How to incorporate a wet room into your home

The newest kid on the UK bathroom block? The wet room. Its practical and low maintenance design have seen it surge in popularity amongst UK households. If you’re not certain what a wet room is, it is, in essence, a room in which all the walls and floors are sealed with a waterproof membrane. The result is a 100% watertight space that can be completely doused in water.

Most wet rooms contain a fully tiled shower area without glass panelling, coupled with a slightly slanting floor which guides water into the drain. There’s no risk of the water draining into other parts of the property and causing damage. Wonderfully practical and efficient, wet rooms also open up more design options that you might not have had with a regular bathroom.

The advantages are endless. Here are few worth considering.

Accessibility friendly

Barrier free and completely streamlined, wet rooms are perfect for older people or anyone with mobility issues. There’s no shower enclosure to navigate and no need to step in and out of a shower unit. The design removes all the problematic obstacles with which many people struggle.

A great space-saving option

Wet rooms are a popular choice for smaller houses, commercial buildings or apartments. This is because there’s usually no space taken up by a bath, meaning that the toilet can be placed much closer to the shower, thus saving space.

Many households are doing without baths regardless of mobility issues. Many find that showers are more practical and use less water. Families with young children, especially, are going without the luxury. And with less space, there’s less to clean which is, let’s be honest, always a plus!

Unleash your style on its simple set-up

With less to think about, wet rooms can often be more stylish than the traditional bathroom. Minimalist trends and streamlined aesthetics are easily adaptable for wet rooms which tend to be contemporary in design anyway.

Focus your attention on your tiles, as these will effectively decide the warmth, mood and texture of your wet room. With so many colours and patterns to choose from, this is the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style. Then, install a new toilet to complement the design of your shower and unify the design of your wet room for a beautiful overall aesthetic.

There’s little to no chance of mould or damp

Finally, and perhaps most attractive of all, is the reduced possibility of mould and damp. Due to its watertight nature and it being covered top to toe in tiles, it’s virtually impossible for mould spots to form. For anyone who’s been plagued with a mouldy bathroom, this is the only information they need to make an informed decision.

Get their look: Mustard-styled bathroom

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This mustard-styled bathroom makes really good, practical use of the compact and awkward area you get under a flight of stairs. The negative space created by the lower stairs is where the toilet has been installed; a place where – for want of a better way of explaining it – a considerable amount of time there is spent sitting down.

A few stairs higher is where the hand basin is positioned; again, a spot where you’d probably be bent over brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Lastly, where the stairs end and there’s maximum headroom, the shower is situated; giving you all the vertical space needed to wash hair – and in this family’s case… Cheddar, the golden retriever’s muddy paws!

Get their look

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Luxury candle jar

Jet black hexagon mirror

TIGI Bed Head colour goddess

Black wire storage basket

Open wire wall rack

3L yellow pedal bin

Bath towels

Luxury candle jar

Jet black hexagon mirror

TIGI Bed Head colour goddess

Black wire storage basket

Open wire wall rack

3L yellow pedal bin

Bath towels

Should you invest in a wetroom?

When it comes to redesigning your bathroom, there are many options. These can include traditional designs, but you could also opt to splash out on a wetroom instead. We’re here to take you through the advantages and disadvantages of these areas of the home.

The look

Wetrooms can be a real statement for your home, as they create a modern, futuristic feel. These can be designed in using colours and textures – just like any traditional bathroom. Where they differ is that they look cleaner, as there are few steps or segments.

The average bathroom will have a shower tray and glass, which can take away from the appeal of the room. With a wetroom, there are fewer barriers and areas, which creates a more complete look. You can also have single colours or styles of tiles, as they cover all areas of the room.

There’s a lot of flexibility involved when you’re creating a wetroom. You can choose to use different colours to emphasise the areas of the room, or just stick with one. Accessories and other elements can still be used to show your personal style too – like fittings and controls. It’s up to you whether you want it to be filled with bling or more muted.

It’s a good idea to view any tiles that you plan to buy in person to get a real feel for what they look like. While there are many online retailers out there, it can be difficult to get an accurate depiction of these online. Smaller tiles will generally require more work to fit, as they take longer to line up and grout into place.

