Photography: Mindi Cooke/ Styling: Kylie Jackes
Making your bathroom sparkle in time for guests is probably high on your to-do list, but if you’ve had to squeeze yourself and your cleaning kit around the room to deal with limescale, mould and mucky grout, you could be planning a bathroom overhaul. The good news? There are ways to create a low-maintenance wash zone that not only looks great, but becomes simple to look after for future Christmas clean-ups. Here’s how.
1. Materials matter
Bigger can certainly be better when it comes to tiles. “Bigger tiles mean fewer grout lines to scrub, and going for grey or tinted grout helps disguise marks and stains over time,” says Annabelle McQuillan, principal designer at Bespoke Belle Building Design.
Mid-toned tiles, or ones with subtle texture, can also effectively camouflage grime, but be wary of styles with too many ridges as these can collect dust. Sealing grout will have it looking good for longer, resulting in an easier clean.
2. Pick specialist paint
Always choose a paint specifically designed for kitchen and bathroom walls and ceilings, which have built-in mould and mildew inhibitors to deal with moisture-heavy environments.
3. Plan a walk in shower zone
4. Limit the amount of sealant
“Silicone is great for sealing, but it’s also one of the first places mould shows up,” warns Annabelle. “Try to minimise how much you use — just enough for a neat job only where necessary.”
A fuss-free design protected by a frameless glass screen means fewer places for grime to gather. Plus, some screens come with the glass pre-coated to make maintaining good looks a simple case of wipe and go. A combination or flexible showerhead lets you spray around when washing product off the walls. Consider including a trough drain for speedy drainage. This is important in a walk-in design.
5. Choose built-in baths
A freestanding bath looks amazing, but unless you have plenty of room, scrubbing around it can be more difficult. “A back-to-wall bath is great for smaller bathrooms – they look sleek, save space and are easy to keep clean,” says Luke. “Since they sit right up against the wall, they hide all the plumbing and give your bathroom a contemporary feel.” Surrounding ledges also create a perch for drinks
6. Pick the right loo
To avoid awkward gaps and contortionist cleaning, try a back-to-wall toilet or a wall-hung model. “Unlike traditional floor-mounted toilets with exposed cisterns, wall-hung toilets float above the floor, making your bathroom feel more open and easier to clean,” says Luke Di Michiel, senior industrial designer for Caroma. In-wall cisterns reduce the cleaning tally, and for the pan itself, look for rimless designs, which have no ridges to harbour nasties.
7. Keep the floor clear
The less clutter, the better – especially when it comes to the bathroom floor. “Wall-hung vanities and mirror cabinets free up floor space, which makes mopping a breeze,” says Annabelle. “Plus, more storage means you can keep your benchtop clear and clutter-free – which makes cleaning easier.”
8. Embrace good ventilation
“Whether it’s a window you can open, cross-ventilation or a properly sized exhaust fan (that vents outside, not into your roof), good airflow is key,” says Annabelle. “It helps dry out the room quickly, which keeps mould away.”
9. Keep it dry
Less moisture in the air means less cleaning in the long run. Wall-mounted, heated towel rails quickly deal with damp towels, while for overall warmth, underfloor heating is the easy-clean, space-saving
choice. “Underfloor heating not only adds a touch of luxury, but it also helps dry out the space faster,” says Annabelle. It all sounds practically perfect.
10. Find the right finishes
Brushed finishes are trending but they have another benefit: their texture makes for easy cleaning. “Brushed finishes don’t show water spots or fingerprints as much as shiny, polished ones,” says Annabelle.
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