The ultimate bathroom design guide

It’s fair to say that bathrooms are one of the trickiest rooms in the house to get right. Similar to your kitchen, the decisions you make in your bathroom are hard to undo, so mistakes can be costly.

That’s why we’ve combined the bathroom expertise of our interior designers with the pros over at Drench to answer the big questions we get asked regularly. So brace yourself for more information on tackling a bathroom update than you could shake a loofah at!

Drench also offers 3D Bathroom Design plus a Free Consultation Service to help you  visualise your new bathroom

Bathroom Design:

1. Bathroom layouts

2. Small Bathroom Layouts

3. Loft bathroom layouts

4. Bathroom colour scheme ideas (that won’t date!)

5. Bathroom design trends

6. Bathroom flooring ideas

7. Tile options

8. Wallpaper for bathrooms

9. New bathroom cost

Bathroom fixtures:

10. Choosing between a matt or glossy tubs or sink

11. Concrete sinks vs porcelain

12. Bathroom lighting

13. Bathroom heating

14. Rules on mixing bathroom metals

15. Aftercare for black and brass bathroom fittings

16. Small Bathroom storage ideas

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Bathroom layouts

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

There are few rooms in your home where the layout is so important as your bathroom...perhaps the kitchen is the exception! Once it's plumbed in - it's in! This is why it's so important to think carefully upfront to avoid expensive mistakes.

For bathrooms, you typically don't have a lot of space to work with, which requires some clever and creative thinking to make the most of every inch (more about that in the next section). 

Start by thinking about what the bathroom layout needs to include. Obviously, you need the basics like a toilet and sink, but you also need to decide whether you're having a bath, shower...or both.

In most cases, if you're replacing an existing bathroom, your layout will be limited by existing features like windows and doors but also where the waste pipe is situated or your radiator. There might be only one place your toilet can be situated so from that starting point, you can layer in the remaining elements.

Don't forget to think about those sight lines. What's the first thing you see when you open the bathroom door? What can you see from the hallway or adjoining room when the door is open? Where possible, make sure it's not the toilet! Every room needs a focal point so in the bathroom that could be a beautifully styled vanity or a statement tiled wall. 

Don't forget we're here if you need a helping hand! Our designers are pros at getting the best bathroom layouts out of your space. Start your brief now to begin your bathroom transformation:

Small bathroom layouts

Polly, Drench

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Just because you have a small bathroom, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style and functionality. It’s crucial to focus on the essentials when designing a small bathroom, which may mean sacrificing a bath for a shower and a vanity unit for a wall-hung basin.

What’s the smallest bathroom size?

Many UK bathrooms are very small in size and only have space for essential sanitaryware and furniture. Some cloakroom bathrooms can be as small as 1500mm x 800mm, and will solely fit a sink and a toilet. However, size isn’t everything!

Samantha Lawson, senior design consultant at Drench claims:
“The smallest bathroom we've worked with was 1700mm x 800mm and just included a shower enclosure, basin and WC.

That being said, some of my favourite projects have been small bathrooms, as they often pack a punch and people are happy to be more bold with their choice of décor!”

Key challenges when designing a small bathroom

With a small bathroom design, you’ll need to think more carefully about the placement of the furniture and go with the idea that “less is more.” Slight changes in the positioning of furniture can make a huge difference to the appearance and feel of a small bathroom.

Samantha continues,
“Quite often the biggest challenge in a smaller space is that people often take inspiration from bathrooms that are a lot larger, so try to cram too much into the space. A bathroom, no matter how big or how small, needs to have functionality at its heart as well as your desired aesthetic.”

Image Credit: Drench

Create a wet room

Wet rooms are a great way to create an illusion of more space in a small bathroom and wet room panels are less bulky than shower enclosures so will offer a smart, streamlined, finish.

You can get shower trays from as small as 800mm x 800mm, so this size can easily fit into narrow bathrooms - you’ll just need to ensure you have enough space for easy access in and out of the shower as well as areas to fit a toilet and basin. It’s a good idea to install underfloor heating instead of towel rails in small shower rooms to provide a quick drying function and save on even more space.

