Like most of the building industry, the bathroom sector has changed over the last two years. James Sketch from Keuco explains what people are now focussing on when it comes to planning and designing their bathroom

The combination of Brexit and Covid has meant that many self-builders have had to adjust their plans; this is not just because of adaptations and alterations to the supply and delivery chain, but many are looking at the longevity behind their projects.

You may be building to create your own forever home or to use this as an opportunity to venture into the homebuilding sector, with a view of selling and then creating additional homes. Whatever the reason, the rationale behind what you are building will probably have changed since 2020, especially in terms of bathroom design.

The keyword is longevity – the property may currently be at a premium but buyers are looking for specifics. Aesthetically pleasing, hotel-style bathrooms are no longer the go-to. Design and quality are important but the bathroom now has to be extremely easy to clean as hygiene has gone up on everyone’s priority list and it must be adaptable for residents of all ages.

Multigenerational living seemed to be the catchphrase to cover families with young children through to teenagers; but now it covers a much wider age bracket. House prices are increasing and as it becomes harder for the younger generation to get onto the housing ladder, families are building and buying properties that can cater for all. This may mean sections of the house are divided for individual living, but bathrooms may still have to be shared.

Living with an ageing relative does not mean you have to lose out on stylish design. Brands who work within the care home sector are designing and manufacturing products that can be adapted to residential living too.

Bathrooms can now be designed and crafted to cater for all ages, taking into account current and potential needs without creating a look that is ‘institutionalised’. Shower surfaces that are floor level, with no ridge or side to step over are on-trend in terms of bathroom design but tick all the multigenerational living boxes too, especially if they have a specific non-slip surface. They are also available in a variety of sizes and colours, which enables them to be coordinated to the bathroom floor and other fixtures and fittings.

The stylish design continues with the addition of multi-purpose accessories, such as towel rails that double as a grab rail or a shower rail that can be used to support a detachable shower seat. The seat can be hooked over the rail, offering secure seating which can be folded up or removed after use. The seat is available in three colour options and covered in a warm-to-the-touch skin friendly thermoplast (permanent options can also be fitted).

When it comes to sanitary ware, shower toilets are becoming an increasingly popular choice; not only because of the increased hygiene options, but because they offer so many other options. With the touch of an app, seats can be heated, toilet lids lifted, night lights programmed. All of which can benefit family members of all ages and abilities.

If additional support is needed, support bars can be added alongside the toilets, these can be raised and lowered as needed. Grab rails and support rails can also be added to the bath which can double up to be used for towels or as part of the shower rail system. They come in a variety of options chrome plated or aluminium silver with an anodised finish, to co-ordinate with the other bathroom fittings.

The combination of options available to self-builders and developers alike allow them to create elegant functional bathrooms that will encompass and cater for the needs of every family member.

James Sketch is country manager UK at Keuco