Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi is certainly no stranger to the bathroom market, being at the forefront of technology since their invention of the whirlpool bath in the 1950’s.

Bathroom City has been affiliated with Jacuzzi since our establishment in 1986, and has continually stocked the latest designs and technology.

Not only does Jacuzzi feature in our showrooms on a regular basis but also on our blog!

Yes, if you hadn't noticed we simply love talking about Jacuzzi, why? Because the prestigious brand has so much going on, whether it be new products, events or technology, Jacuzzi has got to be one of the most active brands in the bathroom industry.

Combining a perfect solution of style and functionality, the famous whirlpool designer is edging its way more and more into people’s homes, with the development of more compact whirlpool technology and a range of designs which can accompany almost any bathroom setting, extinguishing the need for a huge open space for a hot tub to unwind.

Previously, we’ve perused lesser know products by Jacuzzi, concentrating on the vast range of sanitaryware the brand has to offer; this time though, we’ll be looking at the one of the brands most applauded collections, whirlpool baths.

A whirlpool bath is the pinnacle of luxury in any modern family bathroom and Jacuzzi’s range of different designs promises everything from deep sensual massage to vigorous rejuvenation.

The Aura Whirlpool Bath from Jacuzzi oozes home spa chic, with its spacious sunken design, which recesses into the floor, the luxury whirlpool combines stunning modern artistry and function for premium relaxation. 

The Aura Whirlpool Bath

The two main characteristics which make the Aura Whirlpool Bath stand out from the crowd, is its unique shape and choice of Teak, Wenge and Italian Marble finishes for the deck surround, which can play home to a drink or two when submersed in warm bubbles.

Along with its eye catching styling, the contemporary whirlpool offers several technical features which separate it from the rest of the market including; rotating back jets, an integral shower handset, underwater lights, sanitising system and soft headrests, for an exceptional bathing experience.

The Aura range from Jacuzzi displays a full spectrum of shapes and designs, supplying a size or function suited to any modern installation.

A more traditional take on whirlpool bathing is the Sharp collection; which exudes class with its more versatile design suitable for standard bathroom suites.

The Sharp 70

The stand out factor of both the Sharp 70 and Sharp 75 whirlpool baths is the shape, and not necessarily because it is pretentious or awe-inspiring; it’s because it’s so wonderfully ordinary, supplying all the luxury of a whirlpool installation without having to give up too much space.

Although streamlining a more extravagant whirlpool into a more compact space, the Sharp 70 still makes room for an abundance of features including: a seat, 6 rotating jets, 4 jets, a head rest and sanitising system; packing superior function in a versatile design.

Steering more towards a hot tub, the Aquasoul whirlpool range offers a variety of sizes depending on space but primarily looks to occupy larger bathrooms or wet rooms, with the Aquasoul Extra, Aquasoul Corner 140, Aquasoul Corner 155 and Aquasoul Double taking centre stage.

Each design from the Aquasoul collection from Jacuzzi offers a comprehensive range of features, none more so then the Aquasoul Extra; a robust 3 seater whirlpool bath which blurs the lines between bath and hot tub.

The Aquasoul Extra is an unrivalled modern design with its sleek contemporary styling and generous bathing space: “Extra” a fitting name for a whirlpool bath that offers 3 seats.   

Amongst its potential for 3 people to relax simultaneously, the robust bath incorporates 10 rotating jets, 6 jets, 4 fixed jets, a sanitising system, underwater light and heater.

The Aquasoul Extra

With Bathroom City’s long history with Jacuzzi (since our establishment in fact) we can support each and every one of their designs, guaranteeing quality, easy to use functions and bold styling.

For more information about Jacuzzi products and our relationship with the brand please visit our dedicated Jacuzzi website. 

We've been featured!

Our article on Wet Room design has been featured on the Rick the Builder Blog. If you're interested in designing your own wet room and are not sure where to start then check it out!

What is the future of bathroom entertainment?

It seems that technology is the order of the day, with many publications, news stories and social media being geared towards gaming, albeit, the future of gaming.

With a buzz of activity surrounding computer game releases, the future of consoles and smart TVs, we felt it appropriate to take a look at how new technology could find its way into the humble bathroom.

