How to Repair a Broken or Scratched Apple Watch, or Get a Replacement

Read article : How to Repair a Broken or Scratched Apple Watch, or Get a Replacement

Will Apple replace my Apple Watch if it gets smashed? Or would I be able to repair the screen myself?

Just days after the wearable launched, heartbroken owners were posting images of broken Apple Watches online. Call it sod's law or bad luck, but when you wear something every day there's a decent chance it will get damaged before long. They're sturdy devices but they're not invincible.

But chin up: if your Apple Watch has got scratched, smashed or water-damaged, if its back plate has come off or any other form of damage has occurred, you've come to the right place. Whatever's gone wrong with your Apple Watch, there's hope for getting it repaired or replaced (you might even get a first-gen model replaced by a Series 1), and in this article we'll try to help you through that process.

A separate issue that some owners have complained about is poor battery life. Happily we have another article to deal with that: How to make Apple Watch battery last longer. And for issues with unresponsive rather than physically damaged Apple Watches, you should read How to fix an Apple Watch that's not working.

Read next: Best Apple Watch apps | Best Apple Watch games

Apple Watch screen damage

The Apple Watch shouldn't break easily. The glass is strengthened: in the case of the Apple Watch Sport the watch face is made from Ion-X glass, while the standard Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition feature a Sapphire crystal front - this is supposed to be the hardest glass known to man.

Sure enough, the Sapphire models seem to be coping better with the wear and tear of daily life as a high-end wearable, with slight scratching about the worst we've seen among normal usage scenarios. (That doesn't mean your Apple Watch Edition won't shatter tomorrow, of course, but the chances seem to be in your favour.) The Sports models, on the other hand, have been documented in quite a few cases as sustaining more visible damage: smashed glass and the like.

We mentioned normal usage scenarios just then, and you might be wondering what abnormal usage might look like. Well, how about the drop-tests run by TechRax on YouTube? They found that the Apple Watch "will smash if you throw it face-down at the floor". Which answers that question if you were wondering.

Should you smash your Apple Watch screen, whether or not you were hurling it at the floor at the time, it seems in principle to be fairly easy to replace the screen - very shortly after the launch iFixIt took the watch apart and found that the screen was easy to remove and replace. See below for more information about iFixIt's tests.

Mind you, it's possible that it may not be as easily scratched as some reports have suggested. In a video (embedded below) Consumer Reports was only able to scratch the Apple Watch Sport screen after some pretty extreme efforts, and the site claimed they couldn't scratch the Sapphire screen on the stainless steel Apple Watch at all.

Read next: Best tools for repairing & upgrading Macs & iPhones

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If your watch has got damaged, you may wish to jump ahead to our section How to get Apple to replace a broken Apple Watch.

Strap damage

As well as damage to the all-important watch face, the stainless steel Milanese loop strap has been cited as a possible weak link: you'll observe that it appears slightly scuffed up in the picture below. This isn't all that surprising, because stainless steel can scratch quite easily. And at least the Apple Watch's straps are easily replaceable. (See our roundup of the best Apple Watch straps for advice on that front.)

In any case, this YouTube video suggests that you can fix any scratches on the Milanese loop strap using a stainless steel polish you can pick up in a hardware store.

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Is it possible to repair it yourself?

iFixit rapidly took the Apple Watch apart to see how easy it would be to fix if anything went wrong with it, and the news was mixed. While the screen is simple to remove and replace, repairs to other component parts may be distinctly problematic.

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iFixit said: "Despite rumours (and hopes) of an upgradable product, the difficulty of removing the S1 alone casts serious doubt on the idea of simply swapping out the internals."

As for whether the Apple Watch will be upgradable in the future, iFixit says: "Stripping out the internals will be difficult and time-consuming - not the sort of thing your local Genius is equipped to handle, but we suppose Apple could provide a mail-order option."

Overall, iFixit gives the Apple Watch a repairability score of 5 out of 10, noting that at least the watch band is easily removed and swapped for a replacement; the screen can be removed (which is good news for anyone who has already smashed theirs) and the battery can also be removed quite easily.

However, iFixit notes that removing components is "essentially impossible" as they are soldered onto the back of the S1 and this "fully encased S1 system" makes board-level repairs impossible.

If your watch has got damaged and you don't feel able to repair it, you may wish to jump ahead to our section How to get Apple to replace a broken Apple Watch.

Water damage

The Apple Watch Series 2 officially has "a water resistance rating of 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010". It's fine to wear it in the bath or shower, and for shallow-water swimming. The company does warn, however, that "Apple Watch Series 2 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth."

The first-gen Apple Watch is a less clear-cut case. While Apple doesn't recommend submerging this device in water, many owners have discovered that it is water-resistant to a certain extent.

The original Apple Watch actually has an IPX7 rating, which means the Apple Watch can withstand up to 30 minutes of submersion in up to a metre of water.

Apple has not really promoted the Apple Watch as waterproof, which has led to some surprise that it is. This YouTube video shows that the watch can be used in a shower and swimming pool. While the watch continued to work underwater, the touch screen wasn't so responsive when wet, but that's surely to be expected.

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The waterproof element isn't surprising: even Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted to wearing his first-gen watch in the shower. Apple evidently decided not to claim that the watch is entirely waterproof, perhaps afraid of the legal wrangling that could ensue.

What to do if your Apple Watch gets water-damaged

We're working on the assumption that the Watch won't get water-damaged as long as you stick to Apple's guidelines - which essentially call for you to keep it from being immersed in water. However, given that the IPX7 rating indicates that the Watch can withstand being left in a metre of water for half an hour, getting the Watch a little bit damp shouldn't do any serious damage.

But if you do have problems with a water-damaged Apple Watch, the best thing to do would be to follow our tips for rescuing a water-damaged iPhone. Read: How to dry out, rescue and fix a water-damaged Apple iPhone.

In our tests with the iPhone we got the phone very wet and then used various methods to dry it out, from the famous 'Rice Trick' to a slightly more scientific use of gel sachets. The uncooked rice should absorb the moisture effectively but may get dust or detritus into exposed ports, whereas silica gel packets - the kind that come with some electronic components, particularly if they've been shipped from a country with a humid climate, or with handbags - do a fine job over a number of hours.

Give your Watch a few days in its pile of rice or gel sachets for a few days and then see how it fares.

If these tricks don't succeed, you may wish to jump ahead to next section How to get Apple to replace a broken Apple Watch.

Getting it repaired or replaced

If there is a genuine fault with your Apple Watch - perhaps the battery doesn't charge properly, or the screen glitches - this will be covered by the warranty and Apple will replace the watch, as long as you can prove you haven't tampered with it. Your watch will be covered by a warranty for one year. Contact Apple and they'll see you right.

Note that Apple may not replace your damaged Apple Watch with the same model - and this is actually good news. The company has announced that in some cases and some countries, its staff will replace first-gen Apple Watches with Series 1 models (not the most recent Series 2, but still a newer and more advanced device with a faster processor).

Even if the warranty has expired you may still be able to get Apple to help for free. If the back plate has separated from the body of a first-gen Apple Watch, for example - this appears to be a known potential issue with that model - then the company will repair the device free of charge up to three years after the initial purchase.

