Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

We’ve all done it: poured fat, coffee grounds and tea leaves into the kitchen sink, thinking it’ll all magically disappear with a quick swish of the hot tap. But sooner or later, it’s going to end as a blocked sink. Relax: you don’t have to get architects to design you a new kitchen, you can just do a little DIY and have the water gurgling away again in a jiffy. Property development is a drastic remedy for a grungy sink. And unlike other projects like painting and decorating, building or plastering, you should have this one sorted in minutes rather than hours or days.

First, block the overflow in the sink with a wet rag, pour enough water in to cover a plunger and give it a good, vigorous plunge or three. If the water still fails to drain, scoop out the water from the sink into a bucket and place it underneath the trap.  Unscrew the plastic trap collars at both ends, take the trap out and give it a good clean (you should immediately see what horrors have been blocking the sink). Replace the trap (don’t over-tighten, though) and check for drainage.

If the water still won’t drain, the problem is further along the system. Check the drain outside the house by lifting the inspection cover – if it’s full of water, you’ll need some drain rods. If the drain is clear, the obstruction is in the house – unscrew the trap again and use a toilet auger (a flexible length of wire) to push through the drainage pipe. And stop using the sink for waste disposal.

There is a style and design of basin tap available to fit every washbasin and every user’s requirements. Whatever design of bathroom you have in mind you should be able to find the perfect taps for your basin.

Taps are the most used items in the bathroom, so they need to be hardwearing, easy to use and stylish. Bright, shiny taps reflect light all around your bathroom and make it literally sparkle, so they are a key factor in bathroom design.

Chrome is the most popular finish because it is easy to clean and reflects light well, although other materials are available. The choice goes from traditional basin tap styles to super modern mixers to finish off minimalist designer bathrooms.

Taps need to be matched to the style of basin that you choose. For example a basin with three pre-drilled holes is designed for a basin mixer tap, and some basins like the vessel type require a tap with a high spout, or a wall mounted tap positioned correctly. If in doubt consult you supplier before attempting to match taps to a basin. It is not always simple.

A good quality tap will last for many years so choose a style that you will continue to like. Also make sure that you opt for a solid metal tap with ceramic discs in the cartridge. It is a waste of money to buy cheap basin taps because they get a lot of wear and will start to look old very soon. If money is a consideration it might be wise to try to save some money on something else in the bathroom instead of fitting cheap taps to your basin.

Freestanding bathroom sinks have become increasingly popular in recent years. Before this, the most common type was the pedestal, which was traditionally made in white ceramic, with a long, slightly fluted base on which perched the basin.

Although elegant enough in its way, the pedestal has fallen out of favour, largely due to the problems of lack of storage space.

One of the great advantages of freestanding sinks is the range of materials it can be manufactured from. This makes it a particular favourite with designers and DIY enthusiasts who like a little more flair in the bathroom. Indeed, such is its versatility that many a bathroom has been designed around, for example, an oiled bronze sink.

What really makes this design so popular is the added storage it allows. Cabinets can easily be installed around the sink and allow further creativity by mirroring the design of the basin.

For example, a specially designed chrome sink would match a minimalist contemporary bathroom cabinet or vanity unit. In this way it would provide a focal point for the bathroom, every bit as striking as the bath or shower unit.

What is important is to carefully choose the shelving that will go inside the bathroom cabinet or vanity. Do not forget that the pipes for the water supply are also located inside the cabinet. The depth of the cabinet is vital and if the shelves have to be cut around the pipes, the material you decide upon will be of crucial importance.

So, you have installed your new bath, chosen your sink, selected tiles and flooring, shopped for matching towels and bath mats, hung the bathroom mirror and fixed your towel rails. Yet something is still not right. The answer could well be the taps on your new bath and sink.
 
Nowadays, taps come in as many shapes and sizes as your bath or sink. Whether it is a traditional or ultra-modern design you have chosen for your bathroom, you will surely want a tap to mirror your design choice.
 
Have you thought about a wall-mounted sink tap? These wall-mounted models add a dash of elegance to any bathroom. Easy to install and available in many styles, they are sure to be a focal point for you and your guests.

Have you considered the range of designs now available for that perennial favourite, the two-handled model? Sleek Italian or chunky Victorian designs, choose one that is right for the overall look of your bathroom and your domestic needs. For example, a centre-mounted tap would be ideal for households with children.
 
The finish of your tap is another important consideration. Nickel-plated taps are difficult to clean and easily lose their shine. A chrome fixture would be better or what about solid brass taps? Simple and elegant, they can add a touch of elegance to any bathroom and work especially well if you have wooden bathroom accessories. Be sure to match them with your lavatory handle or toilet roll holder.

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.

When installing a sink into your bathroom, the type of basin will be a deciding factor in the process. Pedestal, corner or inset basins are just some of the options available and will each come with their own installation methods. However, there are some basic rules that should always be followed.

Finding the right location for your bathroom sink will be the primary concern and wherever you choose it is recommended that the pipes connected to the sink are no more than 3 metres away from the main waste drain. When installing the pipe work there should be a fall of at least a quarter of an inch for every foot of pipe.

Most bathroom sinks are installed at a position between 28 and 32 inches from the ground and it is recommended that you carefully mark measurements on the wall with a pencil and use a spirit level for accuracy.

When connecting the fittings, such as the basin taps, it is best to do this before putting the sink permanently into place. If you block off access to the rear of the basin it will prove more difficult to fit the taps correctly.

Basin taps and drainage pipes should be connected to the sink with the correct fittings, and the proper washers and sealant should be used. It is vital that the drainage pipe is fitted correctly in order for the overflow system to function properly. Also worth noting is that there is a British Standard for your basin taps as well as the bathroom sink, so make sure all components meet these requirements.