Island blog

From the latest bathroom trends, to expert advice & tips on how to look after your bathroom

 
Advice Advice

Mince Pie Recipe

What better way to enjoy the Christmas period than in the kitchen making mince pies? Follow our recipe below for what we think are the best mince pies going. Makes Six Mince Pies Ingredients90g plain flour40g (3oz) icing sugar50g (3½oz) chilled, cubed butter1 medium egg yolk1 1/2 tbsp. cold water1 tsp. vanilla extractIcing sugar, to dust Mincemeat Recipe25 g (1oz) suet25g (2oz) dark brown sugar75g (5oz) mixed dried fruit (raisins & currants)25g (2oz) chopped glacé cherries½ apple½ large orange, finely grated zest and juice½ tsp ground mixed spice2 tbsp. ruby port DirectionsMix plain flour, icing sugar and butter.Add egg yolk. Save the white.Add water and vanilla extract. Mix again.Contain and chill for 30 mins.Grate apple and mix with all other mincemeat ingredients and set aside.Roll out pastry until about 3 – 4mm.Use a cutter to cut six circles and line a cupcake baking tin.Fill each one with the mincemeat.Roll up the pastry trimmings and use a different cutter – stars and Christmas trees are our favourite to cut six shapes.Place these shapes on top of each mince pie and glaze with egg white saved from earlier.Bake at 180 ºC for for 20 minutes.Remove from oven, allow to cool, and enjoy!

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Advice Advice

Good to Know: Bathroom Project Advice

 

Installing a new bathroom is a huge upheaval for a week or so, but with good planning, the right equipment and our expert advice, such as these 7 points which are intended to help you avoid any pitfalls, it shouldn't be an upheaval which will cause you any subsequent stress or give you any unnecessary costs.

Your new bathroom should be everything you've dreamed of, whether or not your going for impressive statement pieces or a simple yet classy upgrade. We always want to make sure that your new bathroom is delivered with ease and so we'll do all we can to help the project run as smoothly as possible.

Read below for some helpful advice on what to look out for before and during the installation of your new bathroom, and if you're still unsure of what to expect take a look at our 6 steps to your dream bathroom which will give you a short overview of what will happen once you've chosen us to design your new bathroom. If you're a super planner and what to check out the legal side of things, you can also read our terms and conditions.

  

1.        Your Requirements

Seek advice from your installer at the beginning of your project to identify your water pressure & tiling requirements, soil outlet & any potential restrictions that may arise at point of installation. 

 

2.        Visit a Showroom

Visit us with a plan of your room, it is important to have the sizes of your room, doors, windows and soil location. For all we keep in stock some equipment can take up to 4-6 weeks at the worst. Please ensure you are taking this into account when considering your new bathroom. 

 

3.        Avoid Scheduling

We appreciate it is not always possible, however we encourage you to avoid scheduling an installation date with your installer before you receive your goods. Our delivery times are given in good faith and we endeavour to advise you of any delays but cannot be responsible for delays while a fitter is on site. 

 

4.        Collections & Deliveries

When collecting, or upon delivery; please ensure as the purchaser & not a 3rd party, you are able, with assistance from our warehouse team & drivers, to check all fragile items. This is to ensure we avoid any conflict if any future damage was identified. 

 

5.        Size Variations

Be aware that in the bathroom industry, baths, units, shower doors and trays can have quite a lot of size variants. For example, a 900mm shower door could have an adjustment from 865mm-885mm, this is to compensate for the use of using boarding, tiling or untrue walls. A 1700mm bath may could also be 1695mm or even 1705mm so if a product size is critical please talk to us. 

 

6.        Keep Items Safe

Keep all boxes safe until installation is complete. If you need to return anything. All items must be returned in re-sellable condition, within 28 days. 

 

7.        Special Order Items

Due to the nature of special order items, they cannot be returned. This would be discussed with you at the point of sale. This could include any item which is specially ordered for you. We will, when possible return items in the condition they were received. This may however incur a restocking fee. Items that we stock; returned in perfect condition would be refunded in full if returned within 28 days of receipt. Outside of this period we may accept returns in exchange for a credit note.  

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

 

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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!

