Island blog
From the latest bathroom trends, to expert advice & tips on how to look after your bathroom
Ideal Standard Atelier Launch Event
We have strengthened our long-standing relationship with Ideal Standard, with the launch of a new dedicated retail area within our Salisbury showroom.
The space will become a flagship showroom for Ideal Standard in the area with the launch of Ideal Standard’s premium Atelier Collections – a range of expertly designed bathroom products from renowned Italian design studio, Palombi Serafini + Associati (PS+A). The collaboration further solidifies a 30-year relationship between ourselves and Ideal Standard with the new 47m² dedicated retail area officially launching on 26th July 2022.
To celebrate the launch we had a grand opening event at our Salisbury showroom. The event was an opportunity for our team and customers to see the collection up close , while also enjoying refreshments and entertainment provided by a local jazz duo Tall Order.
The new retail space, which was be unveiled at the event, has been curated in partnership with Ideal Standard’s in-house design team to create a stunning space for customers to view the Atelier products.
Ideal Standard have fused modern technology and iconic silhouettes to create a stunning modern bathroom colleciton.
Launched in 2021, the Atelier Collections are inspired by Ideal Standard’s rich design heritage combining aesthetics and design philosophies of the past with modern aesthetics and technology. The result is an exciting collection of new statement pieces for the contemporary bathroom, including an exclusive range of ceramics, brassware and furniture, from the clean, pure lines of the Linda-X range, to the statuesque Tipo-Z basin and the geometrically inspired Conca collections.
The bold designs of the Atelier Collections work in harmony with pieces from across Ideal Standard’s ranges through the Singular™ philosophy – an innovative approach to specification, enabling customers, designers, and specifiers to easily combine products from across the manufacturer’s offering to create unique designs for their space.
A range of expertly designed bathroom products from renowned Italian design studio, Palombi Serafini + Associati (PS+A).
Speaking on the new flagship showroom, Adam Evans, Channel Director (Retail) at Ideal Standard UK, said: “For over 30 years, we’ve been working closely with Island Bathrooms to provide the highest quality in bathroom products. It’s a pleasure to continue strengthening our partnership, through the launch of a new dedicated retail space for our premier Atelier Collections.
“The showroom is a fantastic space, showcasing some incredible Ideal Standard products and providing an immersive experience for customers.”
Tracing our past, forging our future
"When done right, a well-designed project completely transcends its function and becomes timeless. Some of Ideal Standard's designs, created by Italian icons such as Castiglioni are perfect testimonies of this principle. I am honored to follow in the foodsteps of these Italian Masters and support Ideal Standard's continued journey to design and develop innovations that will once again redefine not only bathroom design, but design in general."
Roberto Palomba
Chief Design Officer of Ideal Standard Group
Our Healthcare Hero
“I want to thank everyone involved in my bathroom makeover. You are an amazing team and the help in planning and design was invaluable. Any telephone queries were speedily resolved with courtesy. The team carrying out the work were so professional, friendly and very tidy and hard working. I now have a beautiful and luxurious bathroom and really appreciate it. Thank you doesn’t seem enough!” Alison Harrison
Back in 2020 while we were all clapping and celebrating the amazing healthcare hero’s, we wanted to do something more. As a local business we wanted to give back to the community that had supported us over the last 40 years. We decided to design and supply a brand new bathroom, in partnership with Justin Perrett of DesignMeABathroom.com who’s team would complete the installation, all of which was completely free of charge!
Nominations were collected and some amazing stories emerged of people going above and beyond in the most unprecedented times. While every entry was unique and as moving as the next, eventually a winner was selected. Ms Alison Harrison, a selfless 73 year old staff Nurse from Salisbury with an amazing story was the deserving recipient. Despite sustaining a life changing brain injury whist at work, Alison had recovered and returned to work with the team on the intensive care unit throughout the initial outbreak, something she continues to do to this day. Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic she put the safety and health of others above her own.
The previous space was fitted with a bath and a lack of storage space made for a cluttered environment.
