Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

Showers used to be somewhat lacking in the accessory department, with the term seeming to solely apply to such absolute necessities as the shower head, taps etc but in recent times that has begun to change more and more. Nowadays, the shower has become increasingly customised for purposes of comfort and convenience, with the result that the small area now has quite an array of its own accessories such as shower caddies, shower mirrors and hanging bars which fit onto either the shower curtain rod or onto the shower door itself. More recently, as more and more people become ecologically conscious, the newest accessory is the shower meter, which keeps people aware of just how much water they are using while they are taking a shower.

Shower shelves are small units that fit just over the showerhead, although they can also hang on shower bars or even be attached directly to the wall. They are very easy to install and are particularly recommended for those with smaller sized showers. Shower caddies are used to store normal, everyday shower items such as soap, shampoo and conditioner, and even razors. The latter is because shaving in the shower has become more and more popular among men, which is one of the reasons for another relatively new shower accessory innovation – the shower mirror.

These mirrors are specially designed for the shower and thus will not steam up around hot water. They can be attached to shower walls with suction cups and many feature a small shelf for razors and even come with waterproof radios for those who like to listen to music while showering. 

You don’t have to search too far in order to find lots of different styles of shower enclosures to consider for your new bathroom design. However, there is one distinctive design that is worth taking a good look at, the frameless shower enclosure, which offers a minimalist look that is hard to beat.

As the name would suggest, there are no frames on these shower enclosures. Instead they have panes of toughened glass, which are attached to the walls by strong brackets. Hinges of a similar style to the brackets are used for the door, giving the whole structure a sense of simplicity.

Frameless shower enclosures are definitely advisable if you have a small bathroom. If you want to make the most of the space you have, but your shower has a framed enclosure, it can make the room feel smaller than it already is. With sensible placement and a nice understated frameless enclosure, you can almost make the shower fade into the background.

The good news is that these shower enclosures come in a range of different sizes and there are also options for the trays and shower accessories. Whatever kind of bathroom style you are going for, you can get just the right look and feel by choosing a suitable tray.

As you can see, frameless shower enclosures can be the perfect way to make the most of the space you have, while not appearing to make your bathroom look too crowded.

Do you find you dread taking a shower in your bathroom during the winter time because it is freezing? The mere thought of taking off your clothes and climbing into the shower is deterring enough, but then the idea of getting out of the warm shower back into the freezing bathroom is unthinkable. A good bathroom accessory option for you to consider installing is a bathroom radiator.

Bathroom radiators serve as the main heater for the bathroom. You can get designer radiators that not only look fancy but have a heated towel rail at the top of it. One of the nicest feelings is wrapping a towel around you when it is fresh out of the dryer. A heated towel rail can provide you with a similar feeling.

A bathroom radiator is ideal for older homes that can have drafts and therefore be very cool in the winter. The heat let off from the radiator is enough to warm your bathroom tiles and towels making the shower a much more pleasurable experience. Bathroom radiators come in different models and sizes. Make sure you closely look at the warranty and price before deciding which radiator you want to buy.

Another feature of the bathroom radiator is your bathroom can look like it is from the Victorian period. You can really use this style to your advantage by getting ancient looking bathroom accessories such as bathroom mirrors or bathroom furniture that appears to be from that time period. You can check out local antique shops or even furniture markets for the appropriate accessories.

Some bathroom accessories are easy to fit and anyone with just a few DIY skills will be able to install them; others take the skills of a professional. Fitting a bathroom towel rack is relatively easy with the correct tools.

First of all, measure, centre and mark the position of the towel rack on the wall, checking that it is level with a spirit level. The standard height for a towel rack in a bathroom is four feet, but practically speaking, it is best to fit it at the best height for your particular bathroom.

Then screw one of the mounting plates to the wall where you have marked the position, but do not drive the screw right in. If you find that there is a stud there continue, but if not it may be necessary to take a metal toggle anchor and screw it in so that it is flush with the wall. Then attach the mounting bracket into the toggle anchor.

Place the towel bar onto the fixed mounting bracket and check the measurement before fixing the other mounting bracket in the same way, but do not tighten the screws. Then place the towel bar over the mounting plates and use the spirit level again just to double check. The mounting plates can be adjusted until they are right and then the screws need to be tightened.

Then attach the bar and tighten the small screws on the ends of the towel rack with an Allen key which should be provided with the towel rack fixing kit. Make sure that everything is screwed in tightly and the job is complete.

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.