By really thinking about how you (and your family) use the bathroom, you can ensure that the space is fully maximised to its full potential.

If you have a small bathroom, here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

• Prioritise – what is most important to you – a large vanity with lots of storage or a larger shower for example.
• Wall mounted mixer taps can provide more space on the vanity top or allow for a larger sink.
• In-wall cisterns with toilets can provide a little more space. Though not a lot, every little helps
• To create more storage, consider a mirrored cabinet rather than a plain mirror above the vanity. Depending on the walls, this may also be able to be recessed.
• A wall-hung vanity give the illusion of more space, though you will lose some storage.
• Wall spaces behind doors can sometimes be used to house a storage cupboard to keep towels and toiletries so the other bathroom furniture can be smaller.
• A frameless shower screen blends more seamlessly into the bathroom and so creates the illusion of a larger bathroom. 

  To discuss your bathroom renovation, do not hesitate to give us a call. You can view some of our work here

The post Ideas to maximise the space of a small bathroom appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

If you are planning a bathroom renovation, what type of vanity should you choose? We are only talking about the storage element here – the vanity top, sink et all are other decisions to make.

Generally, it comes down to style – the bathroom and your personal preferences.

So, we have given you some of the pros and cons for different choices to help make your decision.

Vanity with drawers

Drawers usually our preference as you can utilise all of the storage space within the vanity. As you pull the drawers out you can easily see everything from front to back – so there are no items hidden behind countless others. The other benefit is not having to bend down to access the back of the cupboard.

On the other hand, a vanity with drawers is usually a little more expensive than a cabinet with doors, dur to the additional hardware required. They can also look a bit busier than doors, so it depends on the final look you are happy with.

Vanity with doors

Doors allow for the maximum storage as there is likely to only be one or two shelves inside. If you store your towels in your vanity, then doors are a great option as you can stack them inside the cupboard and see everything you have.

However, if you are planning on storing many items in the cupboards, remember that you probably do not want to have to pull it all out each time you want to get to an item at the back.

Traditional vanity with no cabinetry

There has been a resurgence recently in traditional vanities – ones that are purely a sink on legs or, some with have a frame with shelves under. This really is a statement in a bathroom and can look great. If you have other storage options within the room, then this could be a choice for you.

But, if the rest of your sanitary ware does is not of a more traditional or plain style, then the vanity could look out of place. And, if you do have a frame under, remember that everything you store on it will be visible at all times.

Remember, it is always important to visit bathroom showrooms to see different vanity styles, along with the other sanitary ware. And, if you ask the team, they can assist you with other styles you might like – or you may find the vanity you like the style of is available with different cabinetry.

Contact us to see how we can help with your renovation

The post Bathroom Vanity Cabinet – Drawers, Doors Or None At All? appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

Get it right and your bathroom is a room you will enjoy all year round but get it wrong and it may be the last place you want to go in the middle of Winter.

There are many different ways to heat your bathroom and it is really important to choose the right heaters for your bathroom based on factors such as what your existing system is, room size and ventilation, as well as budget. So, to give you some ideas we put together an overview of each.

Heated Towel Rail

Image from Drench

A heated towel rail is a great way to warm the room and dry/warm your towels. Plus, as it storing your towels, it is a great space saver. You can have a heated towel rail that is part of a hydronic system (as below), or it can be an electric heater. Better still, some towel rails offer both so you can still turn it on using the electrical element, even when the hydronic heating is off.

Hydronic Heating

If you have hydronic heating in your home, or if you are doing a full renovation and considering adding hydronic heating, you can include your bathroom. It can be just a simple panel or you can have a hydronic towel rail.

Ducted Heating

Many houses have ducted heating and so this can just be retained as part of the renovation. If is it not already located under the towel rail, and it is possible, consider moving the duct there. That way, as with heated towel rails, you are warming the room while drying/warming the towels.

Electric Panel Heating

Panel heaters can be fitted to the wall and simply plugged into the mains. Suitable for small bathrooms, most allow you to control the temperature and some have thermostats. However, we would recommend considering a heated towel rail over a panel as this allows you to dry and warm up your towels as well as the room.

Under-floor Heating

Many find that once they have under-floor heating they never want to go without. The heating elements are fitted under the tiles so the tiles are warm to the touch. The system uses a thermostat to get the floor to your ideal temperature and you can set up on/off times throughout the week so you know you will always wake up to a warm floor.

Heat Lamp Combo

A heat lamp combo is a popular choice as you have lots of functionality built into one unit. As well as lighting up the room, this system provides warmth to heat up the bathroom and draws out the moist air.

