Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

There are many factors which come together to create the cohesive design of a remodelled bathroom. You will have spent time meticulously choosing the perfect bathroom suite and accompanying décor. After these main attractions are in place, you can turn your attention to the finishing touches whose aim is to bring the design of the bathroom together. It may be that you choose accessories which will make a startling impact when entering the room. However, accessories can also serve a more productive purpose, for example making a small room look bigger or creating light. You should consider all possible accessories from mirrors and shelving to tiling and lighting.

It is common for bathrooms to have very little natural light, if any at all and so most bathrooms require a helping hand in the lighting department. Light supplies should be used to full effect. A very popular choice in bathrooms are spotlights which can create bright light while looking stylish, sleek and modern. Mirrors also help to reflect light and can make a smaller room appear larger. Mirrors can also make a statement but you should make sure that they are proportionate to the size of the room.

Tiles can also create a focal point within a bathroom, whether or not you choose to opt for classic white ceramic tiles or splash out with colour or design.  If you choose to go down the coloured route, you can accessorise with towels and candles and vases in the same colour. If you opt for white then you are free to change your colour palette for accessories as and when you choose.

Bathroom suites have the potential to offer a huge amount of versatility and are able to fit in with any possible design idea that you may have. The key to good bathroom design is minimalism; removing anything from the bathroom that does not really need to be there.

One of the most popular bathroom suites is the white bathroom suite design. Bathrooms are often complemented by the calming effect of a white bathroom suite, supported by a warming wall colour that fits in with the taste and style of your dream idea of what your bathroom suite should look like.

With many new-build homes now incorporating small bathrooms into their designs, minimalist white bathroom suites undoubtedly fit the criteria, as they make the space appear larger and brighter.

In opting for a white bathroom suite you are giving the opportunity to work with a blank canvas, as white goes with pretty much every colour; therefore you are able to complement your bathroom with a splash of colour that is suited to your style and taste.

Bathroom accessories or well chosen bathroom furniture can also accentuate and bring to life all white bathroom suites. You can add designer radiators or standard bathroom radiators; you could even just have just a shower cubicle or shower enclosure without the need for a bath at all.

The possibilities with white bathroom suites are endless and to add that touch of style you can consider decorative basin taps, bath taps and a focal point bathroom mirror, which will go a long way to bringing your minimalist white bathroom suite to life.

If your bathroom has seen better days, it’s time to renovate. Like kitchens, good bathrooms can add appreciable value to your home without amounting to major property development. DIY painting, decorating and plastering skills will take you a long way, without substantial building work or calling the architects in.

Start by thinking about whether the layout can be improved. Would a walk-in shower look better than the tub? Are the basin and WC ideally located or could they be moved to enhance space? Don’t forget about drainage runs and soil pipes here, though, the latter are especially difficult to relocate. Next, physically map the layout using your body as a guide; are the soap dishes and bathroom cabinets or anything else you use frequently, within comfortable reach? Will you require extensive re-plumbing if you shift the basin or tub/shower?

Think about the fixtures, properly chosen, they can add verve to a bathroom. Is the design you’re seeking ultra-modern or classically elegant? Gleaming, modern chrome taps and showerheads can be beautiful, but so can elegant Victorian alternatives, it’s best not to mix them, though. A generous bathroom mirror or two can make a small space look twice the size.

Choose lighting carefully, a bathroom can be made to look warm and inviting or cold and forbidding, depending on what lighting you use. Remember, any lighting above areas where water is used must have a special safety rating.

Finally, soften harsh lines and angles with touches of fabric, even towels can help and some strategically placed potted plants.

Bathroom lighting is a very much-underestimated detail. Nowadays, there are a huge variety of designs to choose from, at a cost to fit every homeowner’s pocket.

Small bathrooms can be instantly transformed by careful consideration of where best to install new lights.

For example, recessed lighting, placed strategically around the bathroom mirror, opens out even the smallest bathroom and is also practical. Putting on makeup and shaving is made a far easier task than having to peer out of a shadow.

Similarly, enclosed areas such as shower units can be considerably brightened by recessed lighting and provide a focal point for your new shower curtain and bath mats.

Consider what sort of atmosphere you would like to create. A soft, subdued light is perfect for a long soak in the bath, but is not ideal if you intend to shower on a regular basis.

If you have a high-ceilinged bathroom, why not opt for a glamorous chandelier or multi-directional fixtures? Even an old-fashioned table lamp can add a different style to a traditional bathroom.

Why not search for some of the energy saving devices now available on the market? This does not only apply to light bulbs. Dimmer switches are a perfect way to cut down on household spending and give you a handy choice of ambient lighting. Fluorescent bulbs are another good way to minimise expenditure.

There are a thousand different lighting options available. Be sure to shop around and choose exactly the right one for your perfect bathroom.

The bathroom mirror is far more than a utilitarian object for shaving or putting on make-up. Although functional, you should never forget it forms one of the focal points of your bathroom and should be treated with all the care and consideration you would lavish on a new bath, sink or shower unit.

Framing your mirror can add style and imagination to your bathroom. It is of paramount importance that before buying your frame you should carefully consider exactly what you would like the room to express. Remember, how you choose to decorate will reflect your personality.

If you have decided on a traditional bathroom, the ideal frame for your mirror is likely to be an antique. These need not cost a fortune, just have a search around markets, house clearances, even car boot sales.

Do not be put off by first appearances; good quality frames can easily be stripped of flaking paint. In fact, you will often find the price considerably lower than you would pay for a freshly painted frame. Wood staining is an ideal way to restore the lustre of an old frame.

For a more contemporary look, metal frames offer numerous advantages. They are easy to clean, come in a wide variety of styles and can be painted in virtually any colour. They also offer clean lines, while being of any shape or size.

