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Bathroom - Avoiding Design Mistakes

Everybody wants a bathroom that looks good and is practical.  The key to this is good design, whether you are undertaking the design process yourself or having a professional such as an interior designer do it for you.  Here are some of the most common mistakes that are made in bathroom design so that you know what to avoid.

Bathroom Design Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Tile Adhesive

As well as ensuring that the bathroom is waterproofed correctly, it is important to ensure that the tile adhesive that is used is waterproof as well.  The tiles alone are not waterproof, no matter how closely the tiles are laid.  If the adhesive is not waterproof, eventually, water will deteriorate the adhesive and cause the tiles to crack or fall off the walls.

Bathroom Design Mistake #2: Not Leaving Enough Room for the Door

Many people do not allow enough space for the bathroom door, and when it’s finally installed, they find that it hits on the vanity or some other aspect of the bathroom.  Take the time in the plans to ensure that the door will open fully to save yourself a world of annoyance later.  If you have a smaller bathroom or ensuite, consider a sliding door or a door that opens outwards.

Bathroom Design Mistake #3: Placing the Toilet Incorrectly

If the toilet is to be inside your bathroom, ensure that it is in a logical spot.  It can get very annoying over time if the toilet is too far away from the sink.  Place the toilet near the sink and as far from the door as possible.

Bathroom Design Mistake #4: Using Trendy Colours

A bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to renovate or build, so it is likely that you will only be doing it once every few years at the absolute most.  Therefore, the permanent elements of the bathroom such as the tiles, toilet, vanity, shower and bath should be in classic, neutral colours so that the bathroom does not date.  The latest colours can always be introduced via accessories.

Bathroom Design Mistake #5: Difficult to Access Plumbing

There is always the possibility that the pipes may leak or even burst and if the pipes are too difficult to access, it will cost you dearly down the track.  Ensure that your pipes are positioned so that they can be easily accessed when needed for repairs and the floor or tiling won’t have to be ripped up.

Bathroom Design Mistake #6: Poor Ventilation

The bathroom is not called a wet area for nothing!  If the bathroom does not have adequate ventilation, condensation will build up and may eventually cause mould and damage to structural elements.  Ensure that you have a window and an exhaust fan that vents to the outside of the home to minimise problems.

Bathroom Design Mistake #7: Insufficient Storage

You may not think that you need much storage in a bathroom but when you take into account things such as towels, grooming products, personal items, and toiletries, you will soon wish that you had more room.  Ensure that you have plenty of built in storage such as a spacious vanity unit or built in cabinetry.  Don’t forget to allow for storage in the shower either!  You don’t want bottles all over the floor.

Bathroom Design Mistake #8: Slippery Floors

No matter what type of flooring you use, if you fail to ensure that it is slip-resistant, you are setting yourself up for a fall.  Safe flooring is especially important if you have elderly people or children in your home.  Don’t just rely on the bathmat for safety. 

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