Bathroom Planning A Contemporary Bathroom

Date Published:

09/06/2008

Credit: Justin Bernhaut

If you've fallen for a glorious showpiece bathroom like the one we featured here, don't despair. You don't need masses of space to create a similar feel for yours, just a little know-how.

All products and prices correct at time of publishing - Nov 2006

Your bath as art
This kind of room is all about the bath. Ideally, it should be centrally located, sitting away from the wall by at least 10cm, freestanding and incredibly shapely. Consider claw-footed roll tops, sculpted modern pieces or deep wooden or steel tubs. Where to buy? Fired Earth and Bathstore.com are both good places to start.

Focal point taps
Taps need to match the bath in the good-looks competition. Unfussy, simple lines are winners, as are taps that emerge straight from the floor or wall. For great buys at discount prices, try Hudson Reed, or B&Q, whose range has improved immeasurably.

Plain but fab
Keep floor and wallcoverings simple. That means plain tiles, polished concrete, dark wood, or stained or painted floorboards. For drama, use a dark stain or paint. Try Dulux.

Show-off shower
This, too, needs to compete with your bath for the wow factor. A floor-standing shower is simple and stylish but you can achieve the same effect with a large showerhead protruding straight from the wall or ceiling. Kelly Hoppen's KH306 showerhead, £163 from Waterfront, is a good buy.

Less is more
Save money on accessories and use your budget for single items. That goes for everything from towel rails (try Vogue UK), to pieces of storage.

Dramatic shades
The colour of your walls sets off your bath. A bold black wall works well if the floor has been painted to match. Paint is cheap (go for a wipeable one), but wallpaper behind a glass panel, coloured glass or tiles will look gorgeous.

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