When designing the bathroom, our designer Josh Brown discussed the elements that would make the space more suitable for Alison considering her recovery. Installing a low level, anti slip shower tray would aide easier movement within the bathroom, while adding usable storage allowed for all the bathroom products to be kept clean and tidy. The bathroom was finished with on trend mono brassware and accessories making it not only a functional space, but also a beautiful one.
The completed bathroom has an anti slip shower tray, on trend mono brassware, IMEX ceramics and useable storage.
When speaking to David, Managing Director of Island Bathrooms about going back to work in the pandemic, Ms Harrison simply said “It’s what you do”. To put the huge sacrifice every healthcare hero took in such a simple phrase was testament to the extraordinary NHS workers. The commitment Alison has to her sense of duty is simply unwavering.
Finished with matching accessories and heating to complement the brassware
While the world we live in has changed, it is the communities that we live in that bring us all together. We would like to continue our gratitude to every healthcare hero and the continued saccrifices they make to keep us all healthy and safe.
We would also like to thank Justin and the amazing team at designmeabathroom.com who all donated their time and expertise to install this bathroom with as little disruption as possible. Having worked closely with Design Me A Bathroom they were always the perfect partners for this project.
We would also like to extend our thanks to IMEX ceramics and other partners who supported the project. On trend brassware and high quality ceramics were the perfect finishing touches to this bathroom.
Ca' Pietra at Island Bathrooms
Introducing Ca' Pietra at Island Bathrooms
We're delighted to showcase this stunning Ca' Pietra area in our Salisbury Showroom! If you are planning a renovation then you must pay us a visit! We caught up with Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra, to find out everything we need to know about the trend-setting family business, Ca’ Pietra:'We are Ca’ Pietra, a family business celebrating 30 years of being at the forefront of tile and stone design. From statement on-trend tiling to classic stone, we’ve got it all. Inspired by the beauty of nature, we are committed to craftsmanship, quality, design and manufacturing. We adore the beauty of natural stone, interesting patterns and always making a statement. Our wide range of tile and stone will transform any space into a warm, welcoming home bursting with wow factor.At Ca’ Pietra we are firm believers in having fun with products – your home is your sanctuary; a place for relaxing with family and friends. We know that creating the perfect interior is as much about the feel and quality of a product as it is the finished look. That’s why we set the trends and are constantly updating our collections to ensure you get the very best.We love colour; we love pattern and we love making a statement. Our wide range of tile and stone collections will transform any space into a warm, welcoming home bursting with wow factor. Our talented team are passionate about tiles and are on hand ready to help. So whether you’re after an on-trend decorative floor tile for the kitchen or a luxurious marble for the main bathroom, we’ve got it covered.'Ca' Pietra are the experts in innovative stone and tile design and offer an extensive range of beautiful natural stones, porcelains and decorative tiles in an array of patterns and colours. Ourselves and Ca’ Pietra are committed to craftmanship, quality, design and manufacturing. So rest assured you will receive nothing but the best. If it’s a new bathroom or kitchen you’re after, we can help to transform your space. Choose from a vast selection of floor and wall tiles – whether it’s a classic limestone or a low maintenance porcelain or perhaps you want a pop of colour, our team can advise you on the right material for your home and lifestyle. What ever you choose the range of tile and stone collections will transform any space into a warm, welcoming home bursting with wow factor. If you’re after an on-trend decorative floor tile for the kitchen or a luxurious marble for the main bathroom, we’ve got it covered.Take a look at the images below to see our beautiful Ca' Pietra area, bursting with colour it is bound to get your creative juices flowing!*please select the images to view in full size*[ngg src="galleries" ids="2" display="basic_thumbnail" thumbnail_crop="0"]
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
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.
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.
How to deep Clean Your Bathroom
Did you know that your bathroom is the most vulnerable place in your house where dirt, stains and bacteria can occur quickly. This means that we need to take this room seriously when cleaning. Especially at the moment! We know this may not seem like the most glamours of jobs, but we hope these little tips will help you become more organised.