Wall mounted furniture

One of the easiest ways you can create the feeling of extra space in your bathroom is to raise the furniture off the floor. This could include a wall-hung toilet, basin or vanity unit.

Grace Reynolds, design consultant at Drench suggests, “with limited floor space, it would be advisable to use a wall-mounted vanity unit and toilet to create the illusion of space as more flooring is visible.

We’re currently working on a design for a downstairs cloakroom with an adjoining cupboard that’s being converted into a shower room. The room is L-shaped which allows for a shower enclosure at 900mm x 700mm, along with a small wall mounted vanity unit and a wall hung toilet.”

Image Credit: Drench

Vertical storage

For small spaces, it’s good practice to use the height of the room to save on floor space. Tall cabinets are a great way to keep bathroom essentials out of sight and you can choose from an array of options to match the rest of your bathroom suite.

Wall mounted shelves are also a great way to bring more storage into your small bathroom. You can also make shelves a feature by placing hero items such as plants, towels and accessories.

Showers vs baths

If you don’t have enough floor space for a bath, which as a standard size are 1700mm long and 700mm wide, showers are a great option as they use the height of the room without taking up much floor space. A standard sized shower tray is around 800mm x 800mm, making them much more space-saving than a bath.

L-shaped or P-shaped shower baths are a great way to combine the ease of a shower with the functionality of a bath, which is why they’re so popular for family bathrooms.

Image Credit: Drench

As long as you have enough space for the essentials, have taken accurate measurements and the plumbing allows for it, most rooms in the house can be converted into bathrooms. The design process can be tricky to get right, but Drench and My Bespoke Room are here to help this task less daunting and can offer expert advice to help you plan your bathroom design.

Want this guide on tap? Download it here:

Loft bathroom layouts

Polly, Drench

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Many people are converting lofts and attics into bathrooms, which is a great way to improve on an often unused space, as well as adding extra value to your home. Unfortunately, these can be awkwardly-shaped and it’s common to have alcoves and sloped ceilings. Here’s how to navigate around this when installing a new bathroom.

Work with the shape of the room

The key thing to keep in mind in bathroom design is to work with what you have. Recognising the limitations of the room will allow you to be more realistic with what you can and can’t install in the space. 

Sloped ceilings

It’s common for lofts to have sloped ceilings, but this doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from being converted into a bathroom. It’s crucial to ensure that there’s enough ceiling height for furniture such as baths, showers and toilets. 

Grace Reynolds, design consultant at Drench says,

“It’s important to try and locate the shower enclosure in the tallest part of the room - the sloped ceilings will usually dictate how large the shower can be as most shower enclosures are between 1900mm to 200mm tall.”

It can also be a good idea to place a bath beneath low ceilings and alcoves as you won’t need this space to stand up fully - this will also make your bathroom feel extra luxurious and cosy! Toilets will need at least 1800mm head height so bear this in mind when taking your measurements before renovating.

Corner ceramics

When you have a small, awkwardly-shaped bathroom, maximising the amount of space you have is important. If there isn’t too much straight wall space, a corner basin or toilet could be the answer. Although they aren’t the most common choice, a corner toilet can help free up space in a small bathroom for a larger bath or sink.

Image Credit: Drench

How to Add Light

The best way to add natural light into a loft-converted bathroom is to install windows or a skylight. If this isn’t possible, you can also add light by choosing white and neutral colours for the walls and floors to brighten the space. Although white is a great colour to add vibrancy to a dark bathroom, overusing it can wash out the space so it’s important to go for off-white colours and tones such as beige and light wood to provide some warmth.

You can also help light to flow through a dark space by investing in large mirrors, shower glass instead of curtains and reflective surfaces such as chrome hardware and glossy paints.

Corner Shower Enclosures

If your loft bathroom is lacking floor space, you can install your shower enclosure in the corner to make use of an unused area. Corners are normally dark and shadowed spaces, (especially in lofts due to a lack of natural light), so can be brought to life by installing features such as a modern shower enclosure.

Image Credit: Drench

Once you have navigated your way around the tricky measurements of a loft-converted bathroom, it can actually be a worthwhile project to complete and an opportunity to really experiment with design.

