Brilliant Bathrooms

Now bathrooms: Easy to say it is the essential room needed in which to get clean but now it is also a retreat to rest up, pamper and totally unwind at anytime of day or week. There are however a few things that should be noted about the family bathroom.

Firstly Passive Solar Design would dictate its placement on the south side of the home. If possible with more than a skinny meter to the boundary of the property.  Ideally this will allow for a generous garden space where ferns, thick and bushy, which can thrive and block external view into the room. Yes: clear glass: when garden is established the outlook, greenery and natural light aids the relaxation and the soul. Even the mere meter can grow espalier camellias, lemons or vertical gardens for herbs, vegetables or annuals. Please ensure there is natural ventilation: opening a window is free and creates cross breeze through the home for summer cooling. Perfumed plants here would also be beautiful and this is how we can create our own natural elements-our very own micro climate. Creature comforts are enhanced by connecting inside and out; cooling, ventilation, aesthetics, privacy: tick tick tick!

GARDEN PROTECTING PRIVACY CREATES RELAXING OUTLOOK

Please, please ensure when looking at plans for renovation or new home that line of sight is not directly from living room into the shower, or worse into the toilet. We do not want the conversation continuing between loo and lounge! I happens and it is horrid!

One of the best layouts for bathroom, toilet is where each fixture is separate so folks can be using them independently and simultaneously. With a house load of kiddies, house guests or at party time this is an excellent way of allowing the rooms to be shared and enjoyed.

The new fashion of tiled level floors to the shower is a beautiful aesthetic with practical application for cleaning and towards disabled folks. If we can allow extra space around doorways, by toilets and into showers we can increase the accessibility for others who are less mobile. Then too ramps to doorways are an handy thing to think about. The more of our friends we can invite into our homes the sweeter life will be! ​

Author

Margot is a qualified architectural draftsperson with a passion for practical living, making the best use of space, natural light and warmth. She will turn your ideas into scaled sketch design plans that you can take to a builder to quote. 

​Email: [email protected]