In past years, the bathroom was not very elaborate.  Since it was made for personal hygiene, people didn’t see the need to spend too much time decorating.   Now things are different.  Bathrooms are used for relaxation, self-reflection and even romantic interludes. As a result, there has been an increased demand for designer bathroom furniture.  People want vanities, whirlpool baths and other things associated with luxury bathrooms.

If you want your bathroom to look like a spa, you need to choose the right type of design. This may not be the easiest of tasks, especially if you are working with a smaller area.

Vanities & Furniture Runs

Not only do vanities make bathrooms look more luxurious, but they also make the area more functional. Many include their own storage spaces, so you can hide away all of your unsightly things like bathroom cleaners, medicines and makeup. If you are designing a smaller bathroom, consider getting a unit that is installed into your sink.  By doing so, you will free up more space (since your sink and cabinetry would be combined in one structure).

As for the furniture run, this is a new structure homeowners can use to create a more modern look in their bathrooms.  Basically, the toilet, cabinetry and the bathroom sink are all installed in one unit. They don’t work well in smaller spaces because you need to be able to accommodate your sinks and toilets along the same pipe (with a cupboard area in between). To create a more sophisticated look with the furniture run, consider getting one with a wood finish.

Luxury Bathtubs

A designer bathtub is an absolute necessity for today’s designer bathrooms. Corner bathtubs are especially interesting because they offer a very snazzy, contemporary look.  Unfortunately, they do require a relatively large space, since they tend to be wider than traditional tubs.

Next, there are whirlpool baths. These are the most luxurious tubs on the market.  As you are taking a bath, you can turn on special jets to create bubbles and a relaxing stream of water to massage your body. With whirlpool baths, you will feel as if you are at a spa.

If you like getting romantic in the bathtub, consider getting a double ended design. With this style, the tap is placed in the center of the tub.  In turn, no one will have to bathe with an uncomfortable nudge in their back. In addition, since these tubs tend to be bigger, couples can avoid scrunching themselves up during their romantic bath.  With the double ended bathtub, couples can stretch out their legs, and bathe in comfort…just like they would if they were using a luxury bath at a hotel.

Accessories

A designer bathroom would not be complete without appropriate accessories. Consider the illuminated mirror. Often associated with Hollywood dressing rooms, these mirrors will give your bathrooms a touch of pizzazz. This is especially the case if they are placed over a vanity.

The soap dispenser is another accessory that can greatly add to your bathroom’s appearance. Just make sure that all of your handwashing containers match the décor of your bathroom.  If you use liquid soap, you can either put a cover over the original container, or buy a separate dispenser. You will be surprised at how much of a difference this makes in your bathroom.

Additional Tips for Creating Designer Bathrooms

Redecorating is often a very personal experience. If you have a particular style that you like, you might be hesitant to look at other alternatives.   However, if you want to keep up with today’s most popular styles, you have to be open to different designs. In some cases, you might even want to combine different styles to create an even more unique look. Indeed, when you are creating a designer bathroom, you must always keep an open mind.

There are a plethora of bathroom designs. Vintage styles offer an older, yet elegant look, while contemporary styles give your bathroom a simpler, yet futuristic look.  There really is no limit to what you can create, as there are hundreds of designs you can choose from. Let us take a look at some of these styles.

If you opt for a contemporary design, focus on plain, modern colors. Black and white is always a good combination for those that do not know how to put different colors together.  But if you want to get more adventurous, really any hue could do. Just make sure that all your structures and furniture matches your main color scheme.  As for your initial scheme, it is best to focus on two primary colors. If you do more, your bathroom could look gaudy.  And if you only concentrate on one color, your bathroom will end up looking boring. This applies to any color, even the ones that are brighter and more spectacular.

After you have selected an attractive color scheme, you can start thinking about which appliances you want for your bathroom.  If you want to create the most relaxing atmosphere, you will probably want to install whirlpool baths.  Conversely, if you prefer a quick wash-up, you should install a luxury shower enclosure.  They are available for all bathrooms, regardless of their size. If you have a small bathroom, you can get a quadrant enclosure. Containing a curved exterior, this design fits perfectly in corners or other tight spaces.  

In the meantime, you can also decorate with freestanding basins. Since they are not as common in most traditional bathrooms, your guests will be really amazed at their presence. Also, by the fact that freestanding basins tend to have a more contemporary look, they work really well for homes that utilize modern designs.

Emma writes for liberty bathrooms, a supplier of wet room shower screens.

