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Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

At home water saving tips

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.

Upgrade your cloakroom

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.