The bathroom is an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, a peaceful haven where you can divulge your senses, so it could be deemed slightly taboo to incorporate high tech gadgets and gizmos into your bathing experience.

With that said, a lot of people use television and computer games to unwind, and combining the two could be a dream come true for many.

These state of the art additions cannot span as far as the entertainment systems found in the living and bedrooms, due to the harsher conditions they must live in, but still provide ample brain melting facilities.

The Luxurite Legend Series Digital Mirror TV

For example, the Luxurite Legend Series HD Ready, Digital, Silver Mirror Bathroom TV comes in a range of sizes and combines all the functions of a regular unit with an added twist. 

Purpose built for the bathroom environment, the stylish television is designed to withstand the perils of the bathroom environment and – when turned off – transforms into a contemporary mirror, perfect for that subtle contemporary edge.

Moreover, the Tilevision widescreen TV combines a heated glass screen and remote control, allowing the TV to be used in high humidity such as hot tubs, bathrooms and swimming pools – for us, the idea of watching TV while in a hot tub is heaven.

With past exploits in bathroom video games, we already know that the future is bright for toilet technology. It wasn’t long ago since we saw Sega develop urinal-mounted video game Toylet over in Japan.

So how about the two combined? We have smart TVs in the living room, heat resistant TVs in the bathroom and top developers like Sega creating games for the toilet; could this be the beginning of a bright future for Bathroom entertainment? The rubber duck won't get a look in any more...

Bathroom City 

Renovating Your 'One Pound Home' On Budget

Your ears may have pricked up at the term ‘one pound house’ recently, as the scheme is being put in place in the UK to help out lower income families.

Of course, ‘one pound house’ isn’t necessarily true, one pound gives you the right to control the property but not actually live in it.

To put it simply, one pound, gives you ‘the right to buy’ a property in the future at a fixed price: if a property is £90,000 it will remain that price exclusively for you over the next 3 years.

This gives people the chance to renovate old buildings, make profit or a family home, and get on the property ladder.

With all this talk of home renovation at a cost, we thought it necessary to add a few tips of our own concerning the bathroom area.

The first way to save on your bathroom is D.I.Y. Of course, don’t take on plumbing or electrical jobs if you’re not fully qualified, but simple jobs like removing wallpaper or old installations can be done with the right advice, a bit of common sense and a lot of motivation.

This not only saves you money but also makes it a lot easier to calculate home much professional man power is needed for a job, for example: if a wall is covered in broken tiles and a tiler has to remove them before they start work, it costs a lot more for them to do that job then it does for you.

In other words, any cleaning, painting or job that requires mindless smashing, do it yourself: don’t pay someone ten pounds an hour to do it.

Moreover, your second biggest expenditure is materials, and on a budget it is difficult to acquire luxury materials like marble countertops.

If you are renovating your one pound property to live, then why not try a simple lino on your bathroom floor, it is affordable and can be used as a temporary solution until you have enough money for a more durable finish.

Jax Tara Round Surface Top Basin available at Bathroom City

Another money saving alternative is to check out local car boot sales or antique stores to find a second hand vanity unit, which will not only be cheap, but give tons of character to your room. Try looking for a vintage style cupboard and simply add a surface top basin such as the Jax Tara Round Surface Top Basin, and you will get a stunning original design for just £40.

http://www.bathroomcity.co.uk/product.asp?pid=1302

Bathroom essentials such as the toilet and bath can be easily acquired in sales, or as ‘seconds’ as long as the item doesn’t have any major defects and, if kept simple, you can gain a modern timeless look at an affordable price.

At Bathroom City, we have huge sales on all year round with thousands of modern products to choose from at budget prices. The Jax Drift range is one of our best sellers and offers a contemporary solution on a budget, such as the Jax Drift 410 Vanity Unit with Basin and Tap included for just £89.

http://www.bathroomcity.co.uk/product.asp?pid=2232

Remember when renovating your home, think of resale, and keep it simple, modern luxury usually stems from minimalism, so choose simple items with a clean cut look: as long as you keep things clean and don’t clutter with unnecessary accessories, a basic bathroom design will always be a winner. 