Need a helping hand with your bathroom redesign? Start your brief now to begin your bathroom transformation:

Bathroom colour scheme ideas

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room & Da Silva Design

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Green and gold

It seems we can't get enough green in our homes and our bathrooms are no exception. Opt for richer, jewel-toned green tiles for a sophisticated and grown-up water closet, or minty fresh tones to give a fresh and clean feeling which is so perfect for bathrooms. Whatever your chosen shade of green, we love pairing it with gold fixtures as the yellow tones sit beautifully with green. Nature meets luxury.

Pastel pink and black

We're long past seeing pink as a colour reserved for little girls' bedrooms - pink is now a neutral!  It's the perfect choice if you're looking for something a bit different but still want the room to feel fresh and bright. 

Choose chalky, pastel hues and pair with black accents to give your pink bathroom an edge.

Monochrome

For those of you looking for something sleek and contemporary, a monochrome scheme could work beautifully in your bathroom. A word of warning though! Simple schemes can be the hardest to pull off and monochrome in particular can easily look uninspiring or like a black and white photo! Avoid this by adding in a third colour naturally like wicker baskets or lots of greenery for a beautiful pop of colour. 

Classic blue and white

There’s no denying that blue and white is a classic when it comes to bathroom colour schemes. There’s no need to go full nautical though! You can give this scheme a much needed modern update opting for a richer, darker shade of blue or contrasting with black hardware to give it an edge.

Bathroom design trends

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Colourful basins

White bathroom basins are such a cliché, don't you think?! Well, we wouldn't go that far but we are loving the latest trend of incorporating colourful basins into your bathroom design.

Keeping it natural

Using nature as design inspiration is a trend we're loving across the entire home, but we're also now seeing it in the bathroom. For so long, bathroom designs have been all about clean and somewhat clinical surfaces, and so this new trend is a breath of fresh air!

Natural elements like wood and plants add so much warmth and texture to a space and can instantly put you at ease. Look at incorporating wooden slats or a wooden vanity to achieve this. Even using rattan baskets on your shelves or as a laundry basket can help to bring the feel of the outdoors, in. 

Plants, plants and more plants are essential to nailing this trend in your bathroom! You can even hang them from the ceiling if you lack space. Make sure you choose plants that love plenty of moisture and don't mind limited light. Artificial plants are always an option as well as a low-maintenance alternative.

Soft and curvy edges

It's time to start cutting corners....literally, not figuratively of course. We're loving incorporating curves into our bathroom designs lately. Think rounded freestanding tubs, circular basins or a fluted front to your vanity. 

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Need a helping hand with your bathroom redesign? Start your brief now to begin your bathroom transformation:

Bathroom flooring

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Did you think you were just limited to tiles? Of course not! There's a whole sea of bathroom flooring options out there for you to scratch your head over. Here are some of the most popular and up-and-coming flooring options:

Timber

Wooden flooring is a beautiful option for period properties and can be an excellent softer alternative to ceramic tiles as at times these can feel a bit clinical. Wooden flooring in bathrooms isn't the most durable option though it has to be said, as it can stain if water is left on it too long and with constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity, the boards could warp.

This isn't to say it's not an option though! Engineered board options are better suited due to how they are constructed with layers of ply beneath. Be sure to check the product details before purchasing as the supplier will usually make it clear if it's been treated and is suitable for use in bathrooms. 

Also, keep it away from wet rooms and heavy splash zones, like family bathrooms with young children!

Polished concrete

An increasingly popular option for bathroom flooring is polished concrete which gives a beautiful seamless look without any grout lines. It's also easy to clean and won't be damaged when wet. The cons are that it's cold underfoot (similar to porcelain tiles) and could also be slippery if not treated in the appropriate way. 

There is also a question of whether your bathroom is structurally capable of holding concrete, even just a thin pour. In common timber framed homes installation would be extremely costly and complicated. Don't despair though, the next option could be the one for you.

Microcement

If you love the industrial look of concrete and want to banish grout lines, micro cement could be your answer. It's a decorative coating that can be laid directly over your existing floor, so there's no demolition required. It's also very quick to install and so you could be walking over it in a matter of days.

Some other very persuasive benefits of this bathroom flooring option are that it's extremely versatile as it can be applied from floors to walls and can come in any colour. The possibilities are endless as you could even use it for the sink or bath or even on the walls!