I sure hope Apple uses better glue for their cars than they do for their watches. pic.twitter.com/JkIThwC5B7

— John Gruber (@gruber)

October 3, 2016

You don't get anything for nothing, though, so ordinarily we wouldn't expect Apple to replace a damaged Apple Watch that you've dropped - just as nobody should expect Apple to replace their iPhone if they break the screen through their own carelessness. Read: Will Apple replace my iPhone?

Legal rights & precedents

What about if a scratch or crack appears and you're sure you didn't drop the watch or do anything reckless? Will Apple believe you? A recent court case offers some hope here. Mr Gareth Cross, a British man from Aberystwyth, took Apple to the small claims court after the company wouldn't replace or refund his cracked Apple Watch. (They said the damage wasn't covered under warranty.) The court found in his favour and required Apple to pay Mr Cross the cost of the watch plus court fees.

Whether you want to go through the same legal process is debatable: as Mr Cross himself acknowledged, the case became "a little stressful" and lasted six months. But it's possible that the precedent this sets will make Apple more inclined to offer refunds and repairs in future. We shall see.

AppleCare

In any case, if you're particularly clumsy, you can buy insurance from Apple that will cover your Apple Watch if it does get damaged. We discuss AppleCare in this article: Is AppleCare worth it? To see what you legal rights are read: Is Apple mis-selling AppleCare to UK?

If you decide to get AppleCare, there's an AppleCare+ plan for all the Apple Watch models. The AppleCare+ cover for the Apple Watch will cost £69 and AppleCare+ for the Apple Watch Sport costs £49. The plan will extend the watches warranty to two years and grant you up to two accidental damage claims (although if you do damage your watch you will have to pay an excess of £49 for Apple Watch Sport, and £55 for Apple Watch.

If you want Apple Care for your Apple Watch Edition it will cost £1,500, and there is a £700 excess should you damage the watch due to your own carelessness, but you might consider that small change if you've just laid out £13,500 for your posh watch.

In the US Apple also has three AppleCare+ plans that'll cover both your Watch and your iPhone, presuming your phone is less than six months old. Unfortunately those plans are not available in the UK.

You can purchase AppleCare here, but you don't have to purchase it at the same time as you buy the Watch.

Read next: Latest Apple product recalls and free repair programmes

How to fix up my bathroom on the cheap? - DIY house remodeling

Read article : How to fix up my bathroom on the cheap? - DIY house remodeling

I bought a small, vintage (1940s) house last fall (yay!) and am looking for advice on how to fix some issues in my only bathroom by myself, within a budget. I'm fairly handy, but not experienced. Help!

I've already had a plumber replace the old faucets and toilet. The tile floor is in decent shape (replaced probably in the 1980s or 90s) The cabinet needs paint, but the sink/vanity countertop is newish (same vintage as floor).Problems:* The walls are an ugly yellowish off-white. I want to paint them, and paint the cabinets a contrasting shade. Should I pay someone to do this, or attempt it myself? I hate painting, but I know I need to prioritize paying people to do stuff I really can't or won't do by myself.
* Grout is missing in some places and badly mildewed in others. Should I just clean and re-grout? Any product recommendations? [pic]
* Part of the tile around the newly replaced tub spigot has caved in. There's an eighth-inch gap in the tile. Should I just caulk it with tub & tile stuff and move on? See pictures here and here.
* Do I have to remove the old caulk first? If so, what's the best way?
* I'd love to have a shower door instead of a curtain... is installing one of those a feasible solo DIY job, or should I pay someone to do it?
* Previous renovators decided to paint over the border tile, which was black. Some has chipped off in several places - picture here. Do I just repaint with some (special?) paint? Other options?
* The tub - original from the 40s - is rusted and encrusted under the lip [pic]. Should I pumice that off? Caulk it? Get a pre-fab plastic thing installed? (kidding... mostly)
* The radiator is painted, with lots of craters and rusty places [pic]. What's the best course of action here - I have zero interest in doing a lot of sanding. Should I get some kind of paint remover? Again, is this a job for a pro instead?Thanks in advance for your advice!

posted by acridrabbit to Home & Garden (14 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite

80s bathroom update

Read article : 80s bathroom update

Lisa26 July 2016

I've recently bought an 80s house & moved in & have a tight budget for updating. Having never renovated, I would appreciate any feedback on how I can best update the vanity. Advice from tradies so far includes replacing 1600mm vanity will mean retiling vanity area which then flows through to sep toilet, bath & shower. If retiling complete area, advised I should replace shower screen & bath at the same time, a week+ without bathroom & various trades involved. As I only have this bathroom & I'm unwell, I was really hoping to just update vanity, taps etc & have tried various resurfacing companies who don't service my regional location. Would love ideas if anyone has them.

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Lisbon’s coolest new luxury hostel: Stay Inn Lisbon, reviewed

Read article : Lisbon’s coolest new luxury hostel: Stay Inn Lisbon, reviewed

You never need an excuse to visit Lisbon.

I have had a long standing love affair with this city.

The passion for this city has grown even more  in recent months thank to the Luxury Hostels project through which I have managed to explore the city’s amazing range of very cool, boutique hostels.

I loved Oasis Lisbon and the new Equity Point Hostel on my previous trip.

This time around I had the pleasure of discovering Lisbon Poets Hostel,  (review coming up soon ) one of the hostels that started the revolution of luxury hostelling in the city and then one of the city’s brightest, coolest new stars- the very chic, cool Stay Inn Hostel

My visit and review of Stay Inn was a happy coincidence.

My friend and fellow blogger Bianca Bauza aka Nomadbiba had visited only a few weeks before and had been raving about cool this place was.

So, naturally I was curious.

Another cool hostel in Lisbon? That too right in the Bairro Alto district and just 500 meters from Chiado Metro Station.

Great. I followed her advice and booked myself in for a few nights.

I land in the afternoon after a few hours train journey from Porto. At the entrance I have a warm welcome from Ricardo and Mark, the two brothers who founded and run the Stay Inn Hostel.

Stay Inn Hostel- stunning interior decor and very comfortable

First impressions of walking into the living room of the hostel were wow!

The interior décor is very chic and more in line of what you would expect in a boutique hotel. Parquet floors, floor to ceiling windows, comfy leather sofas that you just sink into plus quirky features like a the plasma screen TV sitting on a old trunk plus lots of bright light and colours-create a happy ambience.

Communal dining/ internet surfing area

The communal area is linked to a nice enclosed dining area where you can enjoy dinner with friends and fellow hostel guests or during the day surf the internet on your laptop using the hostel’s excellent free wireless connection or use one of the communal desktops.

stay inn hostel, Lisbon" src="http://budgettraveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/photo-21.jpg" alt="double room stay inn hostel lisbon" width="640" height="478" />

My double room at Stay Inn Hostel, Lisbom

The rooms itself are very comfortable and again, in line with what you would expect from a boutique hotel. Beds have nice mattresses and fluffy pillows- perfect for a great nights sleep after a long day on the tiles of Lisbon. I stayed in one of their premium double rooms. This did not have the option of private bathroom but they do have rooms with ensuite options.

The shared bathroom was just outside of my room-  bathroom was complete with toilet and shower to share with one of the other double rooms in the corridor so during my stay , I practically had the bathroom to myself.

Stay Inn Hostel- Simple but good breakfast, free Cappuchino and free fruit-yay!

The other cool space is the kitchen. In the morning you get a simple continental breakfast of fresh rustic morning rolls ( excellent , proper rolls) with cheese, ham and jam.

Decent concentrated orange juice available.

