The Growing Popularity of Wet Rooms
Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular, due to their stylish look and improved practicality. In a modern wet room, sleek aesthetics are married with functionality for a design with minimalist appeal and seamless functionality. These innovative spaces are particularly appealing to those with disabilities or limited mobility, because obstacles like steps, bathtubs, and shower doors are eliminated, for an open plan designed to meet the individual’s needs. Having a safe and functional bathroom is a necessity. Designing this functional space to be attractive and stylish is an added bonus.
Accessible Wet Room Designs
What makes a wet room particularly accessible? Incorporating disabled wet room ideas into the design of an already practical room improves its accessibility. The bathroom is the site of roughly 80 percent of falls at home, so every step towards making the space disability-friendly is important. Adding safety features like grab bars and non-slip mats can make a bathroom safer, but do they make it less attractive? This need not be the case. With the right design concepts and layouts, accessible wet rooms can be just as beautiful as any other well-designed space, while also providing support and functionality.
Stylish Wet Room Solutions
How does one go about creating a stylish yet accessible wet room?
- Adhere to a minimalist aesthetic. Minimalism works beautifully in a modern disabled wet room, because this design style is all about simplicity and functionality. Stick to a colour palette that creates a clean and inviting look, and seek out features like grab bars that also function as towel rails, so that your safety features do not detract from the style of the wet room. Coordinate your fixtures to keep the space chic.
- Make it modern with chrome. When you install chrome grab bars and fold-down seats, you take the look of your accessible wet room to a new level, making it look sleek and polished. In this way, you can bring an air of sophistication to the design of a wholly accessible space.
- Bring in a touch of luxury. There is no need to compromise accessibility when incorporating luxurious features. Making thoughtful design choices, using high-end options like rainfall shower heads, marble or slab flooring, and built in benches can give your wet room an air of opulence, while maintaining functionality and safety.
- Integrate seating for high-end design. There are many options for chic, integrated seating, made from luxurious materials, which bring upscale design to a functional wet room. This makes the space visually appealing as well as accommodating.
- Deepen the palette. A darker colour palette can make a wet room feel more elegant. Combine this with practical storage solutions and accessible design, and you have the perfect marriage of form and function.
- Make the most of your space. In a small space, think creatively and plan carefully. Choose elements that serve a dual purpose, for maximum functionality. In large wet rooms, there is more opportunity for a wide range of features and furnishings, but the space must be designed carefully, to ensure that there is enough distance between fixtures to allow for ease of movement and access.
- Create a spa-like wet room. There is no need to sacrifice spa-like amenities in order to achieve accessibility. Spa-inspired wet rooms incorporate features like multiple shower heads and varied water pressures to provide a relaxing environment. A soothing palette and ambient lighting add to the serene atmosphere, and including both vertical and horizontal grab bars ensures safety.
- Use symmetrical design elements. When you keep symmetry in mind during the design process, you can create a wet room that is as visually impactful as it is practical. Coordinated tile patterns, matching grab bars, and double sinks can offer an appealing look for your wet room.
- Embrace natural light. Large windows and skylights allow you to flood the space with sunlight, creating an invigorating environment while also improving visibility and safety. Maximise natural light by using tiles and paint in light colours, to reflect the light. If privacy is a concern, consider frosted glass to maintain the bright and airy feel while bringing discretion into this personal space.
- Keep it stylish while remaining on budget. If these ideas seem cost-prohibitive to you, there is no need to worry. An accessible wet room can be stylish and functional without breaking the bank. Choose your materials carefully, focusing on essential elements and fixtures that are high-quality yet affordable.
Bathroom Accessibility Solutions from the Experts
When you are ready for a safer, more practical bathroom, Bathing Mobility Advisory Service is here to help. We are specialists in accessible bathroom design and installation, offering walk in baths, showers, and wet rooms. Begun as a family business in Edinburgh, BMAS still operates from the family values and service on which our company was built. Our bathrooms are not only practical, but also beautiful, and our team is committed to helping people bathe safely and independently in their homes. We will work with you to create a bathroom design that suits you, and most bathrooms are completed within a working week. From design to completion, BMAS is with you every step of the way, and we will only sign off on a project when both you and the installation manager are pleased with the results. We hold ourselves to a high standard, and are proud of the work we do, providing quality workmanship backed by dedicated service. Visit one of our showrooms to learn more, or contact us for a free home visit and quotation.