A cloakroom or downstairs toilet is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, predominantly by guests, so why neglect it? Whether it’s small and awkward or a larger space, it is possible to create a luxurious cloakroom that you’ll be proud to show visitors.
If you don’t already have one, adding a downstairs toilet to your home can be one of the best additions you make when looking to add value. Research from Checkatrade shows that a downstairs toilet can add up to 5% to the value of your property!
So, how can you create a spacious cloakroom that has the wow factor?
Mirrors
Your downstairs toilet may not be the biggest room in the house, but using mirrors can create the illusion of a larger space. Placed well, a mirror can enhance a sense of space by bouncing light around the room.
Go big with your mirror, opt for one that stretches from wall to wall or place it behind furniture from floor to ceiling to make it appear purposeful and prominent. Adding a full-length mirror will create the illusion that the room goes on and on.
Be bold with colours
A small space is an ideal place to be creative when decorating. A small cloakroom can be transformed with bright colours and bold wallpaper, creating a luxurious space you’ll be proud to show off. Accessorise with framed prints, creative lighting and house plants!
Stay organised
The key to making your downstairs toilet feel more spacious is clever storage. If you don’t have much floor space, make the most of the wall space with a cupboard or open shelving with baskets to keep the toiletries and toilet rolls hidden away. If you are starting from scratch consider building bespoke storage to save space and put everything in its own place. A recessed cubby hole for towels or toiletries helps streamline the room.
Space-saving
There are plenty of choices when it comes to space-saving fittings perfect for downstairs toilets and cloakrooms. Corner units that incorporate a basin and extra storage, utilise even the smallest of spaces and are a contemporary addition to any small bathroom. Or opt for a cleverly-designed combination toilet and basin, meaning you can squeeze a cloakroom into even the smallest of spaces.
Our Maidstone and Cranbrook showrooms can help inspire your next bathroom project and our team of designers are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Book your free design consultation online.
In recognition of World Water Day, a day dedicated to the importance of freshwater around the world, we wanted to share our top tips on how you can save water in your everyday life.
World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance that celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water. A core focus of World Water Day is to inspire action towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
In the UK, the average household currently uses around 330 litres of water a day –that’s 140 litres per head, every day. According to Waterwise, 85% of people don’t know how much we use per day on average. If they make a guess, they generally estimate between 50 and 100 litres per day –well below the actual figure.
Water is a precious resource –but it can’t be taken for granted. So, how can you reduce the amount of water you use every day?
If possible, take a shower instead of a bath. A five-minuteshower uses about 40 litres of water. This is about half the volume of a standard bath. Did you know spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £8 a year off your energy bills, per person?
Use a dual flush toilet cistern. Depending on the size of your cistern, you could save between one and three litres each time you flush the toilet.
Switch to a water-saving showerhead. This will reduce the amount of water you use in the shower by either regulating the flow or aerating the water. This will allow you to reduce the water coming out of your shower head by up to 50% whilst still having a pleasant shower experience.
Stop the drips. A dripping tap can waste more than 5,300 litres of water a year, so make sure your taps are properly turnedoff and change washers promptly when taps start to drip.
Is it time your bathroom had a refresh? As one of the most utilised rooms in your house, it definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you are planning a complete bathroom renovation or just looking to switch up some furniture, the process can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on planning your next bathroom project and should you need any advice our designers are on hand to help walk you through the process.
Consider your needs
To help begin the process, consider your needs and create a wish list from your current space. Think about the functionality of the room, what you are missing and what’s important to you. Maybe you have a bath that is never used and takes up too much space or your products are too cluttered and calling out for extra storage. This will help prioritise exactly what you require and create the ideal layout.
Kaldewei
Get inspired
Use tools such as Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram to help inspire how you want your new bathroom to look. Think about your desired style, do you want a bright, calming, minimalist space or a colourful room bursting with personality. Our Houzz profile showcases some of our previous projects featuring a range of styles and products to help inspire. If you prefer, pop into our Maidstone or Cranbrook showrooms to browse our displays and pick up a brochure to browse at home.
