We are looking for writers!

Currently we are working on a shiny new blog, it won’t replace this one, it will be an alternative place to share bathroom design ideas and we’re looking for guest authors to write us content.

 

Bathroom City is looking for architects, designers, craftsmen and customers to write articles related to bathroom design. Have you got any tricks of the trade, favourite designs or even just general rantings you would like to publish on our blog?

If you’d like to get involved, get in touch! We can’t wait to show off our new website and delve deeper into contemporary trends and designs.

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

From Bedroom to Bathroom

When looking for a luxury bathroom suite, you may trawl the internet or catalogues for ideas and often see bathroom furniture, freestanding baths etc installed in huge rooms; selling you that dream suite.

Generally, these huge spaces seem far from the ones inside your home, your current bathroom possibly much smaller or an entirely different shape to the rooftop New York apartments complete with Jacuzzi and sauna found in brochures.

Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean that your home cannot mimic these dream concepts. Your current bathroom maybe compact but what about the spare bedroom? Is there a room in your house that lays dormant? Maybe your children have flown from the nest or perhaps your home office is simply collecting cobwebs.

Just because a room has been labelled a bedroom or office doesn't mean that the space has to provide that function until the end of time, so why not convert it into your dream bathroom?

Firstly, before you start removing your carpet or wallpaper, in order for your new bathroom to meet with water by-laws and building regulations, you must first contact your water supplier and building regulation officer for approval and possible advice on your conversion: that completed, you can set to work on building your catalogue fantasy.

Secondly, find a decent plumber, you will have to re-route the water supply and waste pipes. Waste disposal can be cleverly adjusted by using a macerator and pump, again an experienced plumber is all that is required. 

Build up of condensation can spoil a bathroom within a relatively short period of time as it builds up damp and condensation which can lead to even worse problems. Ventilation is key, especially in rooms with no windows so make sure you invest in an extractor fan.

Finally, if you are looking to install a large cast iron bath, whirlpool or particularly robust units then make sure your floor can withstand the weight, especially in upstairs rooms and loft conversions – nobody wants to fall through the ceiling while in the tub.

Now it’s time to live the dream, with so much space on offer you can create the sumptuous (yet heavily ‘photoshopped’) look you desire. Bathroom City has a full range of high end products, perfect for filling those larger spaces, everything from Jacuzzi whirlpools to versatile Pelipal vanity units, so come and check us out!

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Soma to run Birmingham half marathon for Cancer Research!

Soma has now lost the moustache for a more aerodynamic look

Long serving Bathroom City staff member Soma Pillay is running his eleventh marathon this Sunday for Cancer Research.

Soma has worked at Bathroom City for 9 years and we are all supporting him in the 13.1 mile trek around the heart of Birmingham.

Keen runner Soma, has competed in 10 previous marathons and is hoping to raise as much money as possible this Sunday October 21^st for Cancer Research – a charity very close to his heart since his uncle passed away.

The marathon will be televised on channel 5 and donations can be given through http://running.cancerresearchuk.org/. Please give generously and support Soma!

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Turn antique or old furniture into contemporary bathroom chic

Of course, our showroom is full to the brim with vanity units, storage cabinets and basin stands, for any bathroom suite, Bathroom City has a solution.

We understand though that certain bathroom designs deserve more attention, and sometimes a truly unique look needs a feature from outside the showroom.

Both traditional and contemporary suites can utilise this look, maybe a quirky vanity unit or magnificent mirror could be the key to turning your dream bathroom into paradise.

Is your house a treasure trove of ‘unwanted’ furniture? The garage often hides antique delights, perfect for giving an overhaul and sticking in the bathroom: you can turn furniture that you once hid away into the focal point of your bathroom suite.

Sound good? First things first is to find the right piece of furniture. Find something that suits your particular needs, whether its storage, style or size, the beauty of converting an older piece of furniture is that the possibilities are endless.

Not being limited by what you see in a showroom gives you the opportunity to pick furniture which may not necessarily be bathroom furniture. For example, an old dresser can be easily converted into a vanity unit with plenty of storage, while a bedside table could be the perfect solution for a cloakroom basin stand.

A converted dresser: traditional and practical

After selecting your furniture to convert, have a think about the colour scheme or features which will make it fit nicely with your current interior, take into account the bath, toilet, cabinets that you may have installed or plan to install.

Secondly, begin sanding! If you are changing the colour of the unit, you need to sand off the original finish. It’s monotonous and hard work but its well worth it to get the finish you desire, also consider sanding polished gold handles for a more rustic look.

Next up, are you installing a basin? Make sure you cut a whole that will fit your chosen basin snuggly with ample room for piping (this also should be taken into consideration when choosing your furniture).

Finally, make it unique! Think outside the box, there are thousands of ways to customise your furniture into truly original designs; try tiling the top of the unit for a hard wearing finish that matches your bathroom tiles. On the other hand you could completely change the finish with a brand new work top i.e. replacing wood with a stunning marble top.

If you have any ideas about converting your old furniture then please let us know, or, if you have done it yourself, send us some pictures and we’ll be glad to post them online.

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Bathroom Design No Nos

Next to kitchens, bathrooms are the room that will add the most value to your home. The most important thing to remember when remodeling your bathroom is to do it at the right cost.  You don’t want to get everything at the cheapest rate possible, but you don’t want to spend so much that you don’t see any return on your investment either.  Here are a few things you can do to make sure you’re improving the value of your home, not diminishing it. 

Do not carpet your bathroom.  Not only is this an unappealing design, but carpet holds moisture.  If your bathroom is holding moisture it’s likely that it’s also holding mould and mildew.  Putting carpet in your bathroom is definitely a remodelling mistake.

It’s no secret that when in use bathrooms become stuffy and moist.  Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to provide your bathroom with proper ventilation.  If your bathroom isn’t properly ventilated, again, you will find yourself suffering from mold and mildew in your bathroom.

Using fiberglass in your bathroom is also a bad idea.  Fiberglass is relatively cheap and will break easily.  Instead provide your bathroom with porcelain, stainless steel, or tile.  While none of these materials are fool proof, they are certainly the most durable and stain resistant.  This makes them great options for your bathroom décor.

Bright colors are an additional bathroom faux pas.  Your bathroom should be neutral colors.  The bathroom is a place for relaxation so having a bright color will decrease the value of this room.  While you need to keep the bathroom relaxed, make sure it’s not too dark.  This is where you get ready in the morning so it’s important to make sure there is an appropriate amount of light to make morning routines easier.

Overcrowding your bathroom is another no no.  It can be hard to fit everything you want in a bathroom because generally they’re a small space.  Trying to cram everything into your bathroom will make the space even smaller and more difficult to use.  Having a spot for everything is a good way to eliminate this problem. Having a lot of open counter space will make your bathroom seem bigger so try to put everything away. His and hers sinks are another waste of space and an unnecessary item that make your bathroom look smaller.  The need for two sinks is seldom, especially when you start seeing all the water it uses.

Water efficiency is another big consideration to make when remodeling your bathroom. Today, there are many types of sinks and toilets that have water saving technology.  This will save you a lot of money in the long run and definitely increase the value of your bathroom. 

Remember these no nos when you’re remodeling your home and you won’t have to fret over poorly designed and functioning bathroom. The value of your home will increase if you take the proper bathroom remodel measures.

This article was written by Lauren Beerling, an affiliate of Brad Scott Construction