With Pinterest searches for ‘downstairs cloakrooms’ up by 60% in the last month, and luxury bathroom brand LUSSO reporting a 3500% YoY increase in cloakroom basin sales, there has been a significant rise in homeowners and property developers transforming cloakrooms and adding downstairs bathrooms into their homes. And for good reason too – adding a second bathroom or cloakroom can add 6% to the value of the average house.
Mike Whitfield, bathroom interiors specialist at LUSSO says: “A cloakroom bathroom is a good selling point and an attractive option if you are looking to sell your property, creating more space for families, and providing a great option when hosting guests, reducing the traffic to upstairs bathrooms.
“For families, having an extra bathroom is significantly more efficient, as it prevents overcrowding and provides extra space for daily routines.”
However, the cloakroom bathroom is not without its design challenges. Cloakrooms are typically the smallest rooms in the home, and they often lack natural light or are unconventionally proportioned.
Mike says: “When designing a cloakroom it’s essential to employ design elements and storage solutions in strategic ways. Accurately measure the space you are working with to plan the layout, as this will allow your design to work seamlessly together, and you can clearly envision what type of products you need and what size.”
Mike has shared seven clever design tips and tricks to maximise the tiniest room in your house:
1. Opt for micro bathroom furniture
Mike explains: “As it’s a small area you’re working with, it’s best to choose micro basins or cloakroom vanity units, specifically wall-hung designs between 300mm to 600mm. These create the illusion of more space and allow more breathing room that provides freedom to style other pieces.”
2. Add extra light
If you want to make your cloakroom appear bigger than it really is, consider how to incorporate more light into the space.
Mike explains: “If your room lacks natural light through windows, you can still brighten the space through the colour palette you decorate with. Incorporating shades like ivory, white and cream will create a lighter feeling space.
“Another essential to include is a mirror that can be placed above your basin or vanity unit. The larger the mirror, the better the effect it can create. When working with a small space such as a cloakroom, don’t be afraid to let a mirror take up all of (or a large portion of) a wall. To maximise this effect further, choose a back-lit mirror to add another source of illumination to your cloakroom.”
3. Eliminate visual clutter with smart storage solutions
Mike says: “The fewer items on display, the larger your cloakroom will look. Incorporate storage solutions such as wall-hung cabinets, and vanity units with basins and baskets to eliminate visual clutter. These pieces allow you to store bathroom essentials while creating a clean and uncluttered design to maximise space.
“The use of open shelves in cloakrooms can be seen as a great storage solution, but in fact, they can make your room feel more cluttered. Instead, use cabinets with closing drawers to maintain clean lines in your bathroom and create a more visually cohesive look.”
4. Avoiding freestanding furniture
Mike explains: “As you’re working with limited space, every inch in your cloakroom is important. A common mistake is using freestanding decor, such as pedestal basins and vanity units, that take up a lot of precious floor space. Not only does freestanding furniture appear clunky in small rooms but from a practical standpoint, it can also make cleaning more difficult as dirt will accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
“When configuring a bathroom design to fit into a cloakroom, built-in furniture can be tailored to fit specific dimensions and contours of the room, making for a seamlessly integrated look. Wall-hung fixtures also help to create the illusion of space by keeping your floor clear.”
5. Streamline your accessories
Sometimes less is more when working with limited space. In a cloakroom bathroom, incorporate fewer accessories and decoration pieces and focus instead on statement luxury bathroom decor items.
Mike says: “Invest in the most important items, including cloakroom basins and vanity units, as these will become the focal point while offering functionality. Choose a stone, marble, or travertine basin that will not only last a lifetime but also provide a luxurious feel to your cloakroom.”
6. Tile drench
Mike comments: “The upside of a small space is that you can experiment with all-encompassing decor without it being overwhelming. Decorating with distinctive wall or floor tiles adds character, interest and texture to a cloakroom. Specifically, fluted, marble or mosaic tiles will add a luxury aesthetic to the bathroom.
“Create the illusion of a larger space by decking your whole cloakroom out with the same tile – from wall to floor. Remember to match your grout to the tile to further create a seamless finish and envelop your bathroom with a luxury spa-like feel.”
7. Hone in on the finer details
The finishing touches of your cloakroom are often the most important. Minimal accessories such as door handles, soap dispensers and towel hooks can have the biggest impact.
Mike says: “To create a luxury appearance, choose a finish that complements your colour palette. Gold, black and stainless are versatile finishes that instantly add luxe to a variety of interior styles and colour palettes.”
To browse bathroom storage options and see how you can create your own cloakroom bathroom, head to LUSSO.
