Bathshop321 Blog

How to Prepare Your Bathroom for summer


May 14th, 2012 by Steph
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Bringing fresh new features and colours into your home before summer arrives is a sure fire way to make the most of this time of year. Allowing natural light to illuminate every corner of your home lends an enjoyable and refreshing atmosphere to each room, and by incorporating some bright and cheery solutions to key areas in your household you can be sure to feel the benefit of these simple changes.

Waking in the morning to spend a little time preparing for what lies ahead in a bright, refreshing and vibrant bathroom is sure to give any homeowner a great start to their day. Whether you prefer to enjoy a quick shower to alert the senses or indulge in a luxurious bath to relax the mind before a long day, doing so in a room that really incorporates that fresh feeling that summer brings adds so much more to the experience, and in this quick guide we’ll take a look at a few simple ways to capture this feeling.

Vibrant Tones

It’s fair to say that certain colours and tones capture that ‘summery’ feeling more than others; dark maroons and blacks are certainly attractive when added to a bathroom, but they evoke a more relaxed and ‘sleepy’ feeling as appose to our desired ‘refreshing’ atmosphere.

Light greens and blues are wonderful when applied to a bathroom, and when natural sunlight shines through onto these tones they really seem to radiate life and a connection to nature and the outdoors. Finding a way to create a bright, fresh colour scheme using these tones and colours is a fast track way to making your bathroom ready for summer; be sure to contrast your chosen colour scheme with the secondary colour you apply in other bathroom features and accessories such as mats, window blinds and decorative additions.

Summery Features

Now the colours are taken care of, we can focus on some clever extras you can add to your bathroom to ensure that summery feeling really shines through. There are plenty of scented candles available in fresh, ‘summery’ fragrances; freshly cut grass, pinewood and flower fragrances are easily recognisable and will likely resonate with you or any other users in the room.

Replacing old features in your bathroom with more ‘summer infused’ alternatives can continue to evoke that ‘summery’ feeling. Bamboo bathmats and blinds act as great, sturdy additions to the room and will certainly help bring the whole design and feel of the room together.

Finish by accessorising with some summer-infused toiletries; fruity washing products and washcloths and towels that match colour scheme would create the ideal look and complete the bathrooms fresh, summery design!

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How to Create a Romantically Influenced Bathroom


May 9th, 2012 by Steph
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The most desired bathroom is designed with more than just a requirement for cleanliness and a place to perform everyday tasks. They are increasingly being created to achieve a refuge for relaxation and also romance. This amorous setting can be easily achieved with just a few changes to your current design. Here’s how we believe you can create the ideal romantic ambience to enjoy on your nights off, with ways which will turn your partner on!

Lighting is a simple factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. Altering this can instantly change the feel of a room when dimming harsh lights to create a much more subtle and passionate setting. Candles and incense will also enhance this, as well as infusing sweet and soothing smells sure to unwind you and your spouse. Temperature in a bathroom could effectively ruin a serene atmosphere so ensure it’s at a pleasant level to undress and still feel relaxed. Comfort is a key element so keep robes and slippers to hand for when exiting the bath.

Colours depend on personal taste and style, but the most obvious scheme would be a deep red or purple which connotes love and passion. Neutral tones could help fashion a relaxing vibe and also give the illusion of more space in an otherwise small bathroom. Fabrics are another factor to consider, as introducing soft flowing material around your window frame and adorning your floor with soft rugs could amplify a spa-like impression.

Purchase luxury furniture which has been specifically designed to look aesthetically pleasing as well as provide the ultimate bathing experience. Roll top and whirlpool baths are guaranteed to promote both these factors as well as provide space for more than one bather to enjoy. Mirrors and metallic furnishings can add a glamorous feature, whereas the addition of handpicked accessories or pictures will enable you to personalise the overall style of your room.

