Opinion
kbb Birmingham 2018 Show Special
How to… create a stylish and functional small bathroom
Angus Kerr, director of The Bathroom Company in Scotland, has some tips to make the most of a small bathroom space and how to work in features that will help the design standout from the crowd and keep the client happy
T
he most important element in any project – large or small – is always the design. However, in many ways, a small room is far more challenging,
because of space restrictions and availability of products that will not only enhance the look of the room, but also create more functionality.
There are two main paths to take when working on a small-room project with a client: supply and install or supply only.
The supply and install approach is the
most comprehensive, encompassing design techniques based on what can be done with the plumbing and joinery, while incorporating stylish products. This route allows the designer far more scope and control of a project and delivering a room that will be far more individual. The supply-only route focuses mainly on the ‘small space equals small products’ principle. As all designers know, the desire to discuss design possibilities with supply-only clients can be challenging, if the construction and drainage are not known. Making suggestions to a client about what can be done and attempting to convey this to their fitters can make you piggy-in-the-middle.
Think differently
When creating a design in a small room, it is vital to look at the construction of the walls, floor and drainage runs. This will enable the designer to think differently about what goes where in the room. The first priority in any small room is to have the shower tray drain into the floor, basin supplies and drains into the wall, put WCs and radiators up off the floor, or forget radiators and go for underfloor heating instead.
The more of the floor that can be seen, the cleaner the room will look. And remember, if a small room is going to stand out, having a
Above: This small space, by The Bathroom Company, delivers in terms of design and functionality
standard 1,200mm shower shoehorned into the room will be to the detriment of the WC and basin. After carefully considering the design of the room, the products should then be chosen to work with the plan. Consider the look and size of the WC, have smaller radiators hung higher up the wall – or even have them pocketed into the wall over the WC if there is a severe lack of space. Basins can be wider and shallower in depth,
but it’s better to restrict the size of the basin for the sake of keeping balance and harmony in the design. If additional storage is desired, then type of basin unit, wall cabinets, recesses, set-down space should all be a priority. The placement of
mirrors in a small room
should be high priority, as they can add depth and perspective even to the smallest of features. Custom-made mirrors, cut to allow wall-mounted taps, are a very effective and practical way to add individuality to a design.
88 kbbreview kbb Birmingham Special Edition March 2018
Lastly, lighting. So often this is restricted to ceiling down-lights and whatever the mirror gives. LED lighting in a small space works fantastically. Lighting recesses, under-basin units, plinth lighting and ceiling-to-wall LED strips, can all be controlled via regular multi-switching. For a better effect, have ceiling lights on a conventional switch and all feature lights on a PIR (passive infra-red sensor) that will automatically light the room when someone walks in. There are also a number of innovative mirrors from various manufacturers, including Keuco, that will give different shades of light to mimic dusk- to-dawn lighting, which can be very effective in a small, windowless room.
Always consider the features for the room at
the very start of a project and draw up a wish list. Then see how many you can fit in and how you hope to install them. And if you’re told that your ideas can’t be done then, before moving on, be sure to ask, why not.
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