October 24, 2014

Is it time to future proof your bathroom by replacing the traditional bath tub with a modern shower enclosure or luxury wet room?

When it comes to a major bathroom refurbishment, an increasingly popular option is to consider replacing the bath in favour of a large shower enclosure or wet room.  A shower offers a number of distinct advantages over the traditional bath; showering is quicker than bathing and generally uses less water, the low thresholds of modern designer shower trays can provide the elderly with easier access and larger showers can accommodate a seat to aid the mobility impaired.

A standard bath measures approximately 1700 x 700, which is sufficient space to accommodate a stunning new modern shower enclosure such as an inline shower enclosure with hinged door and side return panel, or if space is an issue a sliding shower door will maximise space without protruding into the room.

Room H2o has a selection of stylish frameless and semi-frameless shower enclosures that can transform even a relatively small bathroom and if space is at a premium why not consider wet room that will maximise the floor area and provide level access to the shower for the elderly or those with impaired mobility?

If you are considering a major refurbishment of your bathroom, do talk to the design team at Room H2o.  In addition to our range of standard and custom made shower enclosures, we can supply a range of quality accessories from the best manufacturers to help complete your project.

While you were standing under a nice warm shower this morning did you consider how much water and energy you were using?

According to Waterwise*the average 8 minute shower uses 62 litres of water which is significantly less than the 80 litres used for the average bath.  However, a high pressure pumped shower can use as much as 136 litres.  So how can you save water and still enjoy an invigorating shower?  The answer is to install one of Hansgrohe’s EcoSmart water saving shower heads.

How do Hansgrohe water saving shower heads work?

Hansgrohe’s water saving shower heads work by restricting and aerating the flow of water to reduce usage while still producing a full bodied showering experience.  Many water saving shower heads require high water pressure, restricting the flow and then forcing it through a series of small holes to increase the pressure.  Hansgrohe EcoSmart shower heads feature an innovative flow limiting “precision O-ring” which flexibly reacts to the water pressure and adjusts the quantity of water accordingly.  The remaining water is then mixed with air before it passes through a series of specially designed jets.

How much water can you save?

Hansgrohe water saving shower heads can reduce consumption by up to 60%.  The extensive range of stylish “Raindance EcoSmart” overhead and handheld showers restricts the water flow rate to a maximum of 9.5 litres per minute regardless of water pressure.  Further savings can be achieved with the “Crometta 85 Green” handheld and overhead shower heads which restrict water flow to only 6 litres per minute.  Hansgrohe’s innovative range of water saving “EcoSmart” and “Crometta” are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications.

At Room H2o we pride ourselves on helping domestic and commercial clients to save both water and energy by providing advice and innovative eco-friendly bathroom products from a range of high quality manufacturers

Please contact us for more information about Hansgrohe water saving shower heads or if you would like to know more about reducing water and energy consumption in your bathroom.

With a little imagination, planning and professional design advice even the smallest spaces can be turned into practical and stylish en-suite bathrooms, often adding value to your home.

Bathrooms have become significant features of modern living and even smaller houses will often have a master bedroom with en-suite and a family bathroom.  Using modern space saving bathroom products, it is now possible to create en-suites in small spaces.  A well planned and properly constructed en-suite bathroom can add value to your home and increase its desirability when offered for sale.  According to the Channel 4 Homes website, a typical four bedroom house with an en-suite can be worth from £10,000 to £20,000 more than an identical house without an en-suite.

En-suite bathrooms in small spaces

An en-suite facility need not occupy a great deal of space and requires only a toilet, small basin and shower enclosure to create an additional bathroom that is both stylish and functional.  Even a window, although preferable, is not essential if the scheme incorporates light colours, reflective surfaces and adequate lighting and ventilation.  If you are considering creating an en-suite bathroom, space will often be a limiting factor and both layout and product selection will need to be considered carefully.

Planning en-suite bathrooms

A professional bathroom designer will be able to offer advice on important planning considerations such as drainage, lighting and ventilation as well as suggesting products, colours and surface finishes that are suitable for a small en-suite.  Using the latest 3D design software, a bathroom specialist can produce floor plans and full colour photographic visualisations of your proposed en-suite.

Some do’s and a don’t for creating a successful en-suite bathroom

• Do use a professional bathroom designer to help you make the most of available space and avoid costly mistakes.
• Do consider lighting at an early stage; simply adding lots of down lighters can produce a harsh light with shadows that can make a small bathroom feel even smaller.
• Do consider either a simple fixed walk-in shower screen or bifold sliding shower door; both will save space and may allow a larger shower to be created.
• Do consider using under floor heating instead of radiators to free up precious wall space.
• Do consider using a macerator if drainage is an issue; there are products specifically designed to handle all of the waste water from a small bathroom.
• Don’t overlook ventilation, which is especially important in small bathrooms and can cause subsequent damp problems if omitted.

