Today bathrooms have been perfected in terms of function. The composition is generally WC, sink, shower and bathtub. The words we aspire to hear when describing our bathroom are increasingly associated with mood and atmosphere. We all have our priority wish list, but good design layout is the basis to this.

The trend seems to be directed back to using a bathroom in a more dynamic manner and to house art pieces, plants and sculptures.- Davina Preca

For the layout, I tend to prefer having an open bathroom, meaning that the WC, sink and shower are located in separate rooms whereas the bath itself sits in the centre of the space. The advantage to this is that the separate areas can be accessed at any time – this will help you avoid the morning queues. Also, it’s more hygienic to have the WC located out of sight.

Bathing can thus be enjoyed as an activity in itself. This approach should not take up more floor area than a one-space bathroom and makes good use of space within a multi-purpose layout.

Since Edwardian times, the bathroom has served as an escape, with large armchairs in an ample setting. Then later, we saw the emphasis turn to a minimal approach of vast expanses of white tiles, an approach that underline the cleanliness aspect. Now the trend seems to be directed back to using a bathroom in a more dynamic manner and to house art pieces, plants and sculptures.

Whichever direction you take, your bathroom – if planned and designed properly – will be a place of retreat which you enjoy visiting.

The bathroom is one of the most exciting spaces to design as it gives designers the opportunity to indulge in using luxury materials that will otherwise appear excessive in larger spaces. Surfaces should be water resistant and practical to keep dry but apart from these restrictions anything can be done. Select two or three materials and do not introduce more than one colour. Also, make careful use of light – light bounces off reflective materials such as glossy tile and mirror, thus adding volume to the space.

Attention to detail is very relevant in a bathroom. Eliminate joints, as these are unsightly in a small space. Use built-in storage where possible, as this will help you keep visual clutter to a minimum. Place recessed lighting in the corners of the room or where wall meets ceiling to increase the breadth of a small space.

Davina Preca is an interior architect and designer. www.davinapreca.com