Make a splash with clever storage

Jazzing up a bathroom doesn’t just mean spending big on a feature or coloured tiles. Bathroom storage, while practical, can also become a design highlight.

Rietveld Architects Head Interior Designer Andrea Martinez said that while a bathroom could be a place to relax and unwind, its main purpose was to be a functional space for the whole family.

“Bathrooms are often a multi-user room with one or more people using it for different purposes,” she said.

According to Ms Martinez, it is important to think about more than how products are going to be stored and used in a bathroom – functionality is key to a good design.

“Consider exactly what you need to store and how often you need to access those items,” she said.

“Consider the ergonomics of access, how zoning storage in a bathroom is used to best effect and make sure you include enough power points.”

Ms Martinez said while a couple of drawers could provide a little extra storage, there were some creative ways to artfully hide the clutter, as well as elevate the design.

“Face-level shaving cabinets are fabulous, as they conceal all of our messy everyday items behind mirrored doors,” she said.

“We like to recess shaving cabinets into the wall so that they don’t protrude into the room.

“Installing tall cabinetry wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling is a clever way to make a large wall of cabinets look like custom wall panelling.

“If you are installing a toilet with a concealed cistern and a wall-mounted flush plate above the pan, consider building the concealed cistern into a wall of cabinetry, then either side of the toilet pan you can have floor-to-ceiling shallow cabinets.”

Ms Martinez said sometimes the best way to store items in a bathroom was to have them on display.

“Often we will use a mix of open and concealed storage solutions for maximum flexibility, efficiency and aesthetics,” she said.

“Open shelving is perfect for decorative items such as candles, perfume bottles and plants.

“Greenery in the bathroom is a trend gaining momentum, following the return to popularity of indoor plants.

“A bath-side stool for a towel and a good book with a glass of wine is a really nice styling moment that is also very practical.”

According to Ms Martinez, a stocktake of all the bathroom products and gadgets, including those of the children, is essential to creating effective, user-friendly storage solutions.

“Categorise everything into everyday items, occasional items, linens and personal care appliances, so you can see how much storage you will need to accommodate everything,” she said.

“Consider drawers with power points to house small personal care appliances, add adjustable shelving in shaving cabinets for electric toothbrushes and shavers, and don’t forget a small bin.

“Having clearly nominated shelves or drawers is a great way to keep kids organised and their individual belongings housed in their own space.”

CONTACT Rietveld Architects, 6500 0328, www.rietveldarchitects.com.au