How to Design a Bathroom Interior – An Interior Designer’s Guide
By Laura Jayne Design
Designing a bathroom isn’t just about picking tiles and taps — it’s about creating a space that balances practicality, comfort, and beauty. At Laura Jayne Design, we approach bathroom interiors with the same care and expertise as any other room in the home, ensuring each decision reflects your lifestyle, taste, and daily routine.
In this guide, we share our professional process and tips to help you understand how to design a bathroom interior, whether you’re planning a full renovation or updating an existing space.
How to Design a Bathroom Interior – An Interior Designer’s Guide
By Laura Jayne Design
Designing a bathroom isn’t just about picking tiles and taps — it’s about creating a space that balances practicality, comfort, and beauty. At Laura Jayne Design, we approach bathroom interiors with the same care and expertise as any other room in the home, ensuring each decision reflects your lifestyle, taste, and daily routine.
In this guide, we share our professional process and tips to help you understand how to design a bathroom interior, whether you’re planning a full renovation or updating an existing space.
Step 1: Start With the Layout
Before choosing any finishes or fixtures, think about how the space will be used.
Ask the Right Questions:
- Is it a master en-suite, family bathroom, or guest cloakroom?
- Do you need a bath, walk-in shower, or both?
- How much storage is required?
- Who uses it most — adults, children, guests?
Key Layout Tips:
- Place the toilet out of sight from the door if possible.
- Ensure enough clearance space for doors and drawers.
- Consider plumbing restrictions and how to hide pipework.
If possible, bring in natural light — it transforms the space.
Step 1: Start With the Layout
Before choosing any finishes or fixtures, think about how the space will be used.
Ask the Right Questions:
- Is it a master en-suite, family bathroom, or guest cloakroom?
- Do you need a bath, walk-in shower, or both?
- How much storage is required?
- Who uses it most — adults, children, guests?
Key Layout Tips:
- Place the toilet out of sight from the door if possible.
- Ensure enough clearance space for doors and drawers.
- Consider plumbing restrictions and how to hide pipework.
If possible, bring in natural light — it transforms the space.
Step 2: Choose a Cohesive Design Style
Once the layout is finalised, define the look and feel you want to achieve.
Common Interior Design Styles for Bathrooms:
- Contemporary – clean lines, neutral tones, sleek finishes
- Traditional – panelled walls, freestanding baths, vintage brassware
- Spa-inspired – natural textures, soft lighting, warm neutrals
- Bold & modern – statement tiles, colour pops, matte black fittings
At Laura Jayne Design, we help clients blend their home’s overall aesthetic into the bathroom for a cohesive, high-end result.
Step 3: Select High-Quality Fixtures and Fittings
Functionality is everything in a bathroom — but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style.
Focus On:
- A good-quality vanity unit (with storage)
- Mixer taps with solid build quality
- Wall-hung WCs to create floor space
- Shower enclosures with easy-clean glass and robust hardware
We always recommend investing in the core fixtures and scaling back elsewhere if needed — poorly made fittings are often the first to fail.
Step 4: Get the Lighting Right
Lighting can make or break a bathroom. We typically design with three layers:
The Ideal Lighting Plan:
- Ambient lighting – ceiling lights or LED panels
- Task lighting – around mirrors for shaving/makeup
- Accent lighting – recessed shelf lights or wall sconces for mood
Always choose IP-rated fittings appropriate for bathroom zones to comply with UK safety standards.
Step 5: Don’t Underestimate Storage
Clutter is the quickest way to ruin a beautifully designed bathroom. We always plan storage into the initial design.
H3: Smart Storage Ideas:
- Recessed shelves in showers or beside baths
- Wall-hung mirrored cabinets
- Vanity drawers with built-in dividers
- Tall, slim cabinets for towels and toiletries
Step 6: Pick Tiles and Finishes That Last
Bathroom surfaces must be waterproof, easy to clean, and visually appealing.
Laura’s Tips for Selecting Finishes:
- Go for larger format tiles to reduce grout lines
- Use contrasting grout to highlight shapes (or match for subtlety)
- Add warmth with wood-effect porcelain or natural stone
- Include feature areas like tiled niches or patterned floors
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Bathrooms may be functional, but they still deserve styling.
Final Details We Love:
- Scented candles or diffusers
- Framed artwork in waterproof frames
- Colour-coordinated towels and accessories
- Plants (real or artificial) to soften the space
These touches transform a bathroom from basic to beautiful.
Bonus: What Is the Ideal Layout for a Bathroom?
While every space is different, a great bathroom layout should:
- Allow easy access and movement
- Maximise wall space for fixtures and mirrors
- Separate wet and dry zones
- Use vertical space efficiently for storage
We often recommend a symmetrical or “zoned” layout for balance and functionality.
Work With Laura Jayne Design on Your Bathroom Project
A well-designed bathroom is an investment in daily comfort and long-term property value. Whether you’re remodelling a tired en-suite or building a spa-worthy space from scratch, Laura Jayne Design offers a full interior design service — from concept to installation.