We all treat our bathrooms in different ways: some of us like to spend hours pampering ourselves and relaxing, whilst others can’t wait to get in and out as quickly as possible. In either case, bigger is better. Those of us who love their bathrooms could always do with more space to lounge around in, and those who don’t love their bathrooms prefer not to be tripped up by every appliance.

But we can’t always expect the luxury of a massive bathroom. Whether you’re designing for a small main bathroom, or a secondary bathroom you’ve found space for in a busy house, the challenge is not insignificant. After all, if you have to fit into a small bedroom, you simply get someone to make you a small bed. Bespoke bathtubs are on the expensive side if they can even be claimed to exist. So, if you are face with a small space in which to build a bathroom, try these handy hints:

Showers Instead of Baths

Of course, the first thing you won’t be doing in the smallest spaces is buying a bathtub anyway. Showers are obviously more space efficient, and in the same space as a small bath, you can fit a shower with a little arm flailing space. Sadly, you’re probably just going to have to try liking showers if you don’t already.

Corner showers and quadrant / pentagonal shower trays are the most efficient shapes (because from most shower heads, water is dispersed in a fan shape that won’t reach the corners anyway). With a little more space, consider getting a combination bath and shower. Modern L-shaped moulds are highly recommended, as they give you more space to shower whilst reclaiming space alongside the long-end of the bath.

Creating the Impression of Space

The toilet is one of the most important features of any bathroom, but it’s also surely one of the bulkiest. Thankfully, if you shop around for the right unit, you can cut down the space a toilet takes up dramatically. Concealed cisterns help not only create actual space (they’re usually thin units designed to be hidden behind false walls and vanity units), but they also create the illusion of space. Wall-hung units create much the same effect. Wall hung toilets also look ultra modern!

Another fantastic way to create this illusion is a general interior design trick: using mirrors. Obviously, there’s no sense in filling your bathroom to the brim with reflective surfaces. But a large, wide or full length dress mirror really create the impression of an expansive space in a confined setting. Another interior design trick worth paying attention to: dark colours create enclosed spaces, so keep to simple light ones and use any and all natural light that you can.

Squeezing Every Last Inch of Space

Once all the basics are in there, you still have to find places for the reality of every day cleansing. Bathrooms require a lot of storage space: not just for toiletries, but for towels, spare toilet rolls and for bathroom cleaning products. In the worst case scenario, you can usually fit a wall-hung cabinet over a cistern, set of bathroom taps or any other bit of dead space. A shower rack for storing your shampoos is an obvious solution in most bathrooms. Put a vanity cabinet under a sink and give yourself additional space (or just stick a basket under a wall-hung unit). Combination units are another great idea: combination vanity units that hide the cistern and provide a space for a countertop basin really keep things tidy in the smallest spaces.

Steph Wood writes on behalf of Splash Direct Uk-based seller of illuminated bathroom mirrors and space saving Bathroom units.

When you are moving in to a new house or apartment, it is very important to make sure that your new living space is thoroughly cleaned, prior to moving in any of your things. It is especially important to clean the bathroom, as this is a prime location for mould and other disease-causing bacteria.

Start with the basics

The first thing you should do is clean all the surfaces in your new bathroom. This includes the counter tops, any shelving, all tile surfaces, as well as the bathtub, sink, and toilet. The best cleaning product to use is going to be one that has anti-bacterial cleansers. Also, for the porcelain surfaces, make sure you use a non-abrasive cleaning product, so you don’t scratch or mar the surfaces.

Bathtub and the sink

When you are ready to start cleaning your tub and sink basin, use a soft, non-scratch sponge. Spray or pour your cleaner on the porcelain, and let it sit for a minute or two, then simply wipe away the dirt and grime. Rinse the sponge out under warm running water, and continue in this manner until the entire area has been cleaned. Use a soft bristle toilet brush for cleaning your toilet, and again, leave the cleaner on the inner surface of the bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing it off. Make sure you work the bristles of your brush into all the hard to reach areas that you might otherwise miss – germs and bacteria love dark, wet corners!

Buy a new toilet seat

It is probably a good idea to replace the toilet seat when you move in to a new apartment. Toilet seats are a breeding ground for bacteria. A new toilet seat attachment, and will make it much easier to maintain a clean bathroom. You can also explore the possibility of replacing any shelving and cabinets there might be in your bathroom. If there is a cabinet directly under the sink, it would be a really good idea to go ahead and replace it, or at least repaint the surfaces, so you can block out future bacteria infestations.