 

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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 & whitecolour 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 woodcombos 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 & greywork 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 coloursbecause 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:
 
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Advice Advice

7 Tips & Tricks to Help You Keep Cool This Summer

Too Hot? Take a look at our tips and tricks to help you stay cool and refreshed this summer! 

TAKE A WARM SHOWER

A cold shower to cool down after a long hot day will probably be your immediate choice, but did you know warm showers are more effective at keeping you cool in the summer heat?Contrary to popular belief, warm showers will lower your core body temperature because they increase blood flow to your skin, increasing heat loss from your body! Cold showers will drive your core temperature up because of the reduction of heat on your skin. 

TAKE A WARM BATH

The same thing happens when you take a warm bath... Plus they’re the perfect way to wind down after a long hot day. If you’ve been drinking plenty of water throughout the day then there’s no harm in bringing along a chilled glass of wine too (just remember to stay under your daily alcohol limit)! 

DRINK A WARM DRINK

Drinking warm drinks will help to lower your body's core temperature, the same way taking a warm shower or bath will help. If you’re a coffee lover, grab a hot cup of coffee instead of an iced one. If you’re looking to stay hydrated, as well as cool, drink a herbal tea. Coffee can dehydrate you because the caffeine part will make you go to the toilet more often! Hot countries with high humidity, such as Japan and Malaysia, will drink a warm cup of green tea to stay refreshed and cool throughout the day. 

THE FAN AND ICE DUO

Grab a bowl, add some ice, and place it in front of your fan. Fans won’t make your room any cooler, but they will make you feel cooler by moving air over your skin. If you add some ice into the mix (which will act like a cool mist humidifier) this will make the room feel a little cooler because you’re adding cool moisture to the air. 

CLOSE YOUR CURTAINS

Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows, so keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day! Blackout curtains will block sunlight from entering a room and neutral-colored curtains will deflect the sunlight from entering a room. 

TURN ON YOUR FANS

Bathroom fans and cooker extractor fans both hep to extract hot and humid air. We’re not suggesting you leave them on all day, but they will help to remove hot air and moisture when you use the bathroom or cook inside. 

COOK OUTSIDE

It’s an obvious one but, cooking inside will increase the temperature in your home. It’s also the last thing you want to do on a hot day. Some of us will already be taking every opportunity to use our BBQs now that summer has arrived, but for the rest of you, here’s your excuse to use your BBQ every single evening.

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Advice, Product Advice, Product

Good to Know: What's WRAS All About?

 

WHO?

— WRAS stands for the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme.— WRAS was incorporated in 2008. 

WHAT?

— WRAS raise's awareness and understanding of the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws.— WRAS provide's an approval scheme, as well as processes and guidance, to enable organisations and individuals to demonstrate and show compliance with the UK Water Fittings Regulations.— WRAS approvals are given to bathroom products which meet the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws. 

WHY?

— UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws safeguard against waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of the water supply. — Water companies have been working together for over 100 years to help individuals and organisations comply with byelaws and water fitting regulations.— WRAS contributes to the protection of public health by preventing contamination of public water supplies and it encourages the efficient use of water by promoting and facilitating compliance with the UK Water Supply Regulations or Scottish Byelaws— WRAS approval is the easiest way to validate compliance with the UK Water Regulations and Scottish Byelaws.— Having WRAS approval is like wearing a badge of honor for any bathroom product. 

WHERE?

— UK Water Regulations and Scottish Byelaws apply to all premises receiving a public water supply and focus on the passing of water between the boundary of a property and the mains cold supply.— Any water fitting which (when installed) will carry or receive water from the public mains water supply will need to comply with the UK Water Regulations and Scottish Byelaws.— WRAS approval extends to any products which can be connected to a water supply.— WRAS approval is accepted by every water supplier in the UK.— Products which have WRAS approval are widely advertised by brands and retailers.— Products which have WRAS approval will have the 'WRAS Approved Product' logo advertised online or in their product brochures. 

HOW?

— WRAS certified approval is issued after a product has undergone significant testing by independent labs and water suppliers (to meet the UK water regulations and bylaws).— Valves, boilers, taps and showers undergo mechanical and water quality testing.— Non-metallic materials & components undergo testing for their effects on water quality. 