Image Credit: Topciment

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)

Does the word ‘vinyl’ fill you with horror? Well stick with us - it’s not the vinyl of old! They’ve stuck the word ‘luxury’ in front, after all.

LVT tiles are very realistic alternatives to wood or stone (seriously - even we can’t tell the difference sometimes!) with the added benefit that they’re water resistant, easy to maintain and durable - a win win.

Porcelain or ceramic tiles

Last but by no means least, are porcelain and ceramic tiles which are the most popular option to date.

The obvious benefits of porcelain and ceramic tiles are that they are hardwearing and waterproof - ideal for bathrooms. They also come in a vast array of colours and patterns making them a popular choice, no matter the look you're going for.

You'd be forgiven for not understanding the difference between porcelain and ceramic. In a nutshell, porcelain is more dense, hardwearing and waterproof so it can even be used outside. It's more brittle than ceramic however and it also comes at a higher cost, so if you're on a budget, opt for its cheaper cousin, ceramic.

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room & Da Silva Design

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Tile options

Alexa, My Bespoke Room Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Don’t know your herringbone from your basket weaves? No problem! Below are some of the most popular tile shapes and patterns to inspire you for your transformation.

Before we get stuck in, let’s address the elephant in the bathroom - can you mix and match tile patterns? Yes! Absolutely. Mixing and matching will add interest and make it truly unique, so get creative!

Metro tile patterns:

The humble metro tile is so versatile. They come in pretty much every colour and finish and can vary from super affordable to a luxury cost. We love them because the patterns are endless!

Half offset - Slim and wide tile:

Half offset - diagonal:

Straight stacked:

Basket weave

Traditional, straight and double

Chevron tile pattern:

Herringbone vs chevron

Herringbone and chevron tiles are similar….but not the same. Here are a few things to consider when deciding between them:

1. If you are working to a budget, you can use more affordable tiles in a herringbone pattern.
   
2. You get more tile wastage from a herringbone pattern and it can cost a little more to lay.
   
3. Chevron tiles can be more expensive however you get less wastage.
   
4. Both patterns can be rotated to any angle you like!

Wallpaper for bathrooms

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Not content with just tiles and paint? We like your style. Wallpaper in bathrooms is a big fat 'yes' from us. We love to pull colours from a wallpaper pattern and use them through the rest of the design such as a pink tile from a pink and green floral scene.

You might be worried about how long wallpaper can last in a humid environment like a bathroom. There are vinyl wallpaper options out there that will be more durable, however you can still use regular wallpaper if you stick to some rules.

Our advice would be to not put it directly in splash zones unless you plan to put a sheet of glass as a backsplash to protect it. If you're blessed with a large, spacious bathroom, then you can afford to put your bathtub away from the walls to protect it from splashes even more.

You should also take time to prep the walls properly beforehand and don't skimp on the adhesive.

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Wallpaper is particularly perfect in downstairs cloakrooms. As you don't spend a great deal of time in this room you can afford to go big on pattern and colour to create something truly memorable for guests! Check out our guide of 8 creative downstairs loo designs for inspiration.

New bathroom cost

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Unfortunately, the answer is - 'it depends'! The cost of your new bathroom will come down to the level of finish, the size, and how much of the layout will need to be changed. It also can come down to location - with projects in London costing considerably more.

Let's break down the average costs into fixtures and fittings and then labour:

• Fixtures and fittings:
  • the average cost across all our client's projects is around £2,500. 
• Labour:
  • Removal of old bathroom furniture: £70 - £100
  • Suite installation (toilet, basin, shower/bath, taps and other furniture): £500 - £800
  • Decoration and finishing (including tiling, flooring and painting): £1000 - £2000
    (courtesy of Thomas Goodman at myjobquote.co.uk)
    

To keep the cost of your bathroom update down, keep the layout the same.  That way you won't need to pay a plumber to move pipes around which can get expensive and disruptive. 

Choosing between a matt or glossy tubs or sink

Polly, Drench 

 

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Polished bathroom features are a popular choice for traditional bathrooms, with their timeless charm most sought-after in many bathrooms. However, matt finishes are becoming more common in modern homes, offering a more contemporary feel.

