Crosswater Guest Blog: How To Create A Luxury Bathroom At Home

The bathroom is a space that many of us go to un-wind. An ideal setting for a peaceful soak or to rinse off after a long day - the bathroom offers a relaxing sanctuary that delivers on both comfort and warmth. Luxury bathroom design is something many homeowners desire, with more and more consumers now looking to replicate elegant, spa-like wash rooms and hotel-inspired schemes in their own homes.We’ve teamed up with design experts from Crosswater to discuss some of the ways you can create a luxury bathroom at home: 

Elegant Storage Solutions

Bathrooms can often become cluttered whilst coping with the demands of everyday life, which if not kept on top of, can detract from the overall aesthetic. By investing in good storage, you can keep the room looking clean and organised all year round – allowing you to take full advantage of the tranquil space. Vanity units offer ample storage, providing a stylish place to store skincare, toiletries and other self-care items neatly out of sight. At Crosswater, we have an array of vanity units in different configurations to suit bathrooms of any shape or size. With freestanding, wall hung and even corner-units specially designed for smaller spaces, there is a unit to suit any space. Available in a range of different finishes, it’s easy to find a unit that complements your existing décor. For large bathrooms, we would suggest opting for two basins – introducing another basin into your bathroom will allow you to imitate the premium look seen in many hotel bathrooms whilst also creating additional counter space.

Enhance The Shower Experience

A walk in shower epitomises luxury whilst providing an accessible showering experience for all to enjoy. From shower trays, to enclosures and luxury showerheads – you can truly personalise the experience by selecting pieces from a range of different collections. For added indulgence introduce a rain showerhead like the MPRO Stream to maximise comfort; the relaxing stream from above is soothing and delivers an experience similar to a hotel. To ensure a cohesive bathroom scheme, match your shower accessories to your existing brassware. 

A Finishing Touch

Finishing touches can range from simply styling the space with soft furnishing – robes, fluffy towels and candles, to integrating a range of practical yet aesthetic accessories. By introducing hardware in the form of towel rails, toilet roll holders and even brassware – you can enhance the luxury look and feel of a space. One of the most important things to consider when selecting pieces for your bathroom is colour. Pair neutral shades – white, cream, grey and soft brown, with luxurious looking brassware to transform your space. Our MPRO brassware, available in brushed brass, will add an elegant touch to any bathroom scheme, whilst offering a perfect contrast to white ceramic basins.    We hope that we have inspired you to recreate a luxury bathroom in your own home, to take a look at the Crosswater products on offer – visit your local Island Bathrooms showroom, where their experts will be on hand to assist you with your bathroom design.

Why Baths Are Good For Your Health

Almost everyone loves a good bubble bath, they're so calming and relaxing. Unfortunately, adults don't get to take as many baths as they want. There are a number of reasons for this; they aren't as convenient as showers and just no spare time to take time out of their day. We are here to explain to you that not only are baths a great way to relax there are also lots of health benefits.

Baths Can Delay Aging

According to dermatologists, taking baths can reduce aging and adult acne. Why? Baths help lower cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can increase acne and induce premature aging. In order to get the full benefit with regard to cortisol, you have to make sure to moisturize fully after your bath, so your skin doesn’t get dehydrated.

Baths Can Relieve Sore Muscles

Many of us know that heat is a great solution when our muscles are sore. Applying heat to inflamed or sore muscles can help your muscles relax. In a bath, you are fully submerged in warm water, which relieves the muscles throughout your body. Additionally, bath additives such as Epsom salt can help relieve aches and pains as well.

Baths Are Just As Clean As Showers

A lot of people feel that baths are dirtier than showers since the water isn’t draining, but this actually isn’t true. According to Hygiene Experts, showers are better than baths only when you’re dirty or sweaty from being outdoors or exercising. If you’re just washing off from a normal day, a bath will get you just as clean as a shower. Plus, the steam from a bath can open up your pores and release the dirt.

Baths Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels

If your doctor has ever told you to watch your blood sugar levels and try to keep them low, baths may be a great option for you. Scientists in the U.K. recently discovered that taking a hot bath can actually reduce your blood sugar levels. Our blood sugar rises after we eat, and the amount it rises is one of the risk markers for diabetes, so keeping your blood sugar down can be really beneficial to your health. Obviously, baths should not replace healthy eating and a good exercise regimen, but it can be a great addition!

Baths Are good For Your Skin

Hot water is known to dehydrate your skin, so many people think showers are better than baths in the skin department, but that’s actually not the case. Your body has natural oils that it needs, and both showers and baths can strip your body of these nourishing oils. The difference between the two bathing methods is that you can put additives — like essential oils, mineral salts, bath bombs, oatmeal, honey, etc. — into your bath. These additional bath time ingredients can moisturize and replenish your skin. Just don’t forget to slather on the lotion to lock in the moisture when you get out of the tub!

Baths Are Good Stress Relivers

Many adults take baths for one reason: stress relief. Sitting in a bath forces you to stop multitasking and just take a few moments for yourself. According to Tub Yoga, increasing your body temperature can improve circulation, calm your nervous system, detoxify your body, and release endorphins. These endorphins make you feel good and can get rid of the stress that builds up throughout the day. Plus, you can light fragrant candles or drip essential oils into the bath for some at-home aromatherapy.

Baths Are Heart Healthy

Baths have been proven to lower blood pressure, which decreases stress on the heart and the cardiovascular system. According to a study published in The Journal of Physiology, a warm bath can improve cardiovascular health in a variety of ways, including lower blood pressure, increased blood vessel dilation, decreased arterial stiffness, and more. Just be sure to keep the temperature mild, because too much time soaking in very hot water can ramp up your heart rate.

How to: Add a Splash of Colour to Your Bathroom

 Bathrooms may commonly be filled with lots of white sanitary ware, but the overall feel of your bathroom shouldn’t have to feel sanitised and cold. Bathroom brands and designers are including more and more colour in their designs with colourful vanity units, bold brassware and bright baths to bring a unique and fresh feel to that cold white bathroom scheme. Adding colour to your bathroom may seem scary and you’re probably unsure to add it because the colour might go off trend (just like the avocado bathroom suite craze), but adding colour to your bathroom doesn’t mean going overboard. Don’t think about bright and garish reds, neon greens and vibrant oranges, or complicated and overwhelming colour schemes. Think less is more and don't focus on trends, or colours of the year, unless you love them.Most of the time just a splash of colour combined with a few neutral colours will do the trick. Colour works wonders to bring your bathroom away from the cold feeling that sanitaryware gives and into that long awaited feeling of rejuvenation and warmth. Colour can be added to your bathroom in a variety of ways and it’s also the perfect way to stamp your bathroom with your own personal style.  

COLOUR THEORY

Colour is a key element in interior design. It offers spatial perception and can balance different elements of any room. If you want to make sure that you’re picking the right colours for your home, to enjoy for years to come, then take some time to collect and play with colour samples, or simply create a mood board on Pinterest for an easy way to gather colours options and interior design inspiration. Also, take a look at seasonal colour palettes and see which direction you want to go in setting a mood for your room. For example, does your bathroom often feel cold and uninviting because it’s so large? Or, does it feel dark and gloomy because there’s a lack of natural sunlight?Some colour palettes will always remain classical, and some will always be associated to certain symbols or feelings. Colour symbolism in art refers to the use of colour as a symbol in various cultures. For example, red is used to communicate danger on sign posts, but it’s used to communicate the language of love. Often the best colour palettes use timeless colours and normally involve one main colour and then a mixture, shades and tones.   

COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

Colour is often used to create feelings of coziness or spaciousness within interior design, but it can also be used to influence our mood and even our hunger levels. Similar to how different rooms in the home can influence our moods, which will ultimately change our state-of-mind, colours and rooms are often paired together to enhance certain feelings or perceptions.  An extreme example of how rooms and colours, when paired together, can influence behaviour is how the colour pink (specifically Baker-Miller pink) is used in prisons to calm down aggressive inmates. Project ‘Cool Down Pink’, implemented in Swedish prisons, uses the same design implementation in an attempt to calm down their inmates.A fun example of how colour positively affects our mood is how the colour red can cause hunger levels to rise. It’s often used in restaurants to stir customer apetities. Orange can also activate hunger sensations, as well as yellow, which activates our happy endorphins such as dopamine; high levels of dopamine = an increase to eat more.  So which colours work best in a bathroom? Forget the prison Baker-Miller pink for now, unless you really like it...

• Lilac is soothing and can create a stress-free sanctuary, which is perfect if you enjoy winding down in a bubble bath.
• Blue is calming and soothing, it can open the mind to promote intellectual thought and can also make you feel protected. It’s great if you want ideas to flow when you’re taking a shower, or if you want to feel calm after a long and stressful day.
• Pink, though often avoided because it’s too ‘girlie’, is also a good choice because it can be used to promote feelings of peace, leaving you feeling rested and rejuvenated. It doesn’t need to be a hot pink or baby pink. Think muted pastel pink tiles, even the slightest hint of pink will do the trick.
• Yellow orange!, as mentioned above, activate our happy endorphins. Not the biggest morning person? Then yellow and orange could be the colours for you. They also look great in modern bathroom designs.

  

COLOUR IN THE BATHROOM

You may be leaning more to redecorating your walls with colorful tiles, paint, or wall panels, but there are other options if you don’t want to redecorate your entire room.Beautiful Bright Baths: Let your bath do the talkingWaters Baths of Ashbourne allow you to personalise your bath by customising the outer shell with any colour from the Farrow & Ball colour palette. Each bath is hand painted by their artisan craftsman ensuring a perfect finish and attention to detail for a charge of £295.00 Inc VAT which, if you think about it, isn’t a lot for you to have a personalised bath (that you will love!) which is perfect for your bathroom.   Bold Brassware Accents: Let the brassware do the talkingFor those of you with love for bold design, Crosswater’s Union range offers a striking red lever in the ranges exquisite knurled surface. This confident pop of colour complements all brassware finishes in the industrial looking collection and will add a touch of sophistication to any bathroom. The red lever is available with all of the Union collection so it’s entirely possible to match all your bathroom’s brassware with this confident pop of red!If you're looking for something more colourful check out Tres tapware for bathrooms where basin taps, shower heads, shower valves and shower handsets are available in the following Loft colour finishes: violet, amber, orange, red, fuchsia, green and black. Even their kitchen mixer taps are available in the same colours!  Colour Match: Let your whole bathroom do the talkingUtopia bathrooms have some amazing co-ordinating furniture, fitted, wall mounted and freestanding, in a variety of sophisticated, classic and on trend, colours and shades. The Lustre range offers wall mounted units in sea green, powder grey, indigo and copper. The Star Range offers dramatic bursts of colour highlights. The Opula range offers sweeping lines and straight curves in three colour finishes; grey, sea green and indigo. The Symmetry range offers more colour with beautiful vibrant teal. The Roseberry range offers a more traditional style with a peacock blue or London grey finish. The Halo range offers a more contemporary feel with a wide choice of co-ordinating colours, such a denim blue and concrete grey.Bisque have a passion for colour and exciting finishes. They believe that customers should have the optimum variety of choice when it comes to their choice of radiator. In addition to their colour range some Bisque radiators are also available to be painted in international colour ranges such as RAL or NCS colours. Fancy a pastel lilac radiator? Bisque can do that! Bisque also offer iridescence finishes for their iconic ranges, such as the classic radiator, the classic towel radiator and their hot spring radiator. The 5 striking iridescence colour finishes have a two-tone effect when viewed in different light or seen from different angles.Doccia shower trays are also available in colours from the RAL color chart! Some you could match your shower tray to your Bisque radiator!  Powderey Pinks & Pastels: Let pastels do the talkingIn modern homes and 2018 interior trends it’s becoming increasingly popular to see pastel colours. This visually calming, chromatic range balances the surrounding space to bring inner peace. The most popular pastel in 2018 is pink, a powdery pastel pink. It’s soft yet vibrant personality works really well in interior design as it can increase the light capacity in each space it’s used. It’s also highly versatile because it pairs well with various colours and finishes, such as black and gold, and even natural finishes to add a touch of warmth and emotional wellness.Bathroom Brands such as; Fiora, Villeroy & Boch, Dansani, Bisque, Vitra, Britton, Crosswater, GSI and catalano all feature pastels within their bathroom designs, some even offer furniture and sanitaryware in various pastel finishes. 

 Fun & Funky Tiles: Let your tiles do the talkingWhatever the style, tiles are a great way to add a creative and colourful touch to your bathroom, plus there are many different designs to suit all tastes. Tiles will speak for themselves, so if you want your new bathroom to be creatively colourful and you’ve found just the right tiles to do the job then your new bathroom may not need any additional colour. This is helpful when it comes to thinking about the other areas in your bathroom as you won’t need to think too much about an overly complicated matching colour scheme (unless you do!). Why not take a look at our tile page where there's plenty of colourful tiles to choose from?  Not as creative as you think? We don’t judge! There’s actually a lot to think about when you start to involve colour schemes in your home. Why not let us have a go for you? Visit an Island Bathrooms showroom when you're next free, or book a free 30 min consultation with one of our bathroom experts and let them know you want to add a splash of colour to your bathroom!  

Black Bathroom Ideas

Black bathroom features are becoming more and more popular. Modern and a real statement maker, black features are perfect for anyone looking to branch out of traditional bathroom colours.

Black Bathroom Taps

Let's begin with black bathroom taps. A black tap really does compliment a traditional white basin, creating a beautiful monochrome effect. However it would also work perfectly with a dark basin if you wanted to go all out with the black bathroom design!Our best selling black taps are the MPRO range from Crosswater. MPRO delivers the very best in brassware engineering. Combining superb function and precision design.

Black Showers

How about adding a subtle accent of black by changing your shower head and valve? Whether your interior is industrial-inspired or simple and sleek, Crosswater's MPRO designs are the perfect choice for those looking to achieve a modern look, and are presented in a range of finishes, from Brushed Brass to Brushed Stainless Steel, and Matt Black.

Black Toilet

The Jet range from Burlington, has high intensity and a daring presence. The ceramic pieces create a striking contrast with high-shine chrome brassware. A black toilet is very daring so how about adding it to your downstairs cloakroom to add some wow factor!

Black Basin

For a versatile yet refined trend statement that refuses to go out of fashion, Burlington allows you to choose from basins available in 4 sizes across their distinctive Edwardian and Classic styles, you can select the perfect solution for your space.

Black Heated Towel Rail

Matt Black is back and stronger than ever. This bold colour is prefect for the grey interiors we see in design. It allows you to follow the trend while still adding a statement to your interior designer. Matt black has a luxury appeal about it and is certainly a head turner. Bisque are always staying on top of the latest trends and have a wide range of matt black radiators perfect for your bathroom space.

Black Bathroom Accessories

Too scared to take the plunge? Adding a few accessories such as a toilet roll holder, toilet bowl cleaner & floor stand, framed mirror and door handles can be the perfect start to creating a statement in your bathroom. Bathroom accessories really do complete your whole look, Crosswater have a huge range of black bathroom accessories available for you to shop through us today!If we have got you feeling inspired to start designing your new black bathroom, get in touch today to see how we can help!

Burlington Coloured Ceramics

Introducing the Burlington Coloured Collection. Distinctive and unbelievably striking, the new colours provide the ultimate opportunity for originality within your bathroom. Inspired by the bolder colours synonymous with the early to mid 1900’s, Confetti Pink, Alaska Blue and Moon Grey introduce a playful and contemporary twist to traditional ceramics.