THE IMPORTANT STUFF

— WRAS approved products are not required when replacing bathroom products to an existing water supply. — If you’re planning on building an extension, which includes a new bathroom or kitchen, and there is an existing water supply then you do not need to install WRAS approved products.— WRAS approved products are required in new builds, building projects and extensions which need to be newly connected to the mains cold water supply. — WRAS approved products are required if you are upgrading a building intended for public use (shopping center facilities, leisure facilities and hotels) regardless of if there is an existing water supply. — If you are responsible for purchasing water fittings for new builds or extensions (which need to be newly connected to the mains cold water supply) or you are upgrading a building intended for public use then you will need to purchase WRAS approved products.— WRAS approved fittings need to be installed to WRAS standards, and by a qualified plumber, in order to uphold full WRAS compliance.— Each WRAS approved product will have a certification and approval letter. 

THE IFS & THE BUTS

— There’s no legal obligation for manufacturers or brands to have their products WRAS approved. It’s a voluntary scheme.— Getting products WRAS approved can be costly so some brands and certain products will not have WRAS approval, as well as some product replacement parts.— It’s possible for your WRAS approved fittings to be inadequately installed, this would stop your WRAS approved product from being fully compliant with UK water regulations.— In theory, it’s possible for contractors to legally purchase and install non-WRAS approved products, but it is illegal to run water through them (plus your local water board wouldn't allow it!)— When your local water board comes to check and connect your new water supply, and there are not WRAS approved fittings to carry or receive water from the public mains water supply (or if the fittings are inadequately installed), then the water board will not be able to connect the water supply until there are WRAS approved products fitted to WRAS standards. 

OUR ADVICE

If you want to inquire about or need to purchase WRAS approved products, speak to one of our bathroom experts in-store. If you are responsible for purchasing fittings for new builds, building projects and extensions (which need to be newly connected to the mains cold water supply), or you're purchasing fittings for buildings intended for public use, please tell our experts that you need WRAS approved products, they'll be happy to show you a number of available options. 

FIND OUT MORE

Visit the WRAS Water Regulations Advisory Scheme website to read more about WRAS approval and water regulations.

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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!

   

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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

      

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Advice, Interior Design Advice, Interior Design

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!

  

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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!

 

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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

  

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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!

 

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In the Spotlight: The GSI Ceramica Swirlflush® WC

Why would I need a silent flushing system you ask? Well, take yourself back to a night where you were silently asleep. Someone gets up to use the toilet, then suddenly there’s a hurricane in the bathroom and your rudely awoken. Exactly. Wouldn’t it be nice not to hear your toilet flushing all hours of the day? Well, GSI have just come out with a silent WC that’s so revolutionary it’s got its own registered design with its own patented flushing system. Take a look…

 

 

8d decibels quieter than a normal flush (which is around 72 decibels) the Swirlflush only emits around 64 decibels! To put this in perspective, showers are around 70 decibels and air conditioners are around 60 decibels. The Swirlfush WC also combines ExtraGlaze ceramic coating, another registered design from GSI. Extraglaze offers an extremely smooth, non-porous surface which creates a protective barrier against bacteria and limescale. When liquid touches the surface it runs right off or pulls together. Less germs are then spread on the surface and around the surface. The SwirlFlush also has a modern, quick-releasing and soft-closing seat… Something you’d expect from such a beautiful piece of modern bathroom technology. 

  

But the most important feature is how powerful the revolutionary drain system is. Due to the absence of the traditional rim water flow is maximised as well as the overall pulling power of the systems flush. Normally you wouldn’t need to, or think to flush down 36 pieces of toilet paper all in one go. Normal toilets wouldn’t handle this amount of paper. But the Swirlflush can and it can flush it away in around 5 seconds! Not yet a believer? Why not take a look at the test videos below which use some uncommon, yet apparently flushable materials. 

 

 

The new Swirlflush® rimless WC flushing system is currently available with GSI’s Norm, Pura, Sand and Kube ranges. Not yet convinced by the wonders of the Swirlflush? Watch us test 1 of the best toilets in the world at our showroom on Holdenhurst road!

  

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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!

  

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Spending a Penny for Comic Relief!

Comic Relief helps to fund 1000s of projects around the world, every year, through the power of entertainment (Companies, schools and independent projects have been helping to raise awareness for this fantastic charity since 1985!).
 