The coup de grace however is the Nescafe coffee machine where you can help yourself to unlimited espressos, mochas and cappuchinos all day. I have to admit they were pretty tasty and good. There are excellent cooking facilities with all the amenities you could expect. The huge fridge also handily dispenses ice, chilled water on demand. FYI- there is a supermarket just across the road from the hostel.

Other cool things they offer that deserve a mention- they do a laundry, wash and dry service for as little as 2 euros. Bargain!

So, overall a small but very cosy hostel with everything you could want. Guests come here for 2 days and on average end up staying a week.

It’s a great hostel to chill out in.

Ricardo makes it clear that his hostel is not a party hostel but a place to relax and take it easy.

With the Bairro Alto on his doorstep, the party is just a hop skip and jump away so in that respect it’s not too much of a drawback.

While chilling in the lounge, I got chatting to a few of the guests. Being such a small place, it’s easy to talk and strike up conversations.

The pricepoint is brilliant- for November, low season you can get a double room for as little as 40 euros a night or a room in the 5 bed dorms for as little as 19 euros. Prices are pretty consistent throughout the year so it is brilliant value for money for what you get in terms of location, facilities and the hospitality.

Ricardo and his team really are attentive and have lots of great tips for guests.

Lisbon is blessed with many great hostels but Stay Inn is up right there with the best and is a great home away from home in Lisbon.

Highly recommend.

My French "No Water" Skin Care Routine

Read article : My French "No Water" Skin Care Routine

I know, I know. I have gone AWOL again. I guess you can say I am still in my adjustment phase. Imagine, a new baby and a new home (yes, we moved three weeks after Xavi was born!), on top of all my other responsibilities. 

So yeah, writing really took a back seat. But anyhoo! I am slowly getting back into the groove of things, and hopefully I can squeeze in more "me time" (which these days means just having enough time to take a bath, nyarks). But ahhh! The bonus of not spending time in front of the computer and having to unpack and organize our stuff also means more time for me to organize my stash of baby and beauty products and testing them on the kiddos (baby prods) and myself (beauty prods). 

I have so many discoveries and re-discoveries. Plus of course my old reliables that I ought to share with you (seriously, I get Aha! moments while using these products when I realize I have been keeping them to myself. To think these are too good to not be shared here in the blog).

But before I go to all those, I'll start off with my starting point for skin care - cleansing. My cleansing routine is sort of revolutionary really. I have tweeted about this on and off for months now, and for my Twitter friends, you know what I am talking about - Garance Dore's "NO WATER" skin cleansing routine.

Yes, you read that right, NO WATER. Tap water that is. Because there's thermal water involved here:

Ok, quick background. Six months or so ago, I happened upon Garance Dore's post on skin care. Apparently, tap water is our skin's worst enemy (I can practically see my friend Kris aka OC Mom in Manila seconding this one, with the statistics to back it up!). 

1/ The milk makeup remover Hydrabio Lait
2/ Avène’s Thermal Spring Water
3/ The moisturizing cream Ictyane H.D. “for severe dry skin.”

Then, I realized, I had two huge spray bottles of Avène stashed in our bath - 1 unopened and 1 that I barely used. It was kismet really. Finally a reason for being here, considering the sort of reasons I bought them back when we were still living in Singapore, were really flimsy:

1/ It was on "Buy 1, Take 1" which came out to about SGD $29.90 for 2 or something like that
2/ It's a French beauty brand, a drugstore brand yes, but it's French. So there.
3/ I like the packaging okay?

But since I do not live in France and have limited access to European beauty brands, I made do with the products that worked extremely well for me all these years. So my 3 essential products looked like this:

1/ Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
2/ Avène’s Thermal Spring Water
3/ SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Yes, it was with a bit of trepidation that I started eliminating water in my cleansing routine and began sticking to three products. "How effective could it really be?" I thought. Images of blackheads on my nose and yucky skin came into the picture. But since I was staying home most of the time anyway because I was on bed rest, I went ahead and took the plunge, ironically.

Fast forward to 6 months later and you know, my skin has been better than ever! No oiliness, no enlarged pores, not even a zit! None of that "greasy Peking duck" skin Garance was afraid of. She herself said it this way, after taking her dermato's advice:

"But quite quickly, the shine started going down. My skin started to get more supple, clearer and even if it shined a little (it’s just how it is, so stupid.), it was at its healthiest… It looked pretty."

Yes. I feel the same way about my skin now. Yes, ever since I started quitting tap water. A few days ago though, I started using Clarins Anti-Ageing Double Serum in lieu of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and oooh la la! It's like magic! 

Why do I say magic? Well, a lady at my OB's clinic thought I looked 15 years younger than I actually am (ok, maybe she was just being nice). But just this afternoon, my mom asked me what makeup I've been using and I said, "Huh? None!" And she said my skin looked really good. This coming from a woman who would tell me the truth, even if it hurt and damaged my self-esteem. Haha!

Once I've used my Clarins Double Serum longer than 2 weeks (results visible in 4 weeks actually but if I were to believe the feedback I've been getting, 2 weeks should do it), I will do a more comprehensive review. Meanwhile, let me do an FAQ on this "No Water" Skin Care Routine.

How do you take a bath?

I had an Aquasana water filter installed, so no worries about tap water touching my face. But if you don't have a shower filter installed and it can be helped, just avoid getting water on your face.

If its any consolation, I have been sans filter the past three weeks because I need to have it installed in our new bath room, and so far, I have just been trying not to get my face wet in the shower and it hasn't had any bad effect on my skin.

What's the step by step?

1/ On your dry/dirty face, pat with Cetaphil and massage onto skin

2/ With a cotton pad, wipe off Cetaphil

3/ Spray face with Avène Thermal Spring Water and let it dry

4/ Follow with moisturizer

If you use heavy make-up, its fine to use a cleansing oil. Whatever cleansing oil works for you is fine. I use shu uemura's brightening cleansing oil.

What if I can't find Avène Thermal Spring Water here in the Philippines?

Try using Evian.

Dear Readers, if you have further questions, feel free to leave it on the comments section. I will do my best to answer!

Why filter perfectly good water?

Read article : Why filter perfectly good water?

By Greg Illes
Why filter perfectly good water? The answer to that question is another question: How good is “perfectly good”?

Many RVers use the water that the RV park supplies, straight from the tap. After all, that water comes from treated sources and should have no problems. Right?

Well — maybe. Yes, it’s reasonable to assume that a typical chlorinated municipal supply is biologically safe. But that’s only guaranteed at the water treatment plant output. The distribution system can be full of flaws that degrade the quality of the water before actual use.

And that’s not to mention if the local water is coming from a private well, with something subtle in the treatment protocol not working properly. UV irradiation bulbs burn out, filters get clogged, etc.

Aside from health issues, rust and sediment are the biggest culprits, and they increase with the age of the distribution system. The photo shows a graphic example: a new ceramic 0.5um (micrometer) filter, and a second one with only a few hundred gallons through it. It was so clogged with rusty sediment that the flow had slowed to a trickle. It had never been used anywhere except from certified sources.

Odors and tastes can be “safe” but still objectionable. A friend’s house, in another town, provided municipal water — with a noticeable “stink” when it first came out of the faucet. Nobody got sick, but it wasn’t pleasant.

Bottom Line: When I fill my motorhome’s fresh water tank, I would like to be certain that the next 75 gallons of water I drink, shower with, or use for cooking, is going to be good for my equipment, and good for me.