If you are planning to add an en suite bathroom to your home or would like some bathroom design advice, please contact the experts at Room H2O or visit our bathroom showrooms at New Malden in Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.

All bathrooms require careful planning and this is especially true of small bathrooms. Intelligent design incorporating space saving and bespoke bathroom products can make even the smallest of spaces into a stylish and practical bath or shower room.

A successful design for a small bathroom or shower room should maximise every inch of space and combine practical considerations such as storage and adequate heating and ventilation to create a bathroom design that is both stylish and uncluttered.

Choosing the colour scheme and tiles for a small bathroom

The best small bathroom designs make the most of the available light and maximise space.  The choice of colour and tiles is important, in order to maximise the feeling of space use light neutral colours combined with large tiles for floors and walls.  Where light is at a premium glazed wall tiles will help to reflect light, a contrasting tile of a similar tone can be used to define the floor.  Whilst mosaic tiles can be used for the floor of a wetroom, using small tiles throughout a small bathroom or wet room will make the room feel smaller as will dark colours.

A large mirror, installed above a bath, toilet or behind shelves in an alcove, can make even the smallest of bathrooms feel substantially bigger by reflecting light and creating the illusion of much greater space.

Lighting for small bathrooms

Lighting is an important part of bathroom design and is often overlooked.  Bathrooms require lighting solutions that are similar to kitchens, focussed light for work areas such as basins and vanity units and ambient or mood lighting for surrounding areas.  With careful planning and some forethought the correct lighting can make even the smallest bathroom feel bigger.

Areas such as basins require light to be projected from the wall towards the individual, lighting the face, rather than recessed spotlights which can cast a shadow over the basin when in use.  A good alternative to wall mounted lights is mirror with integrated lighting as this will provide illumination around the basin and take up less space than a mirror with separate lights.

Recessed ceiling lights are perfectly adequate for lighting the remaining areas of a bathroom, however, advances in LED and coloured lighting allow for interesting and attractive lighting effects to be created.  Small individual LED lights or strip lights can be mounted under shelves or vanity units to create ambient lighting effects or recessed into floors and walls to highlight areas such as a wet shower area or to create a warm glow from behind a toilet.

Keeping the colour pallet light and neutral will help to maximise the effectiveness of lighting in a small bathroom, however, the placement and type of lights must be considered.  Installing lots of high powered ceiling lights might seem like an effective means of introducing light into a small bathroom but the result can feel cold and more like an operating theatre.

Bathroom furniture and sanitary ware for small bathrooms

The best small bathroom furniture combines cleaver storage solutions with stylish clean lines.  Consider using a wall hung toilet and sink to keep the floor clear of clutter maximise space and make cleaning, which can be difficult in small bathrooms, easier.

A combined wall hung sink and small vanity unit with either integrated drawers or cupboard below will provide ample storage for many bathroom essentials with the added benefit of hiding unsightly pipework.   A slim bathroom cabinet mounted above the sink will provide further storage space; combine with mirrored doors and back lighting to create an attractive focal point.

Small bathrooms often feature awkward spaces such as alcoves and a good bathroom design will use these features to create further space.   Bespoke fitted bathroom furniture and shelving can turn even the most difficult of spaces into stylish and practical storage solutions.   Bathroom cabinets can be as little as 100mm in depth and it may be possible to replace elements of a stud wall with MDF carcases, potentially creating a substantial amount of storage with minimal intrusion into the available space within the bathroom.

Baths and shower enclosures for small bathrooms

In a small bathroom it may not be possible or necessary to accommodate a full size bath as shorter and deeper baths, such as the Hip Bath or Labette by Bette, occupy far less space while still facilitating a relaxing soak.  Smaller baths will still accommodate a glass bath screen for creating a shower within the bath.

A shower enclosure or wet room will often take up less space than a bath and can be a more efficient solution for small bathrooms.  A common problem associated with shower enclosures and small bathrooms is the spaced required to open the shower door into the room, a sliding or bifolding shower door that contains the opening portion of the door within the shower negates this issue and will often allow a larger shower to be created.  Bespoke shower enclosures and trays are now widely available and this makes it possible to create a full shower enclosure in awkward spaces, such as in an alcove or under the stairs, that would not normally accept a standard sized shower enclosure.

