Lie back and enjoy your blissful bathroom, all thanks to some clever thinking and expert planning

Words ANNA MCCOOE

The joy of a perfectly planned bathroom is felt around the clock: think of your mornings running a little more smoothly and your evenings more pleasantly - not to mention the time spent pampering, preening or simply contemplating life in a long, hot bath. To capture this feeling, start with the basics.
With a savvy layout, smart storage and practical surfaces, you're well on the way to creating your very own streamlined sanctuary.

getting started
Hatching the perfect bathroom plan means posing a few questions first:
How many people will use the bathroom? If you're creating a family bathroom, generous storage should be top of mind, or for a busy couple's ensuite, double basins and mirrors should be a priority.

Could age and mobility become an issue? Designed to age gracefully, outlasting fads, it pays to think about future needs when planning your perfect bathroom. If there's a chance of children, a bath is a wise inclusion, or, if the aches of time are likely to strike, look to an easy access shower.

What's the shape and size of the room? Can you extend or steal space from an adjoining room? Are there any awkward corners that could be put to better use? Is there room for a bath and a shower?
Rather than combining the two and sacrificing the comfort of both, if there's already a tub in another bathroom of the house, it's best to ditch the bath and go for a sumptuous shower. Otherwise, extend the space far enough to fit a compact, extra deep bath.

Can you shoo the loo? If you have any free adjoining space, consider relocating the toilet to its own separate room. Otherwise, a concealed cistern and a simple partition is all it takes to keep your pampering quarters feeling plush.

Where are your water supplies? Moving around any plumbing can more than double your costs, so if the budget is tight it's best to work your new layout around the existing fixtures.

layout
Streamline your daily bathroom rituals by considering the tasks you regularly undertake. Start by drawing up a floor plan of your space to scale, making note of doors, windows and outlets. Depending on the size of your budget, you might not be able to move the existing plumbing around but you can still allocate storage, lighting and partitions to improve the way the room flows. A shaving zone, for instance, requires a mirror, basin and storage within easy reach, while a hair and make-up zone also requires powerpoints and plenty of bench space. Install powerpoints and hooks within your cabinets so that appliances can hang plugged in and ready to go, making sure they're kept at a safe distance from sinks.

lighting
Use lighting to create different moods. The key is multiple layers of low voltage sources and fitting each to a separate circuit with dimmer switches. To avoid shadows when looking in the mirror, use at least two light sources to frame your face with light. Halogen or warm fluorescent bulbs placed a metre apart at face height will cast an even glow that flatters the skin. Wall sconces, floor mounted LEDs and uplights will cast adequate brightness for orientation while softly highlighting delicate surfaces.

ventilation
The secret ingredient behind the most beautiful bathrooms is streams of free flowing air and light. Providing natural ventilation and mould-destroying UV rays, a large window will bring any bathroom to life. For ample light and ventilation, a window needs to be at least 10 per cent of the bathroom's floor area. Try fitting frosted louvres to maximise an opening without sacrificing security or privacy. If you don't have the luxury of installing large, lavish windows, an extraction fan is your next best option. This should be positioned across from the bathroom door to pull fresh air through and should be powerful enough to change every cubic metre of air in the room at least 10 times an hour.

add luxury
With soft natural surfaces and stunning storage in place, fulfilling your bathroom's most heavenly potential is all about the final details. Achieving the five-star look can be as simple as placing a few candles by the bath and a row of fluffy white towels by the basin. You can also go all out with an antique mirror or a beautiful chandelier. It's about thinking of your bathroom as you would a living space, which can mean introducing seating, speakers for music and, if you live
in a cool climate, underfloor heating.

storage
Savvy storage is vital to your bathroom retreat. Creating a good mix of open display shelves and closed storage hides anything that detracts from the winding down process. The best spot for bathroom storage is the cavity between walls. This previously untapped area provides for shaving cabinets to sit flush with the wall, storage niches for the shower and behind the bath and a hiding spot for pipes and the toilet cistern, all without encroaching on precious living space. Meanwhile, moveable storage should be multipurpose; a stool with hidden storage and cabinets fit with wheels will easily go from the basin to the bath.

materials
The right finishes strike the perfect balance between form and function. In high traffic zones and wet areas, such as the shower, hardwearing porcelain and ceramic tiles will stand the test of time. Just ensure a matt, textured finish to lower the slip factor of wet floors. Taps and fittings are best in chrome, while frameless glass is the hottest option for shower screens. Introduce softness and a touch of elegance with natural materials. Look to exotic timber laminates for cabinetry and sealed natural stone for vanity tops and low-impact surfaces.