothing like a bath, when you are feeling tired, stressed or ‘washed-out' and need to soak, relax and wash away all cares and are then refreshed and ready to tackle the next part of the day. If both cannot be fitted in, then consider having a proper shower installed in the bath with a shower screen - giving you both options in one.

Jane Dodson

KSD Design Company