By Pippa Farmer
“Whether a downstairs loo, a Water- Closet (WC) or euphemistically “the smallest room”, we will always strive on our domestic projects to plan for a toilet at Ground Floor, whether or not there was one before and preferably as close as possible to the front door. This vital facility can require significant spatial acrobatics to provide when space is at a premium, but we rise to the challenge and as designers we recognise the potential to make the most of it.
The scale of the WC lends itself to rich materials, either simply presented in modern or contemporary details or within panelled fittings in a period setting: a colourful and highly figured natural stone for example will create a wonderful impression in the small quantity used for a vanity top with a small hand-wash basin where it would overwhelm over larger pieces. The same could go for a bold wallpaper or even the finish of a tap where you only need one.
Further design elements which feed into the ambience of the closet’s interior include the surface treatment. The choice of materials, whether richly panelled walls, vibrant wallpaper, or dark moody paint, can set the tone, offering either a lively contrast or a grounding sense of sophistication. These layers add dimension to the room, providing a balance between function and beauty.
Lighting and colour further define this small room’s character. Mirrors can be strategically placed to reflect light around the room, creating the illusion of a larger space. Alternatively, dim or subdued lighting paired with deep hues can create a richer and intimate atmosphere. The interplay of light, shadow, and colour not only shapes the mood but also emphasises architectural elements and finishes.
There’s another design exercise on the other side of the door, to discern where we set the entrance to the “water closet” within an entrance hall or corridor- within a language of larger doors to principal rooms, we can gently signal which is the toilet door, from using a smaller scale of detail, or even setting a jib door within a run of mirrors or cupboard doors with only a door handle to signal its presence. Perhaps good design means not having to ask which door is the loo!”
