Bathroom Compare Blog
Welcome to the Kitchen Compare Blog. Here we introduce you to many of the key sections of the website, focused on saving you time and money in the search for your dream kitchen. Don't forget to check back regularly for new posts.
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19th Dec 2022
Easy and cost-effective ways to refresh your bathroom this new year
With cost-of-living top of the current agenda, many are keeping a close eye on household expenditure. In some cases, homeowners have made the decision to put on hold or even cancel bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom projects, while others continue to press on with original plans building, renovating, or refreshing.
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21st Nov 2022
Use of SMART technology in the bathroom
As technology evolves our homes are getting smarter and the bathroom is no exception. More efficient and more intelligent than ever before, smart appliances help save time and can often offer savings on water and energy too, all so important as the cost-of-living rises.
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7th Nov 2022
Flexible design ideas – open shelving
Following last month’s flexible design idea blog featuring the pocket door, this month we focus on open shelving. Often controversial, open shelving is loved by some and hated by others. Are open shelves a great way to house favourite things and an easy way to introduce colour and texture, or a place that easily turns into a dumping ground and harbours dust?
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24th Oct 2022
Flexible design ideas – the pocket door
Whether you live in a flat, apartment, terraced, semi-detached or detached property, there is one thing that most homeowners agree on – the need for space. Space is key - key for storage, key for zoning and key for privacy.
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10th Oct 2022
Can social media help with your bathroom project?
Technology and social media continue to advance at a pace. While having access to so many different platforms can seem overwhelming at times, there are many advantages which can be hugely beneficial when it comes to renovating or refurbishing your bathroom or ensuite.
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26th Sep 2022
Achieving the right balance
There are so many decorative decisions to be made when planning a new bathroom or ensuite. What style do you like? What is the latest look? What fits the space? ….. and the list goes on!
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12th Sep 2022
Improve your bathroom without breaking the bank – Part 2
As mentioned in part 1, 2022 has been tough on many. Hardly a day goes by when the cost of living doesn’t feature in the news. So, when it comes to planning home improvements the dream of a brand-new bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom may need to go on hold.
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29th Aug 2022
Improve your bathroom without breaking the bank – Part 1
2022 has been tough financially on many and the next six to nine months look bleak. News bulletins continue to focus on the cost of living so when it comes to home improvements the dream of a brand-new bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom may need to go on hold.
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18th Jul 2022
Several ways to gain an ensuite
Most homes in the UK don’t have a surplus of space. But many homeowners are keen to add an ensuite bathroom to take the strain away from the main bathroom. So where is the new ensuite going to go?
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30th May 2022
Top Tips when planning an ensuite
So, you’ve made the decision to go ahead and invest in an ensuite – now the hard work begins!
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18th Apr 2022
Fundamental questions when considering an ensuite
Adding an ensuite is a great idea if you have the space. Not only should it make life easier, but it should also add value to your property. Property experts recommend that a home has one bathroom for every two to three bedrooms, so if you need another bathroom and space is at a premium, an ensuite is the way to go.
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28th Mar 2022
What’s big in bathrooms in 2022? Part 2
As mentioned in our previous blog, home interior design trends are a constantly moving feast. Bathrooms are worth a makeover just as much as bedrooms, living spaces and kitchens and with a little effort can easily be brought up to date in line with current trends.
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14th Mar 2022
What’s big in bathrooms in 2022? Part 1
Home interior design trends are a constantly moving feast. Wander into any showroom or retailer and you’ll immediately be aware of the latest colours and textures when it comes to our living spaces – whether that’s botanical fabrics, blush pink cabinets, brass accessories, or black decorative hardware. When it comes to interior design trends, reception rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens spring to mind, however, the bathroom is no stranger to following fashion (see December 2021 blog – Bathroom trends over time).
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14th Feb 2022
Key ingredients to create a spa-style bathroom
We all deserve a little bit of relaxation from time to time and a luxurious spa is the ideal place to kick-back and unwind. However, visiting a spa, whether for a half-day, full day, or entire weekend, is a costly indulgence. A far more affordable day-to-day luxury is recreating that spa-feeling at home and where better to do that than the bathroom. Having a spa-style bathroom is a perfect way to ensure relaxation– just knowing that it’s there at the end of a busy day provides both physical and mental benefits.
