What do you see when you're in the bath? Do you have a great view in one direction a vista, or none at all? Personally I'd orientate a single slipper bath toward the view, and if possible have the plumbing at the side (if the bath is sitting in the open) so as not to interfere with the views. If the bath is against a wall I'd have the plumbing at the lower end so I wouldn't have to lean over it to turn the taps on.

It's not a simple debate between what you want/need more or less....understand that this a regulatory thing.........if you are dealing with a building permit then it's pretty cut & dry - as the BCA reads, a separate trough is technically required to consitute a laundry....happy to be corrected in my interpretation in this regard but we have had to deal with this exact issue on a few occasions....... But if you are doing just an under the radar laundry reno/refit (no permit) then potentially you can get away with none, but you'll of course need to practically connect the washer into the drainage somehow, which still requires an isolated trap set-up, that technically will be illegal. No you can't just connect straight into a sewer waste as if the connection fails and their is no water trap it would be hazardous (not to mention unpleasant) to have exposed sewer gas. If it's in a kitchen an can connect a washer to a sink waste (similar) to the dishwasher) then arguably that could be passed. The easiest way is to fit a small trough next to the washer that even if you develop a cover for so you can use the area as bench space. It then keeps flexibility and everything above board/compliant for future resale.....

The gap is definitely driving me crazy, we’ve only moved in since March so been lots of pondering, including changing it all, but unfortunately the next room over is our third bedroom. But you have given me an idea there is a cupboard in the front of this bathroom and could knock down the wall so maybe the bathtub could actually get a bigger spot after all and get rid of the front cupboard / wall and then change where the door is.

True the standards will be different, but as far as I know, the standards in Australia for waterproofing tubs only state what the outcome needs to be, not necessarily the exact equipment used to achieve it. I think something like this on the market would solve a problem for many people. I've just seen horrendous installations on NEW buildings that included MANY APARTMENTS especially where water clearly runs down between tub and wall and not to standard at all. I can't believe what builders get away with. The way I found out about this stuff is because I've pretty much exhausted my options. Scrolled till my eyes could scroll no more! :) Over many days. I saw a bath on Temple and Webster of all places which stated that it comes with an adhesive tile bead, and I was like, what is that?! I am now actually considering that tub, so I might not need to get a separate thing. But otherwise I was thinking another type of trim or flange attached to the tub could very well do the job just fine. I'm still very confused why island baths are more often offered as a wider bath and flange baths (and especially anti-slip ones clearly concepted to be shower baths) are narrower. I'm guessing they know what sells, but it goes against my design instincts!