Just can’t seem to warm up this morning, so cold in the shop so sat here with my coat and scarf on!! Thought I would talk about bathrooms, which I don’t do so often, maybe it’s because I’m working on one and it’s inspired me too. What makes a normal bathroom! I would say tiling the whole space and making it look a little too clinical. I say throw all that out the window and start by trying to think of it like any other room as you do spend every morning and evening in it and if you are lucky and not short of time like me, you relax in there after a hard days work. So go moody, dark walls, low lighting to create that relaxing feeling which is a must and on the top of the list. Here’s some pointers to get you started:

1. Ditch the all over tiles, just tile what’s required and don’t go crazy with the tile design as it’s something that can easily date.

2. Treat the rest of the walls like any other room, so adding wallpaper is a great tip or painting the walls and ceiling in a dark hue.

3. Lighting! Don’t over light with rows of spots, concentrate the lighting to the areas that needs it, this will create dark spots making the space more inviting. Adding wall lights either side of the mirror adds interest and glamour (if you pick the right fitting).

4. Mirrors, for me wall to wall mirrors is a bit done and can look a bit clinical. Adding a chunky frame or round mirror can change the look quite dramatically. When I worked on the Finzels Reach bathrooms which had all ready been fitted out, I simply painted a dark colour on the walls and added an interesting mirror. It changed the look in an instant. (picture courtesy of Cubex).

5. Flooring, a few years ago I always tiled the floors and walls the same, which I used to call the Spa Look. Now I tend to go completely different and at the moment I am a fan of wood as it’s a different texture to the hard tiles and yes, engineered wood can be used in bathrooms but you can also get great vinyl versions these days. Take a look at Amtico’s new range and they are all made in the UK.

6. Furniture, adding furniture if possible can be a game changer, a little table with a tray of your treasured items looks great or a stool works just as well. If you are short on space try adding a shelf or two, add a stack of towels and plant or a vase of flowers (faux of course) which adds the personality to the room. Another great idea to get furniture in the a small bathroom and what I’m about to do in mine is add a unit and plonk a sink on it, going for something quirky changes up the vibe rather than opting for the standard vanity unit type. (this is the unit in my bathroom thats getting a sink on the top).

7. Add the WOW, for the finale and that all important wow, you can hang a chandelier, ok electrics in a bathroom needs professional advice! but you can opt for a candle chandelier if not possible. One of the things that are forgotten in bathroom is art, adding art will finish the scheme off and stop making it look to much like a bathroom, if you get what I’m saying!! Maybe not but trust me these things work.

If your bathroom needs a little love at least try 2 of the suggestions above, you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make.