11 Ideas For Your Downstairs Cloakroom

Transforming The smallest Room

Harness the power of your cloakroom, and make it a cherished area with these inspirational ideas. It can often be difficult to decorate this small corner tucked beneath the stairs because of limited space. Still, you can transform it into an inviting venue with some creativity and resourcefulness!

Unleash your creative side and make daring decisions; when it comes to small bathrooms, you have plenty of choices! In order to maximize this limited area, it's important to strike a balance between style and practicality. With the right ideas in mind, transforming your downstairs lavatory into something special is within reach.

When sprucing up your bathroom, you should start with the loo downstairs. Cloakrooms and ensuites are no longer treated as an afterthought but instead play a major role in how we inhabit our homes - so why not give them the attention they deserve? Experimenting on this smaller scale can make it much easier when going for something more ambitious later!

‘The cloakroom and downstairs toilet are often places where many visitors will spend time, so why not make them stylish havens too? Use bold colours, textures, and materials to link this area with the other rooms in your house. Try introducing bedroom or living room accessories into these compact areas for a unique aesthetic that you'll love. Utilize these ideas today and watch as they immediately transform your crucial space!

1. Turn it into a cloakroom come gallery

Source: https://chloelovestoshop.com

Transform your downstairs lavatory into an inviting area for residents and visitors with meaningful touches that link it to the rest of your home. Often segregated, a cloakroom can feel disconnected from its surroundings, but with personalized accents, you can make this bathroom truly part of the house.

After you decide on the perfect gallery wall ideas, adding art and photos enhances your space with a splash of colour and allows you to express yourself. Furthermore, everyone loves getting an intimate look into someone else's family history!

Consider utilising identical frames for your array of artwork for a unified look. Even if the pieces themselves have various styles and hues, uniform framing will produce cohesion in the room. However, when displaying artwork in bathrooms, ensure to ventilate correctly as humidity can accumulate behind framed works without proper air circulation.

2. Keep It classic

Source: https://www.homesandantiques.com

This stylish cloakroom is artfully framed by tongue-and-groove wall panelling and the top shelf acts as a mantelpiece to display some glass vases. The calming eau-de-nil colour paired with the period tiling creates an exquisite ambience in such a small area. Aside from its visual appeal, the textural interest of this panelling accentuates even when it adopts more neutral hues, making it remain a focal point no matter what.

3. Opt for a space-saving sink

Maximise the potential of any small cloakroom by introducing smart, space-saving solutions. For example, an aptly designed corner sink can free up much room for movement within tight quarters. Additionally, if your entrance opens directly onto this area, a modestly styled option will offer more freedom than you could imagine! Additionally, adding a corner storage unit beneath the sink to get even more use out of that precious real estate is highly recommended and guaranteed to provide additional organisational capabilities with no extra bulk or clutter.

4. Use bold and beautiful wallpaper

Source: https://wallpapers.com

The downstairs toilet isn't exposed to the same kinds of moisture as your upstairs bathroom, so you don't have to worry about wallpaper peeling or bubbling due to condensation. This presents a perfect opportunity for you unleash all those creative and maximalist ideas that just wouldn't work in the upstairs restroom! So go ahead and experiment with whatever bold wallpaper designs come to mind; there's no need to shy away from pushing boundaries here.

Don't be fooled into believing that a small room means you must choose light, bright and simple walls - patterned walls can create an illusion of space and provide extra depth. Far from being limited to expansive spaces, patterns reap rewards even in the most restricted areas!

5. Install heated towel rails

During the winter months, it is essential to have a warm downstairs toilet. A heated towel rail can be an excellent option for small spaces and come in various shapes, sizes, and styles that fit perfectly with your bathroom ideas. Underfloor heating also proves beneficial since it prevents radiator placement issues freeing up wall space for storage solutions.

‘By mounting a wall hung towel rail in your downstairs restroom, you can save greatly on floor space while conveniently stowing away towels that remain warm and dry. If you're looking for the illusion of a bigger bathroom, try opting for a mirrored radiator! This will disperse light across your room, in turn making it seem more spacious. Mirrored radiators are ideal even when space is limited.

6. Use wall-hung toilets

With wall-mounted units and toilets, which look wonderful and slim down the room. Furthermore, cleaning is a breeze when they're placed on walls - you can even store baskets underneath to conceal any chaotic clutter. With this design choice, you won't have to sacrifice style for practicality!