Getting Your Bathroom Ready
De-clutterBefore the cleaning process can start it is important that you clear away all of your clutter which could get in your way. These things could include:
- Shampoo and other toiletry bottles
- Bath mats or towels
- Any decorative pieces that sit on your counter tops
This has now given you a totally clear space to start working on.Dust and SweepNext, you will need to dust the bathroom surfaces to remove any dirt that is sitting on top of your surfaces. Once you have done this you can vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any dirt from there. It is important that you dust the surfaces first so if this goes onto the floor you can sweep that up afterwards.Apply Cleaner To Tougher AreasMany branded bathroom products you may be aware of and bleach based products may be harmful and corrosive in your bathroom. However for limescale a great solution is half white wine vinegar and half part water. Avoid abrasive cleaning on brassware and other sensitive surfaces in your bathroom.
Cleaning The Bathroom
Wipe Down SurfacesNow that all of your products and other household items have been removed, you have taken care of the dust, it's time to tackle wiping down the surfaces! You will need to take a cloth and clean all surfaces with your cleaning spray. When cleaning your surfaces we'd always recommend you starting with your higher shelves, this means that if any dirt falls down you can clean this off your lower surfaces later. A different type of product will need to be used when cleaning your bathroom windows and shower panels.How To Clean Your Shower and BathNow it's time to clean your shower and or bath. Because we allowed the product to soak in at the beginning you should be able to wipe away all of the grime pretty easily. Use a soft cloth or sponge to do this, and work from the top of the bath downwards. If you've got a lot of limescale build up this will require some extra attention. If a lot of grime has built up in the grout between your bathroom tiles, you may need to focus on this. For this you can either use a purpose made grout cleaner and an old toothbrush or similar soft bristled brush. Spray your grout cleaner and allow this to soak in for about 10-15 minutes. You can then go in with your small brush to scrub all of the dirt out of your grout.Removing LimescaleThere are some areas in your bathroom that will require more attention that have a larger build up of limescale. When cleaning limescale we always suggest that you wear gloves and check whether your chosen cleaning product is suitable for this job. There are products on that market that you can buy however natural solutions that you can make have been proven to be just as or if not more effective.To create your own limescale cleaner; grab an empty spray bottle and fill half of the bottle with white wine vinegar and mix that with an equal amount of water. Lemon juice also works instead of white wine vinegar. take your spray and spray it all over your built up areas, you should let this soak in for at least 30 minutes. Once you have let this soak in you should then be able to scrub it away and the limescale should lift quiet easily.To remove limescale from a showerhead or tap spout it is a slightly different process. Fill a plastic bag with white wine vinegar and place it over the showerhead or tap spout. Secure it in place with elastic bands and allow this to sit overnight. In the morning give your shower head or tap a rinse with water and it should be beautifully clean.Clean Your ToiletThe worst job of them all... the toilet! When cleaning your toilet we recommend you having a second pair of gloves and a second set of sponges, maybe a different colour so you remember. You'll want to start on the bowl first. Grab some bleach and pour it around the entire bowl, then allow it to soak for a few minutes. Once the time is up take a toilet brush and start scrubbing!If there's a lot of limescale in your toilet bowl, you can use your white wine vinegar solution. Pour your solution around the entire bowl and leave to soak for 3-4 hours. Once you have allowed this to soak in, go in with your toilet brush and all of the limescale should disappear. Once you have finished, simply flush the toilet and your toilet bowl should be clean!Mop Your FloorNow that everything is looking beautifully clean, it is now time to tackle the floor! We have already swept the floor however if you can see any dust or dirt on the floor go back in a sweep that away before we start mopping. There are lot's of different floor cleaning products on the market, you can find one that will suit your exact floor type. Mix the detergent and boiling water in a bucket, grab your mop and we are ready to go.Dip the mop in the bucket and then wring it out. Start mopping the floor from the furthest point from the door, then work backwards.