But such certainty is a real challenge. I can’t possibly test for contaminants and parasites every time I need a fill. And I can’t have every single possible filtration and treatment protocol (there are dozens) applied to all the water I take on.

The answer, as with so many things in life, is a compromise. With properly treated water as a baseline, I have settled for a simple configuration: a fairly fine-pore sediment filter, augmented with activated carbon. The fine-pore filter removes all but the tiniest particles of sediment and screens out any nasty protozoans that might have crept in (e.g., giardia, cryptosporidium). The carbon takes out any odors and tastes. For me, this is an acceptable balance between trouble/cost and quality/safety.

In order to keep an eye on my filter’s health, I chose a clear whole-house housing like the Pentek 150071 (shown). The business of actually doing the filtration is handled by a special high-flow cartridge like the Pentek Flo-Plus, which has great flow performance even with fine (0.5um) filtration. I would hate to have great water at the cost of an hour’s wait to fill my tank. (Not to mention holding up the people in line behind me.)

I screwed pipe-to-hose adapters into the housing so that it could be connected right at the source faucet — that way, I don’t let any “strange” water into my hoses or fittings.

YMMV (“Your mileage may vary,” for those who don’t know) — Note that different people (preferences, allergies, etc.), different water, locales, and use demand different solutions. What works for me might not be your best or safest choice. I’ve only outlined my configuration here by way of example, and not as advice. I’ve seen people with dual-filter setups, UV-light setups, silver-impregnated cartridges — the list goes on. Some folks don’t bother with filtration at all. Some people boil every drop that they drink. It’s up to each individual to sort out their own best approach.

Please feel free to leave a Comment about your own “adventures” with water, and your own filter solutions. We can all benefit (and often be entertained) by each others’ experiences.

Happy travels, and safe and healthy living as well.

Greg Illes is a retired systems engineer who loves thinking up RV upgrades and modifications. When he’s not working on his motorhome, he’s traveling in it. You can follow his excellent blog at www.divver-city.com/blog.

##GI-6-29-17; ##RVT800

Renovated Victorian townhouse

Read article : Renovated Victorian townhouse

‘When I first viewed our 1960s home, I couldn’t see anything good about it at all,’ remembers Elaine.

‘The whole house was dreadful. It was stuck in a time warp and everything was dated and falling apart.

‘I thought my partner Paul had lost the plot when he said he wanted to buy it, but once he explained his vision and we had the plans drawn up, I started to feel really excited,’ she continues.

‘It was the first big renovation project for both of us, but we just jumped into it head first.’

Fact file

• The owners: Elaine Avery, 46, a full-time mum and landlady, and her partner Paul Reid, 42, sales director of an insulation company, live here with their daughter Olivia, five, and Elaine’s son, Alexander, 17
• The property: A five-bedroom, early-1960s detached house
• The location: Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
• What they spent: The couple’s bathroom cost around £13,000

The property

Elaine had lived in a lot of places before meeting Paul, so this time she was looking for a ‘forever home’. The house was on a sought-after street and had a large plot, and the couple knew that they could add value by completely reworking the layout. They built an extension to include a large kitchen/diner, garden room and utility on the ground floor, plus two extra bedrooms and a home office on the first floor.

‘We sold our previous home quickly, and so we decided to move into rented accommodation during the five-month project,’ explains Elaine. ‘Around three-quarters of the house was knocked down and there was no water or electricity for a while, so it wasn’t feasible to live there.’

The bathroom

The original bathroom was a world away from the contemporary spa-like retreat that they now have. There was a small bathroom with a separate WC next door, which wasn’t conducive to family life, so the builders knocked down the dividing wall to create one large space. As the staircase was being turned around as part of their renovation plans, they were able to incorporate some of the landing area into the new bathroom. They also took some space previously occupied by the dated fitted cupboards along one wall, and from the extension on the opposite side.

‘The bathroom hadn’t been updated since the 1960s, and had a pink cast-iron bath with matching toilet and basin, as well as carpet on the floor,’ says Elaine. ‘I didn’t like having a shower over the bath and a big, high window near it. It definitely wasn’t to our taste, although my five-year-old daughter loved it as she said it was just like Barbie’s!’

Fixtures and fittings

While Paul focused on the structural side of the extension, Elaine was responsible for the overall look of the space. ‘It was quite hard to visualise, as it was going to change so much,’ she says. ‘I had to rely on the plans, so I found my mood board invaluable. I knew the style I was going for, as I’d looked through a stack of magazines for inspiration, and had an idea of the colours I preferred. Our previous bathroom was beige and cream, but this time I wanted grey, white and charcoal.’

The two essential items on Elaine and Paul’s wishlist were a freestanding bath and a wet room-style walk-in shower. ‘I wanted a freestanding bath from day one, but a modern style rather than a traditional roll-top,’ says Elaine. ‘It had to fit all the way to the floor rather than having legs, so that it won’t gather dust underneath and is easy to clean.’

After visiting various showrooms, Elaine found a beautiful egg-shaped bath at local store Your Home Improvements. ‘They gave me the idea of raising it on a plinth with recessed lights,’ she says. ‘We had plenty of space, and it adds an extra dimension and really showcases the bath.’

The couple were also inspired by the displays at nearby Domani Bathrooms. ‘Although I didn’t buy everything from there, only the basin console and chrome support arms, it gave me lots of ideas, such as having the double basins,’ explains Elaine.

Tile designs

When it came to the tiling, a local tile showroom gave Elaine and Paul advice on which styles would work together. They decided to mix a range of four different designs, with large-format square floor tiles alongside rectangular wall tiles. ‘The tile company suggested a dark charcoal design by the shower and bath, with a stripe to highlight the twin basins, a pale grey everywhere else, as well as complementary mosaic tiles on the floor to demarcate the shower. We didn’t want a shower tray.

‘We were careful to use the charcoal-coloured tile in the right proportions, as we were conscious that it was quite dark. I think it worked really well to have the bath and shower area darker than the rest of the room, as it gives a nice contrast.’

Heating

Polished-chrome radiators and a storage unit next to the basins finish off the space perfectly. ‘I decided to position a radiator under the window and have two towel rails, as it’s such a large room and I hate being cold,’ explains Elaine. ‘I was worried that three heaters might be too many, but it works well and means there’s always a towel within easy reach.’

The finished project

The couple’s project went slightly over budget, mainly due to the cost of removing asbestos from the cupboards, but they tried to absorb any overspend by making savings elsewhere in the property. ‘I knew that if I spent a little extra on the bath, then I would be able to sacrifice having a wine cooler in the kitchen for instance,’ says Elaine.

Although the house still looked like a building site only weeks before they were due to move in, everything came together just in time. ‘I admit that I was getting worried, as we had to leave our rented accommodation,’ says Elaine. ‘The tilers were finishing off the bathroom after we moved in, but fortunately we were able to use our en suite for those few weeks.’

While admitting that she would never tackle such a big project again, Elaine loves spending time in her spacious new bathroom. ‘I’m proud of what we achieved, and we got a lot for our money,’ she says. ‘When I look back at the pictures, I can’t believe the transformation.’

Project notes

Elaine Avery shares her tips for designing a new bathroom

What I’ve learnt

‘Using several different suppliers helps to keep down costs. We shopped around to find the best deals, and compared prices online, as well as getting several quotes from plumbers for the fitting.’