To create an illusion of space in a more modest cloakroom, making the most out of the visible area on the floor is essential.

Wall-hung toilets and basins are an ideal choice for a small bathroom. Don't let the size confine you to dull bathrooms - add metallic touches to create a striking focal point that adds structure and elegance to your scheme.

7. Utilise an awkward corner

Transform that hard-to-reach corner with a sloping ceiling into an incredibly convenient extra bathroom; all you'll need to do is locate where your waste pipes are and - viola! - installing the toilet won't be much of a hassle. Especially if it's near your bedroom, having another loo will make life easier.

8. Double up on tiles

By using the same tiles for both walls and flooring will create a unifying effect, creating the illusion of expansive space with no disruptions in its flow.

‘The same tiles all around invoke a feeling of spaciousness and grandeur. With fewer grout lines, maintaining and cleaning will be a breeze. For the most luxurious look, opt for large-format designs such as slab tiles that can make even small rooms appear larger with their cohesive appearance!

9. Don’t be afraid to use furniture

Even if your downstairs toilet is limited in space, you can still fill it with stylish furniture. Establishing storage solutions like shelves and drawers will help keep the room organized and avoid overcrowding. Opt for pieces that are proportionate to your area so as not to overpower the room or make things appear cramped.

Furniture is the ideal complement for spaces with limited space, allowing you to store toiletries, extra rolls of tissue and cleaning supplies out of sight. A WC unit and storage cabinet will not only conceal any plumbing pipes but will also provide the freedom to position your pan wherever desired!

10. Choose a sliding door to save space

Look for space-saving designs like this sliding door solution to maximise limited spaces. While an outward opening door can make a small cloakroom appear larger if there is enough room, it may not be feasible in areas such as beneath the stairs or within hallways. When space is at a premium, consider using a sliding door; this will not take up any room on either side of the doorway.

11. Make a strong statement on the floor

Wanting to showcase your creative flair, but feeling too shy to make the leap? This humble corner of your home is the perfect place to experiment with something extraordinary.

An opportunity to take a risk and explore styles and colors that you'd generally shy away from is here! For spaces tending towards the small size, we suggest incorporating interesting elements in the floor as opposed to covering walls as this will avoid creating an overwhelming atmosphere.

How much value does a downstairs toilet add? 

Installing a downstairs toilet could add as much as 5% onto the market value of your home. Not only is it convenient, but it can increase its appeal to potential buyers! Homes with ground-level toilets are particularly attractive for those planning on making their purchase into a "forever home," or those who have elderly relatives and wouldn't be able to access the upstairs bathroom without difficulty. Investing in this amenity now may pay off later when you decide to sell your property!

An added benefit of your downstairs bathroom projects is that they typically don't require planning permission - except when it's part of an extension - so you can dive right in without waiting for any authority approval.

What are space saving measures I can include in my downstairs loo? 

In smaller bathrooms, use every bit of space available. To create the feeling of a larger room and draw attention to corners, mount your toilet and vanity unit with additional storage underneath. Before deciding on this set-up, ensure it meets all your storage requirements.

To efficiently store smaller items such as extra toilet paper, select a small storage unit - avoid bigger units if they are not needed. Furthermore, contemplate the size of your tiles compared to the measurement of your bathroom. Fewer grout lines can give an illusion of more space and make it appear larger. Penny tiles work well on floors, but walls desire vivid hues for added personality!

Want To Find Out More?

Pop into our showroom to see the latest in design, colours and trends. If you’re after advice on any aspect of your design, we’re here to help.

Call us today or pop in and see us in Cranleigh. 01483 272727.

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5 Latest Trends and Innovations For Your Bathroom

Photo by Krystal Black

Unveiling the Latest Trends and Innovations

Welcome to the world of bathroom innovation, where we dive headfirst into the refreshing pool of cutting-edge trends and innovations that are revolutionizing our sacred spaces.

From stylish fixtures to smart technologies, we're about to take you on a witty and engaging journey through the latest bathroom trends. So grab your rubber ducky and get ready to soak up some knowledge!

1. The Rise of Smart Bathrooms

Photo by Joey

In this digital age, it seems everything is getting smarter, including our bathrooms. Smart bathrooms are the new cool kids on the block, combining convenience, efficiency, and, of course, a touch of futuristic charm.