The post Considered heating in your bathroom renovation? appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

Rather than a fixed shower head coming from the wall or a rain head from the ceiling, a hand shower gives you the flexibility of being able to take it off of the rail (or out of it’s stand if you have a hand shower attached to a bath) and use it.

A hand shower is so helpful for many everyday uses.

Hair

Not everyone wants to get their hair wet every time they have a shower. A hand shower on a riser rail gives you the flexibility of being able to move the shower head up and down to the appropriate height to wash only your body.

Pets

If you have pets, you need to give them a dreaded bath now and again. A hand shower will make it so much easier and you can aim the water at all angles and rinse off those bubbles quicker.

Elderly

Many elderly people require a seat in the shower and having a hand shower allows for much more flexibility and ease of use.

Babies/Children

Much like pets, showering a baby or child is not always easy. Whether they be a bit older and standing in the shower or in a baby bath in the shower area/bath, having a hand shower allows you to control the direction of the water.

Cleaning

Have you ever washed a shower with a fixed head? It is so frustrating to clean everything, only to have the impossible task of rinsing. With a hand shower you can rinse all the tiles and shower screens easily.

And, if your heart is set on a rain head shower, never fear. You can either fit a rain head and separate hand shower on a riser rail, or purchase a dual head riser rail that has both fittings already.

If you are planning a bathroom renovation in Melbourne, get in touch with Room For Improvement Pty Ltd to discuss your needs.

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Of course, like with any bathroom, the design and layout must suit your lifestyle and how you will use the space. But in the case of bathrooms that will be used by the elderly or individuals with a disability, there a some additional factors to consider including:

• Floor Tiles
  • You always want non-slip tiles on the floor in a bathroom, but it is imperative that you ensure you get the right rating of non-slip. Even tiles that are suitable for bathrooms have different slip tolerances. Quality tiles from a reputable supplier will have a slip rating associated with them. Consider that too non-slip and it may cause tripping. We work with clients to find the style they like and work with our suppliers to find the best options.
• Grab rails
  • Fit a grab rail in the shower, above the bath and next to the toilet. Seems obvious enough? But what about the height. There is little to no point in just having one fitted if it is not the correct height. We have seen many properties where the individual and guidelines have not been considered. We ensure that the fitted height is appropriate to the person that needs it. And, it is imperative that they are fitted correctly as part of the renovation – with provisions made as part of construction, not just added at the end.
• Storage accessibility
  • Vanities with drawers usually make it easier to access contents than those with doors. With cupboards, you have to bend and lean in to get to the back. So, you could either be wasting storage space or not be able to get to everything.
• Vanity Units
  • A wall hung bathroom vanity can be fixed to the wall higher or lower to make accessibility to the sinks and taps even easier. Even some freestanding vanities can be height adjusted to an extent.
• Taps
  • There are many different types of tap set ups, from monoblock to three-hole taps. They have varying styles and benefits. Consider where they are being placed on the vanity – can they be reached easily? Also, think about the design. Comfort and ease of use should be a priority over design but with so much to choose from we can help you find something you like.

• Toilets
  • A higher toilet will usually make sitting down and getting up easier. Of course, if you are shorter in stature then this may not suit.
  • There are plenty of toilet suite options these days so you may need a back rest or arms to help with getting up and down.

• Accessories
  • Towel rails and toilet roll holders – think about where they will be placed that they are aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, are easy to use. We can advise on the best placement.
• Door handles / locks / hinges
  • Consider if the door handle needs to be fitted at a certain height and is it easy to use? What kind of lock will be best that will minimise the chances of accidentally getting locked in and that allow override from outside the bathroom in emergencies. Even using lift-off door hinges may be recommended.
• Layout
  • Avoid having different levels in the bathroom, no steps if possible
  • Create a layout with room to manoeuvre
  • If possible, have a large shower with no doors for easy use

Room For Improvement Pty Ltd is happy to take clients to bathroom suppliers and tile showrooms in Melbourne to assist in selecting the right items for their bathroom or ensuite renovation and to discuss any additional needs that you may have.

The post Bathroom Renovations for Elderly or Disabled Needs appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

The bath often becomes the central focus of the bathroom so it must work for your style, but also in the way you will be using it.

There are two main styles of freestanding baths – traditional claw foot baths and contemporary.

Freestanding baths can look really great and create the whole mood of the bathroom. There are plenty of different bath spout and tap styles as well to complete the look – whether they be coming from the wall or freestanding next to the bath.

If you have kids, you may find a freestanding bath does not allow for products and toys to be kept around it. Though some contemporary baths do have wide edges, which can be of use for your bottles.

As there is space all around a freestanding bath, there may be more water to clean up after if you have kids that like to splash!