Keep clutter to a minimum by storing any unsightly appliances away in chic cabinets which match your bathroom suite. Treat yourself to pampering products such as bath salts or massage oils and keep them on display to present a luxurious appearance. Rose petals are a typical way of creating a romantic setting for you and your partner, always guaranteed to impress and make them feel special. Playing soft music is another idea in which to initiate romance and tranquillity.

Your bathroom is a perfect haven for creating passionate moments to share with your loved one, so bare these handy hints in mind when designing your bathroom and enjoy the pleasures that await you.

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How to Create a Child Proof but Contemporary Styled Bathroom


May 5th, 2012 by admin
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Ensuring your bathroom is designed to benefit the aesthetics of your home, but also provide a safe environment for your kids can prove quite tricky. Here are a few tips on how to benefit from both a luxury layout and a secure sanctuary for the whole family to enjoy.

The first and most obvious thing to consider is making sure that entry to your bathroom is somewhat restricted by applying a childproof cover to your door handle. Installing a toilet lock can also be a great precaution which doesn’t have to look unsightly if purchased in the same colour as your toilet seat.

De-cluttering your bathroom will demonstrate a clean and stylish space as well as assuring that your appliances aren’t easily accessed by little hands. Keep all cosmetics and medications out of reach by locking them away in a cabinet or up high on a shelf. This is a way in which you can incorporate a chic element to your room by purchasing modern furniture which will provide safety as well as aesthetic pleasures.

Consider material and design when it comes to choosing your ideal bathroom suite in order to purchase fixtures that will not prove harmful when fitted. Sleek, smooth and clean lined furniture will not only give your bathroom that contemporary feel, but also reduce the danger of children injuring themselves on any sharp corners.

Lavish and modern flooring such as laminate wood or marble tiling doesn’t have to be avoided as the simple adoption of a non-slip rubber mat can prevent any accidents. Rubber guards can also be used to cover such things as bathtub taps to protect your child from bumping their head.

Buying bold and vibrant coloured linen will be sure to inject personality into your bathroom as well as proving to be more beneficial than neutral tones when it comes to cleanliness. Accessories such as candles and incense are a well known risk in any bathroom, but there are fashionable alternatives on the market nowadays which are battery powered and designed to look just as attractive.

On fitting your bathroom, bear in mind the location of any electrical outlets and make sure there is no risk of them coming in contact with water. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are devices that are extremely useful in ensuring safety for not just children, but the whole family.

Finally, once you are satisfied with the level of safety in your newly designed bathroom, relax and take pleasure in yours and your children’s bath time. Remember that never leaving them unattended is a given, but also a privilege!

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Is the Premier Finish worth the money?


May 3rd, 2012 by admin
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There are many words that are used to define a standard of product – value range, premium and platinum, for instance. These words can often be synonymous with the workmanship, price and/or quality of these products and services, however sometimes they can be misleading.

When it comes to bathroom suites, you want to know that your money is being well spent, and if you are upgrading to a Premier Finish – you want to know what you are getting, and if it’s worth the extra money;

Workmanship

At Bathshop321.com, we only work with the very best suppliers and designers, and before we put our products on sale, we make sure that a) they work, b) they look good, and c) they fit the specifications given in the company handouts, and as such – on our documentation. In addition, the majority of our products come with a manufacturer’s guarantee – showing their faith in their own products, as well as ours. This standard of workmanship is the same for the Premier Finish upgrade as it is for the standards products; however the Premier Finish upgrade comes with the addition of a 25 year guarantee, against manufacturing defects, to show the confidence that we have in this upgrade.

Price/Quality

Upgrading to the Premier Finish to your bath costs £65, and you may wonder what the premier finish is and what do you get with it?
The premier finish is a surface that is added to the exterior of the bath, and offers additional strength and longevity to it. The strength of the Premier Finish is comparable to that of an old style cast iron bath, which gives you extra safety and security.