A wet room, although generally more expensive to install, will maximise floor space within the bathroom due to the lack of a shower tray, making cleaning easier and creating the illusion of space.  A simple fixed wet room shower screen is an option worth considering if the space available within the bathroom precludes the use of an outward opening hinged shower door.  If space is at a premium it is possible make the whole room a wet shower area and do without a shower screen, however, adequate drainage and ventilation will have to be installed to manage the moisture and standing water should be removed with a squeegee after each shower.

Heating and ventilation for small bathrooms

In any bathroom adequate heating and ventilation are important for both comfort and controlling ambient moisture.  The small, or often non-existent, windows and limited wall space that are features of small bathrooms require heating and ventilation to be carefully considered.  Free up valuable wall space by fitting under floor heating instead of a traditional radiator, and for drying towels consider mounting a small heated towel rail level above a bath or in the drying area of a wetroom.  Ventilation within small bathrooms is equally important, especially in a shower or wet room and an extractor fan of suitable capacity should be installed to draw away excess airborne moisture.

Room H2o have been creating imaginatively designed and beautifully executed small bathrooms for more than 10 years.  Why not take advantage of our expertise and state of the art 3D bathroom design software to design your perfect small bathroom or wet room.  Contact the experts at Room H2O today for a free small bathroom design consultation or alternatively visit our showrooms in New Malden, Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.

The sloping ceilings that are the defining feature of many loft conversions will often prevent the fitment of a standard full height shower enclosure. The solution is to install a bespoke shower enclosure from Room H2o that has been specifically designed to accommodate the sloping ceilings in your loft shower or bathroom.

Loft conversions have become increasingly popular, providing a cost effective solution for adding space and value to your home.  A well converted loft can provide space for additional bedrooms and bathrooms at a fraction of the cost of moving house.  However, it should be noted that the characteristics of loft spaces present architects and designers with a unique and often complex set of challenges.

When considered in isolation the additional floor space provided by a loft conversion can seem generous, however headroom is often restricted due to the height and pitch of the roof.  Consequently the layout for loft conversions and bathrooms will require careful planning.

Accommodating a full height shower enclosure in a loft conversion

Reduced head height, caused by the roof line and sloping ceilings, is the most common issue that must be overcome when designing shower enclosures and bathrooms for loft conversions. In order to create a usable shower the head will need to be positioned above head height and in loft shower room this will often require the shower enclosure to be positioned adjacent to or directly below the ridge line of the roof.  However, the slop and angle of the ceilings will often prevent the use of a standard, full height, shower enclosure.

The solution to this problem is to use a bespoke shower enclosure or screen which has been designed specifically for loft conversions.  Modern semi-frameless shower enclosure designs, with minimal framework, are particularly suited to loft applications because they can be manufactured to precisely suit the angle and pitch of sloping ceilings that are the defining feature of most loft conversions.

Room H2o bespoke shower enclosures & screens for loft conversions

Room H2o have been designing, supplying and installing bespoke shower enclosures and wetrooms for loft conversions for a number of years.  We understand the unique design challenges that must be addressed in order to design a successful loft bath or shower room and offer a number of made to measure shower enclosures specifically for loft conversions.

With a choice of styles available from manufacturers such as Matki, Mistley and Simpsons we can help you to choose a design that will suit your requirements.  Room H2o can also assist you with measuring and installing your bespoke loft shower screen.

Please contact us if you require an angled bespoke shower enclosure or would us to design the bath or shower room for your loft conversion.  Alternativley please visit our bathroom showrooms based at New Malden in Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.

We reveal the bathroom design trends for 2014. From large luxury spa inspired bathrooms to funky cloak rooms, read our guide to creating your own fabulous bathroom.

Colour, shape and material trends

Colour, curves and natural materials are key trends for both bathroom and interior design this year.  Deep blue and rich purple accent colours set against soft neutral shades of cream and grey will prove popular.  As will curved bathroom furniture, patterned tiles, frameless showers, wetrooms and innovative bathroom lighting.

Monochrome and geometric patterns are set to make a big impact as they are suited to both modern and vintage bathrooms.  Tiles will be the popular choice for prints although wall paper, combined with classic pieces of lounge furniture may also make an appearance in large luxury bathrooms.  Vintage and particularly the 1920’s continue to be popular influences on design in general, from fashion and weddings to furniture and interiors.

Natural materials such as wood and stone have replaced the high gloss finishes that have defined bathrooms for a number of years.  Designers are now incorporating soft curves and a broader range of materials including matt and brushed finishes for taps, tiles and solid surface products combined with natural materials such as Oak, Walnut and Cherry timbers with marble, granite and limestone.

