Easy bathroom updates - Part two

Update your bathroom or en suite quickly and simply with one of these great ideas

1. Spring shades: Bring your space bang up to date with rich new colours in a matt finish from Earthborn’s eco-friendly natural Claypaints range (left to right) Tulip, Lazulit, Caribbean Sea, Turquoise and Papyrus, all £25 for 2.5 litres.

2. Linear lighting: Ideal for highlighting a bathroom mirror, the Kashima chrome wall light, (H)4.5x(W)62x (D)19cm, is practical and contemporary, £149, All Up and On.

3. Stylish mixer: Square in shape, with a slim, flat handle and extended spout, this chrome floorstanding tap will make a great style statement in a bathroom, especially when it is teamed with a designer-inspired basin. Peridot floor-mounted basin mixer tap, (H)100x(W)3.5x (D)29cm, £1,000, Rare by Bristan.

4. Smart blind: Suitable for most window sizes, a wooden Venetian blind will always add a touch of elegance. Wooden 65mm slat Venetian in Clay, from £209.64 for a (H)120x (W)40cm blind, Santa Fe Shutters.

5. Luxury mosaic: Handmade from stained glass, these shimmering tiles, available in several colourways including Diamond (shown above) and Blue, will add wow-factor to your walls. Measuring around (W)26x(L)31cm each, from £275 per m², from the Liberty Collection, Trend GB.

6. Marble scheme: Create a luxurious look with large marble tiles fitted floor-to-ceiling. Bardiglio large format marble-effect ceramic wall tiles, £9.73 each; Line Décor tiles, £10.49 each, all (W)25x(L)75cm; and floor tiles, £8.98 each, (W)45x (L)45cm, all Topps Tiles.

7. LED washbasin: Wave your hand next to this Loa basin to activate the sensor LED lighting. Made from structured glass, with a mineral marble basin, a double drawer cabinet and sensor-controlled lighting, it measures (H)48x (W)59x(D)50cm, and costs £1,250, from Pelipal at In-House.

8. Art Deco inspired light: Stylish and durable, this handmade lamp for use in zone three of a bathroom is easy to fit. It reflects light all around a space for a spacious feel. Art Deco glass wall light, (H)25.5x(W)18cm, £90, BC Designs.

9. Wood-effect tiles: If you love the look of wooden flooring but are worried about the practicalities of having it in your bathroom, opt for a durable porcelain floor that resembles timber. I Preziosi Le Essenze ceramic flooring, £98 per m², Surface Tiles.

10. Subtle glow: Brighten up your room with concealed lighting to illuminate corners and dark spaces. LED Contour strip, (above and below unit), £131 per m; under-cupboard lights, £53 each, both John Cullen.

11. Shaker-style units: Invest in smart storage to banish clutter and free up valuable space. St Ives white painted rubberwood double vanity unit, (H)93x(W)71x(D)48cm, £650, and double tallboy, (H)163x(W)76x(D)40cm, £300, both John Lewis.

12. Space savers: Maximise storage in a small or awkwardly shaped bathroom with modular fitted units. Cordoba Olive and Midnight Grey gloss single base unit, (H)83.5x(W)250x(D)22cm, £203 each; washbasin unit, including Quantum Round semi-recessed basin, (H)83.5x(W)60x(D)22cm, £601; I-line frame, £340; mirror, (H)45x(W)120x(D)5cm, £337; floating shelf, (H)5x(W)120x (D)5cm, £275; WC unit, including Quantum Round pan and soft-close seat, (H)83.5x (W)60x(D)20cm, £953, and Iline frame, £262.50, all Utopia.

13. Classic option: Elegant shutters enhance a room, maintaining privacy while allowing plenty of light through. Manhattan tier-on-tier painted white wooden shutters, with 89mm blades, £375 per m², The New England Shutter Company.

FEATURE ANDREA DEAN
All prices and stockists correct at time of publishing
Featured in the February 2012 issue of Real Homes