Alaska Blue

Inspired by the coloured suites of the late 1900s, the cool and contemporary Alaska Blue ceramics demonstrate how to bring colour into the 21st century traditional bathroom. Sophisticated yet bold and beautifully daring, Alaska Blue offers a twist on a classic vintage bathroom style.Browse Products

Confetti Pink

Paying homage to the mid-century era, the confident blushing shade of Confetti Pink strikes the perfect balance between authentic traditional style and characterful contemporary design. Confetti Pink ceramics promise to add a striking look to your colour scheme.Browse Products

Moon Grey

Subtle yet distinctive, the Moon Grey ceramics introduce a subtle approach to incorporating colour into the bathroom. A soothing and elegant shade, the sophisticated tones of the soft grey perfectly complement the characteristic shapes of Burlington’s Edwardian ceramics.Browse Products The Burlington Coloured Collection is available to purchase through Island Bathrooms today! Let's make a statement.

Why You Need Fitted Furniture

Fitted furniture seems to be the perfect match for a bathroom of today, especially if you're trying to achieve a designer look. There is a huge variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern, as well as a range of colours and finishes to compliment any bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite.Fitted furniture has the ability to be attached to the wall and the floor which provides you with a great place to store toiletries, towels and your other bathroom essentials. Many come pre-assembled for ease or installation A clean and tidy room is the best way to create a relaxing space in which to relax and unwind in. Pipework can be covered within your chosen furniture this will reduce any visual clutter and provide you with plenty of space for keeping all of your toiletries out of sight.Tall and shallow options are available to ensure that you make the most out of your small rooms, and a choice of a left or right opening allows you to create a bespoke and original fit. We have a wide range of fitted furniture suitable for bathrooms small and large as well as a range of great looking designs and styles.

Some of our favourite fitted furniture pieces, available at Island Bathrooms

Contact us today to speak about your new bathroom transformation!

Matt White Collection

Introducing Matt White, the latest finish in the Crosswater MPRO range! This finish offers the same high-end luxury feel as the original collection however it is now available in a stunning new on-trend colourway. If you are searching for new brassware that is going to make a statement then look no further as this crisp monochrome collection is your answer. The colour has been applied by using powder coating. Powder coating is a proven method used to protect brassware against harsh conditions, making it the perfect finish in your home. 

MPRO Basin 2 Hole Set.

To begin with we have this beautiful 2 Hole Basin Set. The MPRO range from Crosswater provides you with the very best in brassware engineering.

MPRO Basin Monoblanc.

This is a very popular design at Island Bathrooms for it's high-quality design and finish. And now available in Matt White we have something to offer our customers looking to create a statement.

MPRO Crossbox.

Available in a 1,2 and 3 outlet valve we have something available for all of our customers bathroom requirements. A white finish really can create a timeless statement in any bathroom.

MPRO Showerhead.

Available in a 200 and 300mm head. This stunning showerhead is guaranteed to create wow-factor. The sleek white shade will go with any colourful tiles to create that beautiful monochrome effect.This striking new colour joins the five existing finishes to continue the evolution of this iconic product range, meeting the demands of today's modern day bathroom!

Top Bathroom Trends of 2020

Is your bathroom crying out for a refresh? We have found some of the best trends in 2020 that we believe will totally transform your bathroom. From subtle accessories to dramatic cloakrooms we've got you covered. Continue reading to discover the trends that you will love for years to come.

Brass Taps and Accessories.

Brass is a great way to bring a subtle accent of luxury into your bathroom. Not only does brass provide a refined finish but it is also very durable, making it long lasting which is a great choice for a bathroom of today. Click HERE to discover one of our favourite brushed brassware accessories from UNION, Crosswater.

Statement Showers.

Making a statement in your shower is a new trend for 2020 however it is definitely here to stay. How beautiful is this iridescent feature tile from Original Style's Mosaics collection featured below. With its popular scallop format, these tiles are perfect for creating a striking visual. With its popular scallop format, these tiles are perfect for creating a striking visual. If you like the look of this feature get in touch with us today and we can bring your bathroom designs to life!

Dark Accents.

Rich dark walls have been around for a while in the bedroom and living rooms however now it's the bathrooms turn to walk on the dark side. Scared to take the plunge? How about adding some luxurious navy tiles into your shower or if you are feeling braver you can fill the whole room with deep greens and blues. Dark colours also pair perfectly with our top trend of 2020 and that is brushed brass accessories. The image below demonstrates this perfectly.

Extra Large Tiles.

We're going big in 2020. These extra large tiles offer a striking and beautiful design that is guaranteed to turn heads. RAK have a wide and varied range of collections inspired by the elegance of marble to offer hundreds of designs. The marble and granite patterns displaying elegant veins create a sophisticated ambiance. RAK combines timeless beauty and the finest materials to create durable and beautiful tiles. If you like the look of RAK wall tiles get in touch with us today and we can design you new bathroom space.

Floating Vanity Unit.

Floating Vanity Units have become a firm favourite in 2020. Not only are they practical and provide you with great storage space, they also have an elegant and modern feel to them. A Floating Vanity Unit is also great for a smaller bathroom. By seeing the floor underneath it makes the area feel slightly more open. In a very small space such as a cloakroom under the stairs, having more room to put your feet can make a real big difference. Click HERE to find out how you can make your small bathroom feel and look bigger. This beautiful unit is from the Roper Rhodes Collection, available to purchase through our showrooms today!

Free Standing Bath Tubs.

Freestanding bath tubs elevate your space by giving your bathroom a more modern and luxurious feel. This freestanding tub is from Burlington. For a perfect traditional bathroom, combine soft tones of cream with elegant monochrome prints and our Burlington tub to create a luxury bathroom space.

Dramatic Cloakroom.

The cloakroom may be the smallest room in the house, however that means you can really use it to make a bold statement. Whether that's in your choice of pattern, colour or textures the choice is endless. So go wild with the wallpaper or embrace a decorative tile and bright paints. Original Style offer a huge collection of opulent tiles to suit any space.

Marble Wallpaper.

I know what your thinking, marble wallpaper? Why not marble tiles? Well marble tiles can become quite costly and although marble wallpaper may not have that gloss finish it does look great and keeps your costs down if you are on a budget.We hope we have inspired you for your new bathroom design. If you want to bring your ideas to life you can click HERE to visit our online remote design service or make your appointment and come and visit our showroom today! 

How To Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

Most of us dream of having a big spacious bathroom, with a separate bath and shower, two sinks and maybe even a decadent chaise to relax on in-between soaks. However we are aware that this may not be realistic for the average person of today. So we want to help you make your bathroom live up to it's full potential by using different techniques to give it a larger look. From carefully selecting your colour palette and focusing on essential fixtures you can use our tips to make your bathroom appear twice the size.

Install A Larger Mirror.

Mirrors not only create the illusion of more space in the bathroom, they also reflect more light back into the room. Assuming your bathroom already has a mirror, why don't you think about sizing up.

Increase Natural Light.

Good lighting is important to making any space look big and open. But in bathrooms, which often don't have much natural light available, it is especially important. Plus it is important to have good lighting in your bathroom so you are easily able to shave and apply makeup effectively. In a small cloakroom or bathroom where you can't add new electrical points for more lights, try changing your current ceiling light to one with multiple bulbs, this will result in you having light going in several directions.

Use A Floating Vanity Unit.

In a cramped bathroom space, it can be tricky to balance the need for storage and also the desire for space to move. A Floating Vanity Unit is the perfect answer. It gives you lot's of storage for the daily essentials, but by seeing the floor underneath it makes the area feel slightly more open. In a very small space such as a cloakroom under the stairs, having more room to put your feet can make a real big difference. However people who aren't tight for space often go for a wall-mounted vanity unit, this means that although you are trying to save space they are a popular furniture piece in today's bathrooms.