My best advice

‘Plan ahead and always make mood boards. For mine, I cut out pictures from magazines, took photos of hotel bathrooms and collected tile samples to make sure that it would all work together. Remember to take your mood board with you when you visit showrooms, too.’

My dream spot

‘I love the deep, egg-shaped bath — it’s so luxurious. It’s great for Olivia as there’s lots of space for her to play, but I love having a long soak with a glass of wine and my Kindle. I made sure we created a recess next to the bath so that I would have somewhere for my glass!’

Favourite website

‘I’ve added houzz.co.uk to my bookmarked list of websites because it has so many fantastic ideas. I find the designs on there very inspiring, and there were so many amazing photographs of the exact style of bathroom I was looking for. I found the idea for our tiled shelving recess on the site — it’s the little details that add wow-factor. It was also helpful for showing how using different shades and textured tiles could give us a contemporary spa-style space.’

Essential buy

‘The walk-in shower area is brilliant. It’s great to have the handheld hose as well as the fixed overhead rain shower as it’s invaluable for cleaning. The discreet shower screens with a barely-there look were also a good choice and add to the wet room feel.’

If I did it all again…

‘…I would perhaps add more lighting over the shower. The space is a little dark as we had to block up one of the windows to build the extension.’  

The costs
Sanitaryware	£5,400
Labour	£5,000
Tiles	£850
Showers and screen	£820
Lighting	£200
Radiators	£650
TOTAL	£12,920

Wheelchair users forced to abandon UK summer holiday plans, says Muscular Dystrophy UK

Read article : Wheelchair users forced to abandon UK summer holiday plans, says Muscular Dystrophy UK

These are the shocking findings of a new investigation by Trailblazers, a network of young disabled people and their supporters which is part of Muscular Dystrophy UK and which surveyed over 100 people between 17 July and 14 August 2017.

The main findings of the survey found that:

• 8 in 10 (almost 80%) of young disabled people have been unable to go on holiday in the past five years because of the lack of hoist facilities in hotels.
• Over 35% of those surveyed show that young disabled people don’t go anywhere overnight because of the lack of hoists.
• There are only 18 known hotels in the UK with ceiling hoists available for use free of charge according to one trusted website used by many disabled people.

The investigation found that many disabled users were forced to abandon their summer holiday plans and stay at home. It found that access to hoists in hotels which are a basic requirement for wheelchair users, either ceiling hoists or hoists for hire, is at best scarce and in many cases not available.

Hoists are a basic requirement which allows disabled users to transfer out of their wheelchair into bed or the bathroom when they cannot independently transfer. The complications when organising a holiday to ensure accessibility to hoists means planning can be stressful and lead to anxiety and uncertainty. What should be a pleasant break turns into an insurmountable chore. It is also a big problem for disabled users when having to travel for work, whether that be overnight stays or just a few days.

Moreover this is bad for business for the hotel industry as the collective spending power of disabled people has been estimated at £249bn to the economy.

The Trailblazers investigation also included a mystery shopping exercise (on 9 August, 2017) which found that only one hotel out of 20 was able to offer a free hoist for those who needed it. Other problems included:

• Many hotel staff not knowing what a hoist was used for
• One hotel when asked if they had a hoist for transferring from wheelchair to bed was unsure if they did, but said they had a hoist for use at the swimming pool
• One major hotel chain recommending to wheelchair users to bring their own hoist but admitting their beds were unsuitable for use with a portable hoist

Lucy Watts is a member of Trailblazers from Essex and a wheelchair user since 2008. She has a muscle-wasting condition and can’t safely transfer so has to be hoisted. She said:

“I haven’t stayed away from home since losing the ability to transfer and I’ve been unable to stay overnight purely because of the hoist issue. Hotels having hoists would mean I’d be able to take trips away. I’d be able to attend more conferences – many of which require an overnight stay – which would open up more doors in terms of my voluntary work.

“Having faced multiple issues with hotels, I’ve been put off staying overnight – even if we rented a hoist, I haven’t had the confidence to take the risk of not knowing whether the place will be accessible. However, if I knew every hotel had a fully accessible room with available hoist, I would definitely have the courage to branch out and do overnight trips.

“Disabled people face enough barriers in life. We shouldn’t be prevented from enjoying trips away because hotels won’t always make the effort to be fully accessible and inclusive.”

Nic Bungay, Director of Campaigns, Care and Information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:

“These figures are truly disappointing as it means many disabled people are not able to visit some of our most popular destinations. Muscular Dystrophy UK believes there are some immediate steps the tourist industry and government could take to improve provision.

“The tourist industry should provide staff training with disabled people so that their staff know what a hoist is and are aware of their policy regarding helping disabled people get a hoist for their stay. Government could provide increased funding so businesses can access funds to install hoists in hotel rooms. And local authorities could provide financial and planning advice or permission to ensure that access is at the centre of all major renovations and new buildings.

“If these measures were implemented immediately it would greatly increase access to hotels for wheelchair uses wishing to travel.”

Notes to editors

Hoists in hotels – an investigation

Key findings

• 8 in 10 (almost 80%) of respondents have been unable to go on holiday because of the lack of hoist facilities in hotels in the past 5 years.

• Over 85% can use a mobile hoist if necessary.

• According to Ceiling Hoist Users Club[1] which is a well trusted website which many disabled people refer to when looking for somewhere accessible to stay, there are only 18 known hotels in the UK with ceiling hoists available for use free of charge.

Other key statistics

• Almost 15% cannot use a mobile hoist to transfer if a ceiling hoist is unavailable

• Over 35% of survey respondents don’t go anywhere overnight because of the lack of hoists.

• Over 25% of survey respondents only stay in accommodation that supplies hoists (either ceiling or portable).

• Over 35% of survey respondents are forced to take their own portable hoist on holiday with them.

• 9 out of 10 respondents said if a hotel had a complimentary mobile hoist it would incentivise them to stay there.

• Almost 30% of survey respondents would be willing to travel over 50 miles from their chosen destination if the hotel had a hoist.

Hotel Survey

The Trailblazers survey asked respondents to rate their experiences for 7 major hotels chains as well as independent hotels/B and B’s. Some 103 people responded to the survey conducted between 17 July and 14 August 2017

Mystery Shopper

We also conducted a mystery shopper (on 9 August 2017) of a selection of hotels. We asked them if they were able to offer a complementary mobile hoist free of charge to those who needed it. Some of the responses included:

Major UK Cities

We called two major chain hotels, each in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast. The only hotel who were able to offer help to hire a hoist was one of the major chains in Glasgow, but the cost of hiring the hoist would fall to the customer booking the holiday. One other hotel in Glasgow from another major chain had a hoist available free of charge to their customers who needed it. All of the other hotels we called in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast did not have any hoists, nor did they offer help to hire one.

We spoke to a customer service advisor at one of these chains, who was able to give full details of the accessibility of their rooms, including the type of flooring available. Unfortunately, none of their rooms had a level entry wet room and there was no complementary hoist free of charge. However, they were willing to take delivery of the hoist.

Other UK tourist destinations

We called a number of other hotels in various destinations across the UK. This included:

• Oxford

• York

• Brighton

• Newport

• Cardiff

The information we received varied across four different UK chains. None of the five above were able to offer a hoist free of charge, or offer assistance with hiring a hoist. One major chain recommended that we bring our own hoist, but said that their beds were not suitable for use with a portable hoist. Another hotel told us that they had a hoist in the swimming pool, and one member of staff we spoke to did not know what a hoist was.

