While ensuites are often the ultimate pamper zone, these family bathroom ideas will ensure the space caters to all ages – from bath-loving tiny tots to teens who preen. Think durable, easy-care surfaces, savvy storage and accessible zones for multiple users. With a swathe of practical, chic finishes and fixtures to choose from, it’s also the perfect space to splash out and have a little fun.

Bathroom design ideas for making the most of your space

1. Use mirrors

To reduce conflict during morning rush hour, look to incorporate large mirrors. “They create the illusion of more space and accommodate multiple people getting ready at once,” explains brand specialist Wesley Sinclair of Highgrove Bathrooms.

2. Double vanities

Opt for double basins and, for children, choose easy-to-use tapware with levers. Double vanities allow more than one person to get ready in the bathroom at a time, a complete lifesaver when everyone’s rushing to get out of the house in the morning.

3. Wall mounting fixtures

“Wall-mounted vanities that free up floor space and offer generous internal storage work well in family bathrooms,” says Reece Marketing Lead Daniela Santilli.

4. Consistent finishes

Use the same tile on the floor and walls to create a spacious and cohesive feel. Just ensure you choose non-slip for safety reasons.

5. The layout

When mapping out the layout of a family bathroom, consider size and the number of people who’ll be using it. “If it’s for multiple users, zone the bathroom with the wet area at one end and the vanity at the other,” says interior designer Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design.

Functional family bathroom ideas

6. Add a seat

Whether it’s for cleaning teeth, brushing hair or supervising kids at bath time, keeping a stool handy in the bathroom will be your saving grace (for you and your back) in a family bathroom.

7. Use plenty of mirrors

If you already have teenagers in your house, then you’ll know there aren’t enough mirrors in the world to keep them satisfied.

8. Easy clean surfaces

Family life is busy enough without adding excessive cleaning into the mix, so choose surfaces that require little upkeep. To avoid water splashing on plaster walls, tiling should extend reasonably high.

9. Incorporate a freestanding bath

“A freestanding model with stylish curves may have more longevity when kids get older,” suggests brand specialist Wesley. A recessed shelf can also help with storage.

Luxurious family bathroom ideas

10. Add feature tiles

To create a stylish space that excites the whole family, founder Jenefer Gordon of Eat Bathe Live suggests going for a bold feature tile, such as some beautiful mosaics. They’re also great for disguising any dust and mess.

11. Glam tapware

Gone are the days of the boring family bathroom. Make it stand out with tapware and accessories in on-trend finishes such as brushed nickel, chrome or gunmetal, which also conveniently minimise the appearance of fingerprints.

12. Install a shower seat

“If you only have room for a shower, make it comfortable and functional with a seat,” says Sarah. Add a touch of luxe with under-tile heating.

13. Pamper zone

Space permitting, consider breaking up the vanity for an extra pampering zone. “Teens may appreciate a sit-down dressing area and divider drawers for their own beauty products,” says interior designer Sarah.

Bathroom design ideas for great storage

14. Use baskets

Keep a laundry basket in the bathroom and accessible to all family members so dirty clothes aren’t left in the corner. A woven hamper can give the room texture, adding some pretty to your practical.

15. Use hidden storage

In family zones, there is no such thing as having too much storage. “Mirror cabinets are a great multi-functional unit,” says Sarah. “They can be recessed and used to cleverly conceal power-points.”

16. Integrate a niche

Niches are another sleek storage option. Sarah suggests asking your builder to incorporate one within your shower or above the bath, with extra depth and height to allow for family-sized product bottles.

The post 16 bathroom design ideas that work for a busy family appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But not all indoor plants thrive in humid rooms that don’t receive a lot of sunlight.

If you want to include an indoor plant or two in your bathroom, these seven plants will work best.

1. Zanzibar plant

Possibly the easiest plant to grow indoors, the hardy Zanzibar Gem will tolerate low light, so doesn’t even need to sit near your bathroom window.

2. Zygocactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii is hard to say but easy to look at. Zygocactus look lovely all year round draping down from a window or high shelf and will even give a lovely burst of colour in autumn and winter when flowering.

Take care not to put them in a place where they’ll be knocked as the stems tend to break easily.

3. Phalaenopsis orchid

Another lover of indirect sunlight, an orchid loves a high humidity environment so does well in a bathroom with only a little natural light. Very low maintenance, orchids virtually thrive on neglect.

Sit one on your vanity for a touch of elegance or group a few together in a rustic container. Keep the roots damp but not wet.

4.Boston fern

In terms of hanging plants, this is a low-maintenance wonder! Perfect in every kind of pot – from a hanging basket to a large pot stand – this feathery fern drapes beautifully and is one of the best plants to bring into your humid bathroom, as it loves a little misting and needs minimal care.

Try an oversized specimen in a small bathroom for maximum va-va-voom!

5.Peace lily

Another indoor plant that’s practically impossible to kill, the peace lily thrives in indirect light and, due to its generous wide leaves, works hard at air-purifying whilst looking lush and fabulous.

The ultimate chameleon, the peace lily is equally at home potted in a blue and white chinoiserie ceramic pot or as part of a display of other tropical plants.

6.  Japanese maple

Not strictly indoors, this is a terrific way to get the best of both worlds – growing a plant outdoors, yet enjoying it from inside the bathroom.

This floor-to-ceiling glass window allows the timber, tree and textures into the bathroom whilst it basks in the bright light of sunshine in a secluded courtyard.

7. Peperomia

Lovely for a little texture and colour, peperomia is easy to grow indoors, depending on the light levels. Away from direct sunlight, they fare well, though don’t like to be too wet so work best in a well-ventilated bathroom.

Look for plants with deep green or even red foliage to mix up the colour display in your bathroom.

OTHER PLANTS THAT THRIVE IN THE BATHROOM

• Sansevieria (aka snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue)

• Air plants

• Spider plants

The post 7 of the best indoor plants for your bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.