Clean the tiles

When it is time to clean the tiles, make sure to use a cleaner that will get deep between the tiles, into the grout work. Mould, fungus, and other bacteria can get a firm hold on grout, especially in the bathtub area, because of how much time they are in humid conditions or actually underwater. If it looks like the previous occupant didn’t clean the grout often enough, or left it lying for too long, then you should probably replace the grout. This can be done by yourself fairly easy, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Clogged pipes and rusty water

Another thing that people often forget to check when they move into a new home or apartment is the plumbing. If the plumbing has been neglected by the previous occupants, you might have clogged pipes or dirty, rusty water in your tub, toilet or sink. Pouring a small amount of liquid pipe cleaner into your drains will take care of any clogs, and rusty or dirty water can usually be fixed by letting the water run for an extended period, or by using a water treatment of some kind.

Don’t forget the bath mat and shower curtain!

Finally, it is also a good idea to replace the bath mat and shower curtain. This way, you can be sure that there is no dirt or bacteria from the previous occupant. Shower curtains collect mould easily, when not properly washed, and bath mats are usually infested with germs. Following these easy steps will have your new bathroom sparkling in no time!

John is an expert of bathroom renovations and he runs a Sydney based company, Complete Bathroom Renovations, which has been operating in the market for the last 40 years.

We love our homes and like to embellish and improve them. One area that has recently come under scrutiny is the humble bathroom. Traditionally, some may feature a bath and possibly a stall shower. Other properties, particularly the smaller modern build house, may feature only a shower room. Time for that ultimate luxury bathing experience – the wet room. A wet room is designed to accept water splashed all over it thus removing the needs for shower curtains or screens. The result is a clean and minimalist environment.

The wet room, justifiably, is very popular but it suffers the same problem as all other bathrooms; in winter it’s probably the coldest room in the house. Clearly the old standby of the free-standing electric fire is out of the question, so what is the best solution for taking the chill off? Most properties will have some form of central heating using radiators. Whether it’s a conversion or a new build extension this is probably the most economical method of warming the room up.

Wet rooms, understandably need to be water proofed, usually being tiled on floor and walls. A conventional painted steel radiator is therefore unsuitable as, in time, the damp conditions will encourage corrosion so the best answer is stainless steel. Consider long, low level radiators rather than vertical ones as this will to get the heat out into the room at floor level as much as possible. Ventilation will help too. Plan radiator locations in relation to fan vents or opening windows so that moisture is encouraged out of the room. There is, however, a better way of heating a wet room that is strongly advised – underfloor heating.

In warmer countries heating is less of an issue as rooms can dry out quickly but in our damp UK climate it is essential that a wet room is designed correctly with the drainage, heating and ventilation all working together to eliminate that British bathroom blight – mould. The even spread of heat underfoot will not only be more comfortable for the user but also aid the quick drying of the floor. Installing such a system is probably a job for the professionals but is possible for the skilled DIY exponent.

Broadly and briefly, there are two different types of underfloor heating. The wet system uses hot water direct from your central heating pipes. Plastic pipes are installed in a sub floor before being covered and tiled over. The dry system uses an adhesive mat with embedded elements linked to a thermostat and the mains power supply. This can be laid on concrete or timber floors and, for both types, a tile backer board is needed to help prevent tile cracking.

In general, electrical heating is cheaper to install and causes less disruption to the existing floor structure but they are more expensive to run than the wet systems which are more cost effective in the long run. The choice is yours, but either way showering becomes a pleasure once again, whatever the weather. We’ve got the Romans to thank for that.

By Jim Brewer: Plumber and Trade skills instructor currently helping plan, design and install Brilliant Wet Rooms in Hampshire.

For a number of people, the bathroom is the most important place in the home. Some people put a lot of thought into how they want their bathroom designed so that it is not only fashionable and cosy, but functional, safe and spacious too.

Today, one of the most innovative and classy bathroom design creations that is fast gaining popularity is the corner shower stall or walk in shower enclosure. This is a shower unit that is separate from the rest of the bathroom by glass doors. It is a space saving corner shower unit and all you need to do is walk into it to bathe or shower. These shower enclosures are also referred to as the corner cubicle.