Wood flooring is proving to be very fashionable of recent and as a result a wide range of very convincing wood effect porcelain tiles can be purchased.  Furthermore, as a consequence of advances in manufacturing techniques, and digital printing technology, equally convincing porcelain reproductions of natural stone are readily available.  These new ultra-thin, generally less than 5mm in thickness, porcelain tiles are also available in giant sizes up to 1800 x 900mm from brands such as Porcel-Thin, reducing visible grout lines and providing the appearance of large stone slabs without the associated weight and cost.

Furniture, taps and freestanding baths

Straight edges and sharply defined corners are giving way to curves.  This is indicative of a softer and more luxurious design direction for both bathrooms and interiors in general.  Curved bathroom cabinets, stone worktops with radius corners, curvaceous freestanding baths and stone polymer moulded sinks are the order of the day.

While tap designers continue to become ever more adventurous, with products often resembling small sculptures, materials have not altered much for decades.  Well that seems to be changing, while chrome will continue to be a popular choice stainless steel, brushed nickel, and matt finish taps, shower valves and heads are now offered by mainstream luxury brands.  Crosswater has recently launched the Mike Pro collection in brushed stainless and European brands such as Tremmee and Hansgrohe have offered matt and brushed finishes for some time.

Shiny high gloss cabinets and minimalism have given way to book matched Oak, Walnut and Cherry wooden bathroom furniture combined with marble, granite or quartz worktops.  Solid surface materials are growing in popularity, available in both gloss and cool matt finishes, not to mention a wide variety of colours and stone finishes.  These hardwearing and innovative stone polymer materials can be moulded to produce complex and beautiful products such as egg shaped freestanding baths, elegant worktops featuring integral sinks, shower trays or even whole wetroom floors.

The increasing popularity of showering has resulted in the bath being seen less as a purely functional feature of our bathrooms and more as a luxury design statement.  This is especially true for larger bathrooms, both modern and traditional, where large freestanding baths, combined with floor mounted taps, are now commonly placed at the centre of the design, like a piece of classical furniture, creating a real sense of occasion and turning a long hot soak into a luxury spa experience.

Shower enclosure, tray and wetroom trends

The trend for frameless shower enclosures with wide expanses of thick glass will continue, as will the growth in popularity of the wetroom.  A frameless glass shower enclosure is equally suited to both ultra-modern and vintage style bathrooms, the choice of tiles and shower head defining the overall appearance.  Combine with bevel edge brick tiles and a large decorative rain shower head for a period look or brightly coloured mosaics and brushed stainless shower controls and ceiling mounted drench shower head for an ultra-modern luxury shower.

Coloured and stone effect shower trays will continue to be popular in 2014.  Low profile trays of between 30 and 45mm have be widely available for some years but the latest products from manufacturers such as Fiora and JT take the humble show tray to a new level.  Trays can now be manufactured in a wide range of colours and stone effects and even bespoke shapes and sizes due to advances materials and processes.  This has made the shower tray a viable and stylish alternative to a wetroom, in fact the same materials can even be used for cladding the walls of your shower.

Wetrooms continue to be popular, with well-developed kits available from a wide variety of specialists and mainstream bathroom brands it is easier and cheaper than ever to create a fabulous shower room with the feel of a luxury hotel or spar.  Combine with a large frameless glass shower enclosure and twin rainfall shower heads for the ultimate luxury showering experience.

Gadgets, gizmos and lighting

Digital showers will be a big trend in 2014.  That is not to say that the technology is particularly new but it is developing and growing in popularity.  Rather than simply controlling the temperature and settings of your shower via a wall mounted control panel, systems such as Digital by Crosswater allow the shower and bath to be controlled remotely with an app on a smart phone or tablet.  Have tea in bed while your bath fills remotely!

LED lighting has facilitated a whole range of new bathroom design possibilities.  The small bulb size, range of colours and low voltage requirement make them perfect for creating lighting effects of variable colour and intensity while being cheaper to run and safe for installation in wet areas such as the floor of a wetroom.  Combine with electronic lighting control, from a wall panel or smart phone app, for selectable focussed and mood lighting effects.

Further bathroom gadget highlights, if not trends, include toilets with a washing and drying facility, such as the Aqua Clean by Geberit, a 70 inch full HD wet television from Aqua Vision that doubles as bathroom mirror or the Dyson bathroom tap that not only washes but dries your hands with a 400 psi jet of air.

With such a wide variety of products to choose from and choices to make, planning and designing your next bathroom can be a bewildering and stressful experience.  That is why Room H2O provides a full virtual bathroom design service which allows our customers to see full colour renderings of their bathroom, including colours schemes, products and tiles before they decide to buy.  Why not chat to one of our expert bathroom designers and let them work with to create the bathroom you always dreamed of.

Contact our Dorset bathroom design team on 01929 551963 or wareham@roomh2o.co.uk