Although a bathroom with plenty of built-in storage around the bath is easy to keep neat and tidy, it has the disadvantage of hiding all the personal bits and pieces that produce a lived-in feel. Today’s toiletries are often so beautifully packaged that it is a pity to hide them away behind cupboard doors. Open shelves allow cosmetics to be kept on hand. Although glass shelves look smart, they require frequent clean- ing to remove grubby marks. Wood and laminate are both good alternatives. Stacking vegetable trays and plastic- coated racks can be adapted for use in the bathroom; a trolley on wheels can be pushed aside when not in use. Cleaning materials and medicines are best kept out of sight; in a household which includes small children, they should be locked away behind a child- proof catch. Consider installing a cup- board or bathroom cabinet.
CONCERTINA MIRROR
Where possible, a mirror should be hung above a basin, ideally so that you can see yourself from the back as well as the front. One way to achieve this is to try a concertina mirror next to another mirror so that it can be pulled out to reflect the view from behind, A concertina mirror is also useful when a basin must be positioned below a window and there is no space to hang a mirror on the wall above. A word of caution: always check that the magnifying side of the concertina mirror faces away from fabrics to prevent them scorching or even catching fire in strong sunlight.