Lighting can also be used to great effect in these rooms, as they attract attention. Backlights and spotlights are very popular in bathroom design at the moment as they add an extra touch of class. They’re also able to withstand the steam and water that will be created in the room.

Functionality

Wetrooms aren’t just form over function, as you can enjoy both with the right design in place. These can serve many more functions than the average bathroom, as there are fewer barriers. This could mean you go for a rainfall or spa shower, because you don’t have to worry about housing them.

For individuals that perhaps have a disability or accessibility needs, these can also be more appropriate. With the right bathing and showering areas, they can use these much more easily. For example, access level bathing can present fewer risks as there are fewer ledges on which they could potentially trip or fall.

Getting into and out of a bath can be challenging for some people, so you may also want to invest in walk-in bathing facilities too. You can read more about the more straightforward access that these can offer in this handy blog post: https://www.bathingsolutions.co.uk/blog/elderly-showers/ease-difficulty-wet-rooms/

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Value

Creating a wetroom that really looks great will also add value to your home. This can potentially create more demand on the market, which also adds to the sale price. This can be a stand out area of your home that makes it much more lucrative for buyers. For more ideas on how to make your home more appealing to buyers, take a look at this article: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/best-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home-177509

With buyers checking out so many houses before they opt to purchase, this can help your home stick in their mind. This can have them coming back for further viewings and potentially putting in an offer on your home.

Wetrooms do have a lot of advantages, although they can initially be more costly. This can be worth the investment to have a great room in which you can relax.

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Modernise Your Bathroom in 6 Easy Steps

One of the most expensive home makeover projects can be the bathroom. Things such as demolition, fixtures, hardware, flooring and plumbing can cost a fortune. An out-dated bathroom is unsightly and could have other hidden issues.

Take this opportunity to give your bathroom a makeover. Don’t break the bank but take the time to recreate your bathroom with modern, yet efficient features.

Step 1

Start with paint. This is always an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up your bathroom. Whatever paint colour you choose, you want to be sure that it’s perfect for the space. Anything overwhelming, too light or too dark can be an eyesore. Typically, for the bathroom, clean and fresh hues are used. If you aren’t sure, stick to neutrals: grey, taupe, white, beige, etc. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to go bold!

Step 2

Your shower. How old are your bath, shower and tiles? Are you stuck with soap scum build-up that just won’t go away? Chipped tiles? Now’s the time to fix all of that. When updating your shower, consider incorporating contemporary shower valves, which offer a blend of style and efficiency. These modern valves not only elevate the aesthetic of your bathroom but also provide superior control over water temperature and flow, ensuring a more luxurious and comfortable shower experience.

If you’re going to splurge, splurge on a wet room. A wet room is convenient, cleaner and safer than a traditional bathroom. Using a wet room kit, you should easily be able to install the proper equipment. It fits perfectly in small places, accommodates those with mobility issues and increases the overall value of your home. Wet room shower kits, drains, waterproofing and other features are easily accessible – another benefit. It might cost you a little more up front, but it’s sure to pay off in the long run.

Step 3

Wall décor. Everything in your bathroom will generally focus around the mirror, so make it special! Find a mirror that is functional but makes a statement. It should complement the modern style you’re trying to achieve. If you decide to hang anything else, keep it simple and sophisticated. Glass shelves are a functional and modern way to keep your bathroom updated and organised.

Step 4

Lighting. Take your time when it comes to the lighting in your bathroom. There are many modern options available to you that will fit within your budget. Keep in mind that it is a bathroom and the lighting shouldn’t be too harsh but, rather, soft and relaxing. This is one room that should be well lit. If you’re displaying art work, adjust your lighting around it to draw attention.

Step 5

De-clutter the space. One strategy for updating your bathroom is getting rid of all the clutter. Add storage if needed, but clean off the counter space. Store things in drawers and cabinets. The key to modern design is cleanliness and organisation.

Step 6

Pay attention to detail. Giving your bathroom a makeover can be as simple as replacing the hardware. Items such as towel racks, shower curtains, knobs, etc can really date your space. This strategy is simple and cost-efficient.

Don’t burn a hole in your pocket with expensive renovations. Use these 6 easy tips to get your bathroom looking and feeling new again.