How to avoid typical mistakes when planning a bathroom
Oliver Selner is a fully qualified tradesman with 20 years of experience in installing and planning bathrooms. Since 2022, he has been focusing on interior design and bathroom planning. At @Stil11_ he reveals to his ever-growing Instagram following how to get bathroom planning just right. We asked him some key questions. Scroll down for his answers.
Oliver Selner, a.k.a. Stil11, bathroom planner and interior designer
The most important questions for successful bathroom planning:
There are no mistakes in bathroom planning, only priorities
Good planning means all the important elements fit, even in a small bathroom: For example, with seating in the shower or storage tucked away in a partition wall.
Getting the best out of bathroom planning is complex: The possible and sensible options always depend on the room and the needs of the people using it daily. Often, the biggest challenge is accommodating all the desired elements. If there isn’t a lot of space, certain decisions need to be made: For example, whether a bath tub really is indispensable or whether a spacious walk-in shower offers exactly the same feeling of wellness.
Even if there is a lot to weigh up, you can’t really make mistakes at the planning stage – as long as you figure out what’s important to you and make your decisions on this basis.
1. How do I plan a bathroom renovation or new build?
“Most people plan a bathroom a maximum of once or twice in their life. Without specialist knowledge, this becomes a huge challenge,” says bathroom planner Oliver Selner. “A good bathroom planner should use targeted questions in the initial design appointment to find out what their customer’s priorities are.”
After all, successful bathroom planning is based on teasing out personal needs and wishes and relating them to the room layout. For you to be confident in your decision-making – with or without a bathroom planner – it’s vital that you’re honest with yourself. This will enable you to find out whether you prioritize the design or the functionality of your bathroom.
The following questions will help you to create firm foundations for choosing the best fixtures:
Do you mind cleaning more if it means achieving a certain look? Some design decisions mean having to clean more in your day-to-day life. For example, a free-standing bath tub where dirt accumulates.
How much storage space do you really need? An ornate look is popular – but if you need to store piles of cosmetics or towels in the bathroom, a sturdy vanity unit may be the better choice.
Does the design work for all family members? When it comes to the design, have you thought about everyone who uses the bathroom? Does your washing machine have to live in your bathroom? Is a double wash basin non-negotiable?
Topics that are often declared “planning mistakes” online are ultimately personal decisions: Does the toilet belong in the bathroom? Do you need the storage space a mirrored cabinet offers? Is a double wash basin a must? Listen to your gut – and don’t let others put you off.
Oliver Selner alias Stil11, Badplaner und Interior Designer
2. How do I create enough space in my small bathroom?
In small bathrooms in particular, it’s all about clever planning and your priorities. Start by considering which elements are vital: Do you definitely need a bath tub or would a large walk-in shower suffice? Does the washing machine have to be in your bathroom? Could you store towels somewhere other than the bathroom?
Practical tips for mini-bathrooms:
A flexible layout: It’s worth breaking a classic interior design rule if it means making better use of your bathroom: Clearances in front of the toilet and wash basin can overlap. A shower with a folding partition also creates extra space when you aren’t using it.
Clever storage space: Bathroom furniture with doors creates a calm, tidy look. You can create extra storage space with niches in the wall or drawers in a partition.
Tailor-made solutions: If standard furniture doesn’t fit, plan for custom solutions – this makes all the difference in small bathrooms.
You need to set clear priorities in mini-bathrooms. But good planning can help you achieve enough comfort, storage space, and room to move here.
A tip for successful implementation: Before you actually start planning, figure out where your pipelines and drain pipes are. Because even the best planning is useless if the layout can’t be achieved in reality.
Oliver Selner alias Stil11, Badplaner und Interior Designer
3. How do I plan an easy-to-clean bathroom?
Individual bathroom design can be quick and easy, too: With specialized wallpaper and space for decorative items.
How easy your bathroom is to clean and how long it stays looking good after cleaning depends on the interior design and the materials in the bathroom: You see limescale buildup sooner on a glass shower partition than on tiles – and so you need to clean more often and more carefully.
It therefore depends on what kind of person you are: Are you more practical and want less to take care of or are you, and everyone else in your home, so diligent that you dry off the shower faucet after every use anyway?
When it comes to making these design decisions, your attitude to cleaning and maintenance is relevant:
Dirt always amasses around a free-standing bath tub first. So think about how easy it will be to clean around the bath tub.
It’s easier to see dust and hair on monochrome tiles than it is on patterned ones.
The color of your faucets: Limescale residues show up more on Matt Black faucets rather than on white or bronze-colored ones.
Wood in the bathroom: A countertop basin paired with a wood finish is an option as long as you wipe up splashes as soon as they occur.
You can even have parquet flooring in the bathroom, but don’t allow puddles to form on it.
If you prefer a certain design because it means less cleaning, it’s worth considering other design options. For example, you could customize your bathroom with an eye-catching wall design like acoustic or printed aluminum composite panels, both of which require less cleaning.
