Modern bathrooms can be one of the most stylish rooms in your home – a far cry from the cold and austere bathrooms of old!
If you’re thinking of redesigning or installing a new bathroom in your house, we’ve put together some tips to help you on your way which can not only help you in your design, but give you a guidance on your bathroom installation costs.
Sinks, showers and baths
Nowadays a shower is a must in any home but most people still like to be able to take a relaxing bath as well. Obviously a large bathroom will accommodate a separate bath and shower cubicle but, if space is restricted, the solution is to install a shower over the bath. There are plenty of stylish shower screens and shower curtains on the market to make this kind of compromise more attractive.
Whatever the size of the room it pays to have a theme, such as matching or complementary wall tiles and flooring. If you’re thinking of creating a really luxurious bathroom there are the options of a whirlpool, freestanding or corner bath. Another idea is a large double sink, which is not only practical but also looks great.
If you’re a real fan of showers you could install a separate wet room. These need to be properly waterproofed and walls and floors covered in a durable material like non-slip stone or tiles.
Bathroom floors
There is a wide range of bathroom flooring to choose from. It’s not just how the flooring looks, it also needs to be non-slip, easy to clean and hardwearing.
Stone flooring: Bonded limestone, slate, marble and granite floors can be stylish and colourful and make a real design statement. The drawback with stone is it can be slippery and cold underfoot – and it also tends to be expensive. But if you are taken by the ‘look’ you can overcome these drawbacks by installing underfloor heating and selecting a type of stone that has some grip. You can also cut the cost by opting for reclaimed stone.
Porcelain flooring: Porcelain is a popular choice because it’s durable and really easy to clean. It’s a cheaper option than stone and also low-maintenance, because it doesn’t need any kind of sealing.
Linoleum flooring: Lino is easy to clean and lay. It is made of natural materials like wood flour and linseed oil. You might be surprised to learn that it also has health benefits because it is anti bacterial and does not retain dust or allergens. The most popular brand, Marmoleum, comes in more than 100 colours and designs!
Wooden flooring: Wood may seem a strange choice for a wet area. But engineered wood can work really well, providing a warm, attractive and hardwearing finish.
Bathroom lighting
You’ll probably want to invest in some special lighting around mirrors and vanity units but the starting point is to make the best use of any natural lighting that’s available.
Spotlights, ceiling lights and down lights are popular in bathrooms but there are plenty of more unusual options to think about. You can buy illuminated mirrors and cupboard doors, for instance, and there are even taps that change the colour of the water! Remote controls and dimmers are also a great way of giving your bathroom a relaxing atmosphere. You’ll need a qualified electrician to fit lights safely and in line with current building regulations.
Bathroom heating
If you’re past a certain age you’ll remember what it’s like to venture into a freezing cold bathroom first thing in the morning! Nowadays you can keep your bathroom really warm and snug with central heating or a separate electric system.
Radiators are the traditional choice. They are available in a wide range of shapes and styles to suit your bathroom design. Another option is a heated towel rail, which can warm up the whole room. Underfloor heating is increasing in popularity when it comes to bathroom design, particularly in new builds. The main advantages are that it dries the floor quickly and feels nice underfoot. It’s also cheaper than radiators – in fact you could be looking at a saving of around 25%-30% on your energy bills!
Bathroom storage
Storage is obviously essential in any bathroom but choosing the right storage can really enhance the design. With a small bathroom the best storage solution is to install corner cabinets or utilise the space under the washbasin. Built-in vanity units and wall cabinets come in a variety of materials and styles. Freestanding cabinets are also an attractive option for storing toiletries in a larger bathroom.
Finally, remember to pay attention to detail. Matching blinds and shower curtains, pretty soap dishes and attractive ornaments will all give your bathroom design a lift.
