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The Evening Post - 'A clutter free bathroom is a happy bathroom' - Interiors Column - Jul 2011
A place for everything and everything in its place is key to the smooth running of any home and if you are opting for a clean, contemporary interior it becomes even more important to ensure you have a dedicated space or spaces in which to hide away unsightly clutter.
These days we are all aware of the role the bathroom plays in helping one to unwind after a long stressful day and ensuring it stays free of mess is essential to helping the mind relax and switch off. Therefore, storage is a vital consideration for anyone planning their bathroom. Even if you are almost at the end of your project, don't panic, a simple mirrored cabinet or wall hung corner unit is easy to install at a later stage.
Whether you want to create an ultra modern minimal bathroom or a more eclectic, furnished feel that you will perhaps find more comfortable to live with there is a storage solution that will ensure your shampoo bottles do not detract from beauty of the bathroom.
In a contemporary bathroom consider using a modular wall hung vanity unit to create a striking focal point. These are available in a variety of widths usually ranging from 300mm up to 1800mm or more but even if your space is tight a similar result can be achieved. White gloss always works well, especially if you have limited space to play with. If you are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, you could be more adventurous by selecting black masculine furniture or even a bold, eye-catching colour such as red or purple.
There is now so much choice out there that the options are almost endless. Pick a colour that will a) fit in with the style and dimensions of your bathroom and b) reflects your personality and tastes in some way. A bathroom must be practical and personal.
Italy is most famous for its fashion but it's their flair for furniture that never ceases to impress me as an Interior Designer. Italian styling is very sleek and often incorporates low slung deep drawers that will provide plenty of space for your everyday essentials kept nicely to hand under the basin and worktop area.
If like me you have an uncontrollable obsession with testing out the latest 'must have' lotions and potions and further storage space is required, a mirrored cabinet should do just the trick. A multi functional mirrored cabinet will not only allow you to see exactly where you are applying your face pack, it will also help to enhance the feeling of space as it bounces light around the room and will cleverly conceal all your essentials.
Many models come with the option of integrated lighting, perfect for enhancing functionality in addition to giving the space a funky and stylish feel. In fact Schneider's latest cabinet GRACELINE comes with coloured LED lighting so you can set the mood, maybe bright yellow for a boost in the morning or deep purple for a relaxing, indulgent soak in the tub.
If you find certain styles too stark and prefer an organic bathroom that uses elements of nature such as wood and neutral colours to help create calm and tranquility then choose furniture with rounded edges and softer styling. Modular furniture will still work in this type of interior but its down to material and colour to make the look work. A very fashionable wood at the moment is Zebrano which features a tiger stripe design, alternatively Makassar is a beautiful dark wood that evokes a sense of the orient. Choose worktops in complementary neutral shades or the same material as the unit and consider deck mounted basins in natural stone to complete the look.
There are some clever tricks that will work in any style of room to help to not only create storage but also add an element of design. For example, recessed cupboards are great for maximizing space above the WC and if you are boxing in a bath, doors can be added to the panel to create extra storage that doesn't impinge on floor space. Also, rather than fixed storage, wheeled units can be very versatile tucked under a worktop during a bathrooms busiest time or wheeled in to position next to the bath to provide the perfect resting place for you're favourite novel when its time to chill out.
Finally, don't forget that a few carefully chosen and strategically placed items such as luxury bubble baths and shower gels can actually help enhance the look you want to achieve. Candles also work well in the bathroom as they help to create a luxury, spa like feel. A neat way to store your favorite bathing essentials is to decant them into fancy glass bottles which can then be placed on a wooden bath rack (yes they may remind you of your granny's bathroom but bath racks are making a major comeback right now). But make sure you don't over do it, remember I said a few!!
By Lesley Taylor
Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk.