4. How much does bathroom renovation cost?
The cost of a bathroom renovation or revamp depends on your choice of fixtures – and, of course, on how much needs to be done. With some bathroom products, it’s more important than with others to ensure the product is high quality.
When Oliver Selner advises price-conscious customers, his approach is to make decisions easier for people:
“Think about the worst consequence of a cheap product breaking. Does it mean scratches on the cabinet or water damage?”
You often read warnings on social media about risking water damage with a concealed faucet installed in the wall. The alternatives are modern exposed installation faucets fitted in front of the wall. This makes them easier to replace, even if you just want an upgrade. But in general, if you choose a good brand, a concealed faucet is also a good choice. You don’t really need to worry about water damage, as long as the faucet is installed by a professional.
It’s hard for non-professionals to determine the quality of faucets just by looking at them – experience as a tradesperson is vital here. When I design bathrooms, I only use brands I’ve had years of great experience with.
Oliver Selner alias Stil11, Badplaner und Interior Designer
5. How do I prevent mold from forming in my new bathroom?
You invest time and money into a great bathroom – and it should stay that way! One widespread concern is mold. But this shouldn’t be an issue in modern homes – as long as you make sure to sufficiently heat the bathroom and adequately ventilate after every shower or bath.
To make sure everything is A-OK:
Check the external walls: Do they have good insulation? In bathrooms with a sloping ceiling, make sure that anything installed on or in the roof does not damage the vapor barrier, i.e. the foil that prevents moisture from penetrating into the insulation.
Install suitable heating (and use it!): Underfloor heating, a heated towel rail or infrared heating ensure the bathroom remain warm and dry.
Ventilate adequately and often: Open the window fully. The best option is cross ventilation with a room facing the bathroom. The humidity should be back under 60% after ventilation.
Frequently asked questions about mistakes in bathroom planning
What are the most frequent mistakes when planning a bathroom?
There are very few genuine mistakes in bathroom planning – a lot depends on personal preferences and your bathroom’s layout:
Shower partition: Glass, brick or none at all? The decision influences the lighting, the vibe in the room, and the amount of cleaning.
Where to put the toilet: In the bathroom or separate? Out in the open or behind a partition? Space, privacy, and comfort play a role here.
Faucets: Exposed vs. concealed installation – this is important in terms of the design, maintenance, and possible water damage.
Seating: A comfort or a necessity? A small bench or fold-up solution can offer a lot of comfort, but it takes up space.
Ultimately, clever planning tailored to your needs and the room is always the right option – as long as you go for high quality in terms of fixtures and technical installation.
What do I need to know when planning the technical aspects of the bathroom?
Clever technical planning is crucial in ensuring that your bathroom is beautiful, functional, and durable. The key points are:
Pipelines and drains: Check what’s actually possible when renovating. Water and drain pipes aren’t always that easy to move around.
Floor-level showers: Make sure the drain is installed low enough for the water to drain off as it should.
Power outlets: Carefully plan the number, position, and protection class (for example, splashproof) to ensure convenience and safety.
Heating and ventilation: Underfloor heating, heated towel rails or other heating solutions should be planned in good time. Good ventilation prevents moisture and mold.
Lighting: Go for functional and atmospheric light sources, for example mirror or ceiling lights suitable for use in wet rooms.
Accessibility/comfort: Make sure there’s enough grab bars, seats, and space to move around the room, if required.
Seals/moisture protection: For renovations in particular, make sure the seals (around the shower and bath tub) have been applied properly to prevent damage.
Careful technical planning helps you to avoid future problems and creates a long-lasting, safe, and comfortable bathroom.
How should I plan the lighting in my bathroom?
Sophisticated lighting improves the functionality and atmosphere of your bathroom. It’s best to plan three levels of lighting:
Basic lighting: Ensures even light throughout the room. Ceiling lamps or built-in spotlights are perfect options here.
Functional lighting: Bright, targeted light for tasks like doing makeup or shaving. Illuminated mirrors or LED strips on the wash basin are good choices here.
Ambiance light: Atmospheric light for a feel-good atmosphere, for example indirect light sources, dimmable lights or LED strips.
With any lighting, please be mindful of the ingress protection (IP) rating. The light color also influences the mood: Warm white has a cozy feel, while cool white helps with concentration, for example when shaving or doing makeup.
How do I make my bathroom accessible?
Accessibility affects us all – even a minor injury can make daily life difficult. Make your bathroom safer and more comfortable and convenient to use with clever measures:
A walk-in shower: A floor-level, step-free shower is easier to access and minimizes the risk of falling over.
Splash water protection: Make sure there’s a slope in the shower so that water cannot escape into the rest of the bathroom.
A seat in the shower: A fixed or folding seat is practical. Not only does it help people with reduced mobility, but it’s also great if you need to shave or wash.
Subsequent adjustments: Some things are easy to convert for full accessibility. For example, grab bars can be added easily – make sure they are in a good position and pick a contrasting color for better visibility.
These measures will help you create a bathroom that is safe, practical, and can flexibly respond to different people’s needs.
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