Less Is More.

Decorative accessories like artwork, plants and small rugs are fun and can make a small bathroom feel warm and inviting. However they can also lead to serious clutter. And also a pain to keep dusting! So if you are a collector we suggest that you take a step back and consider cutting down. Removing clutter is quick, easy and immediately effective.

Use A Wet Room Panel.

Another great way to expand the look of your space is to ditch the shower curtains and switch them out for a wet room panel. Shower curtains tend to create a visual wall even when they are drawn open. The entire room will appear bigger instantly, especially when you're in the shower. If you like the privacy that a shower curtain gives you then you can opt for a frosted or tinted glass panel, which will still allow a lot of light to filter through which will result in your shower experience feeling less claustrophobic.

Create Long Lines.

Whether your bathroom is a typical rectangle or more oddly shaped, there is usually a wall or area longer than the others. You should really utilise this space and use it to your advantage. Adding a shelf, a band of tiles or even a stripe of paint can really help emphasise the longest line in your bathroom and draw the eye to the widest point.

Visually Push The Walls Apart.

Last but by no means least, if your bathroom is already long and tunnel like, rather than emphasizing the length even more, consider working against the length and visually stretching the width instead. You can do this by using the direction of long elegant floor tiles, as well as a band of accent tile in the shower, to visually stretch the room for a more balanced look and a less tunnel like atmosphere.

How to: Take Care of Your Bathroom

We know a thing or two about bathrooms after almost 40 years in the business, so here's some advice on how to make the most out of your bathroom.

(so it lasts for years to come!)

1.

Our first recommendation is to make sure you install a suitable extractor fan to remove all condensation which will settle and cause mould and rust. A 5/10-minute shower can produce 2 pints of moisture in the air, so an open window is not enough to keep your bathroom dry! Early Autumn is the most popular time for condensation to form on your nice new chrome radiator, so make sure to keep it dry to stop rust from forming. You can also use PEEK CP polish or even Pledge furniture polish on the surface for extra protection.

2.

If you have drained your central heating system to install a new radiator make sure some relevant Fernox has been re-added to your system.

3.

If you have installed a wooden bath panel make sure you seal the gap between panel and bath with dow corning to avoid water ingress. Also, if you have cut the ends please varnish these too.

4.

A good acrylic bath should last for years. In the unlikely event that it gets scratched, you can remove scratches with fine grain wet and dry mixed with fairy liquid. A small amount of GT compound will then replenish the shine. Please ask for further advice if you're not sure.

5.

Bleach, Cillit Bang, Mr Muscle, Astonish, Limelite etc are all very acidic and can damage bathroom waste, taps, seat hinges etc. So, keep these well away from bathroom equipment!

6.

The new Isocast/polymarble or SMO basins have more flexible designs, they are better engineered than normal china-wear so they can be polished to remove scratches to keep them looking like new!

7.

Scale is the biggest problem in hard water areas, and as you probably know, will affect your taps or shower valve. To get rid of hard water scale, simply remove the cartridges and dip them in white vinegar and water mix for 20 minutes. Thermostatic shower valves can also be affected by scale, so use the same method to clean your wax cartridge, then re-insert and re-calibrate using the manufactures instructions (if you're not sure please call).

8.

Use a wiper to clean down shower glass every week or so, this will stop scale build up. You can also use Vaseline to lubricate door rollers.

9.

Tile grout can be protected after installation by coating with 2 coats of Lithium, you should ask your tiler about this! It's an easy process which will stop your grout from discolouring and going mouldy.

10.

Last, but no means least, your vanity unit or fitted furniture (which is usually made of MDF or wood) should always be kept dry. If water is left to lay on the surface then it could penetrate and deteriorate your furniture (which will not be covered by warranty). Make sure that you've also got appropriate sealant between basin and worktop to stop any internal water damage from occurring. 

Need some more advice from our experts? Send us a message or give us a call and we'll be happy to help!

On Trend: Black Bathroom Ideas

Incorporating black in your bathroom is a great way to give your bathroom an infusion of style, especially if you have a flat white scheme or a colour palette which needs a pick me up. It’s always hard to pull-off an all black colour scheme because black will often make a room seem claustrophobic and gloomy, but when black is used sparingly it works wonders to highlight certain aspects of any room, regardless of the rooms style. Black is as versatile as white and will act as a balancing colour to unite any chosen colour scheme. It’s a great colour choice if you’re looking to rejuvenate an existing colour scheme or if you’re trying to unite a palette of colours.You may see a lot of modern black products on the market but this latest trend isn’t only focused on modern design, traditional properties will also benefit from an infusion of black too. From black trellis shower frames to elegant black handle bath mixers, there’s plenty of classical products which will add a touch of elegant sophistication to your bathroom. There are a number of ways to add this versatile colour into your existing bathroom design or remodel, but the trick is to choose where you’d like to feature this colour, so it doesn’t overwhelm your space. To help get you started we've added a few ideas below on how you can incorporate black in your bathroom. We've also included a handful of black bathroom products which are available in-store, so if you see anything you like just give us a call!

BLACK FEATURES TO FOCUS ON

Black bathroom accessories: If you’re not planning on remodeling your bathroom then why not buy a new set of black bathroom accessories? Adding black bathroom accessories and decorative touches is an easy way to highlight certain aspects of your room, plus they'll also add depth to your existing colour scheme.Black and white tile combos: black and white hexagon floor tiles are available in modern or classical designs, or you can keep it simple with white rectangular subway tiles and black grout which look smart in any home, no matter what style. Black brassware: Whether you have a traditional or modern home there’s beautiful black brassware to match either style. Try combing a black basin tap with a black shower head or bath tap.Black shower frames: Black shower frames are a great way to make a contemporary or  classical statement. Plus there are a number of options to choose from, from traditional trellis frames to contemporary black tinted shower panels and doors.Black statement pieces: From shower trays, baths and vanity units, adding a black statement piece will give your room a wow factor focal point. You can then go on to add accessories and decorative touches to match.

PROS & CONS OF BLACK BATHROOMS

Pros:

• Black detail will instantly standout in any room
• Fingerprints won’t show up so easily on matt black fittings
• Watermarks don’t show as much on black tiles or shower panels
• Depending on the type of black finish or material, a good quality black tap will have a durable finish that’s resistant to scrapes and scratches

Cons:

• Dust, Soap scum, toothpaste and limescale can become more visible
• Depending on the type of black finish or material, cheap black taps with cheap black coatings can be more susceptible to scraps and scratches

COLOUR SCHEMES (TO THINK ABOUT)

Black & white: colour schemes are iconic, they offer timeless appeal to both contemporary and classical homes. It’s a very easy and versatile colour scheme to work because it contains just 2 colours; so you can choose to be very creative or you can just keep it simple! Black and white tile combinations are a great way to set a monochrome mood in your bathroom, plus there are a variety of black and white tile options to choose from.Black with wood: combos offer a down to earth and cosy feeling, especially if you add some greenery into the mix. Any wooden finish will match with black so it’s really easy to combine any style of wooden vanity unit.Black & grey: work best together when one is used to highlight, while the other is used as the main feature. This combo looks fantastic in modern homes offering a cool, calm, and collected feel.Black with colours: because black is neutral it matches with most colour schemes and styles. It looks particularly good with pastel pinks and muted blues, but if you’re looking for something more dramatic, it really makes deep greens, indigo blues, vibrant purples, and mustard yellows pop!

