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KBSA Consumer Guide
Our FREE guide contains practical advice for consumers who are considering buying a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office.
Planning your bathroom
Those of us who live in period homes don’t have to miss out on an ultra-modern bathroom – there are numerous ways in which we can create contemporary luxury bathrooms within traditional, even historic houses.
Up-to-the-minute
design can look perfect in any home, whether it’s a Victorian mews
property or a rambling Georgian farmhouse. Strong clean lines and
streamlined shapes in chrome and glass mix and match beautifully with
the elaborate effects and detailing often found in period homes.
Before you make any firm decisions, contact the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, an organisation dedicated to upholding standards of excellence throughout the interiors industry and to protecting the consumer.
The KBSA has more than 300 retail members throughout the UK who will provide not only practical help and advice but also peace of mind – ConsumerCare deposit protection or a more comprehensive ConsumerCare Plus insurance scheme, not to mention stringent showroom checks and constant monitoring which ensures all members offer the best products and service available.
And once you’ve chosen your retailer, you can begin to plan your dream bathroom...
Let’s start with the detail – don’t skimp on your budget when choosing wall finishes, bathroom furniture and accessories, the overall effect will not be in keeping with the rest of your property.
Tiles, for example, should either be as large as you can find and extend up the entire height of the wall, or tiny and used as a shimmering mosaic. Mirrors should be as generous as possible and always heated to prevent steaming.
When selecting a bath, modern stylish curved designs work well in period homes as do more upbeat contemporary free standing baths in traditional shapes.
The right shower enclosure can add to this contemporary feel, especially if you choose from one of the frameless or minimalist ranges, and new metallic finishes, stylish profiles and shaped door handles all help.
If
you have restricted space (a cosy period home perhaps) it may be more
difficult to achieve a modern look which inevitably works best with
lots of natural light and space.
A softer more traditional look can be achieved in these smaller bathrooms by carefully choosing products especially designed for a limited space.
Furniture can really make a difference to a small bathroom. Many manufacturers offer ranges of stylish and carefully designed furniture that incorporates clever space saving ideas often desperately needed in unusually shaped or smaller bathrooms.
In many older properties the challenge of limited space is further complicated by low or awkward shaped ceilings and walls that are uneven, at angles or of different heights. Once again, manufacturers have responded by developing shower enclosures that can either be custom-made to requirements or specifically designed to fit into unusual spaces.
Lighting is an important factor in a smaller bathroom, whether you go for the contemporary or period look – it can give the impression of shadow and space that don’t really exist. You should invest in quality halogen lighting for a contemporary feel, in the form of spots or lamps, paying particular attention to the areas above mirrors.
If your tastes are strictly traditional rather than contemporary it is similarly easy to create your dream bathroom with beautifully styled suites that re-create the period feel.
Freestanding claw toe baths, for example, can be purchased from many of the modern bathroom showrooms. Dark wood storage units, high level cisterns with polished plumbing, Victorian style sculptured baths, high fashion radiators, pine surrounds, dramatic taps and even nostalgic showers with ‘drench’ showerheads or walk in enclosures are all available to purchase in modern showrooms.
Visit your nearest KBSA showroom and see the products for yourself before deciding to create a contemporary or traditional bathroom.
Not only will you be able to see a wide selection of quality products, experienced staff will also be on hand to offer expert advice on both products and materials.
Period bathrooms often present problems as far as plumbing is concerned but all KBSA showrooms will take responsibility for installation, using their own installers or a regular sub-contracted plumber to overcome any potential difficulties.
For details about your nearest KBSA retailers call us on 01905 621787 or find your nearest KBSA approved specialist here.
