Designer advice: Prepping your bathroom for the cooler months

9 Sept

*As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, our homes become sanctuaries of warmth and comfort. Here, Lucy, Designer from* *Ripples Bath* *shares her top tips for prepping your bathroom for the cooler months.*

While much of the seasonal preparation may focus on the living room, bedroom, or kitchen, your bathroom deserves just as much attention. After all, it's the place where you start and end your day—a personal retreat that should be cosy and inviting, especially during the cooler months. As a bathroom designer, I’ve learned that a few thoughtful design tweaks and some simple maintenance can transform your bathroom into a warm, welcoming space that makes autumn/winter mornings a bit more bearable.

Introduce warmth with heated elements

One of the most effective ways to make your bathroom a haven of warmth is by incorporating heated elements into the design. If you’re renovating or in the mood for a luxurious upgrade, consider the following:

Underfloor heating: Underfloor heating is a game-changer during winter; stepping onto a warm floor after a shower is pure bliss. Heated floors not only enhance comfort but also help to evenly distribute warmth throughout the room, reducing reliance on central heating.

Towel warmers: A heated towel rack is a relatively easy addition that can bring a touch of spa-like luxury to your bathroom. Imagine wrapping yourself in a warm towel or robe right out of the shower—it's an indulgence that quickly becomes a necessity once you experience it!

“By focusing on warmth, lighting, materials and maintenance, you can create a space that’s not only functional but also a cosy retreat from the chill outside.” 

-Lucy, Designer Ripples Bath

Max out on lighting

Winter often means darker days, so it's essential to maximise both natural and artificial lighting in your bathroom. Here’s how:

Skylights and windows: If you have windows, keep them unobstructed to let in as much natural light as possible. Consider adding a skylight if you’re doing a major renovation. Natural light not only brightens the space but also creates a sense of warmth.
Warm lighting: Swap out cool, harsh lights for bulbs that emit a warm, soft glow. LED bulbs with a colour temperature of around 2700K-3000K are perfect for creating a cosy ambiance. Dimmable lights can also be a great addition, allowing you to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day or your mood.

Choose warm, inviting materials and colours

The materials and colours you choose for your bathroom can significantly impact how warm and inviting the space feels:

Wood and natural textures: Incorporate wood elements, whether through cabinetry, shelving, or even a wooden bath mat. Natural textures like stone or ceramic tiles with a matte finish can also add warmth.
Warm colour palette: Consider using a warm colour palette for your bathroom. Earthy tones like terracotta, deep greens and soft beige can make the space feel cosier. Even if you prefer a neutral palette, adding warm accents like brass fixtures, textured towels, or a rich, patterned rug/bath mat can make a big difference.

Update your fixtures for the season

Autumn is a great time to evaluate and upgrade your bathroom fixtures to ensure they’re ready for the colder months:

Taps and shower heads: Opt for fixtures that maintain consistent water temperature. Some advanced systems even allow you to pre-set your desired water temperature, so you're not waiting for the water to warm up on those chilly mornings.
Insulate pipes: To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during winter, ensure that any exposed pipes are well-insulated. This is particularly important in older homes or bathrooms situated in unheated areas like basements or attics.

Keep the space fresh and dry

With the increased humidity from hot showers, bathrooms can become a breeding ground for mould and mildew in winter. Here’s how to keep your space fresh:

Proper ventilation: Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated. Use an extractor fan to remove excess moisture after showers. If your bathroom doesn’t have a fan, consider installing one, as it helps prevent mould growth and keeps the air fresh.
Dehumidifiers: In particularly damp climates, a small bathroom dehumidifier can help control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mould and mildew.
Regular cleaning: Winter is the time to be diligent about cleaning. Regularly wipe down surfaces, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup, like around the basin and shower. Using a squeegee to remove excess water from shower walls can also help prevent mould.

Add cosy textiles and materials

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of textiles and accessories to add warmth and comfort to your bathroom:

Plush towels and bath mats: Invest in thick, high-quality towels and a plush bath mat. These not only feel luxurious but also help retain warmth. Consider warming your towels on a radiator or towel warmer for extra cosiness.
Candles and scents: Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can add a layer of warmth and relaxation to your bathroom. Choose scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or eucalyptus to evoke the essence of the season.
Seasonal decor: Incorporate seasonal decor like a small vase of autumn foliage or a rustic basket for toiletries.

As the cooler months approach, take the time to prepare your bathroom for the change in weather. By focusing on warmth, lighting, materials and maintenance, you can create a space that’s not only functional but also a cosy retreat from the chill outside.