BLACK BATHROOM PRODUCTS (AVAILABLE IN-STORE)

Baths:

 

How to: Choose the Perfect Shower for Your Bathroom

Showers are often chosen by design preference, but what type of shower you’d like is very different to what type of shower your home might need. The type of shower which will work best in your home is determined by the pressure of your water from whichever water system your home runs on. Do you have a hot water system, a combination boiler, or a gravity system? Water systems and the water pressure they provide will affect the type of shower you will need. There are showers for all types of homes and pressures, there's also solutions such as shower pumps to fix low pressure gravity systems. Once you know your water pressure, you’ll know which type of shower to choose, then you can choose from a variety of designs these types of showers offer.   

Types of water systems

 Gravity system - If you have a gravity system you’ll have a cold water tank in your loft and a hot water tank in your airing cupboard. This is a low pressure system so you may need a pump to increase water flow. If not, use a low pressure shower valve with both feeds coming from the storage tanks.Best type of shower to have: Install a shower pump to boost pressure or use a low pressure shower valve Combination boiler - If you have a combination boiler, which is very common in modern homes, you’ll have a wall hung boiler and no storage tanks. This is a high pressure system and it relies on mains pressure to deliver water around your home, giving you hot water on demand. Cold outlets are connected directly to the incoming water main and hot water is produced when cold water passes through equipment specifically designed for heating water at pressure.Best type of shower to have: Any thermostatic valve or kit for shower use & a manual valve which is ideal for exofil bath fillers Unvented water system- If you have a unvented water system you’ll have a cold mains water supply with a hot water storage tank, and wall hung boiler. The hot water storage tank is filled with cold water from the mains and heated within the tank. The tank then stores a quantity of hot water at mains pressure. Best type of shower to have: Any thermostatic valve  & manual valves for bath filling 

Types of showers

 Thermostatic mixer - A thermostatic valve maintains your chosen water temperature, keeping it consistent, even when someone else uses a tap elsewhere in your home. It does this by regulating any possible temperature changes, to protect you against temperature fluctuations, which can cause scoulding. Thermostatic mixers require hot and cold water supplies. They’re great for family homes because they’re the safest way to shower. They’re becoming the standard shower to have in most modern homes.Suitable for homes with: Unvented water systems, combination boiler systems & gravity systems Electric shower - Suited to homes with low pressure, electric showers have their own heating element, producing heated water on demand from a cold mains supply. So you can have a warm shower at anytime of the day. Suitable for homes with: Combination boiler systems & gravity systems with poor pressure. Consider this type if you have poor pressure from your existing system Digital shower - Popular in modern bathrooms, digital showers offer state of the art technology.  They sometimes allow you to control your shower via a remote control or even your smartphone. They also offer ease of installation in modern bathroom renovations. Digital showers allow you to set an exact water temperature much like a thermostatic mixer, but fancier, so the showers already at your prefered temperature for when you’re ready. Most digital showers offer touch control and can also change colour from blue through to red depending on the water temperature.

Suitable for homes with: Any system, plus digital showers can come with/or without a pump

Still unsure? Please visit a showroom to speak to one of our bathroom experts for full clarification.

Types of shower designs

             

Unsure of your water pressure? We can help with that! Why not contact us or visit us in-store?

Our bathroom experts will be able to show you a variety of showers suited for your water pressure and your bathroom!

KBB Exhibition Review: Brand Highlights & 2018 Bathroom Trends

WHAT WE SAW...

This year at the 2018 KBB exhibition in Birmingham we saw an array of new bathroom technology, new bathroom products and designs, plus the latest interior trends. We caught up with our favourite brands while meeting new and inspiring brands. Plus, we got a glimpse at the new colour palette for 2018, and saw new materials and textures being chosen for bathroom design in 2018.

The exhibition was truly inspiring, brands showcased complete interior decorated rooms which looked like gallery style exhibits, to show off the latest design trends as well as their new bathroom products. This year there were 3 design factors which were prominent across many of the brands on-show:

1. Thoughtful and versatile products focusing on user comfort and modern design

2. Bathroom products which are designed to feel good

3. A crossover between timeless design and contemporary style

THERE WAS ALSO...

Industrial inspired design, bold one colour statement furniture, Scandinavian inspired design, black and grey furniture and brassware, textured and patterned bathroom products, modular furniture, tropical themes, greenery decorations, WC technology, luxurious baths, soft and neutral earthy tones, natural materials, marble and stone effect furniture and tiles/panels, pastel pinks, straight lines mixed with soft curves, gold brassware, brick style and wooden tiles/panels, plus soft to touch finishes.

 

WHAT WE EXPECTED...

Black brassware & sanitaryware, Scandinavian inspired design, wood finishes & natural materials, WC technology (rimless toilets), more rose gold products, more tropical inspired displays, more hexagon tiles, more Clearwater baths on display, and more of our favourite brands.

 

STAND OUT STANDS:

- Bathroom Brands (Because they had a 2 floor stand with a slide that went into a ball pit!)

- Scudo (Because their stand created the feeling of stepping into a home with differently styled rooms… it had very creative and comforting atmosphere.)

- Cubico (Because you could walk along and view each of their stunning displays with ease.)

- Frontline (Because each of their contemporary, exhibition style displays surrounded a very hip bar & seating area… it was very fun and exciting to be in!)

- Deuco (Because their stand reminded us of walking into an exhibition… the displays were stunning and the atmosphere was very relaxing.)

- Fiora (Because some of their bathroom displays were encased with glass and fabulous to look at.)

- Perrin & Rowe (Because their stand oozed a luxurious, open-plan, London penthouse apartment feel… it was absolutely stunning.)

- RAK (Because it felt like you were walking into the V&A museum & the science museum at the same time.)

 

TAKE A LOOK AT/LOOK OUT FOR:

- Crosswater’s industrial inspired Union range

- Scudo’s contemporary black bathroom range & their traditional floor standing vanity units

- Frontline’s Scandinavian inspired vanity units

- Hurlingham’s wow factor baths & sinks

- Creavit & all of their products

- Cubico & all of their luxurious & contemporary (yet affordable) products

- Dansani’s contemporary wall hung vanity units & modular furniture

2018 COLOUR PALETTE:

Black, Grey, Gold, Pink, Graphite, Red, Beige, Brown...

  

Combination palettes: Black & white - Black, white & red - Grey, white & black - White & wood - White & gold - Pink & gold - Black & gold - Grey & white

      

How to: Ventilate & Protect Your Bathroom From Moisture

One of the most important things when it comes to bathrooms is ventilation, especially if you have a bathroom without windows. Windowless bathrooms are quite common in smaller terraced homes and flats, and can cause big issues with excess moisture in the air. But did you know that even if your bathroom has windows you can still get big issues with excessive moisture? You’ll know when you have excess moisture in the air by the sudden presence of mold in any location of the bathroom. Mould can cause health issues, ruin the appearance of your bathroom's aesthetics and decrease the life-span of your bathroom and its contents. Ventilation is therefore crucial in every home. Especially in wet rooms where high levels of moisture are created. But if you ventilate your bathroom properly then you'll never need to deal mould or excessive moisture ever again! 

  Did you know that just 1 shower can create up to 2 pints of moisture in the air and on the surfaces of your bathroom? Neither did we! An additional 20 pints of water can be also created in your home from drying clothes indoors, cooking, boiling the kettle and even breathing! You can’t see it, but it’s certainly there and it can cause issues in any room of your home.Air needs to circulate in order to stop the build-up of moisture (caused by baths, showers and even toilets) which can then lead to the presence of mould. But many of us have issues with this, even if we think we have the right products in-place which supposedly help to extract moisture in the bathroom. We’re now going to look at certain ventilation (and moisture protection) steps which will reduce the amount of moisture found in your bathroom and extend the life-span of your bathroom for years to come!  

