Ideas and advice on designing a stylish shared space that works like a dream
WORDS PAULA WOODS
Pick dual-purpose pieces
A twin basin vanity unit such as this provides a variety of storage solutions – drawers, cupboards, a shelf and countertop space – for maximum versatility. Make even better use of the area by teaming with wall-hung mirrored cabinets.
Carter double painted vanity in Moher with Carrara marble basins and top, W1,510xD575xH900mm, £3,462, Pelham three-hole taps in antique brass, £594, Everdon large mirrored cabinet in antique brass, W560xD175xH900mm, £846, Kew pendant light in antique brass, £492, Porter (porterbathroom.com)
Plot the dimensions
Make sure there’s enough space between fittings to move around the room with ease. Allow for at least 600-700mm clearance in front of a loo or basin, and one metre in front of a bath or shower entrance. Esseta bath in Khaki Green, L1,510xW760xD550mm, £3,278, BC Designs (bcdesigns.co.uk).
Rena concrete basin, Dia360xH160mm, £1,506, Kast (kastconcretebasins.co.uk)
Get a clear view
Plan lighting for both practicality and ambience. Adjustable via dimmer switch, recessed ceiling LED strips or spotlights provide background brightness, while wall lamps light specific tasks. Chelsea opal glass globe wall light in matt black, W177xD235xH340mm, £109, Industville (industville.co.uk)
Room for two
‘A twin showering space must be at least 1,600mm wide,’ says designer Irene Gunter (gunterandco.com). Ask a plumber to check there’s sufficient water pressure and drainage. Ca’ Pietra Nova porcelain hexagon tiles in Admiral, £80.95 per sqm, Hyperion Tiles (hyperiontiles.co.uk)
Design a pamper zone
Address specific needs by investing in custom-made furniture. This extended vanity unit with additional countertop space and mirror helps alleviate demand around the basin at busy times. Bespoke Ideagroup Cubik L-shaped vanity area with frosted glass drawer fronts, engineered stone tops and integrated basin, £POA, Axor My Edition mixer tap, £1,635, suspended mirror, from £2,406, Astro Kyoto pendant, £318.70, CP Hart (cphart.co.uk)
Create wet and dry areas
To please shower and bath-lovers alike, waterproofing part of the room for a small walk-in shower is a space-saving option that may also provide enough room for a bath. Unity dual-function concealed thermostatic shower system with fixed head, handshower, riser rail and valve, from £535 in chrome, Note fr