Guest Blog: A Pristine Bathroom Needs Pristine Water

You check the mirror above the vanity to make sure it’s straight and the final detail of your remodeling job is done.  You invested a lot of time and creative energy into improving the bathroom in your home. You did the research, picked out your favourite designs, and finally had the perfect fixtures installed. You are now the proud owner of the world’s most beautiful bathroom and all is well. Right?

From all outward appearances, you have everything you need, but there is one subtle detail you may not have considered. Now that you have a fantastically equipped bathroom, it’s time to treat yourself. Your bathroom is beautiful and you should be too. Unfortunately, the water that comes from your tap is treated with chemicals to kill bacteria and viruses. While those chemicals make the water safe to drink, it can also cause damage to your skin and hair.

If you have sensitive skin, chemical-treated water can cause itching or a rash, but even healthy skin will suffer from the harmful effects.  Most water treatment systems only add a small amount of chemicals to the water to disinfect it, but that small amount is enough to cause damage over time. These chemicals dry out your skin and strip it of natural oils which help keep your skin smooth and prevent wrinkles. Remember, when you have dry skin, you’ll probably have a dry scalp which means your hair has less moisture.  Without natural moisture, your hair won’t have its natural shine, bounce, or manageability.

So while you’re installing that perfect shower head, why not install a water filter at the same time. An activated carbon shower filter will reduce chlorine and other impurities from the water, making it safer and healthier for your skin. A filter reduces particulates and helps soften the water so you can feel the difference when you shower.  An added bonus- many of the shower filter systems can be installed on the water line so you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite shower head. 

Why should you have to live with anything other than the best water? Treat yourself to a more enjoyable shower experience and help keep your skin healthy.

Andrew Clement has been writing about water quality and treatment since 2009. He is a blogger for WaterFilters.NET and his interests include public health, water quality, and water treatment systems.

Creating a Bathroom on a Budget

Bathrooms can be a once in a lifetime purchase. Filling up shopping baskets with multiple properties is a past time left only to the rich and famous, and we understand that Joe public may purchase a bathroom suite a maximum of around 3 times in our existence.

At Bathroom City we also understand that this lifetime purchase can be an expensive one, and with the social pressures of installing a suite which will impress friends and family, it can be a tricky task to balance style and budget.

 As a little point in the right direction this blog will simply recommend a series of our bathroom products which we believe offer great value for money, with a great look, durability and functionality.

First off the ultimate bathroom essential is a toilet, and on a low budget we feel it best to stick to a ceramic white and nicely curved feature as they appear to match the majority of bathroom products; it’s no good buying a cheaper product of course if it doesn’t match your suite.

JAX Jaz Close Coupled Toilet and Seat, £97

The JAX Jaz Close Coupled Toilet and Seat comes complete with all the essentials in style and function, using a chrome finished push button, white finish and curvaceous modern style; the toilet is a bargain at just £97.

Moreover, the Karizma Close Coupled Toilet and Seat from JAX is a slightly different variation in style but still maintains the bold lines of the Jaz depending on which unit suits your taste; the idea is simplicity and class in order to gain a modern style.

Next up, another Bathroom essential is a bath or shower, and again, JAX provide a stunning minimal design in the form of their Hidrobox Intro 1600x700 Acrylic Bath which is just £200. The single-ended bath combines bold lines and is ergonomically manufactured for sublime relaxation with its moulded interior and exterior.

Countess Acrylic Bath with Feet [A208], £215

For a slightly different look another great bath at an affordable price is the Countess Acrylic Bath with Feet [A208] which provides a free standing solution for the larger bathroom, giving you a luxury look and focal point in your suite for £215: a look which is usually much pricier.

If space is an issue when creating the bathroom you desire then maybe a shower is more appropriate such as the 800 and 900 Quadrant shower enclosure which is a simple solution for the smaller interior.

Both showers offer a corner enclosure which is perfect for saving space in a larger room or fitting snuggly into a smaller en-suite. With only a slight difference in size, the showers provide just as much at a budget as most high end showers, with toughened glass, clip out slide guides, single self-adjusting rollers, full height magnetic closures and concealed fixings, not to mention the glimmering chrome frame and reduced price of £139.

Finally, what bathroom wouldn’t be complete without a stunning vanity unit. An eye-catching vanity unit can give a bathroom suite character as well functionality in the form of storage and a basin.

