It’s hard to resist a little pampering in the bathroom, and even in a small space there’s often enough room to squeeze in a decent-size bath. The trick is doing a double act – have the shower fitted above the tub. It’s nothing new and it’s a great option in a zone such as an ensuite, second bathroom, or a compact apartment bathroom. By taking into account the materials, colour palette, fittings and other design elements, there are various ways to make a shower-bath combo work very effectively. Here are just a few ideas I’ve come across…
AN Builders Pty Ltd
Small-space impact. Even in a tiny bathroom, a decent bath is irresistible for adults, teens, tweens and toddlers. The minimum dimensions of an average-sized bath are roughly 1525mm (long), 720mm (wide) and 400mm (deep).
Even in a small space, design shouldn’t be ignored. This bathroom’s industrial-style lighting and subway wall tiles add an urban edge, while the penny round floor tiles are durable, easy to clean and – most importantly – safe when wet.
Jeff Karskens Designer
Different levels. Predictability is out the window when it comes to this bathroom – the sunken shower-bath is a gentle nod to the classic Japanese bath. Mosaic tiles give the bathroom a shimmering effect, and the two colourways are both dramatic and functional – the light-coloured floor tiles are easy to see, even when steps are involved.
Wolveridge Architects
Natural lighting. Opting for louvred blinds above a bath will increase the light within the room while maintaining your privacy. Here, contemporary wall tiles work as an understated backdrop, allowing the rustic brickwork to be the star of the show. To make this work, both elements utilise the classic brick format – this similarity gives the bathroom natural cohesiveness.
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Angus Mackenzie Architect
Traditional twist. A claw-foot bath with traditional tapware adds old-world charm to this contemporary space. And instead of using an old-fashioned plastic shower curtain, the glass screen is stylish and easy to clean. Not only does it minimise the splashes in the bathroom, the glass complements the adjacent cabinet mirror above the sink.
Jordan Smith
Shower set option. To keep everyone happy in the bathroom, it’s important to use a suitable shower option. Here, the twin rail system boasts an overhead shower as well as a hand shower – ideal for a long downpour at night, or a quick wash (without wetting the hair) before work.
See more photos of this bathroom
Globus Builder
Boutique chic. When a bathroom layout is long and narrow, a shower-bath fills the space perfectly at one end. Here, the colour palette and tactile surfaces evoke a boutique hotel look, topped off by gentle illumination. Contemporary white edging – around the bath, basin and seating area – works as a strong design element, while the recessed niche in the shower zone is a handy place to store shampoos, shower gels, loofahs and nail brushes.
Smooth entry. Open to the outdoor elements, the bathroom boasts natural tones and raw materials. But look carefully – the bath is deep enough to settle in at one end, while the showerhead could convince you that you’re relaxing under a Tahitian waterfall.
Skyring Architects
Light and white. Remember, less is more in a bath space. A clean, uncluttered layout with compact storage will make your bathroom appear bigger than ever. As a cost-saving option, a shower curtain can be used rather than a glass screen. With such a blank canvas to work with, this is the chance to add your own personality – splashes of red and charcoal add real zing to this basic bathroom.
Mackenzie Pronk Architects
Colour burst. When renovating a bathroom, an easy way to minimise costs is to keep the shower-bath combo and basin fixtures in exactly the same place. Then add new tiles, fixtures and accessories to give the space a new lease on life. Here, the feature wall of red mosaics adds a pop of colour to the rather utilitarian zone. And the long recessed niche can be dotted with shampoos, bath gels and the like.
Annabelle Chapman Architect Pty Ltd
Privacy please. Bringing natural light into the bathroom is a priority, but privacy can be tricky when the bath is positioned directly under the window. Here, a mix of frosted and clear glass louvres solves the problem, and they can be easily angled as required. And when the sun goes down, the recessed lighting above the shower-bath provides gentle illumination.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
How do you feel about shower-bath combos? Dated or not? Let us know in the comments section.
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