Walk in shower enclosures are not only very attractive, but they are convenient especially for those who find it very troublesome to have to lift themselves into a bathtub or shower mount to bathe. Thus, elderly or disabled people will not only find this bathroom design very convenient, but much safer than the traditional bathrooms made with a bathtub or shower curtain. Corner shower stalls also save space in your bathroom, which is always a plus.

There are two types of these shower enclosures. These are the wet floor type and the tray floor type. The more popular of the two is the wet floor type. But, it is also the more expensive one. If you have a knack for the ornate and colorful, you might want to consider the tray floor type because they come in a wide array of shapes and designs.

The walls of this shower enclosure also come in two types. There is the transparent enclosure wall and the translucent enclosure wall. If privacy is not a concern, the transparent enclosure wall is what you may want to have. But if you require a greater degree of privacy, the translucent or semi-transparent wall is what is best for you. These two types of walls are very effective in preventing shower splashes from wetting the rest of the bathroom.

The door of the shower enclosure could either be frameless, semi-frameless, or framed. Frameless shower doors are the most popular because they are the very beautiful. Framed doors however, are not as pretty, but they are sturdier.

These type of shower enclosures are modern day works of art. They can definitely add the zest to your home and give it a modern, updated new look.

One of the latest trends in bathroom remodeling is the wet room. This style of bathroom is a much more integrated and space saving approach to bathroom construction. Rather than having the shower area separated off from the rest of the bathroom, it is integrated into the construction of the entire room. The room is waterproofed, and the drainage system is incorporated into the floor of the room itself.

One of the biggest benefits to a wet room bathroom, of course, is the fact that it opens up a great deal of space. If you live in a house with a small bath, your showering experience can feel cramped. Moreover, typical shower design — which usually includes a bathtub or at least a cubicle — takes up much more space than is really necessary, without adding much to the look of the room. This remodel removes the lip or tub surrounding the shower entirely; your entire bathroom is turned into your showering space. It’s also very aesthetically pleasing. Wet rooms look larger, and much more airy.

The bathroom also becomes much, much easier to clean. No more bending over the interior of your bathtub or trying to clean out the cracks and corners in your shower cubicle. Since the entire bathroom consists of a single floor surface, it can be easily cleaned up with a mop and bucket.

The biggest potential drawback of the remodel is the risks inherent to doing a low-quality or nonprofessional remodel. Because the entire bathroom essentially becomes a shower, there is a higher risk that the water on the floor may leak into the rest of the house, if the floor and walls are not waterproofed, or tanked correctly. However, this can generally be avoided by hiring an experienced professional to do the work. In general, this is an excellent option for any bath remodel.

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Planning a new bathroom involves a few careful considerations. First of all you need to determine what is needed such as tiling work, plumbing and electrical installations. The dimensions of the bathroom should be measured first of all so you can decide what kind of fixtures and fittings will actually fit into the space. A good solution is to draw up a basic plan of what is going where before you begin. Good planning will allow you to maximise the available space, especially if this space is small. Online planning guides are freely available on the internet these days from places such as argos, as are detailed photographs of modern bathrooms that you can use for ideas.

Setting a budget is another important process, and you will have to consider whether or not you will be hiring professional tradesmen or doing it all yourself. Ring around for as many quotes as you can to get the best services. Designers are a good choice as they can help you find the best layout based on both style and functionality. The point of function is important. Remember not to fit the toilet opposite the door, and leave plenty of access room around the bath tub or shower cubicle.

Even a small bathroom remodel can cost a lot of money. So what’s the best way to estimate the cost of a bathroom remodel. Well the very best way is to get a quantity surveyor to give you a price based on a detailed plan and specification – but by the time you get to that stage you will have spent a fair bit of money to find out you can’t afford your dream bathroom. So here are some simple tips about how to keep the cost of your bathroom remodeling under control.

Go To Show Rooms and Get Estimates

Your dream 2-person corner hydro spa bath costs $2k and your bathroom remodel budget is $5k – no need to go further is there! Think about resurfacing the existing bath or getting a simple bath second hand for around $100! The steam shower with the 27 jets of water – not only is it the cost of the unit – its the extra plumbing required and possibly a new hot water system. So wander around a show room or two and get both some ideas and some realistic prices.

Try to Stay with the Existing Floor Plan

If you can avoid it – avoid moving major plumbing such as the toilet, shower, bath and vanity in a bathroom. The plumbing costs will be substantial. If you can update the bathroom and still have a functional room by just replacing appliances then do so.