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31st Jan 2022
Top Tips For Taps
Whether designing a brand-new bathroom or revamping your current bathroom, understandably the focus is on choosing the bigger items such as the bathroom suite, furniture, mirrors, and cabinets. However, one of the smaller items that can make a real difference to the overall look and feel of the room is taps.
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10th Jan 2022
New Year’s resolution to declutter bathrooms
Now that Christmas and the New Year have passed, it’s time to look forward to 2022 and a period of new beginnings. A popular new year’s resolution is to make more space and January is the perfect time to get rid of all the clutter that’s accumulated over the previous 12-24months and to make a fresh start.
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27th Dec 2021
Bathroom Trends Over Time
Just as with any other room in the house, bathrooms respond to changing tastes, trends, and technology. At Bathroom Compare we love all things bathroom – whether that’s past, present, or future - so thought it would be interesting to look back at some of the key bathroom trends over the last five decades.
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13th Dec 2021
Bathroom Wonder Walls – Part 2
Last month Bathroom Compare focused on three popular choices for bathroom walls in family bathrooms, ensuites, and cloakrooms.
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29th Nov 2021
Bathroom Wonder Walls – Part 1
Tiles and paint were once the only products found on bathroom walls.
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15th Nov 2021
How long should a bathroom last?
Investing in a main bathroom or ensuite is probably one of the costliest home improvements project a homeowner can undertake after the kitchen. Not only is a new bathroom demanding in terms of financial investment, but also in terms of time – researching and planning – as well as the disruption experienced during installation.
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25th Oct 2021
How to overcome common bathroom space dilemmas – Part 2
In the previous blog, we looked at some of the most common problems relating to space that come up time and time again when designing and planning a new bathroom – how to incorporate a free-standing bath, how to include both bath and shower, how to make the most of a small ensuite and how to provide the feeling of space in a bathroom with no windows.
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11th Oct 2021
How to overcome common bathroom space dilemmas - Part 1
A beautiful, stylish bathroom that’s a joy to use often features at the top of a property wish-list and bathroom overhauls are one of the most popular home improvement projects, proving that a space to relax and unwind is important to homeowners in the UK.
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20th Sep 2021
Creating a loft bathroom
With space very much at a premium and homeowners either not wanting to or perhaps being unable financially to move, the home improvement answer often lies in a loft conversion. Loft conversions have become more and more popular over the years providing an additional bedroom, home office, playroom, or gym.
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16th Aug 2021
Making the most of your bathroom budget
In an ideal world money would be no problem when it comes to renovating or refurbishing our homes. For most of us that’s a pipe dream. There is usually a figure in mind when setting out on a home improvement project and most homeowners realise that a contingency budget may also need to be called upon.
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19th Jul 2021
Let there be light.
Lighting can often be one of the last decisions on the list when it comes to renovating, refurbishing or installation a new bathroom. However, the impact of lighting, no matter the size of the family bathroom, ensuite, or cloakroom, should not be underestimated.
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28th Jun 2021
Increased importance of hygiene in the bathroom
If nothing else, the last 18months have made us all aware of the importance of maintaining hygiene, at a personal level as well as at home. While hand hygiene continues to be critical, the relevance and importance of surface disinfection is also key. To reduce the chances of infection, it is expected that the enhanced focus on wellness and demand for hygiene products will continue to grow in the future and that it won’t be long before many of these behavioural changes become long-term habits.
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14th Jun 2021
Should I use a bathroom designer?
The time has come to plan your new bathroom. The question is, where to begin?
The first phase is the design of your bathroom and there are plenty of options available - design your own scheme online or visit an independent or high street bathroom retailer or showroom. It’s easy to think that designing a bathroom isn’t particularly difficult. If it’s a case of simply replacing sanitaryware items, then there really is little need for a designer to get involved. More than that? Then it’s definitely worth considering.
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31st May 2021
Do I need building control when installing a bathroom?
Building control can be confusing and, as a result, can often be overlooked. Official approval is required from the authorities for certain work or projects undertaken in and around the home. It is so important, in fact, that there is a whole law surrounding it. Unfortunately, if it is ignored you could get prosecuted and fined. Your local authority could make you pay for faulty work to be fixed and, without approval, you will not have certificates of compliance which you may need when it comes to selling your home.
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10th May 2021
Key ingredients for creating an industrial style bathroom
A well-established look in coffee shops, restaurants, and gastro pubs up and down the country, love of the ‘industrial’ is as popular as ever. Easy to put together and sturdy in design, it can easily take the knocks of family living as well as look good - from matt black taps to warm metallics and striking lights, the style is accessible and appeals to many.
