Sharing one family bathroom between four or more people means you will require a clever design that can cater for so many needs. While you might want an elegant or luxurious bathroom, you will probably also need somewhere to store toys, with a durable design that will withstand regular use and maybe even a little chaos. But get your bathroom design just right and you will be able to create a space that the kids can enjoy, before transforming into a relaxing haven where you can chill out and find a little calm after the storm. Storage is one of the most important considerations in a family bathroom. The last thing you want when you are about to relax and unwind is to come across a mass of toys on the floor. If you have the space, choose extra-wide vanity units. Not only will these amount to double the storage space, they will also look fantastic. Or, for smaller rooms, try a built-in cubbyhole. A peg rail or string shopping bags are also great decluttering options. If you want to ensure that your bathroom is decorated with the whole family in mind, why not opt for a splash of colour?

A printed blind and bright accessories will instantly transform a utilitarian bathroom into a child-friendly haven. Choose a theme the whole family will love, such a nautical colour scheme. A coastal design with plenty of storage options will bring a fun and frivolous element to any bathroom. For more seaside inspiration, check out our nautical bathroom ideas gallery. This coastal-inspired bathroom in pebble grey and shell pink has a modern, natural look… made to measure curtains louthSlate floor tiles, polished stone mosaics and concrete-grey painted walls are softened by soft pink towels, pebble-smooth wood and rustic wicker storage.blackout curtains brampton Mid Lead matt emulsionfairy light curtains christchurch

Twin countertop basins act as a focal point in this country-style bathroom. Storage should be a top priority when it comes to a family bathroom. This wide vanity unit has been painted to match the freestanding bath. Similar sideboardIkeaSimilar basinsTaps UK Horizontal stripes painted on one wall create the illusion of width in this compact but organised bathroom. A navy-blue and white colour scheme with coastal-style accessories create a nautical mood.lowes curtain rods allen roth A colourful patchwork blind and co-ordinating accessories are ideal for younger members of the family and brighten up this small, all-white bathroom. An extra shower room in an unused loft space will ease the morning queue for the bathroom. A built-in shower cubicle under the eaves maximises space efficiently, while a wall-hung basin leaves more floor space clear. This painted wooden peg rail blends into the wall panelling and incorporates extra hanging space into a family bathroom.

A colour-coded ribbon system is a great way to make a batch of all-white towels easy to identify for each family member. Similar peg railScumble Goosie This en-suite has been painted in a shade that complements the statement wallpaper of the adjoining bedroom, creating more flow between the two rooms. Darly Indigo wallpaperDesigners GuildCarbon Blue paintFired Earth An unused alcove is an ideal area to turn into a cubbyhole for bathroom storage. Slimline glass or metal shelves are an ideal choice for subtle shelving for toiletries.Similar tilesWalls and Floors Blue and white vinyl tiles laid in a chequerboard effect make a statement in this hardworking, well organised family bathroom. White Venetian blinds and lots of white-painted storage, baskets and accessories keep the mood light and bright. The kids’ toys cluttered around the bath are the last thing you want to see when you settle down for a relaxing soak – a string shopping bag fixed to the wall makes a great storage solution for toys.

Make your bathroom a fun and lively space that will appeal to little ones by using colourful wall stickers to jazz up plain walls. This is a brilliant invention for busy family bathrooms that also double as an adult space when the kids are finished. Encourage them to scoop up their toys and stick the net to the wall with suction cups. Bath bagGreat Little Trading Company Provide plenty of handy storage that children can reach, too. Baskets on open shelves are brilliant for clearing away toiletries in a dash, and if you allocate a basket per member of the family then the tidying up will be Treat your bathroom like any other room and hang family photos on the wall so it feels as friendly and welcoming. Rubber flooring is super-practical for a family bathroom as it’s anti-slip and easy to clean. Plus it comes in so many jazzy colours, such as bubble gum pink, that will transform your bathroom into an enjoyable space for children. Similar pink rubber flooring

The Colour Flooring Company Encourage kids to have a good scrub by giving them their own personal letter soaps. Decorating with letters is always fun, so spell out their name with the soaps and they can use them one by one. Funky motifs, such as this fun and cheerful flamingo, will get kids into the shower quicker. Then continue the colour theme around the room for an even brighter feel. Kids will love the softness of these hooded towels made from natural terry towelling – not to mention the funny faces. Hang them on low hooks so they can help themselves. Nubie Modern Kids Boutique A bathroom stool with foot grips makes it easy for children to reach the basin. Add a splash of colour with bright-red units and accessories against stark-white walls.Find more bathroom decorating inspiration on Style at Home’s website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest interiors news and advice. If a bathroom is being used by several people, storage is the key to managing clutter.

This hardworking storage unit makes the most of every last bit of space, whilst the open shelves ensure everything is close to hand. Double basins are a great way of making a family bathroom space work harder. With two children brushing their teeth at the same time you’ll have them ready for school and out of the door in half the time! Choose a selection of brightly coloured towels in contrasting patterns and assign a different one to each family member. This way everyone will know which is theirs and you can instantly identify who has left their wet towel on the bathroom floor! Keep your bathroom floor clutter free by hanging laundry bags from a towel rail. Assigning a small laundry bag to each family member is a good way of keeping everything in order if you don’t have the floor space for a large basket. Make bath time more fun for little ones by getting a waterproof radio for the bathroom. Singing along to your favourite station might also make cleaning the bathroom afterwards seem less of a chore.

If you want to retain a sense of calm in a family bathroom try hiding clutter behind a colourful curtain. Sweep cleaning products and unsightly clutter out of sight and use open shelves just to display a few pretty bottles or products. Create a fun effect with a statement wallpaper. Bold patterns make an impact in a small space and this frame pattern just begs to be coloured in. To prevent water damage place a clear glass splashback behind the sink and ensure you don’t hang wallpaper near a shower. Frames wallpaperGraham and Brown An oversized glass jar is a fun way to store essentials. If you have a large family you will be used to buying products in bulk but even cheap everyday products can be transformed when displayed in quantity. So why not elevate the ordinary with a pretty display of soaps, cotton wool or even toilet rolls. Large glass jarsThe White Company Don’t be scared to display paintings in a bathroom. As long as they are correctly framed and kept away from direct contact with water or steam they should be fine (although it’s obviously not a good idea to hang a priceless original in a bathroom).

So why not frame and group sketches and drawings by family members to create a cheerful display. Find similar wooden framesIkea Bright colours and subtle vintage inspiration combine style and function in this fresh, bright bathroom. Similar chandelierGraham & Green Cafe curtains add a relaxed look in the bathroom and let in plenty of light while also providing privacy. Similar wallpaperCole & SonSimilar curtain fabricVolga Linen This bathroom uses hits of green on walls, window treatment and bath as a counterpoint to white paintwork and sanitaryware, producing a carefully balanced and cohesive look in a large space. Bright white walls and a large wall mirror will help a family bathroom feel spacious. An illustrative shower curtain will add interest to a simple scheme. Towel rails arranged at even intervals on the back of a bathroom door make for efficient storage. A bright vinyl floor looks cheerful and is an easy-care option for the bathroom.