Floors and Walls

Love the marble look – but can’t afford it – use a small amount of marble as a splash back behind the vanity or as a head board in the bath. On the other hand if the room is a very small bathroom then you will probably be able to cover it in marble or granite for little extra cost – particularly if you can use off cut or short-ends of materials.

Lighting

Lighting can really bring out the best features of the bathroom if done correctly. Indirect lights that are fitted into the roof space provide a softer glow that creates warmth and a softer focus. Standard lights can sometimes cause glare and a more harsh effect, so think about the kind of effect you wish to create. If you need some ideas about the light fittings then go to retailers like additions direct online, who have hundreds of inexpensive designs and styles. You could even use coloured lighting such as soft blues and greens to change the mood of the bathroom.

Storage

Storage space is yet another factor to consider. Vanity drawers allow for easier access than deep shelved drawers. Combining a wash basin with drawers underneath will free up a bit more space. Heated towel racks are very popular because they combine the radiator with the towel rack and give you more space. Careful planning and preparation will help things run smoothly, and hopefully enable you to keep to your set budget.

Benefits of Wall Hung Toilets

The standard toilet in America has long been of the floor mounted variety. In Europe, however, the most popular design is the wall hung toilet. Now, some wonder, if soon this will be the case in North America as well. The fact of the matter is, that both types have their pros and cons.

• Aesthetics - If we are honest, toilets are not pretty. Maybe the very concept renders it impossible to design a toilet that will be considered so. Wall hung toilets are, however, considered more visually appealing than the floor mounted version. First of all, the water tank is better concealed. The design of a big water tank right on top of the floor mounted toilet is quite clumsy. Secondly, wall hung toilets are smaller and, thus, discrete. You really don’t want the toilet to be an item that attracts attention.
• Provides Easy Cleaning - None of us enjoy cleaning the bathroom and, especially, not the area around the toilet. It is therefore a considerable benefit of wall hung toilets that they make cleaning easier. The floor mounted version creates a lot of corner and creases where dust and grime can settle. It’s difficult to reach these places, and difficult to get rid of all the filth. With floor hung toilets, the toilet bowl is not attached to the floor, thus it is easily cleaned, and there are no corners or creases where dirt can settle.
• Do You Have a Small Bathroom? - Finally, for home owners with a small bathroom, the fact that the wall hung toilets takes up less space is important. When you have a small bathroom you always need to stay aware that the items you install do not take up to much floor space. In this regard, the wall hung toilet is the perfect design.

When it comes to bathroom upgrades and luxury in the newest home styles and designs, the walk in shower enclosure is the pinnacle of comfort and beauty. Design experts say one of the main factors for homebuyers is the bathroom and with more importance being placed on bathroom design they are looking for both functionality and stylish innovations.

Because of this, potential home buyers are being snowed under with choices in regards not only to the decorative finishes to help set the style of their bathroom, but they are also having a bigger number of choices in their bathing options.

Gone are the days of the same old bath/shower combo; these are being rapidly replaced by various choices of walk in showers. With the appearance of shower variety styles and designs from semi-framed, framed to frameless in conjunction with uncompromising construction, walk in showers have become the core addition in bathroom remodeling projects.

Today much of the design effort is being placed on building a more open space in the bathroom. Consumers are starting to become increasingly in favor of clear glass showers to serve as the centerpiece in their bathroom because of the clean precision line structure and as a mean of reflecting light especially for bathrooms not equipped with windows. By incorporating a glass type walk in shower design other bathroom fittings can easily be built into the remaining bathroom decoration.

The well engineered showers offer a smooth ultra contemporary solution suited to complete the look of any bathroom style while allowing for artwork, bathroom accessories, bathroom flooring and tiles to be configured with the shower unit.

Bathroom industry professionals report that statistically they have seen an improved number of shower sales and are attributed to the high tech flexibility of showers choices from electric showers to steam showers cabins and why people are taking more time and finding comfort in the shower. A new desire for a separation of the bath/shower area from the rest of the bathroom is fueling manufacturers’ multiple brand new designs.

These new walk-in showers can go for years without major maintenance, they can be fitted to replace simply about any existing bath/shower combination, and are very appealing to look at due to their sleek and modern design.

Getting all of your other bathroom furniture to match the shower unit no longer presents a challenge as the polished chrome frame will compliment the remaining bathroom suite as well as other colors in the room. Chrome styles and designs are not available in most bathroom accessories, as well as the still available bath/shower combinations, so finding the perfect look to make your bathroom the attractive place you have always dreamed is no difficult task.