Do you ever have that moment when you run a bath at home, and someone comes to the door? By the time you get back to the bath, the water has gone cold, and it ends up being wasted.
The Premier Finish is not just about adding strength to the bath, it also offers insulation – meaning that the bath will have better heat retention. This insulation means that you save on time, energy and money – in relation to a) heating the bath water back up and/or b) refilling the bath.

The extra width of the reinforced Premier Finish (including the bath’s acrylic surface, it is in excess of 10mm) does not detract from any bath, and is not visually noticeable. The Premier Finish material is naturally glossy, and easy to clean, which helps ensure that your bathroom looks shiny and sanitary.

So, is it worth it?

If you want a finish that will add insulation, safety, security, ease of cleaning, a 25 year guarantee, and that extra little touch of class and style – then yes, the Premier Finish is definitely worth it.

To add the premier finish, you need to add the bath of your choice to the basket, and then go back onto the product page and click on the upgrade option.

Below are some of the baths that a Premier Finish is an upgrade option for:

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How to effectively add Bathroom Furniture to your Home


May 2nd, 2012 by Steph
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Adding new features and furniture to your bathroom can be a fantastic way of creating or continuing a theme or design in your bathroom. Whether you are looking to create more room for storage, add some complimenting features to a pre-existing theme or design or find practical features that serve the bathroom more efficiently, adding stylish bathroom furniture is sure to benefit you and meet your needs.

Consider Style

Before we discuss the various products and features that could benefit your bathroom, it’s important to note that you must always take into consideration how each piece will complement the room. Buying furniture purely for its functionality is a great way of creating a practical bathroom, but it will likely leave the room lacking in style and consistency of design. The ideal here is to source some features and furniture that are not only practical, but all contribute and adhere to the bathrooms overall appearance.

Finding a piece of bathroom furniture to meet your needs and enhance the appearance of your bathroom is much easier than you may think. Consider a few of the following things when it comes to the colour and design of each piece of furniture you see:

  • Does it match the primary/secondary colour featured in my bathroom?
  • Will the wood/chrome/acrylic texture enhance or clash with the other textures in my bathroom?
  • Does the piece of furniture serve a practical purpose?

If the piece meets these criteria then you can be sure it will serve your bathroom well.

Fantastic Additions

Now we have some guidelines set for our bathroom shopping, let’s look at some great pieces of bathroom furniture that can bring heaps of style and practicality to your bathroom experience. Each of these pieces are available at Bathshop321 and are carefully crafted to create high-quality, great value products.

Stylish Storage

Bathshop321 have a great selection of stylish storage solutions. Our spacious basin units that can be fitted beneath your washing basin to create extra storage for those clutter some towels and bathroom products, and with such a wide range or basin units, Bathshop321 are sure to have the perfect piece for your bathroom!

Alternatively, our great range of mirrored bathroom cabinets also provide ample storage space for those ‘hard to organise’ bathroom products. This not only adds the convenience of a high quality mirror for those post-wash grooming sessions, but can also add an easy-access place to store toiletries and beauty products.

If you are looking for a stylish yet more substantial bathroom storage solution, consider one of the fantastic Bathshop321 drawer units, tallboys, cupboards and laundry baskets. These fantastic units provide maxim storage space while adding heaps of style to any matching bathroom.

Wash in Style

Adding a piece of furniture which brings something a little ‘different’ to your bathroom is a great way to not only benefit from the functionality of the piece, but also add a cool contemporary twist to your bathroom.

Features such as Bathshop321’s Freestanding Washbowls are a fantastic example of practical products with a twist; these contemporary bowls come in a range of shapes and sizes, each designed and crafted to give maximum effect. Our generous selection of Freestanding Washbowls is sure to yield pieces which will compliment your bathroom wonderfully.

So there we have some simple tips and thought to help you effectively apply furniture to your bathroom; remember to always consider colour before adding a piece to your bathroom!