Grohe
Speak to the experts
Now is the time to bring all your ideas to life! Booking your free bathroom design consultation with The Bathroom Cellar will help turn your vision into reality. Using 3D CAD designs, along with our in-depth knowledge of the latest trends, we will turn your ideas and requirements into a detailed plan. Each of the elements will be considered including size, style and technical requirements, to create a bathroom you will love.
Let’s get going
Once you have finalised your dream design and chosen all your furniture and accessories, the work can begin! During the whole process, our team are on hand to give you and your plumber/builder advice and recommendations along the way.
Should you have any questions or want to get in touch with the team you can contact us here and book your free design consultation online. We hope to see you soon!
At The Bathroom Cellar, we pride ourselves in providing our customer’s with the very best and exclusive range of products, that we guarantee you will love. To add to our current selection of brands, we are excited to introduce Coalbrook, a luxury tap and brassware company.
Whether you are dressing your bathroom with a traditional style or after a more contemporary bathroom design, Coalbrook’s stunning range of brassware products have been created to provide something for every bathroom space. With taps, accessories, shower and bath products available, in two distinct ranges, there are endless design possibilities.
Launched in 2020, they have created a variety of timeless bathroom brassware essentials, in two iconic ranges, Domo and Decca, available in four bold and modern finishes.
Crafted by experts in design with 200 years of combined experience in the bathroom industry, all products go through various stages from concept through to 3D prototype with design always at the forefront of mind.
The Domo range has a minimalistic, streamlined look which allows the products to fit seamlessly in any bathroom space.
Whereas the Decca range will add a subtle design element to the bathroom with tiny grooves and fluted edges creating depth.
Both ranges have an extremely comprehensive range and have been created to provide something for every bathroom, including deck and wall mounted basin mixers, deck, wall and freestanding bath fillers, showers and a complimentary accessories range. Both ranges are available in four finishes: Gunmetal, Brushed Brass, Chrome and Brushed Nickel.
All taps, valves and showers are WRAS approved and come with a 20-year guarantee, further proof that these products have been manufactured to not only look good but to last. The WRAS approval also means these can be specified on new projects throughout the UK, so please get in touch with our Projects Team if this is of interest (projects@thebathroom.co.uk).
Now on display in our Cranbrook and Maidstone showrooms, why not book a free design consultation with one of our designers and see the stunning range in person.
Whether you are looking to remodel your bathroom or simply want to update a couple of fixtures or fittings, our team our on hand to help you.
Vado has just launched a striking new collection of two-toned bathroom taps and showering brassware – and we can’t get enough!
Knurled X Fusion is a perfect marriage of colour and texture. Its individuality will radiate throughout your bathroom thanks to its unique, double-sided personality – think Gemini, night and day, or yin and yang.
Black and Gold have long been a match made in heaven, but Knurled X Fusion still manages to confidently push those modern bathroom design boundaries.
On the one hand, Brushed Black and Gold evoke a sense of luxurious sophistication, effortlessly seducing your senses and conjuring a sense of calm. Picture yourself deep in relaxation – absorbing the warm energy you might seek from a spa retreat – only you are in the sanctuary of your own home.
On the other hand, Knurled X Fusion is bold and dramatic. Through simplicity and minimalism, Brushed Black and Nickel mirror an assertiveness reminiscent of the popular industrial trend.
Depending on your style and the atmosphere you wish to create in your bathroom, you can pair Knurled X Fusion products with an array of colour pallets and materials.
Which Knurled X Fusion personality do you resonate with the most?
Do you want your space to be calming and seductive? Try pairing the brassware with neutral colours.
Looking for something more contemporary with a hint of glamour? A backdrop of darker tones works well. For a balance of the two, you might want to consider organic materials such as wood, concrete and marble.
Both of our showrooms are open, so why not book a socially-distanced, face-to-face design consultation with one of our designers?
We’ll help you every step of the way, whether you are looking to remodel your bathroom or simply want to update a couple of fixtures and fittings. Head over to our website to book.
We would like to thank Vado for sponsoring this blog post. You can see the fabulous Knurled X Fusion collection for yourself on Vado’s website.
As spending more time at home becomes the new normal, almost two-thirds (65%) of UK homeowners have opted to spruce up their spaces and give them some much-needed TLC.
“UK’s homeowners have spent £55billion on renovations to create their perfect property. That is an average of £4,035.70 each on home renovations since the lockdown restrictions began in March” (money.co.uk).