Cleaning is a huge consideration as, depending on the placement of the bath within the bathroom, space behind the bath may have limited access, yet still be seen. If you are a stickler for dust and dirt, a built-in bath will usually be a lot easier.

Built in baths are constructed within a ‘hob’ – a frame that they sit in and become part of the bathroom itself. They can be recessed into spaces, or jut out into the bathroom. Layout dependent, they can have tiled ledges or stone surround around to create shelf style storage.

Though many feel that a freestanding bath gives more style choices, there are still plenty of options. From rectangular to square, corner to round, you will be able to find something that works for you.

Visit your local bathroom showroom to see the different styles on display and don’t be afraid to ask the team to see brochures. You can also see different bathrooms in our portfolio.

The post Bathroom Renovation – Freestanding Bath vs In-built Bath appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

As one of the most used rooms in the house, it’s important to get it right so here’s what to avoid:

Doing It Yourself (DIY)

You may think you are going to save yourself money by doing the renovation yourself but the fact is, certain tradespeople are licensed and registered for a reason – experience. A registered builder will manage all aspects of the bathroom renovation, including ensuring the right products and materials are on site at the right time and that they are installed correctly and to Australian standards.

The builder will also manage the different trades required for the work, namely the plumber, electrician, carpenter and tiler. Both the electrician and plumber have to be appropriately licensed to carry out the work and they must issue Compliance Certificates at the end of the work (subject to value of works).  Your builder will also deal with tradespeople that they trust to do a good job and who they work with on a regular basis. Plus, you can’t put a cost on the stress and time you will incur trying to manage the job yourself – you could be earning money doing what you do best while leaving professionals to get the renovation done.

Planning

If you don’t plan your bathroom, you could end up with a room you don’t really love or that does not quite suit your lifestyle. Ensure you look at what features you already have, what you want to keep and what features you want to add. Changing things after the renovation or during the build could be costly, whether in time or money.

Layout

Bathroom renovation layout is part of the planning process. Again, think about how you will use the bathroom. It will be a constant frustration if you have a towel rail that looks great next to the bath, but you can’t reach it from the shower!

It is also really tempting to completely change the layout of your bathroom when you undertake a renovation. But bear in mind that will mean changing the plumbing and possibly the electrical cabling which will add time and cost to your renovation. And you may find it is not possible anyway due to structural restrictions.

Ventilation

If you don’t have an opening window in the bathroom, you must have an extraction fan. Excess moisture / condensation in the room will likely cause mould and mildew over time, as well as potentially peeling paint.

Heating

Don’t forget heating. The last thing you want is to use a cold bathroom in the middle of winter. There are a number of options, from existing ducted or hydronic heating to heat lamps, heated towel rails and underfloor heating.

Design

Avoid getting carried away at the showroom by picking the all the latest designs and trends available. You want your bathroom to look consistent throughout, with all the fixtures and fittings working seamlessly together. You also don’t want to create a space that you will want to grow tired of a want to change within a short amount of time.

If you are renovating to sell, keep it neutral. You will want to recoup the cost of the renovation as part of the sale but if the style is too specific and people will want to change it, they will not want to pay the extra dollars.

Bathtubs & Showers

Some people remove the bathtub from their bathroom when renovating. This is not the best idea unless this is something you definitely want and you will be keeping the house long term. Ideally you want at least one bathtub in the house.

If you sell the property, the likelihood is that the next owners will want a bathtub, especially if it is a family home.

In fact, if the space allows and you are able to install a separate bath and shower, this is the best option to increase practicality and value.

Storage

Ensure you allow enough storage in your design and layout. Whether it is the addition of medicine cabinets, choice of vanity with excellent storage, linen cupboard addition or a ladder towel rail you will thank yourself later.

When you engage an experienced bathroom builder to undertake your renovation, they should be happy to discuss these considerations with you. Bear in mind that a designer will usually not have building experience or practical knowledge of construction.

The post Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

Seems simple enough, you just need a bath, shower, sink and toilet yes? Yes, essentially that’s all you need but for the perfect bathroom that will really satisfy everyone’s needs, there is a lot more to consider.

Image from Decorpad

Renovating your family or master bathroom could be the best decision you ever make. When you have a bathroom that really works with your lifestyle, it saves time and makes your life easier.

So what might you need?

