Tag: bathrooms

Walk in shower cubicles: Perfect for your bathroom style

Walk in shower cubicles: Perfect for your bathroom style

In this day and age, walk-in shower cubicles have become one of the most popular and contemporary bathroom accessories that every homeowner wants. Walk-in shower cubicles make a beautiful and stylish alternative to the standard shower enclosure. More and more people are starting to realise that the traditional showering did not have to be a boring and dull experience. With the addition of walk-in shower cubicles, you can add a luxurious touch to your bathroom with style whilst still maintaining the practicalities of your space.

Space-saving, but practical

Many homeowners are opting for walk-in shower cubicles because they save space but are also very practical. A small bathroom space may seem like a challenge for a traditional shower enclosure, but walk-in shower cubicles are designed to be fitted into smaller spaces without losing any style or functionality. Many design options include wall-mounted showers, spa features and sleek finishings perfect for those who see a smaller space as an opportunity to get creative.

Effortless to clean

Walk-in shower cubicles can make a substantial difference to your bathroom in terms of cleanliness. Unlike traditional showers, walk-in shower cubicles don’t come with unattractive shower doors and curtains, which are prone to encouraging mould and bacteria. With a walk-in shower, all you need to worry about is using a squeegee on the floor, walls and anything that comes into contact with water.

Design versatility

Walk-in shower cubicles are available in a wide range of designs, allowing homeowners to choose the best option depending on your taste and preferences. You will, therefore, have the ability to create an aesthetic in your bathroom with a wide range of trendy colours, styles and materials that are both chic and functional.

Stress-free access

If you have mobility concerns, a walk-in shower cubicle may be the perfect shower option for you. With a walk-in shower cubicle, you don’t have to worry about stepping over a high-walled enclosure or stepping up onto a high seat, eliminating the chances of tripping or falling. It’s an ideal way of ensuring you can safely manoeuvre yourself while bathing effortlessly.

A modern look

Finally, shower cubicles walk in offer a modern look, which can significantly impact the stylistic design of your bathroom. They’re trendy and create a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, which is perfect for contemporary living. This modern look is suited for homeowners who are into the minimalist, hotel-like feel with clean lines and a well-organised look.

Conclusion

Walk-in shower cubicles are a perfect choice for any homeowner who seek practicality, style and luxury in their bathroom. With the benefits the product offers, it’s no surprise that many are falling in love with this bathroom addition. If you plan to add one to your home, consider the design, size and features to ensure that it complements your bathroom and your tastes. With a professional installation, you’ll be hitting the restroom space target in no time.

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How to decorate and equip your small & compact bathroom

How to decorate and equip your small & compact bathroom

Having a small and compact bathroom is quite a challenge, especially if you’re keen on decorating it successfully. But small is in, as they say, as an increasing number of properties embrace the ‘tiny home’ look (or are an actual tiny house!). Small bathrooms are a more common issue today than ever, but it doesn’t have to be of concern – with the right planning and design, you can turn even the tiniest of spaces into a bathroom oasis that’s both stylish and functional with the help of a bathroom contractor. So, the question remains – how can you decorate and equip your small & compact bathroom to make it comfortable and inviting? Let’s look at some of the ways.

Maximise the available space

Maximising the available space is the first step to outfitting your small bathroom. You can do this by installing compact fixtures such as a corner toilet or a small, wall-hung hand basin that takes up less floor space. You can even add a small freestanding bath, and different small varieties are available. With freestanding baths, your bathroom can feel more luxurious and relaxing. If you want to increase storage, install shelves above the cistern or basin and use vertical storage such as over-the-door organisers or hanging baskets.

Make a statement with the right lighting

Proper lighting is key to any space, and your bathroom is no different. Install light fixtures above the vanity or mirror to brighten the space to make it appear bigger than it really is. You can even use a combination of task and ambient lighting such as wall sconces and recessed lights, to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Say it with colours!

Did you know that the colours you choose matter as well? Choosing the ideal colour scheme can make a big difference in a small space. For instance, make use of light colours such as beige, white or light blue to make the bathroom space appear larger and more open. On the other hand, darker colours can make the space feel cramped. Use a monochromatic colour scheme with varying shades of the same colour to create a calming and more cohesive space.

Flooring makes a big difference

When it comes to the floors, choose a material that’s easy to clean and durable. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are great options as they can resist moisture fairly well and come in a wide range of patterns and colours. If you prefer a warmer feel to your bathroom, use vinyl flooring that can mimic the look of stone or hardwood but at a lower cost.

Don’t forget the wall décor

Decorating the walls can be challenging, but you can make the space feel more personalised and inviting with a little creativity. Use a bold wallpaper pattern on one wall to create a focal point or hang a large mirror or a piece of artwork to reflect light and make the space look larger. You can also use open shelving to store towels and toiletries or to display decorative objects. The right accessories can also make a difference. For example, display functional but stylish pieces (such as a coordinating soap dispenser and toothbrush holder) to keep your counters free from clutter. Try adding a plant or two to add colour and life into the space or use decorative baskets to double as extra storage.

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Price Points: Copper baths

Copper baths

Even though we did a bit of a quick bathroom refurb when we first moved into our cottage, we always knew it was never going to be the finished article. I really wanted to install a power shower; at the time, we didn’t know whether we had the proper plumbing in place that would allow it. Luckily, a heating engineer has since told us that we do. Also, I’d like an update on the plain white acrylic bath that we inherited. That’s why I’ve been looking around at smallish copper baths.