Since the first lockdown, sales of household goods have soared as homeowners have been fixated on home improvements, renovation projects and DIY’s.
“Builder’s merchants and DIY shops have seen people focusing on singular projects” (BBC News) and with hygiene now at the forefront of people’s minds, bathroom renovations are amongst the most sought-after of home improvements.
But is it all worth it? Sure, having a lockdown project has helped to keep the boredom at bay, but will spending your hard-earned cash on a new bathroom benefit you in the long run? Absolutely.
To begin with, you’ll increase the value of your home when it comes to reselling it.
Today, there’s an influx of homes on the market. This is because lockdown has halted the progress for vast numbers of people selling, or preparing to sell their homes. With the stamp duty holiday set to run until the end of June, anyone buying property up to the value of £500,000 will not have to pay any stamp duty tax. So, understandably, many people are on the move right now.
With that in mind, and if finances are a motivator, updating your home can be an incredibly wise investment – potentially increasing the value of your home by a whopping 10%. If you are currently looking to sell your property, or are considering doing so in the future, bathroom renovations can add anywhere from around £3500 – £4000 to the value of your property.
On the flipside, having an accessible bathroom has been reported as important when buying property, especially if the current property has access to the bathroom. Buyers report offering up to £20,000 less for the inconvenience (IdealHome, 2020)
A tidy, clean, functional, accessible bathroom will appeal significantly to prospective buyers.
Managing Director of The Bathroom Cellar, Ollie Streek, states:
“If you’re thinking of improving your home or increasing it’s value, generally improving the kitchen is at the forefront of the mind. There is a less expensive, cost-efficient way, which I’ve seen, helped and delivered for a number of clients – and that is bathrooms! With many saving income and having the opportunity to improve the value of their home, bathrooms are definitely a wise investment – especially when moving and saving on stamp duty land tax.”
Home buyers will actually overlook a property if it only has one bathroom, because there is such a demand for these spaces.
Adding an additional cloakroom toilet could help you to stand out from the competition and ultimately make selling your home a lot quicker and easier.
We can’t stress enough, that if you are going to invest time and money into renovating your bathroom, there is no point in settling for a low-quality finish. A poor tiling job can ruin the finish of your bathroom, and if any elements are installed incorrectly, you may face unexpected costs later down the line. The key here is to make sure your bathroom is future-proofed.
Think carefully about your budget and stick to what you can afford. If you have a limited amount of money, be aware that if you overspend, you’re more likely to cut corners. If you simply don’t have the funds or want to spend too much on renovating your bathroom, you should take a look at your current tiling and grouting situation, at the very least:
It has been reported that 77% of property professionals place good quality tiles and grouting as the most desirable feature for potential buyers, so this is an obvious place to start and something many people can tackle themselves.
A bathroom remodel will not only benefit you by adding value to your house. You could also make your money back by increasing its efficiency:
Renovating your bathroom is also a good investment in terms of minimising your energy expenses and eventually getting them to pay for themselves. The long-term financial benefits can be huge. Most buyers would prefer to purchase a more energy-efficient home, since they will be looking to save on energy costs.
This can easily be done by updating the technology and functionality of your bathroom. There are an amazing range of water saving products available now, as well as heated towel rails which can be controlled by the flick of a switch.
Make sure that your plumber is reliable and remember that cheap isn’t always better. The last thing you want is for issues to crop up at a later date, incurring costs which could have otherwise been avoidable.
Both of our showrooms open from April 12th, so why not book a socially-distanced, face-to-face design consultation with one of our designers? We’ll help you every step of the way through your bathroom remodel. Simply head to our website to book.
There are certain things around the house that you can easily fix by yourself. But if you ever have a problem with your plumbing parts, chances are you will rely on your plumber to fix them. Water always finds a way out and if it’s not dealt with correctly, it can lead to disaster! Just keep in mind, there are some things your plumber might not tell you:
1. Don’t flush ‘flushable’ wipes
Think twice before you flush them down the loo. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can come back to bite you in the bum later in the form of a nasty blockage! Our talented design team is confident you’ll love our range of toilets.