Picture this: you step into your bathroom, and the lights automatically adjust to your preferred ambience while the mirror displays the weather forecast for the day. Yes, we've come a long way from the days of flickering fluorescent lights and fogged-up mirrors!

Smart bathrooms are all about enhancing the user experience. Imagine controlling your shower's temperature and water pressure with a voice command or setting up personalised presets for your preferred lighting and music through a smartphone app. Some advanced smart toilets even feature heated seats, built-in bidets, and self-cleaning functions, making your time in the bathroom a luxurious and hassle-free experience. With these innovative technologies, the bathroom becomes a sanctuary where intelligence and relaxation seamlessly intertwine.

2. Sensational Showers

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Shower Power: Reinventing the Art of Bathing

Gone are the days of uninspiring showers. Today, it's all about transforming your shower experience into a spa-like indulgence. The latest shower trends are all about delivering pure bliss with innovative designs and features that awaken your senses.

Rain showerheads have gained immense popularity, offering a gentle and immersive rainfall-like experience. These oversized showerheads drench you in cascading water droplets, creating a soothing and relaxing sensation.

Additionally, adjustable shower panels have become a favourite among those seeking a customizable experience. These panels allow you to control the water pressure and temperature and even choose between various spray patterns, giving you the freedom to create your perfect showering ambience.

But it doesn't stop there. Smart showers have taken centre stage, revolutionising the way we interact with water. With voice-controlled or app-enabled showers, you can effortlessly set the water temperature, adjust the lighting, and even activate personalized playlists to accompany your showering routine. Consider stepping into a preheated shower with your favourite tunes playing in the background—it's an experience that turns mundane showering into a luxurious escape.

3. Tech-Savvy Toilets

Throne of Tech: The Marvels of Modern Toilets

Toilets, once seen as simple necessities, have now become the epitome of innovation and comfort. The latest toilet technologies are transforming the way we approach our daily visits to the porcelain throne.

Say goodbye to traditional toilet paper with the rise of built-in bidets. These modern marvels offer adjustable water pressure, temperature, and even air drying, providing a hygienic and refreshing experience. No more fussing with rolls of tissue or worrying about the environment—these toilets offer a more sustainable and luxurious solution.

Furthermore, self-cleaning toilets have eliminated the need for manual scrubbing. With a touch of a button, the toilet bowl is sanitized, leaving it sparkling clean and eliminating the need for harsh cleaning chemicals. And let's not forget about motion-activated lids that open and close automatically, saving us from the eternal debate of whether we remembered to flush or not.

4. Vanity Fair

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Vanity Vibes: Elevating the Bathroom Aesthetic

Your bathroom vanity is no longer just a functional space to wash your hands and brush your teeth. It has become a statement piece, a reflection of your personal style. The latest trends in bathroom vanities focus on elevating the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.

Floating vanities have taken the design world by storm. These vanities are mounted on the wall, creating an illusion of spaciousness and giving your bathroom a sleek, modern look. They not only add a touch of elegance but also make cleaning the floor a breeze.

But it's not just about the vanities themselves. The mirrors above them have also undergone a transformation. Smart mirrors have entered the scene, offering a range of functionalities beyond reflection. These mirrors can provide ambient lighting, display the time and date, or even connect to your smart devices to stream your favourite shows or play your go-to playlist. Getting ready in the morning becomes not just a routine but a stylish experience.

Additionally, vanity materials have expanded beyond traditional choices. Natural stone countertops, such as marble and granite, provide a luxurious and timeless appeal. Alternatively, recycled materials and sustainable options like bamboo or reclaimed wood are gaining popularity, adding an eco-friendly touch to your bathroom oasis.

5. Sustainable Solutions

Photo by Monstera

Eco-Friendly Bathrooms: Saving the Planet, One Flush at a Time

In an era where environmental consciousness is a top priority, it's no surprise that sustainable bathroom solutions are gaining popularity. These innovations focus on reducing water consumption, utilizing eco-friendly materials, and embracing energy-efficient technologies.

Water-saving toilets and faucets are becoming standard in modern bathrooms. Dual-flush toilets allow you to choose between a light flush for liquid waste and a heavier flush for solid waste, conserving water with every use. Faucets with aerators help regulate water flow, minimising wastage without compromising functionality.

