Neil Whitehead from Impey offers insights into how to create the ideal wetroom or wet area shower space for every size and style of home
The coveted wetroom shower space has many guises and, when thoughtfully planned and installed, can fit into virtually any size and style of property. Here are some wetroom design options and tips on how to plan your perfect shower space.
Open plans
As we saw many years ago with the advent of the kitchen/diner, one of the most flexible design options for a showering space is an open plan layout. Taking inspiration from high-end hotel design, the opportunity to take down walls and open up rooms to create a luxurious bathroom environment is ever more desirable to homeowners.
An open concept wetroom offers the ultimate in adaptability. Providing an ideal foundation for even the smallest of showering spaces, an open plan wetroom allows for the floor area to be maximised and a simple design scheme to shine.
Opting for an elongated linear-style floor former can further enhance the modern look and feel of the space, with opportunities for personalisation including a ‘barely there’ tiled insert drainage grate, offering effortless coordination. Clean, contemporary lines and modern sanitaryware, combined with concealed storage options and a contemporary glass screen; key design elements which showcase wetroom simplicity at its finest.
The addition of a glass screen (or configuration of screens) ensures that water is contained in the wet area of the bathroom and can add a touch of class to your room while separating the showering area from the rest of the room.
Spa-style indulgence
In a departure from the clean, minimalist bathrooms which have prevailed in recent years you may wish to recreate the sense of serenity and relaxation experienced at a spa, in your wetroom at home.
Texture, natural materials, and individuality are key if you are creating a spa or wellness style wetroom. Consider a natural tile choice, the introduction of wood, textured accessories like baskets, towels etc, rustic brushed copper or pewter fixtures and fittings and of course, the addition of some lush greenery.
A pared-back or muted colour palette, with adaptable lighting which can be adjusted to suit the laid-back ambience you are trying to create; LED mood lighting, or a smart-shower, will all add to the feeling of tranquillity and calmness in your spa-style wetroom retreat.
Small showering spaces
Wetrooms are an ideal showering solution for small or awkwardly shaped rooms owing to the flexibility of design and the removal of a traditional bathtub or shower enclosure, which immediately maximises floor space. A well designed wetroom can create a bespoke showering space in a loft/attic space, garage conversion, under-stairs cupboard or even basement refurb.
A completely open plan wetroom, one incorporates no screening at all, is perfect when space is limited. This is providing that drainage is well-positioned, and that towels/loo roll holders are situated to avoid the spray from the shower head.
Many wetroom floor formers can be cut to size to accommodate exact floor shapes. But of course, do check the guidelines on your specific model of floor former before purchase, to confirm your project is viable.
In locations which incorporate a pitched roof, eaves or even reduced ceiling height, bespoke glass screens are available which can be cut to your exact dimensions; you will just need to allow some extra time for manufacture (generally four-six weeks).
Universal accessibility
The consequences of future proofing and multigenerational living have added an emphasis within the bathroom environment which a level-access wetroom installation lends itself perfectly to.
Fitting a wetroom is a simple but effective way to create a shower space that can be utilised by every kind of user, regardless of age or physical limitations.
A wetroom provides an ideal walk-in showering space that is versatile, adaptable, and easy to maintain. It allows you to maximise your home’s long-term potential, accommodating family members or guests who may need to avoid a ‘step’ into the shower, who may use a shower seat or a wheelchair, or may require assisted showering.
The addition of sleek, modern grab rails, and attractive, wall-mounted shower seating that can be folded away when not in use, ensure your wetroom is adaptable and attractive, avoiding an ‘institutional’ look or feel.
Back to black – industrial inspiration
The trend for industrially inspired design is continuing to gather mainstream traction; with the addition of blackframed wetroom panels or enclosures and co-ordinating black bathroom accessories still popular.
For homeowners keen to incorporate the black-framed shower panel trend into a contemporary shower space, a ‘Crittal-style’ shower screen can quickly and simply create a strong design statement. To ensure longevity for your black-framed screen, it is essential to research the properties of the individual design, as there are very many styles and qualities of these popular screens available.
Co-ordinating decor options can vary from sticking to a simple monochrome colour palette, black taps, and shower heads, to throwing in bold splashes of eye-catching, bright colour. To embrace the industrial style completely, opt for stylish black bathroom accessories, bathroom linen, or even a black heated towel rail.
Neil Whitehead is brand marketing manager at Impey