The bathroom has become an extremely important room within the home. It is no longer just a room in which to wash, it is where we relax, unwind, pamper and escape from the modern busy world!
Problem bathrooms, such as those offering little space or within an old property, are a little trickier to update but with a little careful thought they can still look fantastic. The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) offers the following tips for anyone embarking on a problem bathroom makeover:
1. Up-to-the-minute design can look perfect in any home, whether it’s a Victorian mews property or a rambling Georgian farmhouse, so don’t assume that just because you have an older property, that the bathroom has to be traditional. Strong clean lines and streamlined shapes in chrome and glass work beautifully with the elaborate effects and detailing often found in period homes.
2. Don’t skimp on budget when choosing wall finishes, bathroom furniture and accessories, as this will show and will compromise on the overall effect.
3. When selecting a bath, modern stylish curved designs work well in period homes as well as modern homes, along with the more upbeat contemporary freestanding baths in traditional shapes.
4. The right shower enclosure can really add to the contemporary feel and the shower is fast becoming the item within the bathroom that can really offer the wow factor. Stylish profiles, walk-in and wet room models are particularly trendy and offer a stylish twist along with luxurious appeal.
5. If you have limited space it may be more difficult to achieve a modern look as this generally works best with lots of natural light and space. A softer more traditional look can be achieved in more compact bathrooms by carefully choosing products especially designed for a limited space.
6. Furniture can really make a difference to a small bathroom. Many manufacturers offer ranges of carefully designed furniture that incorporate clever space-saving ideas.
7. In many older properties the challenge of limited space is further complicated by low or awkward shaped ceilings and walls that are uneven. 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.
8. Lighting is also important, especially in a smaller bathroom as it can give the impression of shadow and make the illusion that there is more space than actually exists. 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.
9. If your tastes are strictly traditional it is similarly easy to create your dream bathroom with beautifully styled suites that re-create the period feel. For example freestanding claw toe baths can be purchased from many of the modern bathroom showrooms.
10. Period bathrooms often present problems as far as plumbing is concerned but if you choose a showroom that is a KBSA member, they will take responsibility for installation, using their own installers or a regular sub-contracted plumber to overcome any potential difficulties.
So don’t get disheartened with your problem bathroom, use these KBSA tips and see it as a challenge!
To find your local KBSA specialist visit the KBSA website at ‘www.kbsa.org.uk’.
ENDS
EDITOR’S NOTES
The KBSA is a national trade association founded 28 years ago to promote excellence within the interiors industry and champion consumer protection. It now boasts more than 370 retailer members throughout the UK.
KBSA members are dedicated to upholding the association’s high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service throughout the interiors industry. All members are carefully vetted prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership. All members offer ConsumerCare deposit protection or ConsumerCare Plus, which protects the consumer from payment of the deposit to completion of the contract and includes an insurance backed warranty.
In addition, all members are subject to regular monitoring of their businesses to ensure levels of quality are continually maintained.
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