Eco-friendly materials are making their way into bathroom design. Bamboo, known for its sustainability and durability, is being used for vanities, flooring, and accessories, adding a touch of natural beauty. Reclaimed wood brings warmth and character to the space while reducing the demand for new timber.

Energy-efficient lighting options have also made significant strides. LED lighting has become the go-to choice for bathroom illumination. LED bulbs consume less energy, last longer, and produce less heat compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Dimmers and motion sensors further optimize energy usage by ensuring lights are only on when needed.

Summary

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

As we bid adieu to our journey through the world of bathroom innovation, we hope you've been inspired by the latest trends and innovations that are transforming our beloved sanctuaries.

From smart technologies that bring intelligence and relaxation together to sensational showers that provide a spa-like experience, the bathroom industry continues to evolve.

Tech-savvy toilets offer advanced features like built-in bidets and self-cleaning functions, while vanity designs and materials allow for personalisation and style. And let's not forget the importance of sustainability in the bathroom, with water-saving fixtures, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient lighting leading the way.

So go ahead, embrace the future of bathroom design, and unleash your creativity in creating a bathroom space that's both functional and captivating. Whether you prefer a high-tech oasis or a sustainable haven, the latest trends and innovations in bathrooms are sure to make a splash in your daily routine.

Want To Find Out More?

Pop into our showroom to see the latest in design, colours and trends. If you’re after advice on any aspect of your design, we’re here to help.

Call us today or pop in and see us in Cranleigh. 01483 272727.

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7 Ways To Creating a Smart Bathroom

The Future of bathrooms is here

In today's world, energy conservation has become a crucial aspect of our daily lives. We all know that energy is a scarce resource, and the amount of energy we consume directly impacts our environment. 

Therefore, it's essential that we take measures to reduce our energy consumption wherever possible. One area where we can make significant strides towards energy conservation is our bathrooms. 

With a few simple tweaks and the addition of smart technology, we can create an energy-saving smart bathroom that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

What Is A Smart Bathroom

Source: Roper Rhodes

A smart bathroom is a bathroom that incorporates advanced technology and automation to improve energy efficiency, convenience, and overall functionality. It typically includes a range of smart devices and systems controlled through a mobile app or voice commands.

A smart bathroom's features include motion sensor lighting, voice-activated appliances, smart thermostats, and water-saving fixtures. For example, a smart showerhead may be able to adjust water pressure and temperature according to your preferences or have a pause feature that allows you to save water while you're lathering up.

Smart bathrooms may also incorporate smart mirrors with built-in displays and can provide information such as weather forecasts, news updates, and even your health status. Additionally, some smart bathrooms may have integrated sound systems that allow you to listen to music or news while you're getting ready in the morning.

One of the main benefits of a smart bathroom is its ability to help reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills. For example, motion sensor lighting ensures that lights are only on when needed, and water-saving fixtures can help reduce water usage, which can also help to lower your water bill.

Overall, a smart bathroom provides an enhanced user experience by integrating technology and automation, making it more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective.

Here are some tips on how to create an energy-saving smart bathroom.

1. Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LED Lights

Source: Roper Rhodes

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to create an energy-saving smart bathroom is to replace all incandescent bulbs with LED lights. LED lights consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. 

According to the Department of Energy, an LED bulb uses 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb and can last up to 25 times longer. 

Additionally, LED bulbs are available in various colours and shapes, allowing you to create the perfect ambience for your bathroom.

2. Install Motion Sensor Lights

Another great way to save energy in your bathroom is to install motion sensor lights. Motion sensor lights turn on automatically when you enter the room and off when you leave. This means you don't have to worry about leaving the lights on when you leave the bathroom. Additionally, motion sensor lights can be used with LED bulbs to maximise energy savings.

3. Use Low-Flow Fixtures

Source: Laufen

Low-flow fixtures are an effective and cost-efficient solution for reducing water usage in your home. They are designed to use less water than traditional fixtures without sacrificing performance or functionality.

Low-flow fixtures include showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and they work by restricting the amount of water that flows through them. This can help you save water and money on your water bill without compromising on performance.

One of the primary benefits of low-flow fixtures is their water-saving capabilities. 

They are designed to use less water than traditional fixtures, which can help you save money on your water bill while conserving water. For example, low-flow showerheads can use up to 50% less water than traditional showerheads, while low-flow toilets can use up to 60% less water per flush.

