North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Archive for the ‘Bathroom Design’ Category

The style and colour of a bathroom depends on personal taste, but it is generally a good idea to steer clear of exotic colours or exaggerated shapes which could fall out of fashion in a short time, making replacement fittings difficult to find. A standard white suite will be far easier to get replacements for. It is not necessary to choose all the items from one manufacturer; complete suites are often promoted, but items can be bought separately.

Use a colour wheel to decide on the colours for the walls and floors. A white suite can make a bathroom feel cold or clinical, but introducing bold colours with paint, tiles, fabric or wallpaper can create a distinctive bathroom. It is also easier to change these than a bathroom suite. Whether paint or wallpaper is chosen it should be designed to cope with condensation and be easy to wipe clean.

Mirrors or mirror tiles can make a bathroom appear larger, but any mirror should be specially created for bathrooms as it must be able to cope with condensation.

If there is space consider adding an interesting piece of bathroom furniture such as a small upholstered chair. Pictures and indoor plants on shelves can also add an interesting feature and a number of plants thrive in steamy atmospheres.

Before purchasing a suite it is important to check that the units will not only fit into the bathroom, but also that they can be manoeuvred through the home as items may have to be moved around corners on the stairs or through awkward doors.

Choosing and furnishing a bathroom used to be a straightforward affair, with a limited range of basic bathroom suites and bathroom furniture to make a choice from.  Now, even a simple item like a sink can be found in a variety of forms and at a number of prices, as bathrooms become ever-more stylish spaces in the modern home.  Having access to so many choices is also easier than ever before, since it is now possible to buy all your bathroom furniture at the click of a button online.  But many people still prefer to select their purchases in a high street store or bathroom showroom where they can see and feel the quality of their bathroom suite items.

Since many modern homes now contain at least one bathroom as well as a separate shower room or cloakroom, there is more demand for sinks than ever before.  Families in particular like the comfort of knowing there will always be an easily accessible space for children or visitors to wash their hands.  Designs range from a small corner sink to a pedestal sink or countertop sink, and the materials are as varied as the styles.  Choose from classic ceramic to glass, resin and even stone to make an ultimate style statement.  Also popular are twin, or double, sinks that enable more than one person to brush their teeth or wash their hands at the same time, thus negating family arguments and promoting a more harmonious way of living.

Large bathrooms are not common in the UK with the average British bathroom offering around three square metres of space, but for homeowners who are fortunate enough to have a large bathroom the options are endless. It might seem that designing a large bathroom would be easy, however it does require some thought. A standard sized bathroom suite can look lost in a large bathroom so some care needs to go into the planning and layout.

Corner baths can be a good way of filling up the space. Alternatively a freestanding bath can make the bathroom look luxurious and add style; roll-top baths are a popular choice. Freestanding baths do not have to be fitted against a wall and as the pipe work can be hidden under the floor the bath can be made a central feature of the bathroom.

Bathroom storage is always important regardless of the size of the bathroom. In a small bathroom providing enough storage can be a problem, but with a large bathroom a homeowner has the space for a wide range of bathroom furniture and fitted units. Fitted units can also cover empty walls or even be used to create a feature.

A large bathroom means that the homeowner does not have to choose between fitting a bath or a shower as there should be room for both. With a separate shower the bigger the cubicle the better the shower, so a homeowner should always choose the largest luxury shower enclosure that will fit comfortably in the space provided.

There are many different types of shower on the market and when selecting it is important to take into account the whole bathroom environment as well as the available space and budget.

If a new bathroom is being installed it is worth consulting a professional bathroom designer or using a bathroom planner to check if there is enough room for a separate shower enclosure. Over-the-bath showers are popular but a shower cubicle will enhance the showering experience. Corner or Quadrant shower enclosures can maximise the space available.

It is often the case that there is simply not room for a separate enclosure unless the homeowner is willing to do without a bath. This can be an acceptable solution, but many UK home buyers expect a bathroom to include a bath and so it may be better to opt for a shower over the bath. Fitting a glass panel or one that folds away when not in use can create a feeling of more space.

If a homeowner has a large bathroom then wet rooms are the ultimate in luxury and they offer the freedom of choosing some of the most powerful showers on the market. They are not cheap so if budget is a constraining factor an alternative could be to create a wet room feel by choosing a transparent room divider with a plain glass shower panel that is sunk into the floor tiling.

Wet rooms are very popular on the continent and are considered stylish and very easy to keep clean.

Once you have decided between shower, bath or a combination of the two, the next step is to think about the finish.  Pre-built shower enclosures are very popular, easy to maintain and fit into a variety of spaces, but result in something of a bland look.  One way to make the space truly unique is to tile the surround.

Tiling is relatively cheap to accomplish yourself.  It only requires a handful of small tools, but you will need a tile cutter of some sort; powered versions can be rented quite cheaply.  It is quite possible to learn how to tile by checking out household improvement books from the library, using informative instructions online and by watching television programmes or videos on the subject. 

When shopping for bathroom suite tiles, buy more than you need, in order to allow for breakages and mistakes.  Consider the existing colour palate of your bathroom in general when choosing the tiles, especially if you have no immediate plans to update the rest of the room.  Also keep in mind the metallic finish of the shower or bath fixtures; by maintaining the same finish and style as the taps, it will help bring the two features together.  Ensure that functionality should always come first.  It is not impossible to use jet-black tiles, for example, but you may need to install additional lighting.  Keep in mind, when choosing bathroom tiles that you have the option of mixing different coloured and textured tiles. 

Shower and bath surrounds are easier to install and come in a variety of styles, but tiling makes the most sense if you want a completely custom finish.

