When it comes to planning a bathroom, most people throw in the towel at the very onset. The Indian sensibility was schooled to believe that white Johnson's tiles and two brass taps was all it took to make a bathroom. And installing a WC was unthinkable. However, changing social mores and modern apartment planning have made the "combined toilet" an acceptable option.

The sanitaryware market today is awash with fittings and accessories for you to pamper the hedonist within. From colour co-ordinated bath accessories to 24-karat gold-plated bath fittings, even air conditioners, bookshelves and TV sets are finding their place in the well-appointed bathroom.

Its a myth that a good looking bathroom must cost an arm and a leg. But the expenses, more often than not, overshoot conservative estimates. Most architects and interior designers agree that in Mumbai it's reasonable to start off with a budget of Rs 30,000 for a modest-sized bathroom of 4 ft x 8 ft.

Rather than the aesthetics, one must be willing to spend more on the blood-and-guts of the bathroom, namely its plumbing. Invest in pipes and fixtures made by reputed companies, such as Tatas. Galvanised iron is the most preferred piping option, but copper is slowly making inroads. Nowadays, concealed plumbing is the norm, so it's wiser to spend more on good pipes which will give you a lifetime of trouble-free service. Architect and interior designer, Raj Katke, advises, "All incoming pipes should be pressure-tested before they are plastered over. Drainage pipes of PVC and downtake pipes of galvanised iron (GI) or clay are much better than cast iron which corrodes easily."

There are various types of fixtures and fitments available to suit different budgets from mundane chrome-plated taps to the fantastically contoured products made with imported knowhow. While buying these, one has to guard against duplications. Even seasoned designers have found it difficult to differentiate from the originals. It is better to buy all fixtures from large and reputed stores.

Planning a combined toilet: There are certain tenets to be kept in mind while combining a shower area and a WC. Some of these have to followed for aesthetic reasons, like the WC should not be the first sight that greets you when you open the door.Other planning principles are, as always, intended to maximise the efficiency and comfort of your bathroom. Take care to see that the wet areas like the bath or the shower cubicle are well-drained and demarcated from the dry areas like the wash basin and WC, by using simple devices like shower curtains or a level drop.

Ventilation is one of the most important planning aspects, as damp bathrooms encourage fungal growth and retain unpleasant odours. Air your bathroom using an exhaust fan or by opting for louvered windows which retain privacy as well. If your windows are shuttered, add light and art to the space by replacing several small panes with a single pane of figured or coloured glass.

The wash basin: As the wash basin is the most frequently-used area, it should be located at the entrance. The wash basin can either be set in counter (counter-top wash basins), free standing (pedestal type) or fixed to the wall by means of brackets (wall-mounted type). Counter-top wash basins are the most popular option as they are aesthetic, practical and prevent puddles on the floor. The space below the counter can be utilised as a soiled laundry cabinet. However, all woodwork in the bathroom should be well-seasoned teakwood or marineply.

Mirrors above the washbasins can also function as fronts for a recessed cupboard for toiletries. If you are doing your bathroom on a budget, you could opt for the mirrored acrylic cupboards instead, thus cutting down on your labour and material costs.

The wash basin counter is usually a single slab of stone like granite or marble, but one can also achieve interesting effects using china mosaic or ceramic tiles over an ordinary stone like kadappa. It is possible to coordinate the colour of your wash basin with the rest of the sanitaryware. While burgundy and black are at the more expensive end of the spectrum, white is a perennial favourite not only for its economic sense, but also for its appeal.

Flooring and walls: Ceramic tiles are a very popular option, as they look good, last long and come in a wide range of colours. You can save on costs by opting for a basic plain-coloured tile, in a neutral shade such as ivory or black, and relieving it with a border or accents of ceramic moulding, handpainted or screen printed tiles.

Designers, however, have their reservations about using ceramic tiles. Katke feels that they are unsuitable on floors as they present too many joints, get dirty and look tacky especially against light-coloured tiles.

Sanitaryware: Also comes in a wide palette of colours. But don't be guided by looks alone; the colour you choose must not look dingy after a few months, because it shows up water stains. Lighter colours can blend in well with strongly patterned walls; whereas sombre tones like midnight blue and black, add drama to the space, but can be quite overpowering in a narrow enclosure.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.