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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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.

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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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.

The post Consider a feature wall in your bathroom renovation appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

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.

The post Planning a Bathroom Renovation on a Sunday appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

When you start thinking about a bathroom renovation, there are a number of factors that will determine the sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings that you will use:

Your Bathroom Renovation, Your Style

Do you like contemporary or traditional style bathroom fixtures?

Do you like gold or chrome, white or black?

You should ask yourself these kinds of questions before meeting with your builder so you can give an indication of what you are looking for.

A matt black mixer tap is going to give a completely different finished look to traditional English taps as will a simple chrome style.

You also need to consider the rest of your home. Ideally there is some consistency throughout so your bathroom does not look out of place but enhances the home.

At Room For Improvement Pty Ltd, we have seen endless numbers of bathrooms, in all different styles and we are happy to advise on bathroom showrooms in Melbourne such as Reece or Rogerseller so you can see what you like.

We often do a bathroom showroom visit with our clients so we can explain different products and get a feel for their taste.

Your Bathroom Renovation, Your Lifestyle

If you are undertaking a family bathroom renovation, you are likely to want to use simpler, easy to maintain and clean sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings. Taps should be within reach for the smaller members of the family and easy to turn on and off.

However, if you are renovating or creating an ensuite just for yourself or for you and a partner, you may want to be a little more adventurous and choose marble, granite or corian and a custom-made vanity.

If different people enjoy different shower heads, then you could think about having both a rain head and a riser rail shower. Having a bathroom that suits every user is the ideal renovation.

Think about how you are going to use your bathroom and discuss this with your builder. At Room For Improvement Pty Ltd, we can advise on certain bathroom products that are more suitable to different uses and provide the pros and cons of different items so you can make an informed decision.

Your Bathroom Renovation, Your Budget

It is often a good idea to think about the value of your property when determining the budget of your bathroom renovation.

You are not going to put a basic bathroom with the lowest range or fixtures and fittings in a $2 million plus property. Similarly, book matched marble is unlikely to be practical in an investment property rental unit.

Just remember that you can achieve a good bathroom on almost any budget but, if you go too cheap, it will not last and often a little more investment now will save money in the future.

At Room For Improvement Pty Ltd, we pride ourselves on bathroom renovations that will last.

When a client provides us with their budget, we then discuss what layout, sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings will give the best results within that budget.

The keys to a successful Bathroom Renovation

The two most important things when planning your bathroom renovation is to do your RESEARCH, even if this means just talking with your builder. And COMMUNICATE with your builder.

Builders will not automatically know what you want but through some simple discussions, you can ensure you get the ideal sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings for your bathroom renovation.

View our Portfolio or Contact Us now for more information.

The post Finding the right sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings for a bathroom renovation. appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.