Bathroom Design with Geberit

Today I am working with Geberit to answer all your questions on bathroom design. So, let us start at the very beginning. 
My starting point with bathroom design is always to tackle the layout first. This means looking at the immovables within the space, such as doors and windows (unless the extent of the renovation that you are undertaking allows these to also be altered), and the soil stack - these are usually the things which will determine your layout internally as you have to work around/with them. The other thing to consider is which direction your floor boards are running, as the joists run perpendicular to these, and that can indicate what may or may not be moveable. We work closely with our trades to ensure we are getting the right advise on this. 

An example of one of our bathroom floor plans.

The layout for the plumbing will then determine how you can use the other spaces in the room. Geberit have some great behind the wall systems that allow you to wall mount vanities and even toilets to create the illusion of an even bigger space. This is because your eye is always looking for the edges of a room or for contrast - and by having a wall mounted item, the edge of the space will be alluded to by the space underneath it. Your brain therefore is tricked into thinking that the room is bigger than it actually is.

Once your layout is determined, you can get to the fun stuff, like deciding on tiled finishes, lighting and wall colours. I would always recommend having a clear idea of one “look” or “vibe” that you want to achieve, and make sure that all the specifications and selections link back to this look - that way your design will have cohesion.

Calm and crisp - by K Sneed Design

Bold and Colourful - by The SpaceMaker Interiors.

We do this for our clients by firstly determining their taste during our consultation. We go through their likes and dislikes in detail. This helps us gather all the information that we need so that during the design process we make sure that we are selecting and specifying the right option for our client. We ask preferences on colour, pattern, texture, aesthetic and how they want the room to function. We then distill all this information into an aesthetic direction, which helps dictate the overall look and feel of the space.

We always recommend going for quality products, this will give the designs better longevity and you peace of mind. Brands like Geberit have been around for a long time and dedicate a lot of their time into research and development of new and improved products. They have some   superb products, such as the AquaClean with its rimless design making it more hygienic and easier to clean, along with a WhirlSpray which will leave you feeling squeaky clean! These coupled with their behind the wall systems such as Duofix, provide  you with complete peace of mind that once your bathroom is installed, you have invested in quality products. Getting these things done right the first time, allows you to enjoy the bathroom space without extra hassle or worries. 

The WhirlSpray in the Geberit AquaClean.

We love bathrooms with texture and warmth. It makes the spaces more welcoming and approachable. We consider the materials that we propose to our clients very carefully, as they can have a massive impact on the overall look and feel of a space. One can consider tile or stones with matt, honed or leathered finishes, textured surfaces themselves can create great drama, natural materials and metals with beautiful patina add extra layers of beauty and interest to a space. All in all, making it more inviting and considered. 

Blue and white bathroom by Mrs. Smith

In smaller spaces, I believe design has an even more powerful role to play. Your relationship with the walls is much more immediate and intimate, so really delve into the details. In one of our projects we had a lot of exposed pipework which we boxed in - but created bespoke hidden cabinets for all of the clients belongings and topped it off with a gorgeous matt black marble vanity top. Together  with all four walls and ceiling being painted the same rich colour with the slightest sheen, made the space super dramatic and opulent. The client was thrilled with the outcome! In another space we installed a chevron tile, alternating the matt and the glossy tile to great effect, giving the user of this tiny space something really beautiful and considered to look at. ​

Bathrooms can be very tricky to design as there are many moving parts and specifications to consider - but taking your time and keeping in mind quality will always set you off in the right direction, and if you ever need our help - just let us know!