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Finding the Perfect Mix


April 30th, 2012 by admin
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When thinking about installing or re-designing your personal shower system, there are many considerations to be had and choices to be made. Namely, which type of heated water system you have or want to install, which showering accessories you’d like it to include, which valve would compliment this choice, and where you want it TMV certified – and that’s even before you’ve started looking at designs. So let’s have a look at these choices first, and leave the design choice up to you.

Type

The first consideration you need to think about is: What type of heated water system are you using/want to use? There are three main types of heated water systems:

  • Gravity fed hot water systems is the traditional set up installed in a lot houses in the UK, and consists of a cold water storage tank, and a hot water cylinder in a storage/airing cupboard.
  • High pressure systems are combi boilers or instantaneous gas water heater systems – which are being increasingly used across the UK, and are usually wall-mounted or flood standing.
  • Unvented systems have hot water stored in a large cylinder, under pressure.

Usually, components, such as valves, are universal and will work will all types of hot water systems – however there are some that aren’t  – so it’s always best to find out, first, what type of system you have, or want to use it.

Shower Accessories

The next choice you should be looking at is how many showering accessories you would like to use. There are many options available, and normally you should pick one or two:

  • Fixed Head – A static showering head that is usually the main accessory.
  • Removable Handset – A handset that has a fixed position, but can be removed from the attachment for free hand use.
  • Slide Rail Kit – A handset attached to an adjustable slider to move up and down a rail at ease for necessity.
  • Body Jets – Jets fixed at certain positions to offer a flow of water from a different angle
  • Rainbar – A bar with several water holes that oscillate ensuring they reach every part of you.

The Valves

Once you have decided which, and how many, shower accessories you want/need – you can choose the valve you want. Again, there are many choices with these, and on top of the below ones, you would also need to choose whether you want the valve concealed or exposed:

  • Twin Valve: Operating one shower accessory, there are separate controls for temperature and flow
  • Twin Valve with Diverter: Operating two shower accessories, with separate controls for temperature and flow.
  • Triple Valve: Operating two shower accessories, with controls for temperature, and flow.
  • Triple Valve with Outlet: Operates one shower accessory, with controls for temperature and flow
  • Dual Valve: Operating one shower accessory – with controls for temperature and flow
  • Sequential Valve: Operating one shower accessory – there is one control that controls both temperature and flow.
  • Bar Valve: Operating one shower accessory – separate controls for flow and temperature.
  • Manual Valve: Operating one shower accessory – there is one control that controls both temperature and flow.
  • Remote Control: Choose preferred settings for temperature and flow via a remote control.

TMV Certification

There are two types of TMV approval/certification:

  • TMV2 Certified valves maintain temperatures even if the water pressure fluctuates when other appliances use water around the house – thus preventing the risk of domestic hot water scalding.
  • TMV3 Certified valves are engineered to a higher standard, so that they meet the guidelines for use in public showering facilities – like at schools or hospitals. They significantly reduce the risk of cladding occurring anywhere that hot water is delivered through mixing valves.

Conclusion

Once you have decided on these options – you are ready to look for your shower system. Remember compatibility is the most important ingredient in your shower system. If your shower system is 0.1 bar pressure, then look for low pressure options. Thankfully, if you don’t have all the answers, or would like some assistance, our staff are more than willing to talk you through the process, so why not give us a call on 0844 8112 321.

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Preparing Your Bathroom for a Relaxing Session


March 7th, 2012 by admin
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Our bathrooms can prove to be very useful when looking for a room in our homes to unwind in; if we take the time to properly consider the fixtures and features available to us in these rooms, it will become clear just how perfect these rooms can be when trying to relax. But how to we make the most of these features and ensure that our bathroom experience is everything that we hoped for? Well with that in mind, let’s take a moment to look around our bathrooms and see what ‘tools’ we have at our disposal.

