A BATHROOM FOR ALL BUDGETS

Once upon a time the bathroom was a neglected place with ugly plumbing and offering the minimum of comfort, usually planned without any sense of space and deprived of storage. Technology today has evolved so that plumbing is neat, silent and efficient and happily there is now an array of beautiful accessories and fitments to choose from.  A bathroom makeover which involves structural alterations can be costly but fortunately there are many ways to cheer up the drab surroundings of an unsatisfactory bathroom which will not cost a great deal of money.

The trend now is for large tiles on bathroom floors and walls – choose a soft colour scheme, perhaps white or stone effect, and add bright border tiles or mosaics to inject a splash of colour.  (Incidentally, never use wall tiles on the floor as they are not thick enough and will crack easily). Bathroom flooring has to be waterproof and hygienic and should  be non-slip when wet so, if you decide on ceramic tiles choose those with a textured finish that will provide grip.

If your budget is small, consider the following “quick fixes” to improve your bathroom:

·                    re-glazing sinks and bathtubs without replacing them

·                   re-painting walls in fresh, inviting colours and hanging framed prints

·                   installing open shelves to display your special collections or some trailing ivy’s in pretty pots

·                    freshening windows with brightly painted shutters or crisp curtains

·                   Including a piece of antique furniture from another room – perhaps a chest or wicker chair

·                    additional light fixtures

·                   Installing an oversize mirror to dramatically increase the proportions of your bathroom

·                    Buying fluffy, new towels in co-ordinating colours and displaying them, rolled up, in a large basket.

·                    fragrant candles and toiletries

If you cannot decide whether to add just a little colour or make a bold statement remember that blue sets a restful, soothing tone; green casts a gentle calm; red steps up the energy level and yellow brings in the sunshine,  while sparkling white fixtures and cabinets are always stylish.  The choices are endless.

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