After much online research, there didn’t seem to be a huge discrepancy in price; they’re all between £2,000 and £3,000.

The ‘Japanese’ tub (example #1) is based on the country’s furo. You sit in it rather than recline, and it’s traditionally straight-sided and made from wood. This, of the three choices we’ve short-listed above, is probably the best option for us. Our bathroom is compact, to say the least; so the smaller the bath, the better. It may even give us the option of installing a separate shower cubicle.

Copper is a wonderful material to use for a bath tub. Firstly, it’s a great conductor of heat; meaning bath water stays hot for longer. I enjoy a really long soak with a book and/or glass of wine – so I won’t need to top up when the temperature gets too low.

Secondly, it’s an antimicrobial material. Apparently, it ‘contact kills’ 99% of harmful bacteria, which means you don’t need to use harmful chemicals to keep it clean.

Lastly, it’s a beautiful looking metal. It looks warm and inviting and, as patina develops with use, it gets even more attractive.

  1. Japanese copper soaking tub (121 x 81 x 92cm): £2,220.74, Etsy
  2. Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / pop-up bath, waste included (172.72 x 81.28 x 71.12 [one end] 48.26cm [other end]): £2,299.00, eBay
  3. BC Designs boat freestanding bath, copper (150 x 72.5cm): £2,656.25, Plumbworld

shop copper baths

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
BC Designs boat free-standing bath, copper
£2,656.25
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
Single slipper hammered clawfoot copper tub / popup bath
£2,299.00
Japanese copper soaking tub
Japanese copper soaking tub
£2,220.74

5 mistakes you’re (probably) making in your bathroom design

White contemporary bathroom designcredit

We all think you don’t want a large, free-standing bath in a small room. But sometimes, it’s the smallest (and quirkiest) of design decisions that can actually do the most injustice to what should be the best room in the house. Illuminated Mirrors lists some of the most common bathroom design mistakes and how to avoid them.

Bathroom towelscredit

Not considering the colour/material of your towels

Ok, ok. It sounds like an odd choice, but linens and towels are actually one of the biggest causes of bathroom chaos – not because they‘re left on the floor, but because of their colour. Darker shades can leave pieces of fluff absolutely everywhere meaning, while your room might look gorgeous when guests arrive, one rub of wet hands and bits of dark material will make even the newest of suites look grubby. Consider the fluff your different towels will leave, as well as the material they’re made of when buying – a small decision, but one you’ll be grateful for when it comes to the weekly clean.

On the other end of the scale, dazzling whites only stay dazzling for a brief length of time when they’re used as much as a towel is. Opt for shades of cream or muted colours – not only do they bring a statement to your room, but they also save you cleaning/replacement costs in the future.

Illuminated bathroom mirror

Putting mirrors in the wrong place

We’ve all heard the age-old trick that a mirror can add more space, right? However, where you put the mirror is as important as putting it up itself. Consider the places where light is most likely to hit, and avoid placing opposite dirty laundry or parts of the bathroom that need a touch of repair. Reflecting dirty areas of the room or piles of washing will make your room feel smaller and more cluttered – try and position your mirror so it reflects the brightest and lightest areas – whichever feature you wish you had double of (bar the toilet) is always a good start.

Illuminated bathroom cabinet

Poor lighting

Linked directly to the above, insufficient lighting is one of the biggest crimes you can make in your bathroom – it adds a grubby touch to even the cleanest of rooms and makes doing make-up, shaving or general pampering near impossible. It’s a particular problem in rooms with dark features making things like your mirror (in the right place) and clever additional lighting vital. For example, when choosing a cabinet, consider options that come with in-built LED lighting – a small touch, but something that makes a real difference to dark rooms (and as they’re energy saving, your electricity bill too!).

Bulit in bathroom storagecredit

Not considering storage

What’s a bathroom without all the lotions, potions and general commotion that makes us look beautiful? Male or female, we’re all guilty of storing a few too many bottles at the side of the bath or on shelves – however, all these wonderful items can make your bathroom look smaller, dirtier, more cluttered and generally less of a haven. Consider proper storage when you’re designing – making it a feature, rather than a necessity.

Wicker baskets, for example, can look beautiful in the right style of room while metallic, cool cabinets can hold a huge amount in more modern rooms. Think of your theme and what storage can be linked to it – nautical bathrooms, as an example, could really be brought to life using faux fishing crates. Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment – you can always remove storage solutions if they don’t work!

Louvred windows providing bathroom ventilationcredit

Bad ventilation

No matter how nice the bath potions used, a poorly ventilated bathroom will always smell damp and be a haven for mould. One of the most common offences in the bathroom lies in lack of airflow – either ignoring an extractor fan or a good old-fashioned window. Consider where you can have your ventilation source before any other design or you’ll pay the price in a worn looking bathroom fairly quickly. While a window wide open is always the best trick for a touch of fresh air, consider a) what you’ll do when it’s freezing cold and b) the amount of dirt the open window will bring in. Having a proper think about small niggles like this before finalising any designs can increase the longevity of your brand new suite and avoid any issues in the long-term, keeping your bathroom beautiful for longer.

Your bathroom should be the best room in the house. A few simple changes can make it just that – no matter how big it is. Consider light, air and space and you’ll be onto the best path with a room you can enjoy for a long time.

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