Renovating a bathroom is one of the most exciting projects you can take on at home. It’s also a real investment, so you’re going to want to make sure that you get it right – so, where do you start designing your shower?

Whether you’ve got a clear vision in mind and only need a little help with the execution, or you’re in need of a helping hand to figure out all of the steps, KBB journo Becca Cullum-Green spoke to the bathroom experts and has put together a comprehensive guide to help you bring your dream shower to life…

1. The look and feel of your shower

Sometimes, knowing where to start can be the hardest part when it comes to interior design. We’d recommend gathering inspiration from lots of different sources to whittle down the exact type of shower you want to create. Create your own digital moodboard on Pinterest or gather samples so you can physically see and touch them.

Don’t forget to take your own space and measurements into account to figure out what’s going to work best in your individual shower set-up.

2. Hidden or exposed?

Before you can get to the fun bit, it’s important to figure out the key design elements of your shower. The main one being whether or not you want your shower components to be hidden or exposed. If you want to achieve a more modern finish, having your shower concealed is a great option. However, this will require a lot more pre-planning and is labour intensive.

Neil Curtis, senior designer at Ripples, explains that “if room is tight within a shower area, concealed fittings are usually the best choice. By hiding the pipes within the wall cavity, the fittings sit flush to the wall, reducing the possibility of bumping into them when showering, and creating a sleek finished look.”

“If space allows, you may also want to consider an in-built shower bench as part of your shower design, which is certainly seeing a resurgence as more and more of us look to create multi-generational homes,” he continues. “It offers a place to perch, which is useful for younger children, older people and those looking to future-proof their home.”

3. Built-in storage

Another thing you should consider is whether or not you want to incorporate built-in storage in your shower design. “You can create additional in-shower storage by utilising the void in a stud or false wall to build niches for storing shower products, in turn maximising space on the floor,” says Neil. “These niches can easily become a real design feature, by adding lighting and/ or contrasting tiles to inject some personality into the space.”

This is particularly effective if you’re working with a smaller shower space and don’t want the overall look of your bathroom to feel cluttered.

4. Non-negotiable stand-out features

Once you’ve considered the practical elements of your shower design, you need to think about any particular structural or architectural features you’d like to add.

For example, curved shower walls and arch shower entrances are all the rage right now, but they need to be factored into your initial design. Another popular shower feature is a freestanding shower wall that separates your shower enclosure from the rest of your bathroom.

5. Shower enclosure or wetroom?

Depending on the shape and size of your bathroom, you may be thinking about designing a wetroom rather than a separate shower enclosure. Creating a wetroom requires the entire space to be waterproofed and for the floor to be sloped, in order for the water to drain properly.

Peter Woodward, marketing manager at Scudo Bathrooms, says you can still attain a wetroom look, without all the work. “To achieve a wetroom look without completely waterproofing, you can opt for a shower tray with a low profile that can be fitted on or level with the floor. An added benefit of a shower tray is that it can be treated with an anti-slip coating to ensure optimum safety and usability.”

6. Consider a smart shower

It’s time to decide what type of shower you’d like to invest in. Is a modern, smart shower on your radar? If it’s not, then perhaps it should be.

The Grohtherm SmartControl concealed shower system pictured below has TurboStat technology which ensures a constant supply of water at the optimum temperature, while the Water Saving technology reduces the energy consumption without compromising on your shower experience.

Other smart shower designs allow you to turn the shower on with your mobile phone and choose your ideal temperature and flow rate.

7. Choose the right shower door or screen

Most shower enclosures will require either a shower door or a shower screen, depending on the overall size of your bathroom. There are lots of different door styles to choose from, including hinged, pivot and bifold.

“Shower glass comes in many shapes and sizes; there’s always an option to suit your space. If you’re opting for an enclosure, consider which shape will work best, such as pentagonal to utilise the corner of a room, or three-sided if you have more space. If you go for shower glass, think about which style you like, whether that be steel-framed, fluted or the emerging trend, etched,” explains Neil.

8. Pick your hardware

This is where your Pinterest board is going to come into play. You’ll likely be leaning towards a particular finish when it comes to your shower hardware. Chrome offers a clean and timeless look, whereas brushed brass feels effortlessly chic and warm. Alternatively, matt black might be the ideal option for you if you prefer an industrial look.

Lizzi Catchpole, head of design at Catchpole & Rye advises, “when it comes to brassware, ensure cohesion by considering other metal elements within the room – lighting, any plumbing that might already be present, mirrors etc.

“Mixing metals can be beautiful when well considered, although I typically recommend choosing a maximum of two to three complementary finishes – there is nothing more jarring than multiple metals competing with each other.”

9. Choose your wallcoverings

Now you’ve nailed the fundamentals, it’s time for the fun bit – wallcoverings! By this point, chances are you have a clear vision in your head of what you want your shower to look like. However, be sure to choose the right material for your space.

“Shower rooms need tiles that are non-porous, so look for ceramic or porcelain designs. These are the most popular choices, whether it’s for walls or floor, and there are so many options for colour, pattern, size, shape and style. Porcelain is durable, hardwearing and easy to clean, with a luxurious look and feel. Ceramic is less expensive and easier to lay, as it’s not as weighty as porcelain, but is still a great option for longevity,” explains Lizzi.

10. Finishing touches

The smallest details always make the biggest difference. Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches when it comes to designing your shower. After all, these will help give your shower the exact, cohesive look and feel you were aiming for.

A rustic milkmaid stool placed inside or outside the shower is the perfect place to perch or to display some of your favourite bathroom products. Or, perhaps you’d like to add a slogan bath mat for a playful touch. Whatever you choose to accessorise your shower with, make sure your décor reflects your personal style.

Enjoyed this post? Click here to discover how to use porcelain surfaces in your home

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