Bathrooms are also great for adding value to your home, not just for when you decide to sell, but also for if you need a valuation to remortgage, take out a loan against the house or release some equity.

There are several ways that you can update your bathroom to add value to your home, here Bathroom Planet gives us their top tips to make the most out of your bathroom.

Check your plumbing

If you are keeping the layout of your bathroom the same, but your house is an older property it is worth taking the time to check the plumbing system to make sure that it is in a good state of repair and still meets the current building regulations. An experienced plumber in Norwich can advise you on your current system and can point out any potential problems before you start.

For those who are changing the layout of the bathroom, it will cost more, but giving the room a more practical layout can help to add even more value to your home in the long run. Again, hiring a professional plumber is a must to ensure that everything is done right and is up to code.

It is also a good time to repair and maintain any fixtures and fittings that are likely not to be changed such as light fittings, extractor fans, and window seals which can often be overlooked.

Replacing outdated furniture

Back in the 80s and 90s, there was a trend for installing bathroom suites in a multitude of pastel colours, but in modern times we have seen a shift back to a standard white finish. So, if you have a lime green or pink bathroom suite then it is time to replace this with something more neutral.

For those who have a white bathroom suite, it does not mean that the rest of the room has to be bland. Add color with feature tiles or painted walls, or choose from an array of natural stone finishes now available on the market.

Replacing the tiles and fixtures such as taps and shower heads for more modern pieces is a cost-effective way to update your bathroom and can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the room.

Adding luxury features

The key to adding the most value to your home is to create a luxurious room that is practical and makes people want to spend time in it. Power showers, whirlpool baths, and heated towel rails are all great choices and are great accessories for conveying luxury.

If you have room for a countertop, choose a durable and strong material such as granite or marble as this will provide that wow factor to your bathroom. Feature tiles are also a great way of creating a focal point in the room while choosing taps and mixers in different finishes such as brushed steel or brass can add a new dimension to sinks, baths and showers.

Add an en suite or cloakroom toilet

One of the best ways of adding value to your home if you have space is to add an en suite or cloakroom toilet. Having an en suite bathroom is practical in several ways as it provides some much-needed personal space away from the main bathroom, means that multiple people can get ready at the same time, and adds value to your home.

Adding a cloakroom toilet is also a great way of maximizing the available space in the home and provides the convenience of having more than one toilet, as well as accessibility for family and friends who have limited mobility.

Whether you are planning to sell your home or are looking for a change, updating or installing a new bathroom is a great way of adding value to your home.

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If your bathroom is outdated, there are plenty of things you can do to improve its look and many of these changes are more affordable within smaller rooms. BASI Bathrooms, a bathroom installer in Leeds, has plenty of experience transforming compact spaces. Here, they take a look at essential improvements to a small bathroom space that make it instantly more appealing.

Keep the design fresh and clean

Light colours and clean lines make a room look and feel more spacious. If your bathroom renovation doesn’t stretch to a brand new minimalist suite, it’s possible to update your existing room to make it feel more contemporary. Painting the walls in fresh light tones is an easy way to do this and will instantly lift the space. Changing the fixtures is a quick way of bringing your old suite up to date.

Tiling and bathroom appliances can be made to look newer by resealing and grouting. This may be a subtle fix, but the difference it makes to a small bathroom is substantial. If you have a combined bath-shower, fitting a clear glass shower screen rather than a curtain allows light to flow around the room making it feel brighter. 

Mirrors create the illusion of more space

When it comes to interior design, using mirrors to make a room look bigger is one of the oldest tricks in the book. But it’s also one of the most effective. In the bathroom, large mirrors have the bonus of being practical, as we use our bathrooms for pampering, grooming, and getting ready each day.

For a small bathroom, a large statement mirror provides a natural focal point to the room. Finding a mirror with a unique shape or an ornate surround is an easy way to add your personality to the design. You could even start with the mirror and find accessories to match.