800 Quadrant Shower Enclosure, £139

For both small and large units we’ve got to recommend JAX again, JAX never fail to provide quality at a full range of prices, and their lower priced options are great additions to any bathroom suite.

For smaller spaces, the JAX Ecco 450 Vanity Unit with Basin (white) and JAX Nebraska 400 Vanity Unit with Basin are ideal; the white giving you a simplistic look designed to disappear in your bathroom with its clean look, and the Nebraska 400 to be more of a focal point.

Also, another excellent solution to the smaller space is a wall hung unit, as they provide space underneath which can be used for storage or to simply open up your bathroom.

JAX Opera 650 Vanity Unit with Basin Sink, £185

The JAX Trax 325 Walnut Wall Hung Vanity Unit with Basin and Phoenix FI001 Ilario Single Door Cabinet provide just that, and again, promise style which can either merge with your current furniture or stand out as an impressive piece, which is both robust in its materials and durability but contemporary and functional.

For larger rooms, the JAX Ecco 850 Vanity Unit with Basin (white)  is another unit finished in white to add simple clean style and storage while the JAX Opera 650 Vanity Unit with Basin Sink is a unit which captures the essence of natural wood furniture with a walnut finish, chrome plated handles and double doors which provide generous storage.

Of course this brief guide to bargain hunting covers the bare essentials required to create a brand new design or add style to an older suite. Our website and showroom has a whole host of products ranging from budget options, right through to luxury items, all of which one trend remains the same, top quality at reasonable prices.

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Grohe's Shower Revolution

A deep, hot bubble bath can be one of the best ways to unwind at the end of a long day, and with all the advances in whirlpool technology and jacuzzi’s growing in popularity in the home bathroom; you would think that bathing is the only way to fully relax.

Of course, Baths do all of the above but so can the humble shower, and with companies like Grohe at the forefront of technology, there is certainly more to showering then you may think.

Grohe’s development of Dream Spray Systems has certainly changed the face of showering, from a quick stand up option to a much more enjoyable experience which will have you showering until your fingers are prunes.

Grohe offers several different spray options from their latest shower heads: Rain spray, Massage spray, Jet spray and their latest technology, Rain o2 spray. Each option comes with its own unique characteristics which can be accessed through the simple click of a button.

Rain spray promises simple satisfaction through emulating the ambience of summer rain, giving you a refreshing rejuvenation. Similarly, their newest development Rain o2 spray also provides a similar effect but draws in oxygen to mix with the water and create a wider vibrant spray.

The Massage spray does exactly what it says on the tin but providing a pulsating jet which can relax your muscles and with a detachable handset, we found it perfect to concentrate on single areas.

Moreover, the Jet spray is firm blast, ideal for getting off touch mud after playing sport or manual labour and decreases the work you have to put in scrubbing with a sponge or scourer.

We recommend having a play with one of Grohe’s Dream Spray handsets at one of our showrooms, as the choice of options will have you choosing to unwind in your shower before you know it. 

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Save the Planet: Buy a Toilet?

Let’s face it, as a race we’ve got a lot to feel guilty for, almost everything we do destroys the atmosphere around us. Of course it’s almost impossible to live in modern society and be eco-friendly: you certainly can’t cycle everywhere, not use deodorant (well some do) or do your business in a hole in the ground.

We’re all for free-thinking and having an open mind but when you roll up to your friends wedding on a bicycle, smelling like a bin and wearing a sack: you will lose friends, rapidly.

There is a solution to ridding the guilt of what scientists call the ‘human footprint’ or what others call ‘path of destruction’, and it can be done through your least suspected possession; the toilet.

Put the spade down! We’re not asking you to start digging your very own pollution potty; we’re talking about eco-toilets.

Eco friendly toilets come in all shapes and sizes, from realist additions to contemporary toilets to WCs which may lose you more friends then the previous ‘cycle and sack’ analogy. We’ll start with the most unrealistic purchase for your bathroom suite.

The ‘Squat’ Toilet

An example of a public Squat Toilet

Not so sure whether these are eco friendly or just bad craftsmanship but this elegant play on the ‘hole in the ground’ can be found all over the world, in particular in Africa.

