Low-Maintenance Bathrooms

WORDS Tamarisk McNalty Stephens

COSENTINO: Dekton Vicenza Kode VKO3 Grigio

A spa-like bathroom is often at the top of the priority list during home builds and renovations. In the planning stage, the focus is typically on preferred aesthetics, with limited attention devoted to the cleaning that accompanies the selected design, materials and finishes. Here are some practical tips for creating a space that is hardworking, beautiful and low maintenance, so the spa aesthetic you worked hard to achieve isn’t eclipsed by tedious housework.

SPACE PLAN

The elements should be arranged to provide sufficient space for easily maneuvering cleaning tools around all items (behind, beside and possibly beneath). A curbless shower is easier to clean than one with a curb, since there are fewer corners and surfaces. However, the construction is more complex and not attainable in every application. Ask your contractor. Weigh the pros and cons to determine whether a double-sink vanity is truly a top priority. It may make for more civil affairs if one party is tidier than the other, or if schedules align and the sink is often needed at the same time. Two sinks double the cleaning required. Incorporating sufficient storage and hooks for hanging towels and clothes keeps items off the floor and the countertops clear, so less time is spent moving items when dusting and cleaning.

SHELL

The appropriate wallboard must be securely waterproofed before any tile or finish is applied. This is a vital step to prevent leaks, which could lead to mould or more serious water damage. It is important to hire a professional (or potentially face a costly maintenance bill). Your contractor will ensure that a proper slope is installed in shower pans, niches, shelves and benches, to drain water as intended. To avoid unnecessary future repairs, blocking should be installed during construction to securely fasten towel bars, mirrors and hooks. Install an appropriately sized exhaust fan to remove moisture and humidity as quickly as possible, reducing mildew buildup.

MATERIALS & FINISHES

Porcelain is a low-maintenance finish for floors, shower walls and even countertops. Choose a tile with a subtle pattern to conceal watermarks, soap scum and hair. Quartz can be used for countertops, shower sills and jambs, niche frames, etc. It is a low-maintenance, hygienic and easy-to-clean option. When ease is the priority, natural stones should be avoided, as they require sealing and upkeep – and some, such as marble, can stain and etch easily. For tiles on shower floors and walls, choose a fairly smooth texture (but not slippery) so soap scum has minimal surface area to adhere to. A matte finish typically shows fewer watermarks than a polished finish. Most grout used today is stain-resistant and does not require sealing; however, fewer grout lines make cleaning easier.

For shower walls, consider porcelain slabs (such as Dekton) or large-format tiles in 24-by-24-inch or 24-by-48-inch sizes. Avoid MDF baseboards in the bathroom, as exposure to water will cause irreparable damage. Wood is more durable but does contract and expand as humidity varies, so be mindful of where and how it is used in the space. Bathroom paint is specially formulated to withstand moisture and is easy to wipe clean. Select a vanity door profile that doesn’t collect dust. Incorporating smart storage into the vanity, such as a pull-out with a spot for a laundry basket, keeps dirty clothes off the floor. A medicine cabinet or devoted drawer for small supplies keeps the countertop clutter-free.

BRIZO: Allaria Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet in Brilliance Luxe Nickel

FIXTURES

Toilets with a concealed trapway are preferred because the skirting does not provide a surface for dust to accumulate. If your design aesthetic is more modern and your plumber is on board, a wall-hung toilet might be an option, as it allows for easy cleaning (as does a wall-mounted vanity). An undermount or integrated sink is easier to clean around than a drop-in sink with a fluted lip/edge. Faucets and tub/shower fixtures with a brushed finish show fewer water spots than polished chrome. A single-hole sink faucet with a side lever is simpler to clean around than a widespread or centre-set faucet. Select a tub with a simple shape and without jets. A handheld shower in tubs and showers makes cleaning much easier, as you can direct water to areas that may be difficult to reach. Install recessed pot lights for general lighting, and carefully consider vanity lighting to avoid dust traps (clear glass shows it all). OH