New flooring instantly lifts a room

The condition of the floor is a tell-tale sign of the age of a bathroom. Luckily, it’s a lot cheaper to fit a new floor in a small bathroom. Tiles are the traditional choice, but wooden flooring is hardwearing and attractive too. Vinyl flooring is extremely popular at the moment due to the huge array of patterns and styles to choose from. It’s warmer underfoot and easy to keep clean. 

Think about what tones you want your finished design to feature – natural, luxurious or industrial, for example – and this should give you an idea of which styles of flooring might bring it to life. There are all kinds of beautiful floors available at reasonable prices, but it’s always best to get it professionally installed, particularly in a small bathroom where it will receive heavy footfall.

Proper storage keeps everything in its place

Having enough room to stow away all your essential products, linen, and cleaning supplies is crucial in a small bathroom. Without it, a bathroom looks messy and unkempt after a single use. Purpose-built vanity units and cabinets provide the storage space you need while keeping surfaces clutter-free and tidy. Wall-mounted or ‘floating’ units are ideal for small bathrooms as they free up floor space underneath, making the room look larger.

Bring it to life with carefully placed accessories

There are a plethora of bathroom accessories to choose from, including bath caddies, plants, candles, pictures, and ornaments. That’s before the more practical items like towels, bath mats, rails, and blinds are considered. All of these features are an opportunity to put your stamp on the design or improve the look of an existing bathroom suite.

Any bathroom is finished by the accessories you choose. Just remember not to go overboard, particularly in a small bathroom, as you don’t want the room to become cluttered. The goal is to weave in your own style while keeping the design calm and tranquil. 

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Here, bathroom specialists Bathroom Planet have compiled some of the top bathroom trends to inspire you to create a bathroom that will stand out from the crowd. Whether you are looking to update an existing bathroom or start from scratch, these trends are bound to get the creative juices flowing.

Walls and floors

Tiles are one of the easiest ways of creating a focal point and drawing people’s eyes to specific areas of the bathroom. Showcase the shower enclosure by using geometric tiles on the walls or create a luxurious feel with bright white subway tiles for a traditional look.

Statement floor tiles will draw the eye down while using a plain colour to emphasize the bathrooms fixtures and fittings. Textured wall tiles provide dimension to space, while natural stone tiles offer a modern design.

Bathroom wallpaper has evolved over the past decade and is now specially designed to stand up to the rigours of the bathroom. It is often a cheaper alternative to tiling and offers an array of designs not possible on tiles. Bathroom wallpaper is also available with a textured finish and is quicker to fit than standard tiles.

Using Bold colours

Another great way of creating focal points within the bathroom is to use bold colours. The contrast between light and dark has always been a popular choice in bathroom design, but adding pops of colour such as gold, copper, and brass to specific areas is a great way of creating excitement in an otherwise monochrome room.

Fixtures and Fittings

Bathroom design has come a long way in the past few years, with statement pieces being in high demand. Forget the traditional rectangular mirror, instead, opt for round or oval mirrors to create an elegant space.

Taps and mixers are now available in a range of different styles too, so whether you are looking for something a bit more traditional or something sleek and modern, there is a range of fixtures to suit.

Simple Designs

Minimalist designs are becoming popular bathroom trends with frameless shower enclosure doors and screens dominating. These spa-inspired fixtures create the illusion of more space in the bathroom and allow more light into the room.

Wet rooms are also becoming a popular choice; these simple designs are especially good for bathrooms that are awkward shapes or for those who need easy access into the bathroom.

Warm metal fixtures such as brass and copper inject a sense of luxury and glamour into simple bathroom designs and are available in matte or polished finishes to suit any colour palette.

Adding Technology

It was only a matter of time before technology made its way into the bathroom and we are starting to see more and more manufacturers using technology to save water, consume less energy, and make our bathrooms run more efficiently.

Whether it is smart showers that can be set up for different users, sensor-activated toilet flushes, or smart lighting options, the technology used in bathrooms is expected to increase exponentially over the coming years, and who knows what the future will bring.

