Going potty: decor for the bathroom

Your bathroom is usually the smallest and most chaotic room in the house, and yet it’s probably the place where you go to relax and unwind with a long shower or bubble bath after a long day.

The last thing that you’ll want is a bathroom filled with lotions, potions and finicky accessories that were bought on impulse.

“Before you rush out and stock up on trendy little knick knacks, first take a look and find out exactly how much space you actually have,” advises Jasmin Kraneveldt from Bathroom Bizarre.

“A sure-fire way to make an already small space look smaller is by filling it up with lots of stuff. Sophisticated, but simple ideas are the way to go in order to create an inviting and comfortable bathroom space with staying power. Trying to squeeze as much into the space a possible is not going to work – instead, rather choose key pieces that will make an impact.”

Kraneveldt suggests using clever design tricks to make your bathroom seem larger than it actually is.

“Tiling the entire bathroom will make the space look uniform and larger than it actually is. It is also a good idea to add some detailing – like a horizontal listello using interesting mosaic tiles for example. This will give the space more depth and colour, but without adding any clutter,” explains Kraneveldt.

A listello is a tiled border that is usually used to create an interesting design element in a room. Mirrors also give the illusion of added space in your bathroom. You can add a bit of vibrancy to the room with a statement created with textured, patterned or coloured tiles.

“Other ways to add personality include adding plants, like orchids for example, which will have the ability to infuse the area with a pop of colour; or you can use accessories, such as a fun shower curtain, bathmat or towels, or alternatively, you could hang a beautiful printed shower screen or piece of art,” suggests Kraneveldt.

Kraneveldt advises against adding bulky, decorative pieces to a small bathroom.

“It’s best to choose an all-in-one sink and vanity solution that is proportionate to the space in which it will be featured. Avoiding clutter is a must in a small space, so it’s imperative to include as much storage as possible, so that all toiletries and bath-time knick-knacks can be neatly stored away, out of sight,” asserts Kraneveldt.

Your choice of toilet can be another big space-saving option.

“It’s best to choose a wall-hung toilet, where the cistern is built directly into the bathroom wall. All that you see is a neat and clean flushplate on the wall located behind the wall-hung toilet – creating a space-saving and aesthetically pleasing composition. Wall-hung toilets are also raised above the floor, which creates the illusion of added floor space below,” says Kraneveldt.

Clever lighting tricks can make a big difference when trying to make a space look bigger. Together with strategically placed mirrors, you can amplify any light in the room.

“By infusing a small space with light – you will instantaneously make it appear larger. So, throw out the dull 1970s bathroom light and invest in a pretty, but petite modern fitting. If you have a window, then make use of the natural light by enhancing it – keep your windows clean and hang curtains or blinds that will let the light filter through. If you don’t have a window, think about installing a skylight, or you can install track lighting to create the perception of a longer room,” Kraneveldt advises.

She says that the colour of the room will also influence how light and bright it seems: “Whatever you do, keep the ceiling white, and avoid dark colours for the walls at all costs. Rather opt for soft neutral tones – this will not only liven up the space visually, but these tones will also guarantee added longevity to the bathroom’s design, as they won’t date and grow old quickly.”

Keeping things simple and sleek is a must, so shop for the right sanitaryware for the space that you have.

“It’s easy to get carried away with a new design project,” explains Kraneveldt, “not getting overly excited and caught up with different designs, colours and furniture is very important.

” This will only result in an overloaded space, clashing pieces and things that don’t fit. If you only remember one thing, remember to keep it simple. Include one feature in the room – whether it is a mosaic floor or feature wall, an attractive vanity or a spectacular light fitting, or a printed shower screen. The rest of the room must be kept clean cut. Opt for faucets, bathroom accessories and sanitaryware with simple, clean lines – nothing fussy. Also, be sure that the design flows seamlessly – the accessories must match the faucets and the sanitaryware for a unified design aesthetic that works together.”