If you have a spacious bathroom, there are many steps that you can take to improve it. A large amount of space gives you the freedom of transforming your bathroom into the perfect place to relax. Adding extra storage items such as bathroom cabinets will also help to create more space.

A spacious bathroom enables you to concentrate on improving the look of your bath or shower area. You can add a deep, spacious bath for extra luxury and comfort or a shower enclosure for enhanced privacy. Extra space also enables you to transform your bathroom into the perfect place to unwind by adding seating and cushions.

Larger bathrooms take longer to clean, so you may wish to add extra items that will help to keep your bathroom looking at its best. A stylish laundry basket will help to keep your bathroom looking clean and free of clutter and you may wish to consider installing an extractor fan to reduce the risk of mould or mildew. Adding blinds to your bathroom will help to keep it light and airy and will provide you with plenty of control over privacy and sunlight.

You can add accessories to your large bathroom to prevent it from looking too plain. Paintings, plants and vases are all attractive accessories that will help to keep your bathroom looking homely and inviting. You can also install lockable cabinets or add storage baskets to your bathroom to keep your bathroom products separate and the room looking organised.

You have decided to renovate your bathroom, but do not feel you have the skill or the time to complete the work yourself.  Employing a builder or plumber to do the work may sound like the perfect solution, but if you are not careful, it could quickly turn into a nightmare.

Always ask for a referral.  You are almost certain to have friends or family members who have employed builders to carry out work for them on similar projects.  Remember, someone else’s bad experience may save you from a lot of grief and regret. 

Interview potential contractors; have a list of questions prepared in advance and do not let them talk around questions, demand specific answers.  If you find they are not forthcoming during this process, take it as a warning.  Key questions include the length of time the work will take to complete, what access they will need and perhaps most importantly, the cost.  Ask them for a list of references and offer to provide one yourself if the job is completed as promised and to your satisfaction.

Be specific, do not make a laundry list of features and then hand over control; remain involved.  If you want a round bathroom mirror, do not shrug it off if you find a square or oval one hanging over your basin.  Be sure that both you and he are aware of exactly what you want.

Put everything it in writing; you have zero recourse if you do not have an agreement signed by both parties and be specific within this document. 

Renovating your bathroom not only provides you with a relaxing space, but it can also increase the value of your home.  Most homebuyers look carefully at bathrooms, because of their importance.  An inviting bathroom should look modern, clean and fresh.

Bathroom tiles are quite easy to fit; they are inexpensive and give a clean look and feel.  Tiling is also ideal for bathrooms, because it is practical, waterproof and when properly installed does not mildew or mould.  Wood expands in humid environments and can warp and become mildewed within quite a short period of time, so is probably best avoided wherever possible.  Other wall-finishes, such as wallpaper can easily become loose and begin to peel off when exposed to too much steam and can also take on a mouldy odour.  Bath and shower surrounds are a practical choice.  They are simple to install and a breeze to maintain. 

When choosing a basin for your bathroom, be sure to consider space-saving options, such as wall-mount or pedestal versions, especially if your bathroom is small.  Some bathrooms are so tiny that a small cabinet under the bath is required to hold important items. 

If your toilet still looks and operates satisfactorily it may not be necessary to replace it during a bathroom renovation.  If it is leaky, it should be relatively easy and inexpensive to replace the defective components.  You can change the look of your toilet with new handle and seat; the only other consideration is the colour and style.

Enjoying a shower in a comfortable bathroom suite is something we all look forward to in the morning or evening.  As soon as we close the shower door and turn on the water, there is nothing better than the feeling of warm, trickling water down our spines.  Check out your local DIY store or bathroom showroom to find the latest showerhead trends that bathroom technology has to offer.

LED Showerheads

This trend started with the LED technology used in TV sets, but has since spread into bathrooms across the world.  Reminiscent of spa experiences, these luxury models shower bathers in LED light, so that they can enjoy colour therapy as well as a unique shower experience.  Blue means the water is cold and the colour gradually shifts to red as it heats up.

Anti-Scald Showerheads

Ever turn the water temperature to boiling hot to make it warm-up faster, only to be suddenly greeted with boiling water that leaves the skin burnt?  Anti-scald showerheads automatically reduce the water-flow when the temperature reaches an unsafe level.  Water can easily be stopped and restarted as required.

Rain Showerheads

Would you prefer an experience that promotes wellness?  Rain showerheads are all the rage and are making their way into more and more shower enclosures.  Most models feature hydro massage systems and mimic a soothing, natural rainfall experience.  Since rain showerheads tend to consume more water than a standard one, you should look for eco-friendly models.

The shower is a modern necessity – every home should have one and in many modern homes they are overtaking the bath as the most popular place for everyday ablutions.  So when designing a bathroom it is important to incorporate an adequate shower element into the design plan.

However, for the design conscious homeowner the classic cubicle does not always cut the mustard.  So what are some exciting alternatives to shower enclosures?

One popular choice in modern shower designs is the wet room.  The wet room removes the need for shower enclosures entirely since the whole bathroom is designed to be used as an open plan shower space.  Partial enclosures in a wet room can be created using partitions, or even innovative beaded curtains to create an element of privacy in this open area.

For those who prefer to keep their shower corralled, there are a range of alternative shower enclosures.  Why not consider building a cubicle from glass brick – allowing for the free passage of light while at the same time denoting the permanence of the unit in a way that prefabricated cubicles simply cannot achieve.

If you like the idea of an industrial inspired space then the ultra modern finish of a steel shower enclosure could be the right choice for you.

Whatever your taste, it is possible to create a unique shower space that suits your style.