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Green bathroom towel rail shown against pale green tiles and blush pink wall
Design journal

The Warmth Factor – Amanda Rodea on the role of heating in bathroom design

Written by
Amanda Rodea

Designing a bathroom that’s both beautiful and functional starts with comfort, and heating plays a key role. Interior Designer Amanda Rodea shares how the right radiator or towel rail can transform a space, whilst also offering expert tips on lighting, taps, tiles and timeless style.

When approaching a bathroom re-design, where do you recommend homeowners begin?

Re-designing a bathroom can feel like one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation. It’s a space you use daily, but can often be overlooked in terms of potential. As an Interior Designer, I always tell my clients: a successful bathroom redesign doesn’t begin with tiles or taps – it begins with a clear plan and purpose. Here would be where I recommend a client starting:

Define how they want to use the space. How is the bathroom used?

Define how they want to use the space. How is the bathroom used?

Understanding how the space needs to function is the most important starting point. This will guide every decision made thereafter. From layout and lighting to material choices and storage solutions.

Emmeline III in Blue Bubblegum Cast Iron Radiator

Set a realistic budget and always allow a contingency

It’s crucial to set a realistic budget. Including everything from labour and plumbing to fixtures, tiles, lighting and accessories. I would always suggest to allow for a contingency of 10% -15% for unexpected surprises. Bathrooms often uncover issues once works begin and having a contingency keeps things stress-free.

Bizo stone mirror radiator shown in bathroom

Decide on your style and the mood you want to achieve

Think about the mood that you want to create. Calm, minimal, classic and elegant or bold and dramatic. Walk around showrooms, look on Pinterest, search online or flick through home magazines to decide on your style. This helps form a clear design direction that will influence everything from material to lighting style.

Decide layout first then move onto the aesthetics

The layout decision should always be decided first. Can the current plumbing layout stay the same or are there opportunities to reconfigure for better flow….

Even small changes can have a real impact – like changing the position of the toilet or shower can greatly improve the usability of the space. Exploring these possibilities early on is crucial.

Don’t overlook lighting and storage

Whilst aesthetics are key, practicality is what will make the space work long term. Clever bathroom storage like built-in shower niches, floating vanity units, mirrored vanity cabinets can keep the space feeling open and clutter free without sacrificing function.

And, as an Interior Designer, I don’t always recommend using spotlights in a bathroom. A single overhead ceiling light paired with wall lights near the mirror and niche lighting often creates a softer, more flattering glow. This layered lighting approach brings both practicality and elegance to your bathroom design.

Don’t forget the finishing touches

Attention to detail is key. Details matter, especially in a bathroom. The right taps, wall lights, handles and especially the finer details like the grout colour which can elevate the space from standard to spectacular.

The finishing touches also allow you to inject your personality into the space, whether that’s through a splash of colour, vintage style fittings or beautiful textures.

What are some common mistakes people make when redesigning their bathrooms and how can they avoid them?

There are many mistakes people make when designing a bathroom and here is a list to name just a few.

Poor lighting choices – Relying only on overhead lighting can create harsh shadows. Layered lighting such as centre ceiling lights near the mirror and wall lights next to mirrors works best.

Not planning enough storage – Creating clever storage solutions avoids clutter on counters and shelves.

Overlooking ventilation – A good extractor fan is essential to prevent damp, mould and long term damage.

Choosing style over function – A beautiful impactful sink, shower or layout can cause daily frustration.

Wrong materials – Using porous or slippery materials like untreated marble or glossy tiles on floors can be hazardous and cause maintenance issues over time.

Ignoring scale and proportion – Oversized fixtures in a small bathroom or too many features crammed in can make the space feel even smaller.

Forgetting Heating – Underfloor heating or a heated towel rail isn’t just a luxury – it helps keep the bathroom and your towels dry and comfortable.

Not thinking about future use – Bathrooms should work for all ages and stages. Walk-in showers, good lighting and accessible storage are smart long term choices.

What role does heating play in creating a well designed bathroom space?

Heating plays a crucial role in creating a well- designed bathroom, not just for comfort but also for functionality and efficiency.

Early decisions about heating can impact the layout and can also double up as design features also. For example, discreet underfloor heating can free up wall space. Mounted radiators or towel rails need enough clearance and access.