1. Storage and lots of it! Think a medicine cabinet above the vanity rather than just a mirror for everyday bits, a vanity with plenty of storage, ladder towel rail and a linen cupboard if space allows.
2. Vanity. If you have young children then possibly a wall hung vanity that allows for easy storage of steps underneath would work well.
3. Tiles. Not only do you want non-slip tiles, think about the longevity of the material they are made from.  Kids are usually not the tidiest and accidents happen, especially with little boys around the toilet! Natural stone tiles are more porous and so more prone to damage from the acidity of urine so porcelain or ceramic may be the better option. Larger tiles will have less grout joints, so easier to keep maintained.
4. Tapware. Find taps that are easy for children to use but also suit the style of your home. With younger children you may even want to use taps that make the direction of hot and cold more obvious.
5. Towels. A ladder style heated towel rail offers three benefits – additional storage of towels for all the family, towels at different heights and they can quickly warm up and dry the towels when necessary. Note that heated towel rails can be set-up so they are both part of your hydronic heating system and on a separate electronic heating element to work independently.
6. Shower. Most adults love a rain head shower but a riser rail shower allows for both height adjustment for kids and the ability to remove the shower head when required. Plus, it is far easier to clean the shower round. A shower cubicle with both offers something for everyone.
7. Bath. Despite the trend for freestanding baths, there are factors to consider when thinking about a family bathroom that will be used by children. Let’s face it, children love to splash and cleaning up water behind a freestanding bath is not always that easy and not a task you want to be doing too often. Also, think about the practicality of where the soap and shampoo will sit. An in-built bath hob may offer a much easier bath time.
8. Toilet roll holder. Think about the placement, can everyone reach? Men and women tend to prefer different placements. Do you want it on the side of the toilet, rather than behind, so it is fair for everyone?
9. Plug sockets. Whether it be the shaver, electric toothbrush charger, hairdryer or straighteners, everyone needs access to electricity these days. A double GPO in each medicine cabinet means you’ll never be left short. All electrical work needs to be compliant and obviously think safety first and don’t have the GPO close to water.

These are the main considerations when thinking about a new family bathroom. Feel free to speak to Room For Improvement Pty Ltd to discuss your needs.

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The post The Perfect Family Bathroom appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

A feature wall can, but does not have to be, bold and really bring out your personality. Or it can be subtle, bringing a sense of warmth to the room. Either way, a feature wall is a great way to add interest to a plain space. You can choose from modern, classic and traditional. Here are a few ideas…

Textured tiles add depth so you can keep the same or similar colour scheme throughout the bathroom – perfect if you have a smaller room. You can choose between more traditional textured brick tiles or go contemporary with the design. Using smaller or larger textured tiles also creates different effects.

You can use different sized tiles on the feature wall such as subway or fish scale tiles.

On the other hand, if all your walls are tiled, you can use tiles of the same size but contrasting and complementary colours to create a feature wall. This can be done in two ways – simply having one wall in a different colour or have the feature wall with a mix of tiles. If you are doing the latter, avoid making the pattern to regular.

Mosaic tiles create a classic feature wall – you have so many choices from the shape of the mosaics to colours and effects – matt, gloss, metallic, ceramic, porcelain and glass. Again, you can choose whether the wall is bold or neutral.

Wood effect tiles look fantastic as a feature wall. The finished look can range from modern to antique, with rustic, weathered and reclaimed all options. With many different tones on offer, you’ll find something to suit your room.

And remember, the feature wall may be the only tiled wall in the bathroom. For example, all the walls could be painted one colour, with the shower area a tiled feature.

Another consideration is whether your room can take a feature wall at all. A bathroom usually has a lot going on so there is a chance it can look too busy.

Visit a few tile showrooms to see what is on offer and take samples home to see what your choices look like in the actual space where they will be used. Different lighting scenarios will create different effects with the tiles, especially with textured tiles. Think about what you want to create with a feature wall and where it will be best placed for your room.

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It’s the place where you get ready to face the day, the place you make yourself feel good, the place you relax, the place where you spend time with yourself.

When you’re planning a renovation, it’s important that it suits your lifestyle. As most people usually have more time on Sundays, it is the perfect day to think about what you really want and need from your new bathroom or ensuite.

Spend a bit of time using the room and think about how you use your bathroom now, and how you want to use your bathroom. Is there anything you need that you don’t already have? Medicine cabinets, perhaps with lights? Shower recess for your bottles? A double vanity instead of a single? A separate bath and shower (space allowing)? Both a rain head and riser rail shower? More storing in general? Men and women usually like things done differently.

It’s all in the detail…those little things can make your life easier, and more pleasurable.

When we meet clients for the first time and they have spent this time planning what they want and need it makes the process much more seamless. We can advise on what will deliver your ideal space and what products, such as vanity units, cabinetry, shower screens, baths etc will suit you best.

So go on, we are giving you permission to spend your Sunday indulging yourself in a little ‘me time’ to plan your renovation to result in the perfect bathroom for YOU.

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