How To Keep Your Bathroom Clean
Now you've got your bathroom nice and clean you'll want to try and keep it that way.Little & OftenThe best way to keep your bathroom clean and avoid harder work further down the line is to clean regularly. Whether its wiping the surfaces more often, mopping the floor weekly or a monthly clean of the shower glass, a small amount of work will keep your bathroom products looking great and avoid the hassle of more drastic cleaning later on.Clean Toothpaste Straight AwayOne of the most common sights in basins is the toothpaste stain. These will usually develop when toothpaste which has fallen into the basin is left to dry out. That's why it's important to clean toothpaste from your bathroom sink straight away. This can be one of the first signs in your bathroom looking dirty.Shower Cubby HoleShower cubby holes are a stylish way to keep your bathroom clutter free. However do not fill these with lot's of products as it can quite quickly look messy and cluttered. Pop your products away after each use.Shower SqueegeeGetting your shower glass back to its best can be a time consuming and frustrating process. That's why investing in a shower squeegee to quickly remove any excess water from the glass every time you shower is so important.We hope these little tips and tricks helped!
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.
Chinese New Year Tofu Stir Fry
What better day to enjoy a delicious stir fry than Chinese New Year? But before you reach for the phone to call up your local takeaway and blow that new year’s resolution to make more food yourself, why not try making something yourself?We’ve tried this tofu stir fry ourselves and it’s safe to say that it’s darn delicious. Not only that, but it’s meat-free, cheap and easy to make, so whichever new year’s resolutions you’re striving to maintain, it’s very unlikely this particular recipe will see you breaking them. Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- 1 chili, deseeded, diced into small pieces
- 2 heads of pak choi, cut into quarters
- 1 piece of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 200g soya beans (about half a tin, if you’re using tins)
- 300g marinated tofu
- 25g cashew nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Method
- Heat oil in wok or pan.
- Fry broccoli for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and chili, fry for a further 1 minutes.
- Add spring onions, soya beans, pak choi and tofu, fry for a further 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add soy beans, cashew nuts and hoisin sauce and immediately remove from heat.
How Similar is Your Bathroom to One From 1948?
You’ve probably browsed through a good few bathroom catalogues in your time. We certainly have – it comes with the business. But we’ve never had the pleasure of looking through anything like the 1948 Kohler and Kohler catalogue found here.We were curious as to just how much bathroom designs can change in seventy odd years, and judging by a few of the images that we found, the answer turned out to be a lot, as you can see below.
While not exactly in keeping with current bathroom trends, who knows what revivals of these colour trends the future might hold?We’re actually putting the finishing touches to our own, new, shiny Island Bathrooms brochure, and we’ll be letting the whole world know when it’s finished. But safe to say it’ll probably look a little different from this one here.
Why Does the UK Have Two Separate Taps?
If you’ve ever been travelling before, you’ve (hopefully!) had the pleasure of washing your hands abroad. And if you were paying attention, you might have noticed that instead of separate hot and cold taps like we’ve got over here, there was a single mixer tap that let you mix hot and cold together, offering a nice warm stream of water instead of alternately freezing and scalding your hands. Amazing!
Many who visit the UK from abroad find this one of the (if not the) single strangest quirks about our country. The UK is one of the world’s only countries to have this set up. Many visitors are left scratching there heads as to why we got to the extra effort of fitting a second tap just to keep hot and cold apart. 
Theories range from a preference of traditional designs over practical use – we’re happier to either freeze or scald our hands if it means having that stately two tap look in the bathroom – to simple ignorance of the fact the rest of the world has moved onSo why do we insist on having two separate taps? It’s actually less to do with style and know-how than with the law.It was (and still is) a legal obligation for a household to have access to drinking water. In many older buildings, hot and cold water came from two separate sources.The cold water came straight from the mains and was considered safe to drink. The hot water was stored in a cistern in the loft, and because of this was considered unsafe (which makes sense – who’d want to drink water that had been sitting around in the loft for however many days where it might have been gathering silt or rust?).The law on clean drinking water went so far as to say that the two streams had to be separated to avoid cross-contamination. Hence a hot tap and a cold tap. (It was even suggested that the hot tap be placed on the left wherever possible to make sure that the visually impaired didn’t accidentally drink potentially contaminated water.) 
