Small homes and studios

Bathroom Materials and Finishes for Small homes and studios

Select materials by where they will be installed, how they are cleaned and what can be repaired when one part wears.

Bathroom planning reference: compare fixture arrangements before selecting finishes.

Compare the options

Set the brief: Mark high-touch, wet and impact-prone surfaces separately before picking finishes.
Compare: Ask suppliers for care instructions, repair options and a full sample with exposed edges and joints.
Before buying: Price installation, replaceable pieces and long-term maintenance alongside the initial material cost.

Worked example

Water repeatedly reaches the painted wall beside a frequently used shower.

Choose a suitable wet-area finish for the exposed zone and inspect the edge and junction samples before installation.

How to test it

Put the sample beside its adjoining materials and test the agreed cleaning method on a spare piece.

Apply it to this space

Layout: Keep the shower at the end and put towel hooks within reach of the dry exit.
Detail: Use a mirrored cabinet and a bright, even mirror light.
Trade-off: A larger vanity offers storage but narrows standing and door clearance.

The Elixir portfolio

Photographs for design inspiration