Low-flow fixtures can also help you maintain better control over your water usage. Many models have customisable settings that allow you to adjust the water flow and pressure to your liking, which can help you conserve water without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Overall, low-flow fixtures are an excellent investment for homeowners who are looking to improve their water efficiency and save money on their utility bills. With a range of features and customisable settings, they provide an effective and sustainable solution for reducing water usage in your home.

4. Install a Smart Showerhead

Smart showers are an innovative and energy-efficient solution for modern bathrooms. They are designed to help you save water, energy, and money while providing an enhanced showering experience.

Smart showers come equipped with built-in sensors, temperature control, and customisable settings that allow you to personalise your shower experience. They can be controlled via a mobile app or voice commands, making them convenient and easy to use.

One of the primary benefits of smart showers is their water-saving capabilities. They are designed to use less water than traditional showerheads, which can help you save money on your water bill while conserving water. Additionally, smart showers often have features such as a pause button, which allows you to turn off the water while you shampoo or soap up, further reducing water usage.

Smart showers can also help you save energy. Many models have built-in sensors that detect when the water is at your desired temperature and automatically shut off when it reaches that point. This can help you save energy by reducing the time the shower is running and the amount of hot water you use.

Smart showers are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency and save money on their utility bills. With a range of features and customisable settings, they provide an enhanced showering experience while helping you reduce your impact on the environment.

5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Source: https://store.google.com/

Smart thermostats are an advanced and energy-efficient solution for controlling the temperature in your home. They are designed to help you save energy and money by providing personalised temperature control, learning your habits and preferences, and adjusting the temperature accordingly.

Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via a mobile app, making adjusting the temperature from anywhere accessible. They can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, allowing you to control the temperature using voice commands.

One of the primary benefits of smart thermostats is their energy-saving capabilities. They are designed to learn your schedule and habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, which can help you save energy and money on your utility bills. 

For example, the thermostat can automatically turn off the heating or cooling when you leave the house and turn it back on before you return.

Smart thermostats also provide valuable data and insights into your energy usage, allowing you to identify areas where you can further reduce your energy consumption. 

They can track your usage patterns and provide reports showing you how much energy you use and when.

In general, smart thermostats are an excellent investment for homeowners who are looking to improve their energy efficiency and save money on their utility bills. 

Personalised temperature control, remote access, and energy-saving features provide an enhanced user experience while helping you reduce your environmental impact.

6. Install a Smart Toilet

Source: Laufen

Smart toilets, such as those provided by Laufen, are an innovative and energy-efficient solution for modern bathrooms. They are designed to provide enhanced functionality, comfort, and convenience while reducing water usage and promoting better hygiene.

Smart toilets have various features, such as motion sensors, heated seats, bidet functions, and self-cleaning capabilities. Many models also have customisable settings that allow you to adjust the water pressure, temperature, and other features to your liking.

One of the primary benefits of smart toilets is their water-saving capabilities. They are designed to use less water than traditional toilets, which can help you save money on your water bill while conserving water. Some models also have dual-flush options, which allow you to choose between a light or heavy flush depending on the waste.

Smart toilets can also help you maintain better hygiene. Many models have self-cleaning functions that use water and disinfectant to clean the bowl, reducing the need for harsh chemicals. They can also have bidet functions that use water to clean your bottom after use, reducing the need for toilet paper.

Smart toilets are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to improve their bathroom experience while promoting sustainability and better hygiene. With advanced features and customisable settings, they provide an enhanced user experience while helping you reduce your environmental impact.

7. Use Natural Light

Photo by João Jesus

Finally, one of the simplest ways to create an energy-saving smart bathroom is to use natural light. 

Natural light is essential when designing a bathroom, as it can bring numerous benefits to the space. One of the primary advantages of natural light is its ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a bathroom, creating a brighter, more spacious, and more inviting atmosphere. 

Natural light can also improve visibility, making it easier to perform daily tasks such as shaving or applying makeup. Additionally, exposure to natural light can promote better health and well-being, as it can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and improve mood. 

Finally, incorporating natural light into a bathroom can also help reduce energy costs by reducing the need for artificial lighting. By taking advantage of natural light, homeowners can create a more functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing bathroom that promotes well-being and sustainability.

Want To Find Out More?

Pop into our showroom to see the latest in design, colours and trends. If you’re after advice on any aspect of your design, we’re here to help.

Call us today or pop in and see us in Cranleigh. 01483 272727.

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