We all have pennies laying around our homes which are always forgotten and never get spent... So this year David Lloyd in Ringwood teamed up with Island Bathrooms who donated a toilet for this great cause. Offering the chance for members and visitors to spend those forgotten (but needed) pennies on Red Nose Day!



 
We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has 'spent a penny' so far, for Comic relief this year!


Keep your donations coming & visit the website to donate directly!


So far Comic Relief has raised £73,026,234 for people in need around the world!



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Advice, Interior Design Advice, Interior Design

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:

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

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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.old-london-chancery-close-coupled-bathroom-suite-with-single-ended-bath-fffflChoose 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.old-london-richmond-high-level-bathroom-suite-with-slipper-bathdddd-lThe 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.dddddddd

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-bathffffroom

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.main-old-london-traditional-walnut-bath-suiddddte

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.main-old-london-traditional-grey-furniture-sddduiteShop 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.

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Introducing Island Bathrooms Very Own Rock Band: 'Bog Standard'

Here's something you probably didn't know about Island Bathrooms... We have our very own rock band named 'Bog Standard'. Formed by three talented members of the Island Bathrooms team, the band has been going for several years covering rock classics, playing at regular local parties and events.923557_10152114538263800_952254197_n 1948210_10152114539848800_1870013311_n 1960778_10152114539243800_743269384_o 1982282_10152114538708800_1577299670_nThe band play a wide selection of 80's and more recent rock music including Kings Of Leon, Green Day, The Undertones, Kaiser Chiefs and many more. Here is a recent video from when the band played at one of our staff members surprise 40th Birthday party.

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Brand, News, Product Brand, News, Product

Island Bathrooms Introduces: Bomb Cosmetics

Island Bathrooms are proud to introduce Bomb Cosmetics into our Salisbury showroom, an exciting range of bright, natural, fun and affordable handmade bath, body, face and shower products. Bomb Cosmetic products not only smell and feel wonderful on your skin they look beautiful on display too, ideal for complimenting any bathroom.Made from only carefully selected ingredients, natural butters and pure essential oils Bomb Cosmetics offer only the finest products to nourish and care for your skin. We have an extensive collection of Bomb Cosmetic products on sale, here’s just a few of the best as chosen by our customers...dsc_0147_zps7d35f0cdddd9

Beyond the Bath Tulip

Cleanse your skin with the beautiful Beyond Bath the Bath Tulip bath creamer. Classical, and pretty featuring a soft powdery scent with hints of aldehyde, jasmin, iris and spice. The rich heart mixes clove with amber, lily and peach with a complex musk finish that captures sandal, amber and vanilla. Containing skin softening butters combined with healing tea tree oil for an exhilarating bathing experience.

Knickerbocker Glory Whoopie Blaster

Delectable but not edible, the Knickerbocker Glory Whoopie Blaster is a fizzy ice-cream and soda fragranced bath bomb bursting with skin goodness, made from divine cocoa butter, pure amyris and thyme plus essential oils for an instant lift. Essences of wild fruit and red berry notes blend seamlessly with a creamy vanilla base to make a mouth watering fragrance.

Apple Cherry Choo Choo Bath

Apple Cherry Choo Choo bath is second to none. Featuring the perfect balance of skin softening cocoa, shea butters, pure bergamot, clary sage and essential oils for the perfect skin softening concoction.untitled-12

Chic & Cheerful Bath Mallow

Enhance your mood with the Chic and Cheerful Bath Mallow. With beautiful essences of pure lemon and rose essential oils combined to soothe and uplift, infused with a generous dollop of pure cocoa and shea butters to moisturize and soften the skin, this luxurious bath bomb will leave you feeling revived and ready to go.

Rhubarb & Custard Bath Mallow

Naughty but nice, this yummy Rhubarb and Custard Bath Mallow is an ultimate bathing luxury, Infused with pure cocoa and shea butter, clary sage and amyris oils. Plus a fruity explosion of red berries and ripe rhubarb that leads to a heart of peaches blended with cream, with a close softened by the sweetness of caramel and vanilla.

