As the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in any home, designing the perfect one requires thought and care.

Here’s a list of things to keep in mind when it comes to modern bathroom design. Each component ensures this intimate space will not only be aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, functional.

Check out part two of this article tomorrow.

1. Lighting

One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to home renovation is insufficient lighting. One central light fixture will create shadows in the bathroom, which isn’t optimal when it comes to using your mirror.

Instead, consider different lighting types for different purposes:

• task lighting – to illuminate “workspaces” such as the vanity, shower and toilet;
• accent lighting – to subtly highlight plants or artwork;
• decorative lighting – primarily intended to add visual interest to the space; and
• ambient lighting – gentle light that fills the room, often from wall sconces or cove fixtures that direct light upward and outward.

Bathroom lighting should imitate natural light so you have a good sense of how everything looks when you’re getting dressed or doing your hair or makeup.

But while there should be ample bright, white light, it should not be so overpowering as to take away from the ambience in the room.

Pro tip:

Use mounted lights on either side of the vanity mirror. Avoid placing a fixture above the mirror as this will create an unflattering reflection that will make putting on makeup or shaving difficult.

2. Storage

As the bathroom is often shared by two or more people, storage is essential to keep everything organised and accessible.

There are various options that can work for different-sized bathrooms. Keep in mind what needs to be stored where and for how long.

The following are practical and aesthetically pleasing:

• hooks and S-hooks
• over-the-toilet shelves
• bar cart
• magnetic organisers
• ladder storage with baskets
• rotating organisers
• lazy susan for cleaning supplies under the sink
• baskets for towels
• stack and basket shelves

Pro tips:

Whenever possible, opt for eye-level storage such as a mirror cabinet that recesses into the wall, which would be perfect for everyday essentials. Also, there is usually space above the toilet water tank that can be optimised with a built-in cabinet or standing shelf.

3. Fixtures

Fixtures include items such as shower heads, faucets and bidets. It’s important to proportion a significant amount of your budget to these, as higher-quality fixtures will last a lifetime.

The design of the sink and the rest of the bathroom will help you decide on the right faucet choices. And when it comes to bidets, choose from the following:

• handheld/spray – located next to the toilet, this manoeuvrable nozzle allows you to control the water pressure and, in some cases, temperature;
• seat bidet – built-in within the toilet itself, this works automatically once you have flushed.

Your bathroom isn’t complete without the perfect shower head. There are several to choose from:

• wall-mounted – simple but highly functional;
• hand-held – detachable from the wall mount for ease and convenience;
• rain – the waterfall experience with just the right water pressure;
• flush-mount body sprays – square or circular nozzles inserted, without drilling, into the wall to provide a refreshing shower experience from all sides.

Pro tip:

Go for stainless-steel fixtures as opposed to gold, black, or other colours that are usually powder-coated or spray-painted, as these run the risk of getting scratched easily.

4. Colours

Let your creativity flow when it comes to bathroom themes and colours. The colour scheme should follow the mood you’re trying to set in the space.

Use a colour wheel to figure out matching or deliberately contrasting colours, such as red and green (contrasting) or blue and green (complementary).

Start with the colour of the biggest surface, which would be the widest wall. Work your way down to furnishings, including the shower, bath, vanity and storage.

Finally, take into account the towels, soap dispensers, and other decorative and accessory items.

Pro tip:

If you want to be bold by choosing all-black, make sure there is sufficient lighting, and remember that maintaining a clean bathroom might get more challenging!

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.