Heat Therapy

If you are looking to relax yourself physically as well as mentally, then take advantage of your bathtub or shower enclosure; soaking or showering in hot water for a while will help to soften tense muscles and release endorphins in your brain which can relax your body and stimulate your mind. Features such as whirlpool bathtubs and steam cabin shower enclosures can turn these relaxing fixtures into a truly therapeutic experience; the fantastic steam cabin aids weight loss and helps to unclog pores in the skin as the whirlpool bathtub massages sore and aching muscles and aids blood circulation. Bathroom features come in a wonderful range of shapes and sizes, and if you are truly looking to relax on a regular basis, purchasing one of these therapeutic fixtures could be the right move for you.


Set the Mood

Enjoying a nice long soak or shower can be fantastic, but if you wish to aid mental relaxation too, there are steps you can take to make sure your bathroom session gives you maximum results. Firstly, lower the lights in the room, this will help to decrease brain activity and aid your relaxation in the same way that shutting off the lights when you go to sleep does. If possible, shut off the lights completely and add some scented candles to the room; the gentle flicker of the candles will help you to unwind more than you may think.

Play some of your favourite music at a low level, preferable the ‘softer’ songs in your selection to make sure your mind can drift off at will, this will add to the experience and be the perfect finishing touch to help you rest.
So there we have a few simple thoughts and ideas that could transform your household bathroom into a truly relaxing experience.

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Royce Morgan ebony luxury freestanding Bathtub Featured in Celebrity Big Brother


January 18th, 2012 by admin
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Big Brother are renowned for the tricky tasks and devilish dares that they regularly assign to housemates; extra food and treats are offered as an incentive to those who complete the tasks in the required manor. Perhaps one of the slightly more interesting (and frankly hilarious) of the 60 second ‘A Minute To Get In It’ tasks set has been that of Natalie Cassidy; who seemed to get the most daunting task of the bunch!

In these 60 second ‘A Minute To Get In It’ tasks, housemates are challenged to clamber and rush to get themselves into a range of objects; from a giant treasure chest to a pair of furry handcuffs! Once Natalie’s 60 second timer started to count down, she had sixty seconds to open the package left for her and quickly slip into a swimsuit before rushing into the next room to find her task awaiting her.

Next, Natalie was instructed to enter the room to find one of Bathshop321’s very own Royce Morgan ebony luxury freestanding bath awaiting her; filled with blue food dye! Natalie quickly climbed in, sank into the large tub and submerged herself in the dark blue food dye for as long as she could stand to; head and all!

The true sense of hilarity came when Natalie returned to her housemates looking a little blue! Her stained blue skin in contrast with the white bathrobe she had been supplied with was certainly a sight to see. She explained how Big Brother had informed her that the dye will likely continue to give her a blue colouring for some time until it washes off “In Due Course”; somehow we think after the deep submersion that was available due to the depth of our Royce Morgan ebony luxury freestanding bath Natalie might be looking a little blue for longer than she expects!

All in all, Natalie handled the task very well; she fearlessly climbed into the tub and sank into the dark blue dye immediately. After a fellow housemate asked how long she was cursed to look like a Smurf for, Natalie replied “In due course it will come off, but it won’t for ages!” Well done from Bathshop321 Natalie!

Take a look at the video above to see Natalie conquer her challenge in her newly acquired swimming costume! The Royce Morgan ebony luxury freestanding bathtub is available from Bathshop321

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Consistent Design in your Bathroom


January 18th, 2012 by admin
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Consistent Design

Planning to redesign or remodel your bathroom by adding new features, colours or appliances can prove to be a fantastic way of bringing a new feel to the room. Residents are bound to notice a change in the rooms look and practicality when a small change is made, but if you are planning to completely overhaul your bathroom then you are going to have to look at making a few more significant changes.