Polished Finishes

Image Credit: Drench

Polished baths and basins are the most traditional type of sanitaryware, and a finish that many people request when designing their bathrooms. Polished surfaces are well-suited for bathrooms that lack natural light, as any available light will reflect upon these glossy surfaces, making the space look bright, fresh and more inviting.

Polished basins are also versatile and look great when paired with matt taps, especially black, but also other polished tap finishes such as chrome and brushed brass to create a shiny, bright look.

Matt Finishes

Image Credit: Drench

Matt finishes are a modern alternative to polished features and have a certain flatter, two-dimensional finish that will make a statement in any bathroom they’re placed in. Matt finishes have been making waves around the home for a few years now, and matt black finishes for taps, showers and accessories are continuing to be a popular choice in bathrooms.

Matt baths and basins will provide a soft, smooth finish, and will really elevate your bathroom design, ensuring it stands out from the crowd. The wonderful thing about matt is that it’s easy to maintain; the material won’t show imperfections such as smudges and fingerprints, making it a great option for busy bathrooms.

Need a helping hand with your bathroom redesign? Start your brief now to begin your bathroom transformation:

Concrete sinks vs porcelain

Polly, Drench 

Concrete sinks

If you’re looking for a rustic, industrial style, a concrete sink is the way to go. Durable and dramatic, concrete sinks can be easily painted to add a retro pop of colour to your bathroom, making them popular choices for modern bathroom design.

Pros:

1. Concrete sinks are super stylish and unique - no two concrete sinks will look the same. Rustic, industrial bathrooms will suit these types of sinks and the material can be painted in a variety of colours such as blush pink and or black.
2. Concrete is also easy to maintain. As long as the material is sealed and waxed regularly, it’ll be protected from various elements and wear + tear.
3. It’s a durable and robust material that will last for tens of years. Due to its forgiving finish, it’s easy to repair and reseal so any minor marks or imperfections will blend into the rustic feel.

Cons:

1. If you’re looking for a sleek, polished finish in your bathroom, concrete probably isn’t the best option and its rustic charm is better suited to natural bathrooms.
2. The material is naturally porous, so high quality sealers are recommended to protect concrete from spill and stains.
3. There can be limitations in terms of size and style, as concrete sinks are usually manufactured to a limited to a standard width and length to ensure it’s durable enough for use.

Porcelain sinks

Porcelain sinks are one of the most popular, versatile styles of sink and are known for being easy to maintain and clean.

Pros:

1. Porcelain is known for its sleek and polished finish. Modern, spa-themed bathrooms will suit porcelain sinks as they’re usually very minimalist and stylish.
2. It’s also non-porous and easy to clean, so it's a great low-maintenance option. You can rest assured that any stains and grime will be easy to remove from the surface, and the sparkle can be maintained with ease.
3. The timelessness of porcelain means that it will suit most bathrooms including modern and traditional styles and it is very uniform.

Cons:

1. Due to its overall durability, porcelain can have the susceptibility to chip as it is a lot thinner than concrete.
2. You should be wary to use harsh chemicals such as bleach on porcelain as it can be prone to staining and discolouring.
3. You could argue that porcelain is a simple, ordinary option that doesn’t stand out too much from the crowd. But nevertheless, a great option for an understated bathroom design.

Bathroom lighting

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

Lighting is key to the success of your bathroom design and so don't leave this one as an afterthought! Not only because bathrooms typically lack natural light, but also because you need strong task lighting for your daily preening as well as soft, warm lighting for relaxing soaks in the tub. Not an easy balance to get right.

Make sure you have strong overhead lighting placed evenly around the room so that there are no dark shadows. Consider where your shower screen will be when placing any spotlights so that it's positioned correctly above the shower head to help you see properly. 

Wall lighting above your vanity is also a must-have, positioned at eye level if possible. This will give you direct lighting perfect for seeing your beautiful face clearly. 

Dimmers will be your best friend so that you can create a truly adaptive lighting scheme.

IP ratings explained

You might not be surprised to hear that electricity and water don't mix! That's why your bathroom lights need to be IP rated. There are 3 zones to be aware of which essentially signify how close they will be to water.