The toilet does exactly what it says on the tin: squat over the hole making sure the weight is on your heels as to prevent any messy accidents, do your business and then flush using a pale of water.

Oh, and bring your own toilet paper, and a bag to put that in because if you throw toilet paper down it you will block it and potentially upset an entire community.

Composting Toilet

The Composting Toilet can be used in a modern home

Again, another eco-friendly alternative is the Composting Toilet, which combines a two vault system which allows all of your brown gems to decompose over a period of 6-9 months.

 Why two we hear you cry? The toilet system works as a cycle, so as one ‘composts’ the other is a free chamber for public use and urine and wash water are funneled to evaporative plant beds outside.

After every use the toilet requires a cup of wood ash to be thrown down it to help the composting process and stop it from smelling: the best bit is after 6 months you can fertilise your garden!

Dual Flow Systems

We agree that the above should probably be reserved for the third world and really keen gardeners, but there is a way you can help the environment with a simple, affordable purchase.

Come and check out the Rak Series at one of our showrooms 

Toilets operating with a ‘dual flow’ cistern limit your water use and save you money. With a simple press of one if the toilets two buttons you can choose whether your ‘business’ deserves a half or full flush.

We have a huge range of eco friendly toilets in our Bathroom City showrooms such as the Rak Series, which offer the choice of a guilt ridden, 6 litre or an eco-friendly 3 litre flush. Start saving the planet now and take a look!

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

We've been featured!

We have been featured on corearchitect.co.uk. Check out our article on Jacuzzi at http://www.corearchitect.co.uk/there-jacuzzi-jacuzzis/

Showroom feature: Matki Illusion Corner Shower Door

 Matki offer dozens of contemporary shower enclosures and are renowned for their high quality materials and stylish design; we take a look at the Illusion model and give it a test run.

Our initial impression of the Illusion model was the size. The impressive corner shower comes in 6 different sizes depending on the space you have to work with, giving you enough flexibility to fit the shower into more compact areas.

In addition to the choice of size, the shower also offers both right and left handed options which also play a key role when designing your bathroom as it allows you to prevent any unnecessary collisions with your door or wall.

The Illusion Corner Shower Door as it stands in our showroom 

The Illusion not only is unbeatable in convenience but also is a minimal style option which will be the focal point of your bathroom. With just 2 glass panels making up the enclosure, the Illusion uses a simple design combined with robust materials to gain its timeless clean cut design.

Moreover, the shower promises chrome finished hinges and features in order to complete the contemporary design, providing a sturdy finish with a secure shutting mechanism which will give you confidence in the showers durable design.

Our favourite feature of the Illusion is the choice it gives you in its design. At Bathroom City we understand that bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms all come in different shapes and sizes and the Illusion (very much like other Matki models) hosts a variety of size and function options along with the ability to mix and match the product with an abundance of different shower heads, valves and mechanisms to get the look and design you desire.

You can find more details about the Illusion Corner Shower Door on our website www.bathroomcity.co.uk or alternatively come and visit our showroom.

Follow this direct link to the Illusion Corner Shower Door for more information: http://www.bathroomcity.co.uk/product-matki.asp?pid=2450

New Phoenix products coming soon!

We've just found out about loads of exciting new products from Phoenix!

Phoenix currently has a huge range of products from traditional to contemporary and strives to produce the highest quality products at low prices.

 The Phoenix Qube Right Handed Shower Bath

Every Phoenix product is manufactured using the latest technology, providing you with easy to use, well constructed whirlpool baths, shower enclosures, valves, WCs and much more.

Whether you are looking for convenience, robust design and contemporary style, Phoenix has a range of products which suit your every need; providing discreet stylish options for less mobile people, children and the elderly. 

With Phoenix’s vast array of sizes, shapes and features, the brand provides a solution for any sized space.

We have lots of new innovative products coming to bathroom city, you can check out the current Phoenix range at www.bathroomcity.co.uk. 

A Brief Guide to Relax Your Inner Athlete

2012 is certainly the year for sport. So far we have been treated to the Euros, Wimbledon and with the Olympics just around the corner; it’s hard to get away from images of athletes in peak physical condition to make us feel bad about our ever growing bellies.