Most modern houses have moved away from keeping a cistern in their loft, meaning that hot water is as safe to drink as cold. But old habits die hard, and as far as we’re aware, separate taps will continue to baffle our international cousins for years to come.
The Man Who Lived In A Toilet House
Mr Toilet HouseYou might say we at Island Bathrooms and Kitchens live all sorts of bathroom and kitchen furniture. But if you were to say we live toilets, you’d be giving us a crown we weren’t worthy of wearing. Not when you consider the legacy of South Korean Sim Jae-Duck, who lived in a house that looked like a toilet (giving us cause to rethink our own Holdenhurst showroom design).Sim Jae-Duck, or Mr Toilet as he would eventually come to be known, actually entered this world in a bathroom. Owing to a Korean superstition that saw toilets as places of luck, Sim’s grandmother convinced his mother to bring the future Mr Toilet into the world just outside her bathroom door. From his very first moment he was born with toilets in his stars.But this little fact had nothing (or very little) to do with the man later building his toilet house. His real interest in toilets started when South Korea was set to host the 2002 FIFA. As Mayor of Suwon, a satellite city to the capital, Seoul, his idea to prepare for this international event was to renovate all the public toilets in his city.
Image source. The FIFA World Cup in Seoul, 2002. The project was such a resounding success that he dedicated the rest of his life to toilet sanitation. Jae-Duck eventually formed the KTA in 2002 (Korean Something Association, no prizes for guessing the T). Sim Jae-Duck threw himself at the task of breaking down toilet taboo, his logic being that without being able to talk about toilets in the open, little could be done to improve on them. 
Image source. Suwon, where Sim Jae-Duck was mayor. It was this idea that saw him knocking down his house in order to build the iconic toilet house. With English signs up outside declaring the place “Mr Toilet House”, the Korean signs opt for a more philosophical Haeujae, “A place of sanctuary where one can solve one’s worries.”Sadly, Sim Jae-Duck lost a battle with prostate cancer and in 2009 passed away. At his request, his family donated the house to the city, and in 2010 Mr Toilet House, was reopened as a museum to all things toilet-related, eventually expanding to become Toilet Culture Park, a place offering everything from displays on how people have gone to the toilet throughout history, to toilet-related souvenirs.Mr Toilet’s legacy lives on not only in the giant toilet he once called home (ranked 9 on Trip Advisor’s top picks for Suwon), but also in the perpetually immaculate state of Suwon’s public toilets. Still receiving plenty of public spending, Suwon has dubbed itself the Mecca of Toilet Culture.
The Biggest Hoax in Bathtub History
On December 28th 1917 an article called ‘A Neglected Anniversary’ was published in the New York Evening Mail. The ‘neglected anniversary’ the title mentioned was the introduction of the bathtub to the USA, seventy-five years prior.It’s author, journalist HL Mencken, had it go like this:Cincinnati grain trader Adam Thompson’s business often took him to England, where he “acquired the habit of bathing” during the 1830s.English bathtubs at the time were “confined to a small group of enthusiasts,” and “little more than glorified dishpans”.Adam Thompson came up with the idea of combining the bathtub with pipes instead of using a maid, as the English did.In 1842 Thompson set up the first American bathtub in his own home to put his theories into practice. Made by a local cabinet maker, “…mahogany lined with lead, seven feet long and fully four feet wide…” and weighing in at “about 1750 pounds”, it sounds more like a coffin than a bathtub.Later, showing it off to friends on Christmas day 1842, he convinced five of them to try the experience out for themselves, and as word spread, local newspapers “opened their columns to violent discussions of it.”Popular among the rich, many sceptics of this new invention saw it as “an obnoxious toy from England, designed to corrupt the democratic simplicity of the Republic.” There was also a lot of medical opposition to it, which eventually died down.When President Millard Fillmore took a bathe in Thompson’s original bathtub on a tour through Cincinnati, he liked it so much that he ordered one to be built in the White House. After a little controversy about what having a bathtub built said about the president’s aspirations, bathtubs began to become commonplace and by 1860 a bathtub could be found in every New York hotel, “…some having even two or three.”