We won't go into all the gory details but an IP rating can be found within the product specification of any light you're buying and will have two digits after 'IP'. The first digit (0-6) refers to the object's protection against things like dust. The second (0-8) tells you how well it is protected from water. This applies to general humidity or complete submersion.

Image Credit: Drench

Zone 0:  This zone applies to anywhere that will be submerged in water like inside a shower enclosure or within the bathtub. Electrical appliances in this zone must meet a rating of IP67.

Zone 1: is the area above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. Use light with IP65.

Zone 2: is the 60 cm perimeter of the sink and bath (height of 2.25m) We suggest IP44.

Outside zones: This is where no water spray is likely. No specific IP requirements here but we suggested at least IP20+.

Bathroom heating

Polly, Drench

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

There are a number of different ways to heat your bathroom sufficiently, but it’s crucial to get it right. This section explores the different options of heating, along with some design inspiration to make your radiators stand out as a design feature, not just an essential item.

What size radiator do you need?

The size of radiator or towel rail that you need for your bathroom depends on the size of your room, and your radiator’s BTU (British Thermal Unit). BTU is a traditional unit of heat defined as the amount needed to raise one lb of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Therefore, you can calculate a room’s BTU requirements depending on floor space, vertical height, the level of insulation, windows, and so on.

There are plenty of BTU calculator tools that can help you determine which heating options are for you. Now the tricky part is done, the next step is deciding on the type of radiator you would like!

Dual Fuel Towel Rails

If you’re looking to keep your bathroom heating as energy-efficient as possible, a dual fuel towel rail may be the perfect option. These towel rails are hooked up to your central heating and have a separate electric switch that you can control with ease. Therefore, you can choose whether to have them turned on with your central heating or separately, which is great for summer months when your central heating will be off, but you still need to keep your towel rail on to ensure the towels stay dry.

Electric Towel Radiators

Electric towel radiators heat up solely by a switch function, so work separately alongside your central heating. With electric heating, there’s no need to turn the valve up and down, so they’re simple to operate and you can easily find the optimum temperature. These radiators heat up faster than plumbed radiators, so if you’re in need of efficiency fast, electric towel rails are an excellent choice.

Underfloor Heating

Another great option to heat your bathroom is by going down the underfloor heating route. There is a common misconception that underfloor heating will cost you more to run than using radiators, but as the heating mats are thermostatically controlled underneath the flooring, the time taken to heat up is not only faster, but running costs can be lower.

The biggest cost with underfloor heating is the installation. If you have the budget to get this type of heating professionally installed, the cost to run will actually save you pennies in the long term. By going for underfloor heating, it could mean that you may not have to install a heated towel rail in the bathroom as you’ll get enough heat coming from the floor. However, we recommend that you opt for a heated towel rail as well to ensure your towels stay dry and toasty.

Ladder Towel Rails

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

There are a few options when it comes to the different types of heated towel rail for your bathroom, the most popular of those options being a ladder towel rail. These are the go-to choice to keep your bathroom toasty and your towels warm; the space between the bars allow for easy access to store towels and flannels, which ensures that each part gets heated thoroughly. If you want to go one step further, opt for a curved heated towel rail to add a modern touch to your room.

Towel Rail Designs

A classic heated towel rail finish would be chrome, as this colour effortlessly complements almost any bathroom design & scheme, and also offers a traditional charm that many people seek in their bathrooms. For a modern alternative, try a matt black or brushed brass towel rail if you're looking to make a statement. These finishes are increasing in popularity in many UK bathrooms, and offer another level of stylish depth to your bathroom.

Need a helping hand with your bathroom redesign? Start your brief now to begin your bathroom transformation:

Rules on mixing bathroom metals

Alexa, My Bespoke Room

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

With the rise in popularity for black and brass bathroom fixtures and fittings many of our clients are understandably lost as to whether they need to choose one style and stick to it throughout or whether this would be 'too much'.

The answer is that you can do either BUT there are a few rules you should keep in mind to create a cohesive scheme:

1. If you mix metals then make sure there's an even amount of both in the room so you don't have 90% black and just a few random gold elements.

2. If you're mixing, spread them evenly around the room so you don't have all black fixtures around your vanity but then black within your shower.