EXTRACTOR FANS

You’ll be asked if you have an extractor fan, or told to buy an extractor fan. Many of us have them and somehow they don’t always work. There are thousands on the market and the cheap ones won’t do a very good job, some don’t help at all. So the number one tip is (and it’s the most important tip) don’t cheap out on a good extractor fan, it will cost you in the long-run. It’s worth buying a super duper fan that’s going to look after your bathroom’s lifespan and not just sit there making loads of noise with little extraction effort. If you're buying an extractor fan online then watch out, loads of bathroom websites sell extractor fans at different price points, from the best fans to the worst fans. They'll be positive and informative about them all but that doesn't mean they're any good. Look for the facts and the specs, and go from there.Choose an extractor fan which can detect moisture in the air. The extractor will kick in as soon as it detects a higher level of moisture in the air which can then cause damp issues. Quality extractor fans do come at a higher cost price with all the bells and whistles (like timers, lights, moisture and humidity detectors, and silent motors) but they will look after your bathroom in the long-run, so they’re definitely worth investing in.If you’re installing the fan yourself remember to fit it the right way round, even if you’re not fitting it yourself make sure it’s been fitted the right way round (I had this issue in our flat where the builders; the supposed to be ‘experts’ installed the ventilation fan the wrong way round, so it ended up being useless). Check that the experts you’ve got in are actually experts and do know how to install common bathroom products.We highly recommend choosing an extractor fan such as Zehnders CV2 extractor fan. It’s a pretty amazing fan and it’s brand new to the wonderful world of bathrooms. This ultra low energy fan has a beautiful 100 mm diameter design, and it’s completely silent. I went to test one in our showroom and had to lean into the fan after taking off the external fascia off to able to hear anything, and even then I had to listen very carefully. It offers continuous low level ventilation, and has a smart humidity and timer control. But the best part is, it costs approximately £1.50 to run each year! The continuous low level ventilation will eliminate any issues with mould and condensation, while the smart humidity and timer controls help to eliminate nuisance running. This fantastic fan is available to buy from Island Bathrooms in-store and you can of course try it out in the showroom. We're really impressed with what it can do. 

A Breakdown of the New Zehnder CV2 Fan:

— HumidiSMART Continuously monitors the environment and only reacts to man-made humidity increases, reducing energy waste, heat loss and eliminates nuisance night time running

— TimerSMART uses duration of occupancy to determine overrun period and control of ventillation, reducing energy waste, heat loss and eliminates nuisance night time running

— Boost mode activated sensor or light switch when required

— Ultra low energy and noise performance

— Annual running costs approx. £1.50

DEHUMIDIFIERS

Another solution is a dehumidifier, which is what I bought when our extractor fan was installed the wrong way and we got a build-up of excess moisture. Dehumidifiers can be really cheap (the throw away dehumidifiers) and you can place them in a hidden location (such as behind the toilet). You’ll be surprised how much water the throw away ones collect after a week or so. If you want something more permanent and extra effective you can go all out and buy a refrigerant bathroom dehumidifier. Refrigerant dehumidifiers extract humidity from moist and hot bathroom air. Get a silent one on a timer so it can run while you go out, or go to sleep. But seriously, just buy a really good extractor fan, then you won’t need to buy a dehumidifier!  

WINDOWS

You’ll be told to leave your window open, or think that you should leave your window open more. We always hear ‘I have a window in my bathroom, so I don’t need an extractor fan’. Well this isn’t correct... You will still need an extractor fan regardless of if you have a window or not. Plus, it's not a practical solution to leave your window open day and night.If you need to, and if you haven’t got a great extractor fan, open the window when you take a shower or bath. If you don’t have a window (or a great extractor fan) then leave your bathroom door open when it’s not being used. Also, take out any damp towels and hang them elsewhere so they don’t add to the moisture already in the bathroom.  

BATHROOM & SURFACE PROTECTION

We’re regularly asked how to protect bathroom furniture and surfaces from moisture. If you’ve got an issue with ventilation in your bathroom the chances are the furniture in your bathroom are being affected too. Even if you’ve not got ventilation issues, certain surfaces and products such as radiators and wooden units can be affected by everyday bathroom moisture and should be protected against the elements in-order to have a long lease of life. Surface protection: We recommend using furniture polish on wooden units and even on radiators to protect them against moisture and oxidation. Furniture polish provides a protective film coating to prevent the effects of moisture. It also works a treat on shower screens offering a protective coating to prevent moisture and grim build-up during future use, which will help to keep the glass clearer for longer, so you won't have to clean it as much. Another product you can use on your radiator to clean it and prevent it from rusting is Peek Polish. Peek polish cleans and protects metals, ceramics and fiberglass, helping to remove oxidation, tarnish, lime deposits, corrosion, crayon, grease and sale water stains. So if your ceramic sink needs some added shine and protection, peek polish should do the trick. Further protection from moisture: This may seem obvious but what many people don’t do is close the toilet lid before flushing. Ever seen a rusty toilet brush holder by the toilet? This often occurs when there’s too much moisture nearby, and yes you guessed it, nearby moisture which is produced from flushing the toilet... Not only does this cause extra moisture to sit in the air, it’s also quite a big health hazard, allowing bacteria from the toilet to sit in the air!   

If you're still having issues with excess moisture in your bathroom and need further advice just come and talk to us...We'll see how we can help to offer you personalised advice suited to your particular environment!

How to: Create a Tropical Bathroom with Houseplants

In this article, Ciara Sheridan, buyer for houseplants at Wyevale Garden Centres, looks at why more people are including plants in their tropical-style bathrooms, and how you can too!  Bringing the outdoors in has been a growing fascination for homeowners in recent years. And in 2018 we're set to see this continue, as last year's tropical-inspired décor heads into our bathrooms. While the trend was previously all about vibrant colours and patterns, this time around there will be more focus on deep, luscious greens: more Amazon rainforest than Rio carnival.  

Why should I add houseplants to my bathroom?

One of the best ways of adding a splash of greenery to your bathroom is by working in some bold and beautiful houseplants! Not only is this a great option for those who've recently revamped their bathroom in the tropical style, but it's also a smart choice if you're not planning to remodel but want to enjoy the look of this trend.What's more, the benefits of having plants in your bathroom extend beyond just aesthetics. For one, they are very good at improving the air quality in your home, filtering out many particulates and outputting lovely, oxygen-rich air. Not only that, but they can absorb excess moisture and eliminate bacteria that can cause problems further down the line.Finally, if you are trying to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom, plants can help there, too. Studies have shown that surrounding yourself with greenery can have a calming effect that can boost wellbeing and lower levels of anxiety, among other benefits (Psychology Today). So, what better way to turn your beautiful bathroom into a green haven?  

What types of houseplant will thrive in my bathroom?

Before you go ahead and rehome some houseplants, you need to think about what type of environment your bathroom provides, as this will affect the species you should choose. For instance, many bathrooms have smaller windows than the rest of a house, so levels of natural light can be lower. While plants that can live on just a little light will thrive, those that can't will struggle.You will also need to think about temperature and humidity in your bathroom. Though there will be lots of warmth and moisture when someone takes a bath or shower, your bathroom will likely get a lot colder when no-one is using it. Some plants don’t deal well with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, so you'll need to take this into account too. Finding the right plants to suit your bathroom can take a little effort to get right, but here are some suggestions below to help you get started:

Bamboo

This plant is a low-light specialist that can thrive in low-light bathrooms. Bamboo doesn't need much maintenance, either, as it's able to take root in a container with just some pebbles and water. The only thing to remember is to keep it well-hydrated, which shouldn't be an issue in a room with such a plentiful supply.

Orchid

Orchids are flowers that really take to humid environments, so a bathroom or wet room is an ideal choice. Their favoured lighting condition is bright but indirect sunlight, such as near a window that doesn’t get direct sun through the day. Orchids also like cooler temperatures at night, so unless you are a big fan of midnight showers, a bathroom should suit them well.

Asparagus fern

Do you have a window that gets a lot of sunlight in your bathroom? Then an asparagus fern is a great pick, due to its love of bright light. Asparagus ferns also thrive in humidity, so they won't suffer in a bathroom or wet room. You should aim to keep them moist but not overwatered for the best results.

