changing areas & washrooms
Flying colours
Trevor Bowers, MD of Washroom Washroom, outlines the key factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a colour scheme for washrooms and changing areas.
WASHROOMS and changing areas, which are often used as a marker by which to judge the rest of the building, are prime spaces in which colour can and should be used to create an inviting, user-friendly space. Clients increasingly want to create a bespoke space for their washrooms and changing areas. Colour, which can reflect running design themes or corporate branding, plays a central role in the design process. The effective use of colour is key to ensuring facilities not only look good, but are practical and accessible, creating an environment in which users will feel at ease. Accessibility in washrooms and changing
areas is not just about installing lower level showers and disabled cubicles. Colour plays an important role too. For example, the contrast between different colours can be exaggerated to make it easier for those with visual impairments to navigate their way around the space. Colour can also be
used to easily differentiate between areas, for example, male/female changing areas, showers, locker areas and toilets, which again makes for a more user- friendly space. Washrooms and changing areas
generally have limited natural light, so the choice of colour can make a real difference to the feel of the finished area. Opting for a bright colour palette which reflects the light will help to create a more open space, while darker colours will make the room feel enclosed and should therefore be avoided where possible. It’s essential that washrooms and changing areas are built to withstand the test of time. And that applies to the colour scheme as well as the materials. It may be tempting to opt for fashionable colours and on trend colour combinations, but there’s a risk that these will become outdated within a few years. Avoid this
pitfall by selecting colours which tone in together, either creating a contrast or complementing each other. Mixing the main colour or colours with white, wood veneer effects and patterns to break up the main blocks of colour will also help to create a timeless design. An innovative way to inject a splash of
colour and personality into a washroom or changing room design is through the use of screen printing on cubicles, vanities and lockers. Screen printing allows operators to create a unique and fun style which can be tailored to fit with existing themed areas and complement the rest of the building, but can also be easily refreshed with new designs over time. Our new screen printed glass lockers use digital printing to produce virtually any design in wide range of colours for a distinctive finish.
www.washroom.co.uk leisuredab.co.uk 33
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