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26th Apr 2021
Decorating the bathroom: Part 2 – How to apply paint in a bathroom
Whether starting with a brand-new bathroom and bare plastered walls or painting over existing paint, the most important thing is preparation even though both routes need to be treated in different ways.
What both have in common however, is the order in which to paint the bathroom. Always start at the top and work down towards the bottom to avoid drips landing on freshly painted areas.
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12th Apr 2021
Decorating the bathroom: Part 1 - Best paint to use
April and we are well and truly into spring. In general, most of us have still got a little more time on our hands than usual even though the country is starting to open up slowly and as we approach two bank holiday weekends, DIY jobs are often top of mind. One of the easier DIY jobs is decorating and as the family bathroom, ensuite, and downstairs cloakroom are often the smallest rooms in the house, these can often be the ones that are the subject of a makeover or quick lick of paint over the extra-long weekend.
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29th Mar 2021
Buying a bathroom post lockdown
It has been 12 months since we browsed bathroom retailers and wandered around showrooms without restrictions. A year ago, we didn’t need to think twice about inviting a bathroom designer or installer into our homes and there were no issues with trade people working alongside each other in an enclosed space.
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8th Mar 2021
How long does it take to install a bathroom?
Whether you are planning a luxurious master ensuite, a practical family bathroom or a simple downstairs cloakroom, there is plenty to think about. Designing, buying, and fitting a new bathroom is a big undertaking. The design needs to balance function and style. Buying needs to ensure personal taste can be achieved within budget. Fitting, whether you take it on yourself or bring in trades people, needs to go smoothly … otherwise you’d wish you’d never started!
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22nd Feb 2021
Time to spring clean the bathroom
As we head into March and with a little more time on our hands than usual, what better opportunity is there than to give your bathroom a decent spring clean. As a bathroom, ensuite, or cloakroom is generally smaller other rooms in the house, they can easily get overlooked. However, it’s the one room in the house that is probably used more often than any other and so requires as much attention, if not more. With a little time and effort, the result is always worthwhile.
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8th Feb 2021
Should I use a builder to install my bathroom?
Buying and fitting a new bathroom is a big decision. Mistakes can be expensive to put right so it is worthwhile doing all your research up front – design, choice of sanitaryware as well as the installation. Whether renovating, modernising, extending, or adding an en-suite or cloakroom, a new bathroom is a worthy investment and can not only improve your day to day living but also add value to your property. Sadly, get the installation wrong and you will wish you’d never started!
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18th Jan 2021
Key ingredients for creating an art-deco bathroom.
If glamour, luxury, and symmetrical designs appeal to you, then it is highly likely you like all things Art-Deco. Characterised by rich colours, bold geometry and decadent detailed work, Art Deco style reached the height of its popularity in the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s and is still very much on trend when it comes to interiors today.
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14th Dec 2020
Best enclosure or cubicle for your shower
Whether you choose a separate shower enclosure or shower over the bath, the shower itself is often considered the focal point of the bathroom – the place to relax or to be revived. As a sensory sanctuary, there are many elements to think about, most of which; type of power, shower tray and shower head, bathroom-compare.com has written about in previous blogs. This month the final part of the jigsaw, the type of enclosure or cubicle, is the subject of our blog.
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24th Nov 2020
Bathroom installation – The basics
Buying and fitting a new bathroom is a big decision and one that is key to get right first time. Mistakes can be expensive to put right so it is worthwhile putting in the legwork up front. It can be easy to spend plenty of time, money and resource on planning, choosing and purchasing the actual sanitaryware, however, sadly, the less glamorous part of the process – the installation – can often be overlooked and end up being fraught with problems.
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16th Nov 2020
Best showerhead for your shower
As mentioned previously, there are a lot of different components to consider when buying a new shower. In the last couple of blogs, we have looked at the different types of power options available - from digital to electric, mixer to power shower - plus the key things to consider when purchasing a shower tray; shape, size and material. The next element to focus on is the actual showerhead itself.
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26th Oct 2020
Show off the downstairs cloakroom!
Your downstairs toilet, or cloakroom, might well be the smallest room in the house, but it is probably seen by more visitors and guests to your home than your main bathroom.
For many it’s a secondary space with most time and attention put into the designing and planning of the kitchen / dining area and lounge for entertaining guests, but the downstairs toilet, or cloakroom, is just as important and can be great fun to design and decorate. Rather than become a cluttered space which you would rather guests didn’t see, be proud of it and unleash your creativity!