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Give your bathroom some TLC

Do you long to create your own version of a boutique hotel bathroom at home, or are you looking to upgrade your current suite to add a touch of decadence? If so, you don’t have to spend a fortune or overhaul the entire room to achieve spectacular results. Adding carefully-selected bathroom luxuries could make all the difference.

If your room is lacking a focal point, or you’re keen to go all-out and make a statement, a beautiful freestanding bath can create a centrepiece for a room with serious style. Opt for a simple, chic modern tub or channel a romantic, vintage vibe with a roll top bath with clawed feet. Once you’ve chosen a bath, you can run with the hotel theme and add double sinks and an oversized, rain shower head.

Create a tranquil vibe

Many of us are used to living our lives at a hundred miles per hour, and we crave a moment of downtime to pause, reflect, and relax. Your bathroom should be a tranquil space that allows you to unwind and enjoy a well-earned time out. If you’re stressed out, you’re tired, or you feel like you’ve been swimming against the tide or spinning plates all week, retreating to the bathroom for a hot shower or a leisurely soak in the bath could be just the tonic.

To create a peaceful, calming vibe, opt for low-level lighting, choose neutral tones for the walls and add candles and plants. Use wall-mounted shelves or cupboards with drawers to prevent clutter, and add soothing aromas using diffusers or scented candles. You could also place a freestanding speaker inside your bathroom and create a bespoke bath time playlist.

Finishing touches

Once you’ve chosen colours for the walls, and you’ve selected a bath, a shower unit and sinks, it’s time to elevate the design of your bathroom to the next level with accessories and finishing touches. You can add colour or use details and accents to carry a theme.

If you’re a fan of the understated, Scandinavian vibe, for example, stick to a palette of white, grey, and black, and add plant pots, a stylish, printed bath mat and matching granite toothbrush and toilet brush holders. If you’re on a mission to create a romantic Parisian bathroom, complement a roll top bath with a vintage mirror, vases of fresh flowers, and an ornate, decorative vanity unit.

If your bathroom isn’t quite cutting the mustard, and you’re looking to design a luxurious space that promotes self-care and relaxation, you don’t have to blow the budget or have years of experience in interior design to achieve a stunning transformation. Create a focal point, think about the styles and themes you like, and use finishing touches and finer details to produce a personalised space that is both stylish and serene.

The post How To: Create a Relaxing Bathroom For Self-Care Weekends appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Seek permission

If you are adding an en-suite to your home and it requires an extension the first thing you will need to do is get planning permission, even if the work won’t affect the actual boundaries of your home. This should be pretty straightforward but it is essential before you put any plans in place for your new ensuite that this permission is sought to save time and money later.

If you are simply utilizing other space from within your house no permission is required and you can get straight to the exciting bit – planning your new ensuite.

Make the most of your space

If you are creating your ensuite by borrowing space from another room the chances are it is going to be quite compact. You can maximise the use of the space by choosing fixtures and fittings such as showers and cupboards that mount onto the wall, leaving the floor space clear. You could also choose to have the door open outwards to add more usable space to the ensuite or leave the door off completely for a more open planned look.

Design

When designing the look of your ensuite there are a few things you will want to do. Firstly you will need to decide what facilities you want to include in your ensuite and whether these work with the room – a bath for instance may not be appropriate for the space that you have created. Play around with fittings such as the shower, sink, and toilet to see find the best positions for the shape of space you have available. Then finish it all off with a neutral color palette to give the illusion of space as well as keep it looking fresh and clean.

If this feels too daunting you can always leave it to the experts. There are many companies offering complete design and fitting solutions either off the shelf or bespoke. You can have everything from a traditional wet room to shower pods designed and fitted for you.

Keep it light

Your ensuite will benefit from as much natural light as possible so you may want to consider adding a window, even if it is an internal window. If you can add a window it will not only provide more light it will prevent the room from becoming too damp and smelly.