Cast-iron plant

As its name suggests, the cast-iron plant is all but bomb-proof. It's a great low-maintenance choice for a bathroom as it will grow just as well in low or indirect light, and only needs to be watered intermittently — simply check for the soil going dry. This hardy plant will grow well in the humid conditions of a bathroom or wet room.  

If you are looking to incorporate some tropical style into your bathroom this year, you can't go wrong with a houseplant or two. Just be sure to choose the right species to suit your home. Looking for tropical bathroom inspiration? Take a look at our latest tropical bathrooms Pinterest board or our tropical inspired Houzz Ideabook!

On Trend: Grey Bathroom Ideas

Grey bathrooms have been increasing in popularity over the years. Around 8 years ago grey started to become popular within interiors, especially in bathrooms and kitchens and it’s been a growing trend ever since. It’s now the go-to colour choice when it comes to bathroom design. One of the main reasons grey is still so popular is because it’s a neutral colour, also known as a achromatic colour. Which means it’s a colour without colour. It’s the middle man for colour schemes and balances out the surroundings it’s in due to its neutral personality.  Grey is a practical yet stylish option with many positive design effects. It lets colour shine, flatters period features, works with stone and marble textures and instantly makes any setting look contemporary. But most importantly it’s a colour which won’t go out of fashion and this is ideal for bathrooms... there’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a design that will look outdated in a few years time. Grey can be used to enhance any look in any room and makes any bathroom design a timeless one.  When incorporated properly grey is used as a base or an enhancer for other colours, patterns or themes. It’s rarely used on its own, and if it is, it can often be seen as boring and visually one dimensional. If you’re thinking about having a grey bathroom don’t assume that everything in the room should be grey, it shouldn’t overwhelm the whole room. Using a little bit of grey here and there will go a long way!  Grey is normally featured in certain aspects of the bathroom such as the walls or floors, or bathroom furniture. If used throughout the room it will be broken up by shades, tones, patterns, textures or even other colours.  It's rarely used in just one shade throughout the room. Take a look at the below ideas for how to incorporate this versatile colour in the bathroom!  

Grey bathroom ideas:

Grey walls and floors...

Grey tiles...

Grey bathroom furniture...

Grey bathroom products & accessories...

Grey combined with colour...

Looking for more inspiration?

 Take a look at our grey inspired Pinterest board or take a look at our grey ideabook on Houzz.

You can also take a look at our customer's bathrooms and see how we've incorporated grey into their designs:

Mr & Mrs M - Romsey, Hampshire - July 2017

Mr & Mrs D - Bournemouth, Dorset - June 2017

Mr & Mrs O - Bournemouth, Dorset - May 2017

Ms P - Christchurch, Dorset - April 2017

Mr W - Golden Gates, Sandbanks - March 2016

Mr & Mrs F - Dorset - August 2014

How to: Incorporate Tiles in Your Bathroom

Tiles are an ideal way to finish your bathroom or kitchen. As well as completing the overall design of your bathroom or kitchen they’re also very practical because they protect your walls and floors from water damage or dirt. Tiles are easy to wipe clean so any mess created in the kitchen or any dirt left in the bathroom can be easily removed. But tiles don’t have to be limited to kitchens and bathrooms, they can be used to create a unique look in any room of your home. They’re also an easy way to update any room in your home without completely renovating the whole space.   Tiles are often placed around or behind areas in the home which are prone to dirt or splashes. For example, around the bath, shower or sink areas to protect the walls from water damage, or in the kitchen on the walls behind the hob, sink and worktops. But if you can afford to incorporate more tiles into your design you’ll notice how much of a difference they make to the design and durability of any room.  Deciding on what tiles to choose can be tricky because there’s so much choice out there! Often you’ll see a tile you like before you’ve decided on what design you want to achieve. Or You’ll see a design you like and then have to find the tiles to go with that design. However you start you should always take a look at interior design images online to gain inspiration from other homes. This way you’ll get a feel for the designs you’d like to achieve in your home and making decisions will become a lot easier.   

Looking to incorporate tiles in your home? Whether you’re looking to update the look of your bathroom or renovating your home consider these 6 tile factors:

1. Which room will the tiles go in: Bathroom, wet room, kitchen, living room, hallway, study?

2.Where will you tile in this room: Floor, walls, wall and floors, entire room, sections, borders, feature areas?

3.What type of style are you looking for: contemporary, traditional, feature, glamourous etc?

4.How many types of tiles do you want: only 1 type of tiles, 2 different types of tiles, a 3 tile combo (Will you be using the same tiles throughout, or 2 different contrasting tile designs etc)?

5.What tile material should you choose: Marble, stone, wood effect, concrete, glass, splashback, porcelain, ceramic?

6.What finishes & designs do you want: large, small, matt, gloss, pastel, vivid colours, single colour, multicolored, patterned, mosaic, neutrals, shapes?

  

Need some more inspiration? Take a look at the following tile design ideas:

2 tile combos (2 types of tile designs or finishes)

[gallery columns="6" link="file" ids="9772,9773,9774,9775,9776,9777,9778,9779,9780,9781,9782,9783,9784,9785,9786,9787,9788,9789,9790,9791,9792" orderby="rand"] 

3 tile combos (3 types of tile designs or finishes)

[gallery columns="6" link="file" ids="9801,9802,9800,9798,9799,9796,9797,9794,9795,9793"] 

All in one rooms (1 type of tile throughout the whole room)

[gallery columns="6" link="file" ids="9809,9808,9807,9806,9805,9804,9803"] 

Creative tiles (create your own design using however many types of tiles & finishes)

[gallery columns="6" link="file" ids="9810,9811,9812,9813,9814,9815,9816,9817,9818,9819,9820,9821"] 

Feature walls & floors (one wall or section that’s tiled just the way you want it)

[gallery link="file" columns="6" ids="9822,9823,9824,9825,9826,9827,9828,9829,9830,9831,9832,9833,9834,9835,9836,9837,9838,9839,9840,9841,9842,9843,9844,9845" orderby="rand"] 

Mix & match shapes (mix and match rectangular tiles with square tiles or hexagon tiles)

[gallery columns="6" link="file" ids="9846,9847,9848,9849,9850,9851,9852,9853,9854,9855,9856" orderby="rand"] 

Need more inspiration? View our tile board on Pinterest or our tile ideabook on Houzz!

Good to Know: The 5 Essentials of any Wetroom

Think of a wet room and it’s hard not to think about expensive and large, luxurious spaces... But wet rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and can be created in any environment, at any cost. Traditional English bathroom design is awkward and very space consuming. Picture large, chunky built-in baths and confining shower cubicles. Both offer little to no space to move or relax in. Most importantly, climbing in and out of tight spaces is a hassle and it's often a big difficulty for many people.

Before...

 Though households around the world look to the wetroom to save and introduce space (and have done for many years), this type of bathroom style has only become popular in the UK over the recent years. Complete shower enclosures and traditional bath structures are now being eliminated completely because wet rooms offer so much more than your standard UK bathroom; accessibility, ease of use and design flexibility. Without common bathroom barriers you can create a soothing and flexible sanctuary, while every centimeter of space is utilised. This ultimately makes the everyday bathroom experience fuss-free, enjoyable and inviting.

After...

The 5 essentials of any wet room:

1. Create a zone for your wet room area. Think about where the shower head and valve should be located. You can also separate the wet zone with a dividing glass panel and additional flipper panel (see above).