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12th Oct 2020
Best tray for your shower
There are a lot of different components to consider when buying a new shower. In last month’s blog Bathroom-compare looked at the power options available from digital to electric, mixer to power shower. This month the shower tray is under scrutiny.
Unless you are opting for an over-bath shower, you will need a shower tray or base, where water can drain away. Some are designed for use with enclosures, others are designed to lie flush with the floor for walk-in units.
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28th Sep 2020
Best power for your shower
A shower should be a sensory pleasure, to either revive or relax depending on your mood. Like a bath, your shower is often the focal point of your bathroom and comes in many shapes, sizes, and style. Finding the right shower can be tricky as there are many different components to think about from the type of shower itself to the shower tray, shower head and, of course, the style of enclosure. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions that need to be made as well as the wide range of choice available.
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14th Sep 2020
Key ingredients for creating a rustic bathroom
Whether you’re decorating a house in the country or just want to create the lived-in, feel of rustic décor, achieving this look is all about texture. Reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, rough stone and cast iron are perfect. These natural, less polished materials provide a sense of craftsmanship and give a room an immediate sense of character. This is especially true in a bathroom, where you can make a big impact with just a few subtle elements.
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20th Aug 2020
Heating your bathroom
It’s a glorious summer’s day. The sun is shining. The windows are wide open. The last thing on your mind right now is how best to heat your bathroom! However, like so many home improvement projects, putting a little leg work in early on and doing the research will reap the benefits in the long run. Choose wisely and the right form of heating will not only keen you warm, but can also add interest to your bathroom, save you both space and money and could even provide extra storage space!
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9th Aug 2020
Wonderous wet rooms
Having become more popular in recent years, wet rooms are stylish, excellent for smaller spaces, ideal for those with accessibility issues and are easy to keep clean. As with any home improvement project, make sure you have completed some background research as there is plenty to bear in mind before embarking on the installation of a wet room. Hopefully, the following will help:
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23rd Jul 2020
Key ingredients for creating a period bathroom
Those living in a period property have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing interior style and design. While a contemporary and ultra-modern look can work well, most people tend to favour interior design that is sympathetic to the original building itself. However, a more traditional style is not exclusive to those living in period properties and Victorian or Edwardian styling can look stunning in newer builds.
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8th Jul 2020
A guide to bathroom furniture
Bathroom cabinets, floor-mounted units and vanity units are essential for storing towels and toiletries but more than simply adding practicality and convenience, bathroom furniture can also enhance the feel of the entire room by creating a harmonised and styled look.
Start by measuring the space you have carefully and work out exactly where you want the furniture to go. Make sure you allow for the full opening of any drawers or doors and consider employing the services of a fitter or handyman if installing wall-mounted units.
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24th Jun 2020
Buying a new bathroom (Part 2)
Following on from Bathroom-compare’s previous blog, other key elements such as showers, lighting and the all-important toilet are covered this time. There is just as much to think about here when it comes to personal taste and budget as there is when considering luxurious baths and stylish wash basins.
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11th Jun 2020
Buying a new bathroom (Part 1)
Whether you are planning a stunning master ensuite, a practical family bathroom or a small downstairs cloakroom, a good bathroom design needs to balance function and style. There are many elements to consider throughout the buying process and plenty to think about when it comes to personal taste and budget.
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26th May 2020
How to create your very own hotel-style bathroom
We may not be able to go away and spend time relaxing and being pampered in a hotel right now but one thing we can do is sit at home and plan how to bring a touch of hotel luxury and elegance to our own homes.
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18th May 2020
Best of the basins
No bathroom is complete without its basin. As a key component of any bathroom, whether main , en-suite or cloakroom, the basin is no less important than the toilet, bath or shower and should be given the dutiful consideration it deserves – after all, it gets used multiple times a day by everyone in the household.
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27th Apr 2020
4 key quality measures to look out for when buying sanitaryware
Whether you are planning a luxurious master en-suite or super-practical family bathroom, making the right decision on purchasing your sanitaryware is key. After all the hard work that goes into designing, choosing and installing a new bathroom, the last thing you need (or your bank balance needs!) is to have to rip it out a couple of years down the line because you’re unhappy with the quality.
