Bathroom design and its impact on wedded bliss

Friday, 3 August 2012 7:00 AM

While they might not make good grounds for divorce the bathroom habits of our partner can wreak havoc with marital harmony. Taking a little time to plan a bathroom’s design, rather than trying in vain to change your partner’s habits can be the answer for many couples.
About one in three couples start their day on an argument caused by a lack of good manners in the bathroom. Arguments include the amount of time spent in the bathroom and the state, or smell, of the bathroom after your partner has used it.
Here are some tips and products which will help you design an argument-free bathroom:

1. There is a solution that guarantees fresh, clean air after every flush. Toilet bowl fresheners such as the Geberit DuoFresh extracts all those nasty odours from the bathroom without you even knowing it’s there, as it is cleverly concealed within the cistern behind the wall. Even a bathroom that is poorly ventilated will be left with pure fresh air, as active carbon filters clean the air from inside the pan and resupply it to the room, leaving no more room for excuses.

2. Another common argument is caused over the dreaded toilet seat issue. In fact, it was revealed as one of the top ten things that triggers an argument in the home. Opting for a soft-close toilet seat, such as the one from Croydex, is a quick-fix solution to this age-old argument, as it at least stops the excuse of not wanting to make a noise when visiting the loo in the middle of the night. Soft close toilet lid

3. Where space allows, twin basins are also another good solution, as they put an end to the fight to be first to the bathroom sink in the mornings. What’s more, leaving shaving remnants in the basin was ranked as number four on the list of seven things men do that drive women mad. Twin basins not only create a contemporary, hotel-like ambience, but thinking practically they also enable couples to spend more time together – albeit whilst brushing their teeth. For example, Laufen’s Tam Tam washbasin from its designer Il Bagno Alessi.

4. A well-planned bathroom will also include both a shower and a bath. Women take up to four times as long as men in the bathroom. As such, a lady’s preference for indulging in a long hot soak in the bath can often lead to the male, who just wants to take a quick shower, being left out in the cold. If floor space allows then there really is no room for compromise here. Opt for a bath and a separate shower cubicle to keep both parties happy. Storage solution

5. Last but by no means least on the list should be plenty of clever storage solutions to help ensure the bathroom is kept neat and tidy. The bathroom should be a relaxing haven for all who enter. Being surrounded by other people’s clutter, even if it does belong to your nearest and dearest, is not conducive to a long and happy marriage. Even the smallest of bathrooms can incorporate much-needed storage space for all her make-up and hair products and his countless bottles of after- shave and stray razor blades. Consider pieces such as corner shelving units, a vanity unit under the washbasin, or a wall-hung cabinet above the toilet. All spaces that are otherwise vacant can include storage. The Roeburn Tall Boy from Croydex ensures a neat and tidy bathroom.

By having a re-think over the design of the bathroom couples can happily together ‘til death do us part’.

Ways to improve your home as your family grows

Although having a growing family is an incredibly memorable part in the life of any parent, it's worth bearing in mind the demands that this can place on a property. As the household becomes larger, you'll accumulate more possessions, which can lead to your home becoming cramped. This is something that can be counteracted by renovating your property to increase the amount of living space it provides.