If your budget is restricted, try visiting an art and craft shop. Very often you can find very reasonably priced self-assembly frames.

Fabric shower curtains look great and add a touch of luxury to any bathroom. They are available in a far wider range of materials than the traditional plastic or vinyl and are far more flexible. Being able to tie back a fabric shower curtain opens up the bathroom and gives it a light and airy feel. However, depending on which type of fabric you choose, a few simple steps should be followed.

First, of course, is the question of whether or not to fit a shower curtain liner. If you choose a curtain, which is easy to wash, such as hemp or cotton, the answer is probably no. However, if you choose a brocade or even velvet, you should definitely consider investing in one to combat mould.

Another question to ask yourself is how often do I use the shower? Fabric, of whatever material, takes time to dry. Roughly speaking, if you shower on a daily basis, then a liner is probably your safest bet.

Most manufacturers recommend washing your shower curtain on a least a weekly basis. This is because spores rapidly build up and spread throughout the bathroom area. To avoid this problem, a curtain liner of vinyl can be rinsed down after every shower and often needs only to be machine washed once a month.

Remember that any fabric shower curtain needs to be fitted to a rail. Removing the curtain for washing can be a tedious business. Similarly, so can replacing the hooks or shower curtain rings if they break.

Buying anew house or flat is probably the largest investment we will ever make. And, if statistics are to be believed, overhauling the bathroom and renovating the kitchen are the top priorities for the new property owner.

Bathrooms come in all manner of shapes and sizes. No two are ever exactly alike. So, when deciding on new fixtures, design, even colour schemes, it is vital to plan properly and consider exactly what you have in mind.

Perhaps most importantly is to determine precisely which products you really need. Assess who is going to use the bathroom. Measure the space and produce a scale version floor plan. Plotting where each individual product is to be placed is crucial and do not forget to make the optimum amount of space around each fixture – nobody likes being cramped.

Next is to ascertain plumbing requirements. In particular, remember your water supply and waste disposal requirements.

Plan for storage, heating, lighting and ventilation. Get a number of quotes including the cost of products, installation fees, and extras such as tiling and flooring.

Take care to appoint an accredited installer, but never remove the old fittings until the new ones have been checked for damage.

Add mirrors, towel rails, bathmats and hooks last. By doing this, you will have a better overall picture of what to buy.

And finally, remember that the bathroom is an area to enjoy – a place where you are able to enjoy a few minutes of calm after a hectic day.

Most people have experienced the discomfort of a damp towel at some point. Besides being unpleasant to the touch, wet towels are also a haven for bacteria. Heated towel rails provide a luxurious as well as practical addition to any bathroom.

Current towel rails range from traditional ball joint rail designs to contemporary and minimalist styles, with the majority being available to suit any heating system whether it be hot water or connected via the mains to an electric point.

Alternatively, an element can be supplied to rails fitted to a hot water heating system. This allows the rail to be used independently of the central heating system.

Ball joints and period-style cross head valves are classic elements of a traditional, Victorian design. Towel warmers are available in various sizes and fittings, including wall and floor mounted for maximum flexibility. Many are hand-crafted and available with a choice of up to three heat outputs.

Ladder-style towel rails are the ultimate in contemporary chic and will instantly add a cutting-edge designer look to any bathroom.

Many designs have a sharp, minimalist style with protruding rails at either end to give an added design appeal.

And be sure to check out columnar towels rails. These are freestanding and floor mounted, often consisting of as many as 10 chrome columns that not only dry the towels but keep the bathroom warm at the same time.

Also have a look at the variety of fuel options. These include a dual fuel function that enables you to warm your towels without switching on the main hot water supply, a useful function during the summer months.

No matter what style you are trying to achieve in your modern bathroom there will be a wealth of choice when it comes to the bath taps. As well as other bathroom accessories and fittings, such as towel rails and soap holders, it is often bath and sink taps that will define the style of your suite.

Sleek and minimal design is the latest trend for modern bathrooms and you will find that the majority of choices will come in a chrome finish, with brass usually the second most common choice. Single taps (also known as single-bloc mixers) are easily the most sought after when it comes to bath taps as they save the hassle of mixing hot and cold water from different taps. However, if you are hoping to add one of these to an older-style bath, you may run into the problems if the taps were originally separate.

Of course, one way to overcome this is to purchase a split single-hole mixer – where the hot and cold pipes enter from where the original  taps were placed – but also well worth considering, especially if you want to go for the most modern look, is to install wall-mounted bath taps. Not only will it give a stylish finish to your bathroom, but there will also be less cleaning involved around the base of the tap.

If you want to add a showerhead to your bath taps, there will still be a wide range available to complement any style, and these can also come wall-mounted.

Choosing the right bathroom furniture is what will be the deciding factor when it comes to the style of your bathroom. Of course, as much of the bathroom furniture around today was non-existent during the time period from which traditional bathrooms have been designed, the range of options may seem quite limited when compared to modern styles.

However, there still will be an attractive range of styles to choose from that will complement any old-style bathroom. There is some luxurious and extravagantly designed bathroom furniture, such as the many beech and oak basin cupboards that are available.

Out of all the wood finishes on the market, a dark shade of oak has proven to be the most popular choice. If you are looking to recreate a Victorian bathroom, this will be the most recommended option and it will also work well with Edwardian styles, especially when it comes to matching other accessories and fittings such as toilet seat covers.

But even if the cost of some of the bathroom furniture on the market is a little above budget, creating your own traditional look will be easier than you think. It is well worth looking out for older furniture in antique shops and car boot sales that could be fitted into your bathroom. As long as it is in good condition, is properly treated and suits the style you are going for, this will easily be the most cost effective choice. However, installing basins around existing furniture can be quite tricky and it is always best to seek help from a professional.