Summary

From our mystery shopping there is only one hotel out of the 20 that we called able to offer a free hoist for those who need it at the hotel. None of the disabled people who have responded to our survey have said they’ve been given assistance to have a hoist hired at any hotel.

Policy Recommendations

Government

• Building regulations must be amended to reflect the changing needs of disabled people, including the provision of overhead hoists in accessible rooms and the inclusion of Changing Places toilets for functions.

• Independent businesses may not have adequate funding to make these choices. Government should create an ‘access renovation fund’ which independent businesses can access money to install hoists in hotel rooms, or other access requirements such as Changing Places toilets.

Local Authorities

• As the collective spending power of disabled people has been estimated at £249bn to the economy, local authorities must provide assistance, including financial and planning advice or permission to ensure that access is at the centre of all major renovations and new buildings.

Tourism Industry

• Hotels should purchase mobile hoists as an urgent measure, and provide these as a complimentary service to wheelchair users who need them. However, many require overhead hoists and we call on hotels to have their accessible rooms assessed to have these hoists fitted.

• We call on the tourism industry to provide staff training with disabled people so that their staff know what a hoist is, are aware of their policy regarding helping disabled people get a hoist for their stay, and to educate those in charge of hotel development of why having hoists available is so important.

Case Study

Carrie Aimes gave permission for this to be used as a case study.

“I am an infrequent traveller, not because I lack the desire but because it is so difficult to find appropriately adapted and affordable hotels. Even getting away for a single night is an almost impossible challenge, since hotel rooms are, disappointingly, not equipped with ceiling track hoists as standard.

Although some people get around this problem by hiring (at an extra cost) or taking with them a portable hoist, this is not practical for all. Portable hoists are cumbersome, difficult to store, transport and manoeuvre. Furthermore, many people simply don’t have access to a vehicle large enough to carry such large-scale equipment.

I have Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and am completely non-ambulant. I can’t safely transfer and so I either have to be hoisted or manually lifted. Understandably most people, excluding family, are reluctant to do the latter. So, if I want or need to get away from home, my only current option is to ask family members if they are willing to lend their time and support (far from ideal).

With so few hotels in the UK equipped with ceiling track hoists, our options are severely limited. For those of us who need this facility, a premium cost is incurred, and then we are restricted to specific locations. Sadly we are not free as others are, to occupy any hotel room in a hotel of our choice, anywhere in the country.”

Shower Curtains vs Over Bath Screens

Read article : Shower Curtains vs Over Bath Screens

This article which looks at “Shower Curtains vs Over Bath Screens” is the fourth in a series of articles by bathroom water damage prevention specialist Steve Dalloway.

In my experience of over 20 years as a landlord, screens leak and don’t keep the water in the bath. That’s a fact ! They look nice but they don’t do their job properly.

Replacing screens is expensive and even though the replacement seals are available for them now they still leak and they still are hard to keep looking nice and fresh. They also let water out in terms of spray and as screens are generally only 800mm long, the floor still gets wet. My opinion for what it’s worth, is go with a quality shower rail and a curtain. The curtain can be easily replaced for around £20.00 or less and a quality rail looks good for years.

But I hear you say, “water gets past the corner of the curtain and drenches the floor !”

Well that used to happen but there are things out there that can stop that happening really easily and I should know, it’s the first product I ever invented and patented. It’s called a “Dripguard” and it’s a must in any home, let alone a rental.

If anyone has questions, I’d be happy to answer them or offer advice on best practice.

My next article is about Sealing in Baths and Shower Trays to avoid expensive leaks and also black mould.

Clarins Treatment Fragrance Review by Candy Perfume Boy

Read article : Clarins Treatment Fragrance Review by Candy Perfume Boy

Clarins’ fragrances are unique in the sense that they not only smell pretty darn fantastic, but because they also act as skin treatments that, thanks to generous helpings of natural ingredients, serve to stimulate, tone, moisturise, soften and soothe the skin.

If all of that weren’t enough, each of the three fragrances in the line serves as an excellent fragrant pick-me-up for those days when coolness, freshness and moisture are much needed to combat the heat and humidity – perfect for the mini-heatwave we are having at the moment.

 

Eau Dynamisante – “Vitality Freshness Firmness”

 “Extracts of Ginseng, Eleutherocoque and Harpagophytum tone. Extracts of Aloe and Ispaghul moisturise and soften.”

Eau Dynamisante is the first and original Clarins treatment fragrance and it’s a bit of a stealth classic. Having been on the market for an impressive 26 years it has found its way in to the hearts and homes of many a perfume lover, with a bottle being sold every three minutes within the UK.

The top notes fly out of the bottle as a bracing wall of citrus, with lemon, mandarin and orange colliding together to create a wonderfully sharp and tangy breeze of scent. Rosemary and lavender quickly join the fray, adding an herbaceous quality and a slightly menthol undertone.

In the base Eau Dynamisante is a true chypre, showcasing bitter notes of patchouli and moss, with tiny hints of addictive petitgrain. What was at first, bracing and refreshing settles down to a translucent veil of deep greens and cold earth that both smells and feels nourishing.

Eau Dynamisante is the perfect fragrance for the hot, sticky weather. It manages to cut straight through the mugginess, acting as a welcome relief from the heat. My advice: buy a big bottle and spray with reckless abandon!

Eau Ressourçante – “Serenity Freshness Replenish”

“Longan stimulates. Sarsaparilla relaxes and moisturises. Robinia soothes and softens.”

Eau Ressourçante is an interesting fragrance, namely because it manages to capture in scent, the blue colour of the bottle it is carried in but does so without smelling overtly aquatic or oceanic. It is also the most cooling of the bunch and more importantly – the most abstract.

Basil is the key player here along with iris, which adds a grey edge to the startling blue. The overall effect is of a vitalising skin cream that is both nourishing and soothing. There is a slight soapiness that is somewhat off-kilter at times but for the most part Eau Ressourçante is a unique yet undemanding ode to the Clarins beauty regimen.

Eau des Jardins" src="https://assets.escentual.com/blog/2013/07/Clarins-Eau-des-Jardins.png" width="580" height="424" />

 

Eau des Jardins – “Uplifts Refreshness Captivates”

 “Blackcurrant bud extract soothes. Beech bud extract moisturizes. Sorbier bud extract illuminates the complexion.”

If I were told I was only allowed to own one of the Clarins fragrances I would pick Eau des Jardins. It would be a close race and a very difficult choice, but Eau des Jardins would just about pip the other two to the post – seriously it’s my new jam for summer.

Released in 2010, Eau des Jardins is distinctly different from the other two ‘Eaus’ in the sense that it opts to evoke juiciness as opposed to freshness. This juicy quality comes from a cocktail of freshly picked, dewy fruits such as grapefruit and orange, along with lemon and bergamot with the clear, crisp odour of both apples and limes.

The bubbling quality of the fruity top notes surprisingly lasts for most of Eau des Jardins development before gently giving way to a smooth bed of vegetation – all green leaves, twigs and musk. It sounds a tad twee to describe a fragrance as ‘simply delightful’ but that really is the best description for Eau des Jardins, a fragrance that evokes the image of a tropical garden, bursting with intense refreshment.