Arianna with Arys towel rail and hook shown in a bathroom finished in sandstone

You recently used products from The Radiator Centre in your own bathroom project. What drew you to our range?

I chose The Radiator Centre because I was looking for ‘Old School’ design style radiators and they offered exactly what I was looking for, stunning radiators that were in keeping with my home’s period character, the deliver of the right heat output, and they also come in a variety of finishes that would tie my whole design scheme together perfectly. I also was offered and continue to have exceptional service from my contact.

How do you balance style and functionality when choosing bathroom heating solutions?

When choosing bathroom heating, I always start by balancing functionality with style. The first step is making sure that the heat output is right for the space. From there, it’s about layering solutions: underfloor heating, dual-fuel towel rails or radiators.

Then the style. In a period home, I might specify a traditional column radiator or classic towel rail, while in a modern bathroom, a slim vertical radiator feels more at home. Positioning is key, towel rails should be near the shower for ease, radiators shouldn’t block space, and controls should be simple.

What’s your advice for making a small bathroom feel more spacious and luxurious?

As an Interior Designer, prioritise light and reflection such as using large mirrors to bounce light around and visually doubling the space. Choosing light reflective materials such as gloss tiles and polished stone for walls create a seamless look with fewer visual breaks.

Introduce contrast through accessories and metals.

Opt for wall mounted fixtures such as wall hung toilet and basins and vanity to free up floor space to make the room feel larger. A floating vanity unit allows for under unit lighting.

Using large format tiles will mean fewer grout lines which will result in a cleaner, less cluttered look.

Lay floor tiles in a diagonal or brick-bond format to trick the eye into seeing more space.

Allow for recessed storage, niches in the shower or above the basin within a mirrored cabinet.

Keep the colour palette light. I would suggest a light, tonal colour palette offering soft neutrals and pale pastels.

Consistency in materials and accessories gives small spaces a tailored, high end feel and remembering that less is more in a small bathroom…..

Beams aluminium radiator by Vasco with towel rail attachment shown in bathroom

Are there any emerging trends in bathroom design that you’re particularly excited about?

I love a spa-like bathroom retreat vibe and this type of design is always on trend because it transforms a functional space into a sanctuary. Calming colours, neutral textures, warm lighting and thoughtful design creates a sense of escape at home, somewhere to slow down, recharge, and feel restored.

 

Grey Oni Radiator from Vasco with Cut-Out Black Bath

What are your go-to materials or finishes for a timeless bathroom Look?

My go-to materials for a timeless bathroom look are honed stone or stone-look porcelain, classic white ceramic tiles, neutral tones with warm wood accents, and metal finishes especially antique brass which offers a timeless feel.

I also love to see panelled walls in a bathroom which offers warmth, character, breaking up flat surfaces while adding a timeless, tailored feel. Panelling can soften the finishes of tile and stone, creating a more intimate, inviting atmosphere, and gives the space a high-end look especially when painted in calming neutral tones.

How do you incorporate personality into a bathroom, which is often such a utilitarian space?

This is a great question. While bathrooms are inherently functional, they’re also intimate, personal spaces. The key to incorporating personality is to layer in meaningful design details without compromising practicality, for example, use colour, choose a colour that feels like you and perhaps even colour drench the space (walls, ceiling and cabinetry all in the same colour). Bring in texture with a mix of materials, combining smooth stone with fluted wood and linens for roman blinds. Add plants, scented candles, apothecary- style glass jars. Use trays to display small items and accessories that reflect your personality.

Do you have any favourite radiator styles or finishes when it comes to bathroom design?

A go-to favourite finish of mine is the brushed brass and aged brass in the traditional style ‘old school’ radiators. The warm, metal tones these radiators offer have worked beautifully in several rooms in my clients homes.

Fleet in Polished Stainless Steel by contemporary bath

About you as an Interior Designer

How would you describe your design style in three words?

– Sophisticated

– Elegant

– Timeless

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

As an interior designer, I gather my inspiration typically from things such as home magazines and Pinterest but I especially gather my inspiration from the things I love to do most which are the places and holidays I have visited. Beautifully designed restaurants I have experienced and the great outdoors of nature. I love visiting spa retreats and draw inspiration from the calm sense of luxury they create.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone thinking about hiring an Interior Designer?

When hiring an Interior Designer it’s important that you connect personally with the designer and feel comfortable communicating with them. The relationship is as important as the design itself.

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