We’re sure that at some point over the last couple of months you have gained some inspiration and attempted a jog to the corner shop, drank a protein shake or kicked a football so badly it would make your Nan blush.

Either way, the journey to your summer six pack may have been haltered by laying dormant over the winter months, having a crack at some exercise, realising you’re way out of your depth and ultimately picking up an injury.

It’s sure to say one thing we can all do the same as athletes is relax; and with so many scientific ways to get us back to our peak performance, it would be rude not to give them a go.

Ice bath

Firsts the worst, seconds the best and thirds a whirlpool bath and then another really nice one. Yes, the ice bath is the least appealing form of recovery, so we thought we’d get it over and done with.

Ice baths take around 15 minutes and are between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. Once you have filled your bath with 2-3 bags of shop bought ice and ran the cold tap until full, the initial 2 minutes of submersion is the most horrifying.

After a couple of minutes of moaning, thinking of England and outright screaming you are finally on the road to recovery as the ice cold water tightens your blood vessels and reduces swelling.

Wimbledon star Andy Murray enjoying his ice bath

Stay submerged for around 15 minutes and on escape you will soon feel a difference in your muscles and also feel as if you have been hit by a tranquiliser dart, as the bath will help you fall asleep with in the following hour.

Epsom salt

Far less traumatic and a great alternative to the ice bath, adding Epsom salts to a bath provides our body with much needed Magnesium.

Here’s for the ‘sciencey’ bit. Magnesium is the forth most important positive ion in the body (hang in there) and we need it to help pas toxic material and increase muscle tone.

By adding Epsom salts to your bath after a work out, you will charge your body with a boost of Magnesium, which will aid recovery, prevent arthritis, decrease the chance of heart disease and doesn’t require 3 bags of ice you will be pleased to hear.  

Whirlpool bath

Moving on to more luxurious recovery aids, whirlpool baths are becoming increasingly more popular and affordable.

Jacuzzi Hexis Whirlpool Bath available at Bathroom City

No longer seen as a major extravagance and more a legitimate option for any home, the soothing baths give you a high quality hydro massage on tap (sorry).

If you are continuously spooning footballs, slipping on banana skins or are a genuine athlete, then the amount of money spent on ice, massages and Epsom salts per year could render this purchase a worthy investment and an enjoyable one at that.

Whirlpool hydro massage eases your muscles and increases you circulation, allowing cells to receive more oxygen (more science, sorry) and feels lovely (important bit).

 Jacuzzi

The market for Jacuzzis has began to span further than millionaires, dodgy night club owners and people from the 70’s.

Finally the Jacuzzi is being deemed a sensible purchase for family homes and why not? They’re relaxing, fun and great for the muscles of our inner athlete.

Perfect for concentrating on certain muscles, the Jacuzzis warm, vigorous bubbling can help people with arthritis, get the blood flowing (helping circulation) and help muscles slowly rebuild after injury, giving them a just enough movement to begin strengthening.

Why not come to our showroom and try out our huge range of whirlpool baths and Jacuzzis to see whether these products suit your lifestyle?

Jacuzzi's aren't just for holidays and health spas  

Bidet for beginners..

What is a bidet?

The French invented the bidet (bee-day) and it was pretty low key in the beginning. It was just a bowl that you squat over and then evolved into a separate porcelain toilet with faucets, but you still had to squat or straddle it. 

In the middle 1900's UK toilet manufacturers improved the bidet as a porcelain bathroom device, but the UK did not adopt it and it was mostly exported to other countries. The bidet is actually a small horse. And you straddle a horse, so when the French used a device for cleaning they called it a bidet, because you straddle it when you wash.  

Why Use a Bidet?

The bidet can and is being used by both men and women. Bidets offer the user a hands-free and superior water wash.

An invaluable aid to personal hygiene, the bidet is gaining popularity among senior citizens, the disabled and those with impaired motor functions or unable to control bodily functions.

More importantly, these devices can and should be used by healthy people that want to remain healthy and feel truly clean.

Sanitan Damea Freestanding/Back To Wall Bidet

The striking square-edged form of the Damea basin sets a styling keynote. The Damea suite effortlessly bridges the century-or-so gap between the traditional and the classical bathroom.

