The bathroom is an area where you spend plenty of time, and it’s often associated with relaxation and pampering. However, the very nature of bathrooms means that they can easily become grimy, and can show up dirt and dust. Fortunately there are a number of design steps you can follow to help ensure that your bathroom looks sleek and clean.

Opt for glossy, non-porous finishes

Marble and granite make for an appealing bathroom finish, but their porous nature means that they can become grimy. Given the powders, lotions, and creams that likely make their home in your bathroom, it's advisable to opt for a low-maintenance finish such as acrylics, polyurethane, porcelain or even glass splashbacks so that dirt and grime can be more easily be washed away.

Choose mid-toned or patterned finishes

Black or chocolate finishes look dramatic and elegant, but they show up white powders and toothpaste stains, making it hard work to keep them looking spotless. And although gleaming white tiles or benches look classy and sleek, they can quickly become dotted with loose hair, powders and foundations, and marks from make-up spills. Selecting a hue that is neither too dark nor too bright allows you a little more lee-way in terms of dirt and grime, meaning that you’re less likely to need to dust and scrub every day.

Use mould-resistant grout and paint

Bathrooms are typically damp and humid, making them a prime candidate for mould growth. One way of keeping mould at bay is by opting for mould-resistant grout between your bathroom tiles. Using larger tiles with fine lines of grout can also help reduce the appearance of mould. Mould-resistant paint on your ceilings and walls is another option for reducing mould and grime build-up.

Choose quality fixtures and fittings

High-quality tap fittings as well as good-quality basins and baths tend to last longer, and are less likely to show wear and tear, ensuring that your bathroom looks newer for longer.

For bathrooms that look fresh and new, choose high-quality products, glossy finishes, and opt for colours that don't readily show up dirt and grime. You’ll thank yourself for it!