2. Don’t ignore that dripping tap
Drip…drip…drip. The sooner you get dripping taps fixed, the less water you will waste and the less expensive the problem will be further down the line. Small drips can waste over 30 litres of water a day. If you need to replace any old taps, check out our quality range.
3. Avoid harsh cleaners
Sure, in the short term they appear to do the job, but what your plumber probably hasn’t told you is that in the long term they will eat away at your pipes. Products such as common UK household names (Mr. Muscle) could potentially corrode the finish.
4. Don’t pour cooking fat down the drain
We’ve all seen pictures of those grotesque ‘fatbergs’ circulating online. Imagine unknowingly creating your own! Grease can solidify and become rock-hard in your pipes, meaning you’ll need it to be professionally removed.
5. Your plumber can inspect a home you’re looking to buy
Plumbers can scope out any problems that may be emerging in your potential new home, such as in the underground drain system. Taking this precautionary measure could save you a tonne of money later down the line.
6. Always know where the turnoff source is in your home
That way, you can turn the water off yourself and avoid calling a plumber out at emergency rates.
7. You can choose your own plumbing parts
You don’t have to rely on the parts your plumber recommends. Instead, you can do your own online research and potentially save yourself a few quid. You might find that you can make some simple money-saving switches too, like changing a copper pipe to a PVC one.
8. Need a recommendation? Ask your local plumbing-supply store
Ask the experts! At The Plumbing Cellar we only deal with quality products and our ranges are suitable for both commercial and domestic sectors. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
Shorter, colder days mean that we are firmly in the midst of winter across the UK.
Upon waking in the morning, one of the horrors you may discover is the icy, chilly bathroom. Few things are more unappealing.
Fortunately, we have some tips to help make your space more welcoming.
1. Ensure You Have Heating
If you already have a radiator in your bathroom, we recommend bleeding it. You know yours needs bleeding if the top section is cooler than the bottom section, or if the entire radiator stays cold when the heating is on. When you bleed your radiator, the air gets released, meaning that hot water will be able to flow freely.
If you don’t already have a radiator, why not consider a heated towel rail? These have the dual benefits of providing warmth for your bathroom and keeping your towels toasty.
Reina Radiator
2. Install Underfloor Heating
In the early hours of the day, as you drag yourself out of bed, it’s easy to be caught barefoot. No socks plus non-heated flooring such as laminate or vinyl equals chilly toes. Underfloor heating, however, will completely transform your bathroom. Enjoy choosing the exact temperature for the flooring, minimal maintenance, and increased wall space. No slippers required!
3. Switch Up Your Colour Scheme
Cool colours like white or pastel blue can actually make your bathroom feel colder. Avoid this by introducing warmer tones such as yellow, red, or pink. You don’t have to re-paint the entire room; instead, you could paint a feature wall, introduce a new vanity unit or cabinet, or simply invest in some different towels and mats.
Crosswater UK
4. Add Warm Lighting
Lighting can make a huge difference to the overall feel of a bathroom, and can be key in adding additional warmth to the space. Consider how satisfying it would be to step out of the shower and into the heat of the light. Choose bulbs that emit K2500 and CRI 90 or higher for maximum impact.
Lefroy Brooks
5. Install a Heat-Retaining Bath Tub
There can be nothing more enjoyable in the winter months than luxuriating in a wonderfully hot bath. However, most of the time, you’re lucky if you get fifteen minutes of warmth before the water turns tepid. Luckily, by choosing the material of your tub more carefully, you’ll find that you can prolong your soaking time. Copper, brass, stone, steel and cast iron all help to retain heat for longer.
Victoria + Albert
So there you have it. The bathroom doesn’t have to be a human refrigerator! By acting on just some of these tips you could make your bathroom a lot cosier. Book an appointment with one of our bathroom designers at our Maidstone or Cranbrook showroom if you’d like help with your adjustments. Click here:
With so much extra time at home, we’re all looking for ways to occupy ourselves. Sure, some have turned to baking banana bread, online quizzes, and yoga, but wouldn’t you like to do something that makes your surroundings that bit more enjoyable to be in?
If so, read on for DIY bathroom inspiration! And remember, we’re open as usual during the lockdown period, so will be happy to help when you visit the showroom!
