How to: Future-proof your bathroom

With a quality bathroom lasting upwards of 10 years, it’s important to consider how your needs for the space may change over time. Perhaps you'll require increased accessibility, want to incorporate the latest bathroom tech or need to consider how your bathroom may grow alongside your family. Whatever the future looks like, our designers Kerri and Caroline from Ripples Winchester have some top tips to help you make the right investments to protect the longevity of your bathroom.

“When I think future-proofing I think of timeless products, a safe space and the newest technology.”

-Kerri, Senior Designer at Ripples Winchester

Choose a timeless design  

“I would recommend a sophisticated and elegant finish rather than something overly trend-led and ‘of the moment’. Remember, there’s absolutely nothing boring about choosing a more timeless design as we can create an exceptionally beautiful bathroom which will really stand the test of time. By picking classic core products, you have a great canvas to add more trend-led items which can be easily changed as tastes do, such as tiles, wallpaper, paint and soft furnishings.”

Get the finest quality  

“When creating your new bathroom, always ask yourself if the quality of the items you choose will last. This may mean you have to invest more initially but it’s worth it in the long run; a bathroom is not a small update in your home, it can be disruptive and you don’t want anything breaking, leaking or tarnishing in just a few months or years.”

Be practical  

“Think about how your life might change over the next 5, 10 or 20 years. Might you require additional support, be looking after elderly relatives or have small children around? If so, a non-slip floor is a good idea and doesn’t need to look obviously anti-slip; we have lots of beautiful tiles that have a good grip and won’t draw attention. It may also be wise to choose a bath that has a lower edge so that children or those who are less mobile can get in and out easily. Another safety feature to explore is our range of thermostatic shower controls which have a maximum temperature pre-set when installed to avoid the risk of scalding.”

Ease of clean  

“You can keep your bathroom sparkling clean for longer by having an easy clean coating applied on top of your shower glass. to reduce water marks. This low maintenance coating is limescale resistant so you don’t need to spend countless hours scrubbing harsh dirt away. Another way you can keep the space looking new for longer is to opt for underfloor heating as this will dry your bathroom more quickly after use, preventing mould growth.”

“There’s no avoiding that our bodies change as we get older so it’s sensible to consider this when you’re re-doing your bathroom. We have so many practical yet beautiful products that can fit ever so subtly into the room.”

-Caroline, Designer at Ripples Winchester

Banish the bath 

“Generally, many clients feel that as they get older, they no longer have a need for a bath as it can be difficult getting in and out with the added danger of a slip hazard when standing on one foot. Balance may be an issue too so removing the bath helps reduce the risk of slipping and falling. If you just can’t live without a bath, consider choosing a low height option as suggested by Kerri.”

Consider a wetroom  

“Wetrooms are a great solution for those with reduced mobility as everything is on one level and you can keep the water spray to a minimum with a single fixed glass panel. This will reduce the risk of slipping and tripping and by removing the bath, you allow for a larger, luxury size shower area. Within a shower a fold-away or built-in tiled seat can be a very useful addition and needn’t look too obvious or clinical.”

Accessories  

“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by our selection of grab rails – they look very sleek and can perfectly colour match the other items you have in your bathroom. We consider these items a key part of the design, not a clunky add on, so they are always well incorporated to seamlessly tie in with the rest of the scheme.”

Get comfy  

“A ‘comfort height’ WC is positioned higher than a usual WC so the user doesn’t have so far to go before they get to the seat. There are two ways to achieve this; by setting a wall hung WC at a higher level or by buying a specific height toilet for this purpose. Shower WCs are also growing in popularity, particular in ‘future-proofed’ bathrooms and I would would definitely say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! A modern update on the bidet, a shower WC washes the user, reducing the amount of toilet paper needed and leaving them feeling fresh.” Most shower WC’s come with remote controls so are also a great option for those who struggle to twist around to get to the toiler paper holder.”

For more information on future-proofing your bathroom, book a design consultation at your nearest showroom.

Visit our inspiration hub to gather ideas for your new bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite.