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Family values

Make your bathroom work for everyone in your home with our superb selection of clever ideas.

Article by: Fae Gilfillan
Publish date: 5th January 2010

The bathroom is one of the hardest-working areas in the family home, but an inferior layout and poor fittings can create chaotic mornings and evenings for all concerned. However, with a little inspiration and some clever design solutions, yours will become more practical and stylish and able to cope with the needs of busy people and teenagers alike!

A problem shared…
If you have the space, install your shower in one room with your bath in another. With the added flexibility this provides, everyone should have more time to relax without the worry of who's waiting outside, or worse still, banging on the door! Don't forget, though, if your house is listed, check with your local authority whether you'll need planning permission, especially if you have structural changes in mind.

Longer-lasting options
One area which has really taken a leap forward in recent years is flooring. Carpet is warm and cosy underfoot and is an obvious choice for many, but you must be careful to avoid splashing, especially from boisterous children. In the shower area, you might do better by opting for stone or tiles. Both are fantastic, long-lasting materials, but do take advice on the suitability of your floor for these surfaces, especially if it is uneven or possibly not strong enough to take the weight. Another plus for these harder surfaces is that they often have great heat-retaining capabilities so are ideal for underfloor heating. There's nothing worse than a chilly bathroom! 
Another option, especially if you're worried about little ones or the elderly slipping on a hard surface is a good quality laminate: this is also likely to be less expensive. Today’s laminates often look terrific and come in a wide range of styles, so there should be something to suit everyone.
While we're thinking about the shower, when picking your fixtures and fittings consider everyone in your family. A directional hose will make washing easier for any little ones as they can get closer to the water source and keep the soap out of their eyes. You, however, may prefer a fixed shower rose above; it will offer a powerful spray to cover the entire body without you having to move an inch, which is perfect after a long day at work or in the home. So, look for bathroom companies that offer both. 

Clever cleaning
A shower with a directional spray is also ideal for cleaning as it will instantly wash away leftover soap suds. When selecting tiles, the larger you pick, the easier they’ll be to keep clean and those with a moisture-resistant treatment will immediately make life better still. 

Enough space for everyone
Consider a ladder-style or column radiator in your bathroom as it will be better for drying your towels. And, when buying towels, look for a mixture of sizes and those which are highly absorbent, to help you all dry quickly. For a family bathroom, the more you have, the better, especially if you are entertaining overnight guests too.

Don’t forget your toothbrush
A well-lit mirror is essential and a small step by the sink will help your children see what they’re doing, especially when it comes to brushing their teeth. Accommodate your little ones too when considering storage solutions. Cupboards with low shelves are perfect for those of school age, as their own items will then be within easy reach. Meanwhile, invest in a wall unit for your lotions and potions to ensure you can enjoy some pampering of your own from time to time and, if you store medicines, a lockable cabinet out of reach of little hands is a must.

Style solutions
Style is a matter of personal choice, but there are some trends which tend to work better in family bathrooms. Curved baths and basins not only look sleek and stylish, but are much safer than those with corners. Ensure the paint you select for the walls and ceiling is specially made for bathrooms as you'll be able to wipe away any small soapy handprints without damaging the wall and it will be better able to deal with the steamy conditions. For longevity's sake, stick to neutral colours as you can always brighten things up with accessories like colourful towels and mats. Plum and other berry shades are fashionable for 2010. 

By employing these simple ideas, there's no reason why you can't create a versatile, hard-working space suitable for all the family where you will also find some welcome time to relax and unwind after a busy day.