Don’t Move, Improve your Home in 2019

If you’re not in a position to upgrade to that “next step” house on the property ladder, why not make the most of your existing home by adding space and value in 2019!

You’re not alone if you’re planning to improve rather than move. The number of homeowners choosing to stay put and invest in their existing property has soared in the past five years. So with some smart planning, good professional advice and a bit of creativity you could easily convert the cupboard under the stairs into that downstairs loo you’ve always wanted, or extend into the loft and create the master suite you’ve dreamed of as your family grows.

If you’re planning a renovation, here you’ll find tips and advice, interesting design ideas as well as a range of products perfectly suited to cloakrooms, ensuites and small bathrooms.

Planning

The most important thing is to take time to plan your space well, so get a good 3D design render drawn up or even a 4D Virtual World design where you can immerse yourself in the room by moving around it, opening doors and pulling out drawers.

 

Space-saving Basins and vanities

Small bathrooms need to make use of all available space and one way of doing this is to build your storage units into a corner. Corners provide extra inches, and allow you to create unique design solutions. Try this corner unit from Crosswater’s Svelte range, as its elegant curves and drawer design mean that you don’t have to compromise on style when thinking about how to effectively use space in your ensuite.

Clever Storage

Wall-mounted furniture is also a smart choice for those with limited room to work with – they give the illusion of space because you can see more floor, and you can also place items underneath for extra storage. Crosswater’s Zion Small vanity unit or their Infinity range is worth a look.

There are many narrow basins and storage units on the market with tapware to suit these specific designs. Roca’s MINI Collection is one to try: – with a reduced depth of 250mm, the Mini compact bathroom units are perfect to make the most of every centimetre of space. These small-yet-functional bathroom cabinets fit into any bathroom configuration thanks to their reversible doors, allowing installation for both left and right opening. Laufen and Crosswater do similar products.

Downsize your Toilet

Another great space saving option is to choose a toilet with an integrated tank, such as the revolutionary Roca In-Tank toilet. This option is an innovative solution that does not require a cistern, neither built-in nor conventional, as it is already incorporated into the body of the toilet pan itself!

An interesting alternative is the Roca toilet and basin in one:- the first system on the market that incorporates the basin and toilet in one fitting, saving valuable space. It’s unique in design and is easy to install with no need to perforate walls.

Small Showering Solutions

Quadrant and corner units are ideal shower enclosures for small spaces. They fit snugly into corners and recesses, but still offer a comfortable amount of space inside. Have a look at Simpson Showers Edge Design.

Or consider sliding door panels which provide easy access without needing extra space to swing open the door. The Crosswater MPRO black frame slider is an on-trend version of this type of shower door.

Probably the most space saving shower solution is the walk in frameless shower screen. Combined with a wetroom recessed shower tray or with a fully tiled wetroom floor, this type of frameless design has an ultra modern look and will give a feeling of openness, no matter how small the bathroom.

Take a look at the Frameless Curved and Hinged Wetroom panel from Flair Showers.

It’s perfect for small bathrooms because the screen rotates 180 degrees freeing up the floor when not in use, it’s also suitable for left or right hand installation and the curved design looks softer in a smaller space. Available in matt black with smoked grey glass or bright silver and clear glass.

Dinky Baths

If space is at a premium, but you have your heart set on a freestanding bath, then the DINKEE bath from BC Design is a fantastic solution. DINKEE has a slim rim to give you a surprisingly generous bathing area.

For a drop-in or inset bath try the Modo asymmetric bath from Roca. It’s a space-saving bath that has an ergonomic shape ensuring optimal bath-time comfort, plus easy accessible storage features to accommodate your bathroom accessories.

The Final Touches

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to style a smaller bathroom is to install a good mirror or double up for practicality with a mirrored vanity cabinet for extra storage. For a minimal, low fuss style look to these options from HIB Mirrors. Alternatively, extending a mirror along a wall will open up the bathroom and give an illusion of space, and in small bathroom, every inch counts!

For more information on how to improve your home contact your nearest BATHLINE bathroom showroom and see how our design teams can help inspire your imagination.