Features
- White - with or without Sanitan blue logo
- Floor mounted
- 1 Taphole
- Part of the Sanitan Damea collection



Evolution of the Bidet

The earliest known written reference to the bidet is dated 1710. In 1750, the bidet à seringue appeared. It provided an upward spray through the use of a hand-pump fed by a river. Until the 1900's the bidet was confined to the bedroom.

Modern plumbing brought the bidet into the bathroom. Where it sits next to the toilet. It is resembles a toilet, but it has facet knobs and you straddle it to wash.

Today, there are many modern porcelain toilet bowls and bidets to choose from built by many different manufacturers, but they take up extra bathroom space. However, another device has evolved that is attached to an existing toilet. This is more of an efficient use of bathroom space.

The Modified Bidet

The evolution of the bidet started after WWII, when the Japanese started importing American made toilets. It was better than Japanese toilets, because you could sit down in comfort.

After the adoption of American made toilets, including bidets the Japanese decided to improve the product. The Japanese liked the style of the American toilet that allowed you to sit and the Japanese invented a device that you attach to your existing toilet and shoots water, through a jet valve and cleans the anal and feminine areas without the use of toilet paper. This ingenious manual device was then expanded to include hot and cold water. Electronic models were then designed to include a heated seat, retractable cleaning jets, sensors, automatic controls, a dryer and a deodorizer.

Bidets are used by many European and Asian countries. In continental Europe, the usefulness of the bidet is fully understood and is considered to be as important in the bathroom as the toilet and the tub - no well equipped home is without one.

World’s most expensive bathtub.

If you're contemplating splashing out on a new bath, and have whopping £530,000 to spare, you could soon be soaking in the world’s most expensive bathtub. 

The crystal bath is cut from a ten-tonne Amazonian stone and weighs more than 2 tonnes when full. It's on sale at Harrods in London and was designed by Luca Bojola for Italian interiors company Baldi. 

Taking months to carve, the 2m-long (6ft 6in) bath is the most expensive tub on the market.

Hands up who wants one!

Oriental Inspired Bathrooms

Have you ever come home from a relaxing weekend away at a swanky spa or posh hotel and wished that your bathroom was a little less practical and a little plusher? 

Welcome to the club. 

More and more of us are using hotel spas and bathrooms as inspiration. Keeping things simple is a good starting point. 

People often shy away from dark wood, especially in small rooms, fearing it can be overpowering. Yet if you choose a dark floor and a few key pieces of dark furniture, as long as you offset this with a light shade on the walls, the overall effect is still bright and airy. Why not check out the Pasha range (see picture below) which Bathroom City offer which would be the perfect fit.

If you're still worried about light, look for a big mirror to reflect light and set the tone for an Oriental spa style bathroom. 

PASHA

Avoid an overly clinical look with splashes of rainbow colours. Interior shops have utterly affordable accessories in the form of storage and laundry baskets, not to mention bathmats and towels in strong, solid shades and great patterns. 

Add to the indulgent look with a silk dressing gown and beautifully packaged bath and body products.

Decant everyday toiletries, such as cotton buds and cotton wool balls, into glass jars and, for the ultimate in luxury, stock up on scented candles for fantastic fragrance and the definitive way of adding to that spa-style ambience. 

Now, all you need for your sybaritic spa dream to become a reality is a butler to draw you a rose petal-strewn bath and a masseuse on hand to anoint you with aromatic oils.

5 Uses for Your Unwanted Bathtub

Soon enough there will come a time when you’ll decided to rip out your weathered bathtub and replace it with a nice shiny new one. 

But what to do with the old tub? 

Recycle? 
Freecycle? 
Chuck it in the tip? 

Here are a few ways the team at Bathroom City have found for re-using their old tubs.

The bath tub fish pond- Beautiful and ornate.

The tub sofa- It's creative and inventive.

The bath chair- It's unique and functional.

The bass. It even works!

The booze cabinet. There's always one..

Recycling?

We're all for recycling but surely this is going a bit too far?

Bathrooms for the disabled.

Living with the pressure of a disability can make everyday endevours that most people take for granted seem so much more challenging. Whether you've found yourself learning to live with a disability or whether it's something that you've been living with all of your life, there are so many simple changes that can be made in your home, which can make day to day tasks not only easier but safer too. The bathroom has the potential to be a hazardous room but just a few simple changes can give you back your independence.

