Flush with ideas: Experts share tips on what makes thoughtful bathroom design

However, before we get ahead of ourselves, there’s much to consider in navigating the complexities of what truly makes a bathroom great: is it the gleaming fixtures, the luxurious materials, or something more nuanced and fundamental?

Together with Marcus, Linear Vista colleague and managing director Sean Carpenter, Yong Wei Lew of DualSpace Studio and Ramesh Seshan of Seshan Design shed light on how thoughtful planning can elevate one of the most frequently used rooms in a home–transforming it into a true oasis of comfort and style and making sure the time and effort spent doesn’t go down the drain.

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Any intimate space in a home requires careful planning to ensure it meets the homeowners’ diverse needs, and none is more paramount than the bathroom, as Carpenter points out.

“Beauty can be found more in how well the design handles the operational needs without looking clumsy,” says the managing director of Linear Vista. “A beautiful bathroom [designed the same way as hotel bathrooms] can easily look a mess if the functional requirements are not met.”

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“Start with a functional layout that maximises space,” Lew emphasises. “Ensure essential elements like the sink, the water closet or toilet, and the shower area are conveniently positioned.”

“Simple things like when you enter the bathroom, even a small one, make sure the first thing you see or can reach is the basin before you move on to everything else,” Seshan elaborates on the arrangement of the space.

Something as in-depth as the exact height and placement of each bathroom element is critical in ensuring ease of movement and access while using the space, as he reveals: “You’d be surprised at how many mistakes I see out there, even in big developments, with countertops that are too tall for children, handheld shower fittings that are mounted too high, even a bathtub that wasn’t recessed properly would be a hindrance.”

Carpenter stresses that it’s imperative to get a detailed functional brief from the homeowners, and Marcus concurs: “When planning a bathroom’s circulation and flow, particularly in shared or communal spaces, it’s essential to understand your client’s process and utilisation habits, and consider fully how they will use the area.”

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Then, there is the matter of proper ventilation in a well-functioning bathroom, as Lew notes: “Good ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup and mould growth, which is crucial for maintaining the longevity of finishes and fixtures.”

“Even for a small-sized bathroom, just having a window is not enough, as there needs to be cross ventilation on the bathroom door,” the founder of Seshan Design continues. “We are in a very humid climate so extra care for ventilation is key, even more so in an area which is wet, like the shower or bath; it should be dry within half an hour after usage.”

“Similarly, passive ventilation strategies like carefully placed windows, skylights, and airflow channels can help promote natural air circulation, minimising the reliance on mechanical ventilation systems and reducing energy consumption,” Marcus adds.

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While fixtures and finishes often take centre stage, lighting is frequently overlooked in creating the perfect bathroom ambience–a make or break in transforming a purely functional space into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.

“Relying solely on overhead lighting can create harsh shadows, and minimise the functionality of the space,” comments Lew in regards to one of the most overlooked aspects of bathroom design.

“Use a mix of ambient [for overall illumination], task [for specific tasks like shaving, applying makeup or even housecleaning], and accent lighting [as architectural or decor elements],” suggests the interior designer from DualSpace Studio. “Such layering ensures the space is not only well-lit and visually appealing but also improves functionality.”

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“Adjustable or dimmable soft lighting can help transform the space into a place of relaxation and refuge,” Carpenter agrees. “These subtle under-counter or hidden indirect lighting, especially those connected to movement sensors, also allow nighttime usage without being woken up rudely by a very jarring light.”

“Homeowners may also consider emergency lighting or at least one light fitting with a battery pack in case of any sudden power outage,” Seshan offers.

Artificial lighting and its importance aside, these industry experts also advocate for maximising natural light wherever possible, enhancing the ambience by bringing forth a sense of openness and vitality into an often enclosed space like the bathroom.

“Ideally, homeowners should be able to enter a bright, naturally lit bathroom during the daytime without the need to turn on any artificial light,” Seshan says.

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This can be achieved through skylights, expansive windows, or even thoughtfully placed slots and translucent laminated glass or glass blocks that allow daylight to filter into the space. Meanwhile, adjustable louvres also ensure constant airflow, and horizontal screens that tilt upwards not only establish a skyward exposure but also ensure privacy.

“One of the more unique bathroom designs that we did featured translucent concrete blocks for the bathroom wall, allowing natural sunlight to come through while maintaining privacy for the client,” Lew shares.

In high-traffic areas of a home such as the bathroom, care must be taken in choosing the right materials and fixtures to endure daily wear and tear, especially those that remain pristine for years, and are not quick to show signs of ageing.

Lew emphasises the significance of materials that are “both stylish and water-resistant, options that offer longevity without sacrificing beauty,” such as porcelain tiles, quartz countertops, and moisture-resistant paints, alongside contemporary favourites like sintered stone and hospital range vinyl flooring.

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Meanwhile, Seshan suggests materials and detailing that prioritises safety: “Sometimes, matte or textured flooring is not enough; the best is flooring with more grooves and joints for ease of water flow and non-slip traction, while bird’s mouth joint detailing for edges in stonework and tiles should be avoided in case of injuries and accidents.”

“A bathroom takes a lot of abuse and is generally the place in the home that has to endure the harshest cleaning regime,” adds Carpenter, regarding the critical factor of maintenance, which is often overlooked in the excitement of design. “We pay close attention to details to, ironically, keep bathrooms dry: shower drops, vanity designs and sanitaryware selection–anything to make sure that splashing and water is minimised.”

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While budget considerations are important for many, Lew cautions against false economies: “Invest in quality materials and fixtures that are durable and easy to maintain, as cutting corners on materials or fixtures may save money upfront, but they can lead to costly repairs later.”

“Replacing sanitaryware is difficult and expensive, so specifying a branded product that has a good reputation in these areas is preferred,” Carpenter adds. “If the product looks great but possibly does not have the reputation in performance and lifespan, we would prefer to avoid it, even if it looks fantastic.”

“Not everything you see on Pinterest should be copied, and not everything you see in magazines and online are practical as many of those are showroom pieces,” Seshan concludes with a final piece of advice. “It’s important to take the time to research and find out about the suitability of the material–even the good, expensive ones, to see if it holds up in terms of durability and maintenance.”

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