Brilliant bathroom makeovers on a budget

Read article : Brilliant bathroom makeovers on a budget

Brilliant bathroom makeovers on a budget

• 

  The LAUFEN Pro A washbasin with stand not only looks stunning but is a clever way to store towels. Photo: Supplied.

• Kado Aspect solid wall-hung twin vanity. Photo: Supplied." title="Go streamlined with the Kado Aspect solid wall-hung twin vanity. Photo: Supplied." />

  Go streamlined with the Kado Aspect solid wall-hung twin vanity. Photo: Supplied.

• trend Rifco Acqua vanity range is made of timber. Photo: Supplied." title="The on-trend Rifco Acqua vanity range is made of timber. Photo: Supplied." />

  The on-trend Rifco Acqua vanity range is made of timber. Photo: Supplied.

• 

  Slimline products such as from the Hideaway+ collection can be matched with toilet pans for a sleek look. Photo: Supplied.

• 

  Opt for timber with the Omvivo range with timber vanity and mirror. Photo: Supplied.

• 

  The ISSY Glide is a wall-hung vanity that offers storage. Photo: Supplied.

• 

  Slimline products such as from the Hideaway+ collection can be matched with toilet pans for a sleek look. Photo: Supplied.

Along with the kitchen, bathrooms and powder rooms are the big ticket items in building or renovating. Chances are if you haven’t a neutral palette to start with you may not find it as easy to add seasonal decor or change simple items such as towels or even the tapware.

But, help is at hand with Bunnings’ national bathroom buyer Adam Cole and Reece Bathroom business manager Daniela Santilli offering some advice on how to make some simple and easy changes to the bathroom or powder room - without breaking the bank!

“A great bathroom can be a luxurious retreat to relax and unwind in after a busy day, or a functional space for the family’s daily rituals. But updating the bathroom doesn’t have to be an expensive or timely exercise,” Adam says. “With the right tips, tools and products, a bathroom makeover can suit any budget, whether it is a complete overhaul or small updates to spruce up the space.”

What are some of the newest trends that are coming through for bathrooms?

Daniela says bathroom trends in Australia are “constantly evolving, taking cues from both international and local design trends in the bathroom and the broader home, changing consumer needs and fostering new innovations”.

“For many, the bathroom is no longer a purely functional space, but a place of rest and relaxation – ‘the living room for one’ and a destination in which to retreat from outside stressors,” she says. “With this focus on the bathroom as a living space has come a new emphasis on bathroom furniture. We are also seeing growing demand for personalisation in the bathroom, as consumers seek solutions that perfectly suit the size and style of their bathroom space.”

Some of the top trends she has noted, include new shapes and silhouettes, using natural timbers for vanities and mirrors.

“When it comes to tapware, we’re seeing a rise in popularity for wall-mounted basin mixer sets, rather than vanity mounted options,” she says. “ Products are incorporating a modern aesthetic using contemporary shapes and lines, as seen in the seamlessly simple yet refined appearance of Laufen’s living square collection of basins, made using Saphirkeramik technology. This innovative technology showcases the use of impossibly thin, yet exceptionally strong fine lines. We’re also seeing growth in products using organic shapes with soft, gentle curves inspired by nature. Sweeping contours flow effortlessly to create a soothing and relaxing space.”

As for inspiration, Adam says look for images to help determine the desired look and feel of the new bathroom. “The Bunnings website has an interactive brochure available to provide inspiration and product suggestion.”

What are some easy updates I can make to my bathroom without having to renovate?

Adam says replacing a vanity is an ideal way to spruce up the wet room. “Replacing a tired old vanity is a great way to give the bathroom a quick makeover. Choose a vanity that will reflect the style of your bathroom and maximise storage options,” he says.

Adds Daniela: “There are lots of easy ways to get a new bathroom look without a complete overhaul. One of the easiest and most effective changes you can make to refresh your bathroom is to update existing fittings like taps and showerheads. Using existing plumbing points keeps the process relatively simple while delivering a big impact. Inject new life into your bathroom by switching to a contemporary-look basin mixer.”

She says a wall-mounted vanity creates the illusion of space, clears clutter and adds style. “​A modern shower head can (also) create a whole new experience, and the invigorating drench of an overhead shower head can make all the difference to your daily bathing ritual. Waterrail showers are another great retrofit option - they are like standard rail showers and have the flexibility of adjustable height and the ability to take the shower head off-hook, with the bonus of a cleaner aesthetic.”

Adam says if your budget cannot extend to a new toilet, simply replacing the lid and seat of the toilet is an easy revamp to change a look, as is changing cupboard handles. “This is an affordable and easy way to update the bathroom on a budget,” he says. “Change the smaller details, such as the tap ware and light fittings, to give the bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

“A great bath can also transform the look of the entire bathroom. A freestanding bath is easy to install and will make a strong design statement, particularly if used as a centrepiece for the room.”

Always consider WELS ratings if you do replace the toilet, he says, to ensure ongoing cost savings.

What is the first step in a bathroom renovation?

For Adam, creating a budget - and sticking to it - should be the first step in any renovation project; then consider the space you have to work with before purchasing any items that create your desired look and feel in the new or revamped bathroom.

“This will affect the products chosen and the updates made. Prioritise the changes that are most important to freshen the look of the bathroom and then choose products that reflect your chosen budget,” he says. “It is (also) crucial to take measurements of the room and outline space requirements before purchasing and installing any new bathroom products. Be aware of existing fixtures that aren’t easily moved, such as the plumbing, and take current decor into consideration.”

Knowing where to start and what you want is the key for Daniela: “A little inspiration can go a long way when it comes to bathroom design. Magazines, design blogs and the Inspiration section of the Reece Bathrooms website are great places to start gathering ideas for the looks, products and layouts you’d like to incorporate in your new bathroom.”

She agrees that understanding the space you’ve got to work with will make for a successful renovation.

“Measure the bathroom and start mapping out layout, thinking about where key items like the shower, bath and toilet can be positioned.  Also consider whether you’ll be retrofitting the bathroom using existing plumbing points or renovating completely. This can influence both budget and product positioning so it’s best to determine your approach early in the planning process. Reece’s 3D Bathroom Planner is a great tool for setting up and designing your virtual bathroom, whether you’re building or planning a renovation.”

How can I make my powder room feel bigger?

Says Daniela: “A smaller bathroom space doesn’t mean compromising on style. Mirrors create the illusion of space, but avoid those with fancy or ornate borders as these will easily clutter the room. Stick to clean and simple lines. (And) use the same tile on both the floor and walls to significantly make the area look and feel more spacious. Light colours also create the illusion of space, and larger tiles will make your floor look bigger as they have less grout.”

Both Adam and Daniela agree you should always consider making making use of extra wall space by mounting shelves to store essential bathroom items and decorative pieces.

“Try an under-counter basin for your unit as it will make your space feel larger because of its uncluttered bench space. There are also a wide range of petite basins designed specifically for smaller bathroom spaces,” Daniela says. “Float the vanity. Besides just visually helping the bathroom appear bigger, mounting a vanity above the floor frees up a little space for small items and is easier to clean too.

“Slimline products such as wall hung toilets and in-wall cisterns are perfect for enhancing space.They are one of the biggest growth areas in the bathroom. Mixing and matching flush buttons and your ideal toilet pans will create a seamless and modern finish, as well as saving valuable inches and freeing up floor space.”