Pina Paradise Bath Mallow

Pina Paradise Bath Mallow, an indulgent cocktail of mallow, pure butters, pure mandarin and grapefruit essential oils, with skin conditioning Nirvana. Featuring fruity, sparkling notes of fresh pineapple and oranges, the creamy, coconut heart blends peaches and almonds with a sweet finish of caramel & rich vanilla. Place your bath mallow in warm water and watch as it fizzes softly, melting and releasing its skin softening cocoa butter.untitled-1

Rosehip Bath Buttercup

Rosehip Bath Buttercup features a classic, floral fragrance with nourishing butters to moisturise the whole body, with added benefits of ylang ylang and chamomile essential oils to soothe and comfort. With a soft powdery scent that captures aldehyde, jasmin, iris and spices at the opening. The rich heart mixes clove with amber, lily and peach with a complex musk finish that captures sandal, amber and vanilla.

Superfruiter Bath Buttercup

Full of fruity goodness, this Superfruiter Bath Buttercup is sure to enliven your senses, featuring the perfect cocktail of cranberries and zesty lime with supporting fruity notes of strawberry, raspberry, plum, peach, apple and cassis with hints of white flowers on a woody base. Breathe in its fragrance, and wonder as the butters melt into your bath and fragrantly nourish your body, with pure lime and clary sage essential oils.

Ripple-licious Butter Loop

Radiant and redolent, full of pure butters the Ripple-licious Butter Loop is infused with pure magnolia oil and blends of red fruits, raspberries, grapes, blueberry ad juicy pears, finishing with the sweetness of vanilla and rich caramel, leaving the skin softened and revived.To see our full range of Bomb Cosmetics on show visit our Salisbury Showroom.untitled-1dddd 

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New in: Hudson Reed Memoir furniture

Introducing....

the new Memoir Furniture collections from Hudson Reed featuring clean contemporary designs, available in an array of colours including walnut, blonde oak, gloss cashmere, gloss white and gloss grey finishes. Hudson Reed furniture offers exceptional quality without the steep price tag. Manufactured to the highest of standards combining the perfect balance of practicality and reliability, Hudson Reed is a brand you can trust.The Memoir Furniture collection is ideal for adding a contemporary feel to your bathroom, and a great way to introduce bold colours. All pieces within the Memoir collection are backed by the 5 year Hudson Reed manufacturer’s guarantee; click here to shop for Hudson Reed Memoir Furniture.hudson-reed-memoir-gloss-walnut-bathroom-suite-lddd

Floor standing Vanity Units with Basin

The Memoir collection includes a stunning array of floor standing vanity units to coordinate with your chosen finish. These durable units are available in two doors and two draw versions and in 600mm and 800mm versions, all with plenty of space for toiletries to ensure of a clutter free look, complete with a durable mid edged ceramic basin. The vanity unit drawers and doors feature soft close technology, come already assembled with handle included. An alternative basin can be supplied for this item if preferred.hr_styler_memoir-base22

Wall Mounted Vanity Units with Basin

If you are looking for a space saving and minimalist unit, the Memoir collection includes a beautiful range of 1 draw wall mounted vanity units featuring soft close drawers, complete with a durable mid edged ceramic basin. These beautiful vanity units are supplied fully assembled with handle included. An alternative basin can be supplied for this item if preferred.hudson-reed-bathroom-furniture-at-modern-living-bradford-leeds-9-970x711ddd

Wall Hung Storage Units

Ideal for space saving are the Hudson Reed Memoir 1400mm tall wall hung storage units. Featuring soft close doors that can be hung left or right hinged these durable units come ready assembled in a range of coordinating colours to match the rest of the collection.

Cloakroom and Unit Basin

The collection also offers a range of in smaller compact vanity units with basin 500mm in width, ideal for the smaller bathroom or cloakroom.black-tiles-blog-main

WC Units

The collection also includes coordinating a range of WC Units for back to wall toilets 500mm in width.sdsd

Bath Panels

Also to complete the look of your bathroom is a host of coordinating bath panels available in 1500, 1600 and 1700mm widths. For the end of your bath there is a collection of bath end panels and plinths available in 700mm, 750mm, 800mm, 1500mm and 1600mm widths.The Memoir collection is ideal for adding a contemporary feel to your bathroom, and a great way to introduce bold colours. All pieces within the Memoir collection are backed by the 5 year Hudson Reed manufacturer’s guarantee; Click here to shop for Hudson Reed Memoir Furnituresdsdsd

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