A shower room has to be practical but there’s no reason why it can’t look good too – you can use as much imagination here as in any other room in the house. But because it’s got to survive splashes of water, wet feet and even the occasional flood, surfaces need to be water- proof and easily dried.
The area inside the shower itself must be totally waterproof. lt can be tiled or panelled but make sure that waterproof adhesive and grouting is used for the tiles and any gaps into which water might seep are properly sealed with a flexible sealant. Outside the shower area, bear in mind that, as well as splashes of water, condensation can be a problem. Wall tiles are ideal but paint, preferably an oil-based one, is an inexpensive alternative as long as the walls are smooth.
Gloss or eggshell is scrubbable and stands up well to moisture. lf you prefer wallpaper, choose a vinyl or water resistant finish. This large cloakroom has enough space for a shower enclosure as well as a basin and toilet. The corner opening cubicle is a good choice, ensuring a protected space for the toilet and there is plenty of room for hanging clothes and towels. Here it is decorated in three very different ways. The basic room remains the same the walls inside the shower are tiled in white and the plain white sanitaryware is the perfect foil for a variety of colour schemes.
Soft and practical
A striped waterproof wall covering the soft yellow peach and grey with a co – ordinating border is teamed with silver grey paintwork. The area below the dado rail is gloss painted in pale yellow.