One thing you should always consider before you start ANY redecorating or refurbishing is the overall style and them you are looking to create; it’s important that your decide on the right colours and features for the room before you begin tearing it apart. Try sketching out (or have someone who’s nifty with a pencil sketch for you) a rough draft of what you would like the room to look like upon completion, whilst considering how you would like the furnishings to look. This will show roughly the sort of furnishings you should be looking for; for example, if you prefer the free standing, classic style baths then consider adding one of these with some well-matched accessories and bathroom furniture.

This is where paying attention to details can really help bring the design of your bathroom together; smaller features that express the same design, theme of feel are sure to show a consistency in design throughout the house. You can effectively continue to add style to the room through features such as radiators, towel rails/heaters, soap dishes/dispensers, vanity units, mirrors and storage units. All of these features can be bought in a wide range of styles and designs, allowing you to strategically match each object with the overall design of the room.

Try to consider the colour of each object before purchasing; think about how the tone will look when added to your new bathroom and how that looks in contrast to the colours that already exist within the room. Carefully choosing objects and products that complement the room is a simple yet effective way of adding character and life to a newly decorated/refurbished.

Remember, consistency in colour, design and style is the most effective way of showing your new bathroom is the product of a carefully thought out plan. If executed properly, the finished product can truly be something to wow friends, family and other visitors to your home.

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Bathroom Planning


December 21st, 2011 by Steph
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If you’re thinking of giving your bathroom a complete overhaul then you need to ensure you have performed the adequate bathroom planning to get the best design to suit you and your family’s needs. Before deciding on any old bathroom design, you need to determine what it is you want from your bathroom. Is it primarily for relaxation and indulgence? Or are you looking for a bathroom that will help you to slash your morning routine time? There’s a vast array of different bathroom designs on the market, so it’s important to choose which one is best for you to get the most out of your home.

bathroom television

The Limited Mobility Bathroom

If you have a family member with limited mobility living in your household then you need to consider how accessible your bathroom is to them. Your bathroom planning will have to be given more consideration for limited mobility family members.

Wet rooms are the most suitable bathroom design if you have a wheelchair user in your family, as they provide adequate space to have assistance when showering should they require it. Non-slip floors are also recommended for disabled family members as some bathroom floors can be incredibly slippery when wet, which is particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with limited mobility.

Grab bars and handrails can also provide support for those who may struggle to freely move around the bathroom. They’re a popular option for use in baths, even if everyone in your household is fully mobile, they can still help to prevent you or your family sustaining nasty injuries from a slip in the tub.

The Pampering Bathroom

If you’re striving for luxury and relaxation in your bathroom then you’ll want it to be a haven for pampering. There are many luxurious bathroom suite items on the market which enable you to indulge in optimum relaxation.

Whirlpool baths are considered to be incredibly luxurious and are quite hard to get out of once you’re soaking with the jets on! When considering bathroom planning, you generally have to be blessed with a generous sized room as you’ll want a spacious bath for relaxing in.

If you really want to treat yourself you could consider a bathroom television! What’re more indulgent than watching your favourite film or television programme whilst surrounded by bubbles? The only downside is you will probably resemble a prune on a regular basis.

The Functional Bathroom

Bathroom planning for the functional bathroom has to be done with the utmost care. You’ll want the best layout option in your bathroom to suit your personal hygiene routine. Showers are always the best option in functional bathrooms as baths can really slow your “getting ready” process down as bathtubs are incredibly hard to resist an extra five minute soak in!

Heated towel rails are also a valuable addition the functional bathroom, their design allows you to warm and dry multiple towels at once so you don’t have to wait for them to heat up. Modern heated towel rails generally have quite a high heat output compared to old-fashioned radiators so your bathroom will heat up quicker, allowing you to use it as soon as possible.

Choosing the correct layout for your new bathroom can be the difference between having the bathroom of your dreams and a mediocre room for personal hygiene. Always prepare with adequate bathroom planning so you know exactly what you want from your bathroom, if you’re having bathroom fitters install it for you then be sure to describe your planning to them in as much detail as possible for optimum results.

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