But it turned out that HL Mencken had made most of this up. The article, instead of immediately being ousted as a scandalous lie, was actually reprinted by other newspapers, excerpts of it eventually making their way into encyclopaedias and being taken as fact.Mencken, seeing his false information so proliferated, finally came forward eight years later to admit in the Chicago Tribune that the whole story was “…planned as a piece of spoofing to relieve the strain of war days” and that he was surprised when his “idle jocosities were taken with complete seriousness.”
Why January’s The Perfect Time For A Bathroom/Kitchen Remodel
Why January’s The Perfect Time For A Bathroom/Kitchen Remodel
Starting the new year right. New year! New you! Why not new bathroom or kitchen?
Sales! The Winter Sales mean that you’ll get more bang for your buck if you choose to take advantage of the offers available. We've got a few on ourselves!
If you’ve got to remodel something, it makes sense to leave the outdoorsy stuff for summer when it’s a little warmer for working outside. It can be a bit chilly for that kind of thing come January!
If you’ve made a new bathroom or kitchen one of your resolutions, it’s probably best to get it done as soon as possible. We all know how it gets easier to put them off as the year wears on.
A January remodelling leaves plenty of time to work out all issues to have it ready for some summer hosting – you wouldn’t want to put off having guests round because your bathroom looks like a building site!
Statistically, people spend more time indoors over winter. Come summer you’ll be jetsetting off on holiday somewhere, so it follows that to get the most enjoyment out of your new bathroom or kitchen before the novelty wears off, a January remodelling is the most sensible choice.
It doesn’t necessarily need to be a full remodelling, either. The feel of the room (or perhaps the lack of) might rest with a single item. If your otherwise perfect bathroom is held back by an unsightly basin or an ageing toilet, you could be enjoying that shiny new bathroom feel without having to remodel your entire bathroom.
2020 Bathroom Trends
As we head into 2020, the bathroom remains more than ever a place for some relaxing me-time.
Just as we might want to de-clutter our heads after a busy week, so the latest bathroom trends are leaning towards a clutter-free minimalism that makes optimum use of the space available.
However, a modern style does not mean garish, white sterility. And in an attempt to make the bathroom a truly relaxing place, warm tones and clever use of light have seen a surge in popularity.
Earthy tones, such as subtle greys, off-whites and beiges are a great way to bring some warmth to a modern bathroom. There are hundreds of ways to play a selection of earthy tones off against each other, with tiles, worktops and furniture all certain to add their own voice to the overall tone of the room.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a source of natural light in your bathroom, you have plenty of ways to use that light in a way that suits your bathroom. Airy, silken materials are in vogue, and for obvious reasons. Choose a fabric that will weather a steamy atmosphere without becoming damp.
Brass fittings – a popular choice for a while now – show no sign of losing their appeal. They can complement many different styles of bathroom and their reflective surfaces make great use of light.
Integrated lighting is also showing no sign of losing popularity. Lights can be built into pretty much anything these days. Popular choices are mirrors and cabinets, which provide the great benefits not only of lighting up a shave or a make-up session, but also let out a pleasant, ambient glow which can light a room with all warmth and no glare.
And integrated lighting isn’t where integrated potential ends. If you’re after a little relaxing music in the bath, all you need now is a Bluetooth mirror, putting an end to the hassle that used to come with music in the bath. If you need your phone charged, there are charging options, automated sensors and more.
And as the bathroom becomes more and more a room in itself, so the trends in decorating have begun to reflect that. Wall-hung art, once limited to small, indistinct picture that looked hung up almost as an afterthought, has become a powerful way to add a point of focus to your bathroom.
Plant life is still a very trendy choice, especially for more modern bathroom designs. Anything from a pot plant to something in a grounded vase will add a sense of air and life to any bathroom.
