The bathroom, often considered just a functional space, deserves as much attention and care as any other room in your home.
In Bangladesh, where home designs are evolving rapidly, your bathroom should reflect a blend of aesthetics, convenience, and your own personal touch.
And as important as the tips of what to do for a classic bathroom interior is the list of design blunders to avoid.
And in this article, we’ve highlighted some common bathroom interior design mistakes and tips on how to avoid them, ensuring your bathroom looks stunning and feels right for you.
Not giving the room a personal touch/unique personality
One of the most crucial things in any home interior design is to give each room a personal touch. That is what imparts the entire living space a unique personality and makes it a “home” of your own.
However, many home owners in Bangladesh make the mistake of ignoring the bathroom and not giving it its own character.
Washrooms shouldn’t just be plain or one-colour spaces disconnected from the rest of the house.
Add your own style by using colours or textures you love. Even in small bathrooms, try vibrant colours or unique patterns to make it stand out.
Display elegant items like shaving kits or brushes, but keep big items or cosmetics hidden.
This makes the bathroom both functional and stylish.
Trying to squeeze in both a bath and a shower at any cost
Having both a freestanding bathtub (i.e., a bathtub that isn’t attached to any of the walls of the washroom) AND a separate shower have become increasingly popular in the Bangladesh home design market in recent years.
However, as professional interior designers, we should advise you that it’s essential to think about what you’ll use most – a shower or a bathtub.
Squeezing both in a relatively compact space can make the area feel cramped and uncomfortable – and that is NOT what you need in your bathroom. A tiny shower space is challenging to use, and a crowded bathroom can lead to accidents.
If space is limited, consider stylish over-bath showers or design a lavish shower area with multiple heads.
Pro tip: If you dream of a bathtub, think creatively about where it can be placed, keeping in mind plumbing needs.
Poor fixture placement
Bathroom items need to be placed properly. If you can change your bathroom layout, try to use the space wisely.
Think about how the bathroom looks from other rooms. It’s a good idea to keep the toilet and shower in one area and the sink in another.
This setup gives more privacy and lets two people use the bathroom easily at the same time.
Pro tip: Always plan the layout for your bathroom interior design keeping in mind both privacy and functionality. A well-thought-out design lets multiple people use the space without any hassle.
Solid wood flooring
If you’re thinking of using wood for your bathroom floor, it’s essential to make the right choice.
Solid wood may not be ideal for bathrooms due to moisture and temperature changes.
Instead, go for engineered wood which handles these conditions better and is less likely to warp, stain, or shrink.
Engineered wood is composed of multiple layers, making it more resilient in damp areas. It’s also a better choice if you’re thinking of adding underfloor heating.
Always pick engineered wood with moisture protection to ensure its longevity.
Using finishes that are hard to clean
When selecting materials for your bathroom, think about the long-term cleaning and maintenance.
Even though some tiles and finishes might look attractive in stores, they could make cleaning your bathroom a constant chore.
For instance, small tiles have more grout lines which can attract mould.
It’s also important to consider the type of stone you use.
Materials like limestone, or marble might look elegant, but they can stain easily, especially with common bathroom products. They can also be damaged by water if not treated right.
Also, consider the kind of sinks and taps you choose.
A black sink might look modern, but can it hide water marks? Some materials, like copper, can stain easily.
On the other hand, brushed steel is less likely to show marks and is easier to maintain.
Not paying attention to storage space
It’s essential to think about storage when designing a bathroom.
Too little space for storing items can make a bathroom look messy, especially if there are many products and bath essentials.
It’s wise to clearly understand what items you’ll keep in the bathroom and plan storage accordingly right from the start.
Relying on a window for ventilation
Depending solely on a window for bathroom ventilation can lead to problems, both for your room’s appearance and your health.
A damp bathroom can cause damage to its interiors and also lead to health issues like asthma.
Rooms like bathrooms that produce a lot of steam need proper ventilation. Simply opening the bathroom door won’t solve the issue.
An effective way to ensure good ventilation is to use an exhaust fan that removes moisture.
If you have a window, opening it occasionally is also beneficial, but don’t forget to install a fan that suits the size of your bathroom.
Pro tip: When choosing an exhaust fan, calculate the appropriate size based on your bathroom’s dimensions. A well-sized fan will help prevent excess moisture without being too noisy.
Improper waterproofing
One big issue many overlook is not properly waterproofing their bathrooms. If ignored, this can lead to problems like mould and water damage elsewhere in the house.
This is even more concerning if your bathroom is located above another room.
A key component for ensuring no water leaks is the waterproofing membrane.
It’s essential to have this not only around the shower and under countertops but also on the bathroom floor and walls.
This helps the bathroom handle regular exposure to water without causing damage.
Insufficient lighting
In a bathroom, the right lighting matters a lot. Good lighting combines different kinds:
- Task lighting: Useful for activities like putting on makeup or shaving.
- Ambient lighting: To set a mood or atmosphere.
- Accent lighting: To highlight specific parts of the room.
- Natural sources: Such as windows or skylights, and modern options like LED strips.
By using a mix of these light types, your bathroom becomes not only functional but also feels warm and welcoming. You can check our interior design portfolio for examples of how to address the lighting issue.
Pro tip: Always consider the purpose of each lighting type. For example, task lighting should be bright and focused, while ambient lighting can be softer. Mixing them correctly will make your bathroom shine.
Ignoring the mirror
Bathroom mirrors play a significant role; they’re not just practical but can also change the entire ambiance of the space.
A well-placed mirror can give the illusion of a larger room, making it look spacious.
Mirrors come in various designs, and picking a bold one can enhance your bathroom’s aesthetic.
Additionally, it’s essential to choose a size where one can see their reflection clearly.
Proper lighting around the mirror is also crucial, especially for tasks like shaving or applying make-up.
Vintage-style mirrors, for instance, can be an exciting choice, giving both a classic touch and the advantage of creating a perception of more space.
Bathroom design mistakes – main conclusions
Designing a bathroom is a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
While it’s essential to make it a practical space for everyday use, it’s equally vital to ensure it feels like a continuation of your home’s personality and style.
By being aware of these common mistakes, homeowners in Bangladesh can create a bathroom that’s not just functional but also an oasis of relaxation and beauty.
Remember, even the smallest design choices can make a significant impact, so plan wisely and don’t be afraid to infuse your own personal touch. If you’re looking to design your own drawing room interior, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for expert assistance.
