A well-designed bathroom can completely transform the feel of a home. Beyond practicality, it’s a space that speaks to quality, calm and considered living — where materials, fittings and finishes work together to create a sense of permanence and quiet luxury.
So, whether you’re refreshing your bathroom to sell; renovating with a view to moving on in a few years; or starting from scratch in a newly-purchased property, we asked the experts to reveal the design details that will not only give it the wow factor, but also add real, long-term value for the future…
Photograph courtesy of Marlborough Tiles
“When the right colours, tiles, taps and fittings combine, your bathroom can be a beautiful asset to your home.”
Taps you can trust
‘Longevity is key when choosing brassware,’ explains Liam Simmons of Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms, Markyate, St Albans. ‘It’s not just about the appearance or feel of a tap – it’s also the quality internally that matters. Lower quality products often use inferior cartridges and poor manufacturing that can fail quickly and be difficult to source and replace. Investing in trusted brands through a reputable bathroom studio will mean you get the right advice on reliability, performance and peace of mind.’ For quality brassware with an established pedigree, check out Lefroy Brooks, ABI Interiors and Perrin & Rowe.
“Longevity is key when choosing brassware.”
Materials matter
As with taps, good quality surfaces are worth the investment. ‘Quartz or Corian can give a seamless look and be bonded with a vanity worktop, leaving no edges for dirt and bacteria to build up underneath,’ says Liam, ‘offering greater quality of finishes than ceramic and generally better durability – particularly quartz.’ As a starting point, take a look at Villeroy & Boch for modern designs and Catchpole & Rye for something more traditional.
Classic good looks
Unsure what style to choose? You can’t go wrong with the classics. ‘Some of the most enduring bathroom designs are pieces that have remained largely unchanged for decades because they simply work,’ explains Paul Dwyer, Managing Director at Thomas Crapper, who have been creating bathroom products for over 150 years. ‘Classic ceramic sanitaryware and exposed toilet systems continue to feel relevant because they combine practicality, longevity and a sense of permanence within the home. Increasingly, people are investing in products with an established design legacy and a lasting visual appeal, in much the same way they might invest in an iconic piece of furniture rather than something more disposable.’
Photograph courtesy of Thomas Crapper
“Classic ceramic sanitaryware and exposed toilet systems continue to feel relevant because they combine practicality, longevity and a sense of permanence within the home.”
A place for everything
Even the most beautiful bathrooms can be let down by visible clutter – so stash it away. ‘As bathrooms increasingly become extensions of the bedroom, people are placing far greater importance on practical details such as storage,’ says Paul. ‘Thoughtfully designed vanity furniture and washstands can make a huge difference to the day-to-day usability of a space, while also helping the room feel calmer and less cluttered.’
Finer finishes
‘A good quality vanity unit is a worthwhile investment, as the less you spend, generally the less time it’ll last; so, unless our customers want a super modern look, most of the furniture we sell has solid wood fronts,’ says Liam. ‘Moisture, steam and everyday life can make the wrong investment in furniture look tired or fail fairly quickly.’ Neptune have some great options with a lifetime guarantee, while Harvey George offer bespoke elements that add a little something extra.
Photograph courtesy of Laura Ashley Lighting
“Pieces that combine practicality with decorative value often prove to be the best long-term investments.”
Style with substance
Make every bathroom detail work hard, says Paul. ‘Pieces that combine practicality with decorative value often prove to be the best long-term investments. A column radiator with integrated towel storage, for example, serves an important functional purpose while also becoming a more architectural feature within the room.’
Top tiles
Tiles are one of the most effective ways to transform a bathroom and take the overall design to another level. ‘The right combination and blend of tiles can completely change the feel of the space, whether you’re aiming for a calming spa-inspired retreat or a more timeless, traditional look,’ explains Liam. ‘By combining different textures, colours, and finishes, it’s possible to add depth, contrast, and character throughout the room. Using three carefully selected tiles across the floors, walls, and feature areas is a great way to create a balanced design that feels both stylish and unique.’ For inspiration and beautiful tiles, take a look at Mandarin Stone, Ca Pietra, Marlborough and Bert & May.
We would like to thank our experts:
Hawk Kitchens & Bathrooms: hawkkb.co.uk
Thomas Crapper: thomas-crapper.com
Lead image courtesy of The Baked Tile Company
(bakedtiles.co.uk)