If your bathroom is tiled, it might be easier to keep clean but water on a hard surface can become a trip hazard. If you notice one of your taps has started to drip or one of the pipes have started to leak you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Keep a towel rail next to your basin and show/bath so you're not dripping water across the floor.

Water isn't the only thing that can cause you to fall in the bathroom; mats can be serious tripping hazards too. If you do have a tiled floor, rubber matting is cheap and sits just under the mat to stop it slipping and some tape especially for mats can be applied to help prevent tripping if they curl up. These are both very cheap and easy solutions that can have a dramatic impact on you safety.

Grab rails, although a little more expensive than rubber matting, are still cheap. They can install next to the toilet, bath, shower, basin or anywhere where you feel you might need a little extra support. Strong plastic ones are often easier to install as they don't need to be earth bound, if you need a grab rail installed in a stud wall and you're worried it won't be strong enough, a floor to ceiling pole would perform the same job.

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If turning the taps has become too hard, consider fitting taps with leavers, which don't need as much pressure as regular taps. If these are also too difficult, taps with sensors can be fitted, although they are a bit more expensive, they can make your life much simpler.

Although you may be reluctant to relinquish any more freedom and privacy than you're already had too, you may want to consider removing the lock from the bathroom door. If the worst were to happen, and you did fall or hurt yourself, quick access would be needed. A simple policy of always leaving the bathroom door open if it's empty (and therefore only closed when it's in use) could quickly be established.

These are fairly simple changes, which can be easily implemented to make your bathroom safer and they can have a huge difference and make your life a lot easier, however you may need to make more dramatic changes to your bathroom for it to be truly safe.

Walk in baths and wet rooms may be more expensive but they are something that should be considered if you're struggling with your bathroom. A walk in bath would mean you wouldn't have to try and step over the side of the bath anymore, a small door, which can be easily opened and closed is fitted into the side of the bath, it's completely water tight and can also be fitted with a seat so you don't have to lower yourself in and out the bath making bathing a lot easier for anyone with motability problems.

A wet room would transform your entire bathroom. A wet room would mean your floor would be fitted with a drain allowing the water to drain away and tiling would make your whole bathroom water proof. A wet room is normally all on the same level making it wheel chair accessible. Wet rooms are often easier to clean and maintain than a regular bathroom and can give anyone with motability problems more safety and freedom when it comes to bathing.

More ideas can be found at www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Emotions at Bathroom City

Simple yet stunning, the Emotions furniture (pictured) offers a beauty that signifies you are at peace. 

Devastating yet refined, this range signifies a philosophy that resonates deep within your soul.

Emotions imagines each of your movements, each of your gestures, each of your sensations. You can feel it from the first moment. A combination of groundbreaking solutions that have been created from your luxury desires. It expands your concept of pleasure and enriches your daily life with additional degrees of comfort.

At Bathroom City we not only design, create and handcraft the Emotions bathroom furniture range, we are the exclusive supplier for the UK and boast the only Midlands showroom showcasing the luxury designs.

Manufacturing our designs requires great skill and craftsmanship, using the very best materials and handcrafted techniques. These processes cost more but guarantee the highest quality is achieved. By making our own products we ensure a level of quality and authenticity unequalled anywhere else in the UK.

Those who take pleasure in minimalism in the bathroom will find an affinity with the Emotions series. Clear design, elegant form and sleek functionality ensure opulent individual style to your contemporary bathroom.

Emotions’ goal is to create a cutting edge space for those whose values are unique and individual. Be at peace with your thoughts and feelings; indulge in this sumptuous range of designer bathroom solutions from Bathroom City.

For more information on the Emotions range call 0121 7530700 or visit www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Vertical Bathroom

Here's something to be amazed by on a rainy Wednesday afternoon- The Vertebrae Vertical Bathroom. 

Occupying a mere 4.3 square feet, this "Swiss Army Knife Bathroom" takes space conservation to a whole new level, packing a toilet, sink, cistern, two storage units and two shower heads into one compact system.

We think it's a brilliant idea, but what about you?