How can we incorporate stylish storage into a bathroom?

A bathroom filled with clutter is not the relaxing sanctuary of calm that you had in mind. Savvy and multi-functional storage solutions are key for any modern bathroom, particularly in smaller spaces. Daniela says clever storage options include wall hung units and products with side shelves or compartments within drawers,which are a great way to create storage space and reduce clutter. “Linen cabinets and tallboys are also ideal for conserving space,” she says. Daniela’s other tips include:

• Use recessed shelves or niches add extra storage space while giving bathrooms a sleek look. Architectural Designer Products offers vanity ranges that include handy hidden auto bins, internal cosmetic drawers and even LED lighting.
• Mirrored bathroom cabinets make a practical furniture piece for all bathrooms. In smaller bathrooms they can give an illusion of more depth and space as well as offering integrated storage space. Consider recessing the cabinet into the wall, as some can sit completely flush with the wall, saving on precious space.
• Accessories are a great way to personalise a bathroom space - the Milli Edge freestanding toilet column combines a toilet roll and brush holder. A washbasin with stand is a clever way to store towels.

Investing in a heated towel rack can be a luxury, Adam says, but a purchase will be money well spent as it will ensure floor space remains clutter free. “It’s a simple way to add a touch of luxury and will keep towels warm and crisp.”

At what point in the renovation process should I start talking to a plumber or builder?

Daniela says that for any renovation, it is best to work closely with qualified tradespeople such as plumbers, builders and electricians to avoid costly mistakes.

“Our research shows that many Australians prefer a ‘Do It Together’ approach to creating their dream bathroom, but while you may think you can tackle some of the plumbing jobs yourself to save money, it can end up costing a lot more to rectify a DIY job gone wrong.

“It’s important to engage tradespeople early in the planning and design process, as they will be able to advise you on the realms of possibility when it comes to creating your desired look, as well as advising you on costing and time frames.”

As for the finishing touches once you and/or the tradespeople have finished, Daniela says it’s the little things that make a difference for any room of the house.

“So for an even simpler update, small touches such as buying good quality towels, scented candles or flowers will make a space feel inviting and reinvigorated,” she says.

House Tour: A Contemporary, Classic Cape Town Rental

Read article : House Tour: A Contemporary, Classic Cape Town Rental

Name: Melissa and James Lawrence
Location: Vredehoek, Cape Town, South Africa
Size: 1184 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting

Cape Town-based interior designer Melissa and her husband James didn't want to invest a ton of money in this home since they are renting it. But because Melissa is in the interior design field, they knew exactly what could to be done to enhance the space and in a cost effective way. They've been able to cleverly add their own touches to their rental apartment, creating a space that feels like home.

The first task was to tackle the flooring, which was originally dark brown and in a poor condition. The light whitewashed floors that you see now required a lot of work, but the result is a brighter, more contemporary look they both love.

Melissa and James love entertaining so updating the kitchen was a must — and the space needed a major overhaul and some serious TLC. The cupboards were originally a mix of dark wood and grubby white, and so fresh white paint was an obvious choice. They also added pine door knobs for an inexpensive and easy update. James made the overhead copper utensil hanger (which creates a great focal point) and they added cut vinyl to spruce up the existing white tiles. This is also where Melissa spends time producing her soy candles for her Melissa Louise label.

Their apartment goes to show that with just a few clever DIYs and design savvy thinking, you can easily revamp a rental space. Just remember to get your landlord's approval before you start!

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style:Our style has evolved over the years, from the eclectic mix of furniture that we first accumulated when we moved in together to now investing in classic furniture pieces that will last. We tend to gravitate to an overall contemporary look and feel with classic details.

Inspiration:As an interior designer, it is my job to stay up to date and be relevant; I am always inspired by the work of my favorite designers. Instagram and Pinterest are great tools for staying relevant and storing beautiful content that inspires.

Favorite Element:Melissa: Our high ceilings and the natural light that pours into every room. Often inner-city apartments can feel small and cramped; I love that our apartment feels light and spacious.

James:The lounge. It's where we unwind and watch series, play PlayStation and most importantly drink wine and socialize with our friends when they are over.

Biggest Challenge:The defined layout of our apartment. The closed floor plan means each room is separated from the others by walls and hallways. Hallways tend to be narrow and often have very little character.

What Friends Say:We aim to have a warm and comfortable home for our family and friends. Our friends echo this, as most nights are enjoyed over dinner and wine or even movies and popcorn.

Biggest Embarrassment:Melissa: Our bathrooms! They are outdated and tired, we have run over the finances but it simply isn't viable to do any major alterations to a rental property. Also sloppy workmanship in the past has left our vintage black cisterns speckled with paint...

James:Our bathroom! It's so old and I wish we could renovate and make it one large wet room! The bath isn't big enough for me, so a walk-in shower would be great!

Proudest DIY: Melissa: When we moved in, our floors were chocolate brown and worn through in places; they were in desperate need of attention! Having a creative eye I saw the potential they had when we first viewed the apartment. James and I sanded, treated and sealed the floors of the apartment ourselves, while living in the space. It was a tough two weeks, but it has really transformed the space and was SO worth it.

James:I made the copper utility hanger above our kitchen counter; a few trips to builders warehouse and there you have it. Super simple, but effective!

Biggest Indulgence:Melissa:Our five-plate gas stove and electric oven. We love entertaining, this was one of the best investments!

James:Our TV.

Best Advice: A lick of paint makes ALL the difference! It is a cost effective way to update a space, making it feel fresh and brand new!

Dream Sources: I love the convenience of shopping and sourcing online at places like @home living spaces, MRPhome and Weylandts, while finding hidden treasures at local antique shops. And supporting small developing businesses is a thrill!

Resources:

ENTRANCE
Stokholm sideboard – MRP Home
Aztec reversible rug — H&M Home
Basket — Milnerton Market.
Tall Basket with lid — Community upliftment program bought when Melissa was in high school
Light — Ikea, gifted to us by friends who were relocating

LIVING AREA
Sofa — @Home living space
Standing angle poise lamp — Weylandts
Beni Ourain inspired rug — MRP Home
Ladder shelf — @Home living space
Glass coffee table — MRP Home
Round side table — Superbalist
Curtains — Woolworths
Round mirror above electric fireplace — MRP Home
Sewing machine — Vintage piece, handed down from James' grandmother.
Duros Armchair — vintage shop
Large white pot —M RP Home

BEDROOM
Bed — YouMeHome
Bedding — H&M Home
Oval mirror — Vintage store in Woodstock
Sullivan hoop — Hooped by Sue Britz
Lamp base — Milnerton Market
Jewellery stand — MRP Home

KITCHEN
Stokholm dining table — @Home living space
Chairs — Chair Crazy
Clock — MRP Home
Fake plants — SuperFloral
Metallic plant pots — Simply Home
Gold candle holder — Home and Giftware Pop up shop at the V&A
Striped runner — MRP Home
Copper book stand — Handmade by a family friend and gifted to us.
Wooden chopping board — Ikea
Copper book stand: Handmade by a family friend and gifted to us."
Teapot — Le Creuset
Patterned vinyl — Designed and applied by Frizzy Diamond
Diamond hanging pot plant — Typo

STUDY
Chairs — Chair Crazy
Desk — Trestle legs and pine top bought at Timber City
You're a gem hoop — Hooped by Sue Britz

Thanks, Melissa and James!

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