3. When mixing metals, stick to just two so brass and black for example.

4. You'll find there can be a big range when it comes to gold from yellow gold to antique brass. When using this colour make sure you're sticking to a similar (if not the exact same) shade of gold. 

Aftercare for black and brass bathroom fittings

Polly, Drench

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

It’s important to carry out the right aftercare to ensure your black and brass assets look as great as the day you bought them.

How to clean your special finishes

The process of cleaning matt black and brass assets is fairly similar, so follow this guide to make sure you’re giving your special finishes the right aftercare.

Regular Cleaning

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

For daily cleaning of your brass and matt black assets, ensure that you rinse away any traces of soap and dry with a soft cloth. It’s worth having a cloth next to the tap so you don’t forget to do this regularly. Rinse carefully and dry any water marks as this will prevent water damage and maintain the sleek finish.

Defeating limescale & grime

Instead of using harsh chemical cleaners, use a simple 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water instead which is enough to remove stubborn limescale. Always ensure that you use soft cloths on your special finishes as any rough surface can damage the coating.

Please ensure that you do not leave this vinegar solution on your taps for more than a few seconds, and rinse thoroughly after use to prevent any damage

Unlacquered brass

Image Credit: Drench

Caring for unlacquered brass is slightly different to regular brass. Once aged, this product has a tarnished ‘living’ finish and is manufactured without a coating to expose it to the elements. Some people agree that the best way to clean unlacquered brass is to not! However, if you want to remove limescale and grime, a soft cloth and dish soap is enough to remove dirt and smudges.

Want this guide on tap? Download it here:

Small bathroom storage ideas

Polly, Drench

 

Image Credit: My Bespoke Room

It can be difficult to find storage solutions for small bathrooms, but with the right furniture and accessories, you can easily make room for bathroom essentials without cluttering up your space.

Space-saving vanity units

The best way to organise your bathroom is by investing in a slimline vanity unit. Wall-mounted cloakroom vanity units are a great way to provide storage for small bathrooms as they don’t protrude too far from the wall and contain enough space to keep your bathroom products tucked away.

Drawer dividers are also a game-changer when it comes to organising your bathroom. Baskets and containers work well when placed inside vanity units, and allow you to store smaller items, such as tweezers and nail clippers, separately from bigger items like toothpaste, toilet roll and hairbrushes to ensure that the small items don’t get lost.

Shower caddies

Bath racks and shower caddies are essential features for any modern bathroom design. Caddies are a great way of storing shower products to keep them free from cluttering up your shower tray or sides of the bath. This will transform your shower space and reduce the amount of ring staining that’s left from the bottoms of bottles on surfaces.

Alcove shelves

Image credit: My Bespoke Room and DaSilva design

If you’re looking to modernise your bathroom whilst providing ample storage space, alcove shower shelving might be the perfect solution. More and more people are installing these cubby holes within the shower walls to store shampoo bottles & accessories and we predict this will become more common in bathroom design over the next few years.

This type of shelving is not only perfect for storage, but it can also become a beautiful feature in your bathroom, giving a three-dimensional appearance and a streamlined, efficient look. Alcove shelving is ideal for busy, family bathrooms as these spaces are more likely to become cluttered and disorganised.

Wicker baskets

Image Credit:  My Bespoke Room

There’s an abundance of products that get left around the bathroom, so it’s important that each item has its place. Wicker and belly baskets are great storage solutions for small bathrooms as they’re not only practical, but beautiful;y stylish. Keeping towels, toilet rolls or flannels in wicker baskets provides a modern alternative to other containers and these are also a game changer for rental bathrooms if you’re unable to install any permanent features such as shelves.

Wall mounted shelving & accessories

Image Credit: Drench

One of the best ways to maximise space in your bathroom is by utilising an area that would otherwise go untouched. Installing floating shelves in the spaces above your toilet or vanity unit is a great way to store items such as toilet rolls, plants or candles. Fully making use of your wall space will ensure that your floor space isn’t cluttered with bathroom items.

Wall-mounted accessories such as tumblers and soap dispensers are also a good option for small bathrooms. These features will ensure that the area around your sink is clean and clutter-free, and they will provide a clean and inviting effect to any bathroom design.

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