New Mirror
Mirrors are magical things. They give the illusion of additional space and light, opening up your bathroom. If your bathroom’s on the smaller side, consider installing a mirror that covers the entirety of the wall space above the sink. Alternatively, you could opt for multiple mirrors, which similarly have the effect of magnifying the area. If you’re lacking in natural light, we advise you to introduce lights to the border of your mirror, giving the appearance of additional light. We can show you a range of mirrors in our showroom.
2. Select Shelves
Shelves are a winning storage solution. They utilise wall space instead of floor space, giving you room for copious toiletries! Shelves keep everything tucked away, and have the advantage of displaying your belongings so that they’re easy to find. Personalise your bathroom: we have shelves in chrome, rose gold, bronze, and more.
3. Switch Your Soap Dish
Let’s face it. Soap dishes are rarely at the forefront of your mind when it comes to designing your bathroom. They’re a detail that can be easily forgotten. However, they can really contribute to bringing some personality to your space. You could choose one that complements your existing tiles and colour scheme, or you could let it pave the way for your post-lockdown refurb inspiration! Either way, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Peach, pink, turtledove, mint, black, blue…brass, resin, glass, or bamboo.
4. Tweak Your Towel Rails
Another oft overlooked item. They’re the kind of fixture that is usually inherited from the previous occupants. Not being the show stopping shower, bath, toilet or sink, they’re left to the side. But this lack of concern with the lowly towel rail often results in the presence of a tacky, plastic number from the 1960’s. Why not upgrade yours to something a little more elegant?
5. Change Your Toothbrush Holder
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush holder? Do you even have a toothbrush holder? Be honest: is it just an old faded mug? This is another key accessory, perhaps to match your soap dish, or as a different, but equally sophisticated, counterpart. Choose from cylindrical, cubed, diamond fractal, and tumblers in a range of colours and materials.
6. Add A Bathroom Stool
They take up minimal space, and provide you with a useful surface. Whether it’s for draping your clothes over, sitting on whilst you let a face mask settle, or supporting a glass of wine whilst you soak in the bath, it’s definitely useful. So do yourself a favour; have a seat.
If you find yourself looking for a project, what better way to keep busy than to spruce up your bathroom? We hope that we’ve inspired you with these ideas and look forward to welcoming you to our Maidstone or Cranbrook showroom. Book an appointment with one of our bathroom designers if you’d like help with your revamp. Click here:
● Supplier of plumbing and heating parts to be open during second lockdown period
● Hospitals, care homes and those vulnerable during isolation can purchase parts for any
failing heating systems from this business
● Business located in the centre of Kent in Maidstone for easy access.
An independently owned bathroom retailer, The Bathroom Cellar, with locations in Maidstone
and Cranbrook, will have their trade counter at Maidstone open for essential parts during
lockdown.
The bathroom and plumbing supplier has adjusted the business to provide essential plumbing
parts and design services at its Maidstone location. With a team of specialist bathroom
designers, if emergency work is required, a team of dedicated customer service team at their
trade-counter for emergency, essential parts for fixes, the business will operate 7am – 5pm.
Business owner, Ollie Streek, understands that the announcement of the second lockdown has
come at the peak period where households, hospitals, care homes and essential shops will be
switching on their heating systems.
Ollie says, “Admittedly, I’ve been preparing the business for a potential second lockdown to ensure that households can be warm over winter. I want to ensure everyone is as warm and comfortable as possible in these times.”
During the second lockdown period (5th November – 2nd December), business owner, Ollie, has
adjusted the business by ensuring a good stock of plumbing materials e.g. copper, moving
design consultations onto Zoom, preparing his delivery team with PPE and track & trace and
Taken the initiative to let all suppliers know The Bathroom Cellar is open ensuring a constant
stream of further parts.
The Bathroom Cellar, is letting all customers know that current projects will go ahead as will currently
booked delivery of any goods.
The Bathroom Cellar will operate it’s usual business hours for ease and will be on-hand to
provide plumbing parts and design services to the hospitals and care homes.
The Bathroom Cellar Ltd is an independently owned bathroom retailer specialising in selling
discounted ranges from the biggest brands at the best prices. With locations in Cranbrook and
Maidstone, The bathroom Cellar Ltd has been traded since 2012.
For any questions on this press release, contact Kizzie Nicholson – kizzie@socialfireworks.co.uk