2. The zone should be waterproofed. You can either install a wetroom try that can be tiled, or you can choose the latest shower trays which can be inserted into the floorboard space. Think about tiles to protect the walls, or opt for a simpler option such as nuance panels (100% waterproof wall panels which take way less time to fit than tiles).3. For safety you'll need waterproof lighting. Plus any heated towel rails should be kept out of the way of any splash zones.4. Create enough ventilation to keep the bathroom free from condensation and damp patches, and also make sure to buy an extractor fan even if the room has a window. Condensation free mirrors are a fantastic wet room feature, plus underfloor heating can create additional warmth and help to eliminate excess moisture.5. Consider additional comforts and safety features such as storage, shower seats, grab rails and non-slip areas. How about some recessed wall niches for easy access to toiletries (see below)?  Practical, modern design provides bathrooms which function better for the users, instead of what you think you should be getting... The traditional notion of what a bathroom should be. Wetrooms are practical and easier to clean. They also become a beautiful feature in any home and can add value to your home if you decide to sell. Plus they're a welcoming fit for smaller guest bathrooms depending on their design. Your bathroom floor is also better protected than it would be in a standard bathroom. So no leaks or flooding will occur if they're fitted properly. Most importantly, wet rooms can be accessible to anyone in your family. Regardless of age and ability.While the initial idea of a wet room can be luxurious and costly, they are simple and affordable depending on the design you opt for. You can also be creative in designing a unique environment that's just right for you and your family. If you're looking to update your bathroom or guest bathroom then a wetroom should be considered!  

3 disadvantages to keep in-mind:

1. Everything can get wet, so you'll need to be careful to keep the area dry, wiping down the wet areas after use.

2. The temperature of a wetroom will stay the same temperature as the surrounding area (the warmth from the shower won't increase the heat in the room). If you prefer warm showers then choose a shower enclosure instead (the heat will increase around you as you're showering).

3. You may need a professional to do the job depending on the type of design or products you choose.

  

5 Important things to remember:

1. Depending on the wetroom tray you are using, you may need a professional's help

2. You will need a good extraction fan and waterproof lighting for safety

3. Be aware of where the shower valve and outlet should go

4. Choose a 25mm shower tray or tileable wetroom tray

5. Think about your individual needs (& your budget!); do you want a shower seat or do you need safety grab rails?

Wetrooms our customers had...

 

Need more inspiration? Check out our wet room inspired Pinterest board or take a look at our wet room Ideabook on Houzz!

6 Tips & Tricks to Help Get Your Bathroom Back on Track

We should all understand by now that the more you ignore a problem, the worse the problem will get and with many of us this applies to household cleaning. In the UK 1 in 4 people are frustrated with their daily chores and will delay them for up to 3 days before they are completed.If you don't have the luxury of being at home during the week, then you're probably trying to fit in all the cleaning as and when you can, or delaying cleaning until it becomes too much to handle! UK homeowners will spend around 5 hours cleaning in a typical week; that's either 5 hours at the weekend or 1 hour spent every night after work during the week... So if you don't enjoy cleaning or have limited time in your day, these hours are better spent elsewhere!From time to time we all have issues with keeping our bathrooms clean throughout the week, especially if they're used every single day! Ideally, all bathrooms would look as spotless as the one below — cleaned by someone else... and styled ready for a close up — but that's just not possible on a regular day to day basis. 27% of people in the UK revealed that they wish they had help with their cleaning, so there's probably a lot more undocumented people out there who need help; whether that's hired and paid for help, or help from some quick and easy tips and tricks that won't cost you your time or your money!All 6 tips and tricks below are designed with regular household items in mind and can be carried out on a weekly basis to keep your bathroom clean, functional and maintained. These creative tricks will help to cut those hours worth of chores right down to something more manageable! 

6 tips & tricks to help you get your bathroom back on track:

 1.  Quickly prepare for anything!Solution: Run round with the hoover nozzle and suck up any dust, hair and unwanted dirt. Then wipe your bathroom around with various old clothes or a big towel to remove any loose soap residue and dirt. 2. Got a toilet in need of TLC?Solution: Grab a can of coke, empty it into the toilet bowl, leave for as long as you can and then scrub, scrub, scrub. 3. Mysterious leftover odors?Solution: Place an almost finished, scented candle jar on top of/under your radiator, turn up the heat and then crack open the window a little! You could also add in half an orange to the jar for an extra burst of natural aroma. 4. Scuzzy grimy shower screen?Solution: Use white vinegar, furniture polish or shaving foam for a super fast clean...Yes, really! These products will provide a protective film coating to prevent build-up during future use. Use an old cloth or t-shirt to wipe away any dirt, or use a microfiber cloth for an even faster clean! 5. Is your dirty mirror giving you a distorted view?Solution: Make up a simple 50/50 white vinegar and warm water mix, spray on and then wipe clean with an old cloth or even better, use a microfiber cloth. This mix will also clean tiles, counters, cabinet fronts and shower doors! 6. Toilet not flushing the way it used to? Don't have a plunger?Solution: Pour shampoo and then hot water straight down the loo, leave for about an hour and then flush!  If your bathroom's still too large to handle and you're looking for some extra help, click on the links below:

• Bournemouth cleaning service
• London cleaning services
• Cleaning quotes
• Rated People

 Have a cleaning tip you want to share? Comment below!

In the Spotlight: Old London Traditional Bathroom Furniture

Island Bathrooms are proud to introduce the newest range of Old London traditional bathroom furniture. Available in four distinctive finishes, the collection reflects an era of timeless elegance and quality workmanship.Choose from a subtle and muted colour palette of warm ivory, deep pistachio, earthy stone grey and exquisit natural walnut to compliment your period bathroom design.All pieces within the new collection feature a fantastic wainscot design of striking horizontal and vertical lines to create a fabulously British look that is ideal for making a personal statement within the home.The full collection of traditional bathroom furniture from Old London features a variety of co-ordinating pieces from traditional vanity units to storage cupboards, back to wall WC units, wooden cabinets and laundry baskets. You can even finish the look with a stunning range of matching wainscot design bath panels, available in all four finishes. All items are also finished to the highest possible quality and are backed by Old London’s generous 10 year manufacturers guarantee to provide that all important peace of mind for years to come.

Old London Traditional Vanity Units

The collection of bathroom vanity units from Old London come in two distinct styles. The first is a traditional vanity unit with a full width ceramic basin that comes in both 600mm and 800mm widths. The benefit of the full width basin is that it allows for much more countertop storage space for day to day bathroom accessories. The second option comes with a much more striking and chunky semi-recessed basin with two tap holes, making it ideal for creating a more genuine period feel by adding traditional tap pairs. Both styles of vanity unit come complete with soft closing doors as standard as well as ample storage space, metal sleeved feet and distinctive satin nickel handles.

Old London Traditional Bathroom Storage Units

To complement the look and provide some fantastic storage space within the bathroom, the Old London range contains some elegant storage solutions. Choose from freestanding options of 4 drawer storage units, single shelf open storage units, tall storage units with 4 internal shelves as well as the stunningly crafted tallboy storage unit with drawers and shelf storage. All freestanding storage units come with metal sleeved feet for minimal movement when placed in the bathroom as well as reflecting the Old London wainscoted panelling style.

Old London Finishing Touches

Old London have also provided the final finishing touches to complete that all important period look in your bathroom. The stylish back to wall WC unit maintains the same stylish, square feel and is available in all four stunning finishes. Combine with the Old London range of traditionally styled toilet seats to complete the look in your bathroom. Also available to create a seamless design are the Old London wainscoted bath panels. These are available in all standard bath sizes to accommodate whatever bath you have in your home. Finally, choose from any of the wall mounted Old London wooden mirror cabinets. They each have matching interiors to the chosen finish and come with a large internal shelf for easy storage. Combined with the elegantly styled handles, they make a fantastic addition to a traditional design.Shop a wide range of traditional bathroom products on our website. Alternatively, come into one of our showrooms and be inspired by tons of great traditional bathroom displays, as well as a number of premium brands we don't currently sell online, such as Imperial, Heritage and Burlington.