North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Archive for the ‘Bathroom Design’ Category

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.

Once upon a time, accessories for the shower were practically nonexistent, with the term generally meaning – if it was ever used at all – nothing fancier than the absolute essentials such as the tap and the showerhead, and perhaps a particular kind of shower door.  Nowadays, however, the term shower accessories is associated with a much greater range of products, with shower enclosures now having maximum comfort as well as overall convenience as important design factors.

Today, the term shower accessories means much more than the bare necessities.  Shower accessories also encompass a range of items including everything from hanging bars (which can be attached to either the shower curtain rod or even shower doors), to shower caddies and shower mirrors.  Shower caddies are tiny shelves, usually fitted near the showerhead, which are both easy to fit and ideal for keeping items which are often used by people while they are taking a shower, such as shampoo and conditioners, soap and possibly even a razor and blades for shaving.  Most people would have trouble shaving without a bathroom mirror, and the shower mirror has become one of the newest innovations in shower accessories.  These mirrors can be easily attached to the inside of the electric shower enclosure with suction cups and, very importantly, do not steam up around hot water.

In addition to shower mirrors, the latest “must have” item for the more ecologically minded is the shower meter, which actually lets people keep a check of how much water they are using when they shower.

What do you picture when you think of radiators?  Most people think of functional metal fitments designed to be as inconspicuous as possible.

However, the tide of radiator design is turning, especially when it come to radiators for bathrooms. Designer radiators are becoming a more and more popular choice for those hoping to stamp their own personality on their bathroom space.

Whereas in the past the best a homeowner could hope from their radiator was to choose an unremarkable design in a colour that would blend well with their selected palette, these days the interior design enthusiast can opt for one of a wide range of eye catching designer radiators that have been created with an emphasis on the aesthetic.

Designer radiators can be bought in ready-made off the shelf styles, or those who are seeking a truly unique style statement can engage the services of a personal designer to help them create a bespoke piece for their room.

Homeowners can choose from a range of styles – horizontal and vertical designer radiators intended for wall mounting are available from a number of retailers, while those with a little more spacious bathroom may wish to opt for a freestanding piece that creates a sculpture-style focal point in their space.

For those who like to combine style and functionality, it is possible to find a number of designer radiator styles which incorporate useful features such as towel hanging spaces – great for warming towels before use and drying them after.

The shower cubicle is one of the wonders of modern bathroom design, allowing for refreshing ablutions in even the smallest of spaces.

Whether you are looking for a shower to be fitted in a dedicated shower room, en suite or family bathroom, a little careful research will help you to find which shower cubicle will best fit your needs.

There are a number of things to consider when choosing shower cubicles.  The first of these is the size and shape.  For large bathrooms there will be a number of exciting designs available, while smaller homes can benefit from one of the many space saving options on offer.

The most popular style of shower cubicle is the quadrant – a square shower that can be easily placed into the corner of a room.  Quadrant shower cubicles come in a range of finishes, from clear and smoked fixed glass designs to hardwearing plasticised finishes.

Homeowners can choose from a selection of door styles for their shower cubicles – from sliders which work well in smaller spaces to traditional outward opening styles.

For those seeking to deviate from the ordinary a little in their shower cubicle selection, it is possible to create a sleeker shower area using a curved design.  And even the popular modern wet rooms can benefit from partial cubicles to control the spray area.

Shower cubicles can house anything from the simplest of shower units to more extravagant power showers and even saunas.

Bathrooms are one area of your home that it is impossible to hide from your guests.  At some point or another most callers will need to pay a visit to this area of your home, so it is important that the design in this space accurately reflects your household’s design as well as your personality.

In order to create the perfect style statement in your bathroom you will need to build it up, beginning with the basics.  While additions and accessories may enhance the overall feel, it is important to have the best foundation in place in order to achieve the desired effect.

Arguable the most important feature of the room will be the bathroom suite.  Consider colour, style and size, and ensure that all are in keeping with your desired design.

When choosing shower cubicles make sure that these work well with whatever fittings are already in place.  For example – ultra modern shower cubicles can look out of place next to a traditional suite, and vice versa.

Once the initial building blocks are in place it is time to consider the fittings.  Think carefully about elements such as shower heads, taps and door handles as these are likely to be in place for a long time.

While wall colours and accessories may be changed at a later date, fixtures and fittings will be more costly and time consuming to replace.

When tackling small bathrooms, it’s important not to be intimidated.  Remembering a few important factors can make all of the difference in your home improvement odyssey.

•    Choose your colours carefully.  Natural lighting is bound to be limited in a small space, if not non-existent, so choosing lighter tones and colours will help warm up the space.
•    Choose blinds instead of curtains on any existing windows.  This will help enhance the natural light in the space.
•    Choose lighting fixtures carefully, opting for lighting that fits your overall style.  Down lights can be positioned to create a nice personal touch to a space.  Spotlights will help illuminate the room to make it appear well-lit, and they help to make up for the lack of natural light.
•    Try adding bathroom mirrors to the space.  They will make the room appear larger by reflecting natural light.
•    Choose simple patterns and fixtures so the room doesn’t take on a cluttered appearance.  Some designs that are better left in showrooms will overpower small spaces.
•    Make sure your suite allows for the piping to remain hidden from sight, which will give it a cleaner, sleeker design overall.
•    Check into corner-fitting pieces such as toilets, shower enclosures and bathroom radiators.
•    Measure precisely, paying careful attention to whether everything will have the necessary space once it’s installed.  Check that all doors can be opened fully.
•    Choose a bathroom suite that suits your needs and tastes, paying attention to every last detail such as bathroom trays, bathroom fittings and bathroom accessories.

We all dream about them. The luxury items in a bathroom that help create a relaxing and rejuvenating experience closer to that of a spa than a simple bathroom.  If you have a large enough space and are fortunate enough to have the means to design it just the way you want it, then you have the opportunity to own a part of that dream.

In large bathrooms it’s important to create a focal point for the room.  Basing your design off of this focal point will create a more cohesive design overall, and by using the bath as the focal point you can create a sense of luxury.  Large rooms can accommodate the more extravagant fixtures and bathroom furniture that smaller rooms are not able to handle.

Free-standing baths can create a simple and yet stylish focal point to any bathroom.  Placing a bath next to a window with a beautiful view can create a natural sense of relaxation.  Claw-footed baths can give a room a retro or an elegant feel, especially if the rest of the room is in sync with that design.  Those looking for their own personal spa can opt for a hydrotherapy or whirlpool bath, which are large and luxurious.

Dual bathroom basins for the bathroom cabinet or sink are also to be considered.  These are especially convenient for couples who need to get ready in the morning at the same time.  Two sinks and two bathroom mirrors can create an intimate, spacious and convenient bathroom environment for couples.