It’s arguably one of the most important parts of our daily routine: bathing. Open plan bathrooms or ‘wet rooms’ usually have no dividing walls, just one open wet area with a bath, shower and vanity. This makes for better-ventilated, easier-to-clean, more beautiful spaces. If you’re eager to incorporate a wet room into your home, take a look at some design elements that could help bring function and beauty to your wet room area.
Wet Area Bathrooms
How to create a practical wet room
Nothing beats a well-functioning space. Gorgeous tiles and statement tubs might grab the limelight, but that’s not to say a shower can’t be equally fabulous. “Having a really amazing shower should be a priority and I would say it’s somewhere to spend more money, with quality tapware and tiles,” says interior designer Sarah Yarrow.
So, what’s the ideal shower for a small wet room? “Rain showers look beautiful, but you have to wear a shower cap if you don’t want your hair to get wet,” says interior stylist Tahn Scoon. “A hand-held shower is better for washing yourself, your kids and the shower itself. Or splash out on a combo set for the best of both worlds!”
“For ease of cleaning, avoid sliding glass doors – hinged doors and a fixed screen will be best,”
Tahn Scoon, Interior Stylist.
How to make the most of a small compact wet room
If you dream of creating something new and a little different to a regular utilitarian bathroom, don’t feel you have to stick to a formula. Successful wet rooms can take on various shapes and sizes depending on what you want to get out of the space and if you’re short on space, there’s ideas for that too. Before you start a renovation, consider how you can maximise the footprint of your bathroom. Using warm tones can also work well in a smaller wet room to create the illusion of more space and prevent the space from feeling cold and clinical, while carefully considered lighting can also add warmth.
How to future-proof your wet room
Beware of following trends too closely. “Replacing a curved shower wall, rose-gold tapware and blush-coloured tiles may be expensive down the track, so keep it classic,” says Tahn Scoon. One bathroom innovation that’s set to stick around is the steam shower which, a growing number of homeowners report, boasts a raft of health benefits. “You’re still getting the bathing experience without having to run a bath,” says Sarah Yarrow. People are also tending to seek out quality tapware. “I think we’re realising you get what you pay for,” reckons Sarah.
Wet room space optimising ideas
A wet room is an ideal place to experiment with creative ways to add space. In the wet room, niches can offer a functional and beautiful solution to traditional shelves or baskets that can get grimy. “They’re useful when everyone has their own favourite shampoo and a feature tile just injects more personality. If there’s room, a double shower can be a desirable addition, say Leah and Fliss Pitman from Bone Made. “The double shower and double vanity creates a sense of luxury within a wet room,” says Leah. So if you’re looking to add that extra luxe feeling, opt for double!