If a window is not possible, consider using LED lights to make your ensuite look bright and inviting. You could put lights around mirrors or vanity cupboards or if it is safe add candles for a romantic feel.

An excellent finish

With the hard work done it’s time to add the finishing touches to your ensuite. Even if you have had it professionally designed there’s nothing more satisfying than putting your own personal touch into your private sanctuary. Choose accessories that flatter the colour scheme or if you want to really break the rules go for a statement colour such as red to really make your room stand out.

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Does it look modern? Are the fittings old or new? Has it been kept clean? Of course, selling your home isn’t the only time that your bathroom will be judged. Guests will have a look at it too, and that’s why most people make it their priority for renovation.

But before you start looking in the catalogues and searching for ideas, you need to read reviews to get a peer-based idea of what it will cost, how long it will take etc… Bathroom renovations are expensive. If you’re going for the full overhaul, you should expect to pay nothing short of a few grand. That’s why we’re going to tackle the best bathroom design concepts, starting with the cheapest.

Add Some Accessories

Different accessories in your bathroom really can glam it up and make it look a lot more stylish. You might add some candles or incense. These will make your bathroom smell wonderful and give a soothing atmosphere when having a nighttime soak. I love this idea, and I’m sure you do too. The best part is that these candles will probably only cost a few pennies. But they’ll completely reinvigorate the room. Alternately you might add a bowl of potpourri for beautiful scents and added colour.

Other accessories can be added to the walls of the bathroom. For instance, you can buy some lovely pieces of pottery to hang on the walls for a little touch of decoration. Again these will give a touch more colour and look stunning if your bathroom is a light shade of cream.

Install a New Shower Pump

This won’t add much to the look of your bathroom. But it will make your showers a lot more pleasant. You’ll get a bathe that feels terrific with water cascading down your body. If you’re tired of your shower emitting a drizzle early in the morning this is the upgrade for you. It’s a little more expensive than the accessories we mentioned but well worth the cost, believe me!

Wall And Flooring Upgrade

How much this costs will depend on how big your bathroom is. But I expect it will be somewhere in the low hundreds. It’s the easiest way to completely alter the entire look of the room without a lot of work. Don’t forget when you’re painting that different colours have various effects. If you want the room to look grander, try a lighter colour or paint the whole room a beautiful cream. Contrasting colours like black and white also makes rooms look bigger. Or, if you want your bathroom to be both comforting and stylish a rose-red will create this effect.

For the bathroom floor, you may not have the money for a complete upgrade so try this. Add a layer of epoxy resin to the floor. It will give any floor the look of clear glass or even running water. The effect is tremendous, and it is certain to dazzle both guests and buyers.

Extra Class

If you want to add a little extra class to your bathroom without too much expense, why not buy and install a bathroom bidet? The bidet is a French device for use after using the lavatory. A bidet has been shown to be a lot more hygienic than using toilet paper, but that’s not why you should buy one. The bidet is a device that is always linked to wealth and fortune. Somewhat surprisingly, they don’t cost a lot at all.

Upgrade Your Shower or Bath

Or you could upgrade your bath. If you have a small bathroom, one possibility to consider is choosing a new corner bath. This conserves space and is very stylish. Other people prefer a vintage porcelain tub that stands on four legs. It’s entirely your choice, and it’s perhaps one of the most expensive changes you can make to your bathroom. Alternatively, if you don’t have room for a bath, you can upgrade your shower enclosure for a quick refresh, which will give your bathroom a completely different look.

Steam And Clean

Then again, if you have it in your budget, and you want to make a big change add a sauna. A good sauna installation will cost just over a thousand, but it’s worth it and something I’m currently considering This will add tremendous value to your house and do wonders for your skin whenever you use it. It might be the most expensive option on this list, but it’s certainly one of the best. It’s likely to save me money in the long run, considering the number of spa days I go on!

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