How to design a bathroom: Key aspects, tips, and ideas

To design a bathroom, you should begin by defining its appearance, planning, and distribution, so you can achieve a functional space that is beautiful, elegant, and comfortable at the same time.

We already talked in a previous post about the latest trends in bathroom design. Today, we will review what are the general rules and design tips to keep in mind when designing a bathroom.

At Hydrodiseño we specialise in the production of custom-designed prefabricated bathrooms for your projects. Thanks to the use of advanced 3D technology, and based on modular architecture, we create designs that include all the components of the interior finish of a bathroom, perfectly combining the latest technology with human craftsmanship and high-quality materials.

Planning a Bathroom

Good planning is the first step to take when thinking about both renovating and building a bathroom from scratch.

When designing a bathroom, the same should meet the requirements of the users, be adapted to their needs, and also be easy to maintain or clean.

In our article on ensuite bathrooms, we reviewed some basic tips on how to achieve functional, comfortable, and beautiful ensuite bathrooms. Today we’ll talk about some general tips regarding bathroom design.

How to design a bathroom: 3 key aspects to consider

As we said before, when designing a bathroom, it is essential to consider the functional aspect and the layout. That is, where the toilets, shower and/or bathtub, decorative accessories, and storage spaces will be placed, as well as the type of ventilation and lighting.

In addition, it is important to consider who the users will be and how the bathrooms will be used. Because designing a bathroom for children is different from designing one for a young couple.

Below, we review three ideas and aspects to keep in mind when designing a bathroom, which will allow you to achieve a good design while providing functionality.

1.   Storage spaces

Choosing furniture such as high storage units or placing them above the toilet can be a good idea, especially when space is limited.

You can also combine shelves, cabinets, and dual-purpose objects that serve as decorative elements and storage spaces.

2.   Shower or bathtub

This is a common question that arises when designing a bathroom: Shower or bathtub? The answer to this question will depend on the use the bathroom will have and the space available.

In the case of the shower, the main advantage is that it can be adapted to the space available, generating the feeling of openness and visual continuity we already mentioned. So, it is ideal if you have a small space.

On the other hand, a larger area is required for bathtubs. You must have at least a space of 120 cm long. So, this option is ideal, for example, if it is intended for a residence or home where there are children.

3.   Ventilation

Another key aspect to consider when designing a bathroom is ventilation, especially when the bathrooms are small and don’t have natural airflow.

In these cases, forced ventilation can be generated through the use of an extractor fan. It is also important to remember to use special paint for areas subjected to high environmental humidity, which avoids the proliferation of fungi.

How to design a bathroom

How to design a bathroom layout

Whether you have a small or large area, making the right use of the space is crucial. And for that precise reason, the distribution that is made when designing a bathroom is so important to meet the objectives of functionality and design.

Generally speaking, we can consider two options: the layout of a large bathroom or a small one.

The layout of a large bathroom

In this case, you can play with a compartmentalised layout with glass panels or furniture.

You can also include both a bathtub and shower and choose a large and eye-catching sink.

The layout of a small bathroom

When designing a small bathroom, it is more convenient to think of a less compartmentalised layout that generates a feeling of spaciousness, with lighter furniture.

Additionally, the sink and toilet shouldn’t reach the floor. And usually, in these cases, the bathtub isn’t included; instead, the shower is placed at the back of the area (although this will depend on whether you are dealing with a rectangular or square space).

Whatever the case may be, a small or a large bathroom, the particular needs of the space and of those who will use it must be considered, as well as the regulations for bathroom evacuation. Finally, remember to apply a design that follows logic, seeking unity and balance.

How to design the renovation of a bathroom

When it comes to renovating a bathroom, it is necessary to start with the current bathroom and think what are the areas or elements that aren’t essential, which are the ones that are currently used the most, what is missing, and what you would like to have. You must think both in a practical and aesthetic sense.

Once you have a clear idea about the aspects we mentioned before, a simple scale sketch should be made to visualise what the new bathroom should look like.

It is important to take all the measurements of the spaces and accessories, including the height of the ceiling as well to make the sketch as accurate as possible.

Our experts can create the final bathroom design through 3D modelling, which will then be built in our production centre.

How to design a small bathroom with a shower

When designing a bathroom, the shower is one of the most important elements. It allows a quick and efficient cleaning process and takes up little space, which is essential in small bathrooms.

Therefore, if the bathroom floor plan is small, a shower can be the best choice. Of course, you must consider if it complies with the minimum measurements, taking advantage of every centimetre.

In terms of design, a shower visually lightens the space, which is crucial in small bathrooms where visual lightness is important.

In these cases, to give a feeling of spaciousness you can resort to light tones and combine them with homogeneous colours in accessories and details. It is also important to take advantage of natural light, so placing the shower near the window is ideal.

Conclusions

We hope we gave you a few good ideas to design a bathroom that suits the project you are developing and that meets the requirements and needs of the users and customers.

In Hydrodiseño we are experts in prefabricated modular bathrooms custom-made using 3D modelling. We have more than 16 years of experience.

Our solutions provide all the benefits of custom design along with the cost and time savings that modular construction allows us to offer.

If you want to know more about our proposal, contact our experts and ask for personalised advice by clicking here.