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17th Apr 2020
Mindful Living
While the actual refurbishment or installation of a new bathroom may not be top of mind during these unprecedented times, many of us have more time than usual on our hands which could be put to good use, amongst other things, to research a future bathroom project.
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23rd Mar 2020
Think thoroughly through redesign before purchase
Redesigning or refurbishing a bathroom is generally considered to be far more straightforward than undertaking a kitchen project. It is. However, that doesn’t mean to say that you shouldn’t put plenty of thought into the planning and design of your bathroom before you rush out and start purchasing your dream bath or favourite vanity unit.
An efficient and well-thought-through bathroom is key to any home and considering all elements of the redesign before you begin will ensure a successful result and make the process as stress-free as possible.
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11th Mar 2020
Essential, but never boring….toilets!
Whilst you might be forgiven for thinking that a toilet is simply a toilet, think again! Toilets too come in an abundance of shapes and sizes. The toilet you choose will be determined by the amount of space you have, the style of your bathroom, and budget. Add in a wide range of toilet seats and flush panels and one thing is for sure - gone are the days of boring, standard toilets!
For a contemporary bathroom, choose a close-coupled, back-to-wall, wall-hung, or corner toilet. Some are curvaceous, others have sharper outlines. A bathroom that is more traditional in style will work better with a toilet that has more intricate lines and design detail and one that will harmonise well with classic pedestal basins and roll-top baths. The toilet doesn’t need to match the other fittings but do think about creating a consistent feel to pull the look together.
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24th Feb 2020
Bathing Beauties
For those that love a bath, it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind. A bath is a very personal choice and comes in many shapes, sizes, lengths and styles.
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15th Feb 2020
Adding colour to your bathroom
Avocado, peach, and burgundy bathroom suites are long gone! For some time now the UK has been a nation of white bathroom lovers.
Whilst all-white bathroom suites may be a safe option, they can all too easily look sterile and uninviting. As far as functionality is concerned, of course bathrooms are used first and foremost for personal hygiene and to store cleaning products and toiletries. However, a bathroom is more than that. It can be both an energising zone as well as a sanctuary – a space to get ready for the day ahead or to unwind and relax in the evening and therefore incorporating some colour is vital in ensuring that it is a place where you want to spend quality time.
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31st Jan 2020
Ultimate Guide to small bathrooms
Bathrooms can very often lack space especially in period properties. A lot of properties across the UK were built in the Victorian and Georgian-era and these are particularly prone to smaller bathrooms. Thankfully, over the years, designers and manufacturers have discovered ingenious ways of making the most of the space available. Below are a few of those ideas.
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21st Jan 2020
Top tips for maximising bathroom storage space
Whether you share a bathroom with others or have an entire bathroom to yourself, today’s consumers invest in more products, both personal hygiene as well as cleaning products, than ever before!
Research has shown that, as a nation, we have less bathroom space than a decade ago and that the bathroom is viewed by many as their sanctuary – a private place to unwind and relax. With less space, more products and a desire to have an uncluttered retreat, the answer must lie in smart storage…
So, whether you are updating your existing bathroom or planning a new space, here are some of our top tips for making the most of your new scheme and, most importantly, maximising your space.
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8th Dec 2019
How to pay for a new bathroom?
It’s that time of year when most of us come under financial pressure. It’s also the time of year when we plan to get projects done in time for the festive season before visiting guests arrive or we plan to start the New Year with good intentions and undertake home improvement projects. Whether at Christmas, or any other time of the year, installing a new or replacing elements of a tired bathroom can be expensive. However, like so many home improvement projects, the cost can vary enormously.
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2nd Dec 2019
Bathroom flooring – where to begin? (Part 2)
As mentioned in Part 1 of this blog, flooring is an important consideration when designing a bathroom, but it’s not always a straightforward one. When choosing a bathroom flooring material, it is key to take into consideration safety, cost, maintenance and aesthetics and, as is often the case, there are pros and cons for each. Below are 4 of the most popular flooring materials
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18th Nov 2019
Bathroom flooring – where to begin? (Part 1)
Whether replacing or refurbishing a main family bathroom, en-suite or cloakroom, the cost is not insignificant. It can be one an expensive home improvement project and most homeowners spend a fair amount of time looking for inspiration online, in showrooms and in magazines and brochures before committing.
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4th Nov 2019
Planning a new bathroom
Whether you are planning a luxurious master en-suite or a practical family bathroom, a good design needs to balance function, style, space and quality. Achieving the perfect balance is key in order to get the bathroom you really want.
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