When most people consider the design of their bathroom the first image that comes to mind is something white, something chrome and something plain. There is nothing wrong with this design style, of course, but with a bit of imagination you can have a bathroom that is unique to you.

Here are five design ideas that you can tailor to suit your own tastes using bathroom planning software or bathroom design software, each giving a certain flavour that you might not have even thought of considering.

Traditionally Grand Design

Instead of thinking white and chrome, think rich gold and bronze. While your sink and bath might remain white, setting them in a richly coloured marble or, in the bath’s case, having it stand alone on bronze carved feet, will immediately give you that grand feeling.

Add a mirror with a large, ornate bronze frame, decorate with similar coloured but paler tiles on the floor and splashback areas of the walls and use a brown/bronze wallpaper with a vaguely floral pattern on the remaining wall space.

Adding features like a bronze effect vase with dry or fake flowers (not too colourful!) and bronze taps and fittings to finish off. What you’re looking for is an almost Greek/Roman effect bathroom to give it the grand look. Think Roman baths!

Asian Style Bathroom

Far less opulent than a traditional grand design, an Asian style bathroom should be designed with nature in mind. No clutter, neutral, organic colours and some clever features will turn your bathroom into a haven from the rest of your busy household.

Incorporating natural elements is relatively easy to do. Use stone or stone effect tiles for the floor (slate would work too) stone effect tiles on the walls and use wood for storage areas like cupboards and shelving and sink and bath surrounds.

Additional elements like green plants on window sills, the uncluttered floor and by the sink increase the tranquillity, while a running water feature will enhance the Asian feel too. These can be bought from most interior design shops.

Mediterranean Style Bathroom

When you think Mediterranean you think water and a Med-style bathroom should incorporate that theme. The colour scheme should be a mix of watery blues and greens and use mosaic tiles rather than large tiles.

Introducing Mediterranean themed images into the mosaic will take the design to the next level. If you have the space and budget, a sunken bath with areas around the tub for candles and small vases of flowers would be perfect.

Small lanterns with tea lights in strategically placed around the bathroom would also work well.

Plain and Minimalist Style

There will always be those who prefer to keep the design features to a minimum and want to create a practical bathroom. For this, white is your key, with just a few dashes of colour to brighten it up. White and chrome fixtures and fittings will win out, while the bath may be done away with completely in favour of a walk in shower room.

The floors and walls will be mainly white with perhaps the odd black tile included just to make it look less like an operating theatre and more like a room in a house! Halogen lighting will be sunk into the ceiling (and floors in some cases) to keep it bright but clean and storage will be hidden or consist of a single bathroom cabinet / mirror.

Whatever your preference, think beyond the norm and have fun with your bathroom, it is one of the most used rooms in your house!

Author Bio: Ian Grainger is writing on behalf of Nexus Design Software, developers of bathroom design software.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: bathroom design, bathroom planning, 3d cad, bathroom design software