It's true, no one can stand coloured bathrooms! Huge national survey unveils the bathroom features we sincerely hate (and those we love...) | Latest press releases | PressGo

Read article : It's true, no one can stand coloured bathrooms! Huge national survey unveils the bathroom features we sincerely hate (and those we love...) | Latest press releases | PressGo

Press Release

Coloured suites, shower curtains, carpet, and gold taps are the bathroom features we just can't stand

If you have avocado bath, sink and toilet look away now!

In what's thought to be one of the largest ever national customer surveys on bathroom chic, coloured suites, shower curtains, carpet, and gold taps were singled out as the bathroom features that people love to hate.

Plumbworld.co.uk, one of the UK's largest online bathroom retailers, ran an online survey to understand the parts of the bathroom that drive the UK public to despair and those they can't do without.

 The survey found:

•         8/10 people hate coloured bathroom suites•         7/10 hate carpet in the bathroom•         6/10 hate shower curtains

•         6/10 hate gold taps

•         8/10 love white suites

•         7/10 love tiled bathroom floors

•         9/10 prefer blinds to curtains in the bathroom

•         7/10 love chrome taps in the bathroom

•         9/10 say a shower is very important in a bathroom

"The nation has spoken! And it's said Granny's old bathroom suite, mildew-covered shower curtains, and damp carpet are things it can do without," said James Hickman, managing director of Plumworld.co.uk.

"The kind of bathrooms people favour are chic, contemporary and simple in design. That means chrome instead of gold, light colour schemes and white suites, tiled floors, screens instead of curtains, and absolutely no carpet."

The survey asked "what is your opinion of coloured bathroom suites, like avocado or coral pink", 4,073 people  (80.48% of those surveyed) said they hated them, 811 (16.02%) said they had no strong view, while 177 (3.5%) claimed to love them.

Asked "when the shower is over the bath, what do you think about using a shower curtain to keep the water in the bath?", 3,117 (62.24%) said they hated them, 1,399 (27.94%) felt indifferent, while 492 (9.82%) said them loved them.

When asked "what do you think about carpet in the bathroom?", 3,794 (75.77%) of those surveyed said they hated it, 869 (17.36%) had no strong view, while 344 (6.87%) said it was something they loved.

A further question asked: "what do you think of gold bathroom taps?" to which 3,111 (62.56%) said they hated them, 1,594 (32.05%) said they had no strong view, while for 268 people (5.39%) said gold taps were something they absolutely loved.

In contrast, when asked: "what do you think of chrome bathroom taps?", 3,767 people (74.97%) said they loved them, 1,203 people (23.94%) said they didn't have a strong view, while just 55 people (1.09%) said they hated them.

Simple and sophisticated is the order of the day when it comes to bathroom suites. Asked "what is your opinion of white bathrooms suites?", 4007 people (79.36%) said they loved them. Just 964 (19.09%) didn't have a strong view and 78 (1.54%) said they hated white bathrooms.

As shower curtains didn't go down well with the public, the survey then asked what they thought about screens. It asked: "when the shower is over the bath, what do you think about fixed screens?",
3,301 people (65.35%) said they loved screens, with 1,462 (28.94%) indifferent and 288 (5.70%) against them.

The survey also wanted to explore what people thought was the best way to cover their windows. It asked: "which type of window covering do you prefer in a bathroom?", 4,733 people (94.64%) said blinds with just 268 (5.36%) preferring curtains.

When asked "what do you think about titled flooring in a bathroom?", 3,486 people (69.35%) said they loved it, 1,298 (25.82%) had no string view, while 243 (4.83%) said they hated tiled floors.

Full survey results can be found here:

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/bathroom-survey-results

Contact Name:

Scott Morris

Role:

E-Commerce Manager

Company:

www.Plumbworld.co.uk

Contact Email:

click to reveal e-mail

Contact Phone:

01386768498

Company Website:

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk

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Life is en suite as avocado grows ripe for return to UK's bathrooms | Money

Read article : Life is en suite as avocado grows ripe for return to UK's bathrooms | Money

Everything has its day - and just when you think it's had its day, it has its day again. So it is with bathrooms. Just when we've all succumbed to ubiquitous white porcelain, the coloured bathroom suite makes a comeback. And about time. Soon we will rue the day we consigned the avocado sink, bath and toilet to the skip.

Lefroy Brooks, purveyors of 'glamorous' period-style sanitaryware and fittings, is launching the fabulous Bel Air range in January. Its American retro-style curvy suites are complemented by rocket-shaped taps redolent of 1950s sci-fi comics.

'We've all had enough of so-called property experts telling us we have to keep our homes bland and uninspiring on the premise that plain will resell,' says designer Christo Lefroy Brooks.

Here at last is the pink bathroom suite I've been dreaming of for years. Bel Air chinaware also comes in cream, green or blue. It will cost £450 for a sink (£630 with a chrome stand) and £360 for the taps. I'd better start saving.

Our new taste for excess would appear to extend to the number of bathrooms we have, as increasing numbers of people carve up their homes to create en-suite bathrooms. But, however many we have, our reluctance to espouse the bidet means we are still considered filthy barbarians by our continental friends.

Susan Murphy lives in a rented two-bedroom flat in Maidstone, with an en-suite as well as a main bathroom. 'I hate it,' she says. 'It's such a waste of space. We're looking to buy a flat, but all the new-builds we've looked at have two bathrooms. Why would a couple need two bathrooms?'

But estate agent Christine Penny of Hamptons in Bath says: 'Providing you have enough space, an en-suite dedicated to the main bedroom will make your home more saleable. A two-bedroom flat without an en-suite is really a one-bedroom flat.'

That's certainly what the developers seem to think. Maybe they are catering more for divorced dads or buy-to-let investors than for young couples.

Although extra bathrooms could add to the value of your home, it may not work if this gives you tiny bedrooms. Rather than dividing up a large airy bedroom and ruining the lovely cornices, you could put a bathtub in the corner.

If you are really rebellious (and have a fat wallet) you could escape from ceramics altogether. Boldly shaped bathtubs and basins from Finnish company Durat are made of partly recycled polyester and come in a choice of 60 colours. A bath will set you back £2,200 to£3,740.

Bathing innovation will soon bring us a shower cubicle you can put in your bedroom without ending up with puddles on the floor. Graham Thomson is patenting a design for a shower cubicle based on the principals of powder-coating - the method used for spray-painting cars. On entering the Recharge Shower, you step on a mat that gives you an electrical charge. A mist-like spray of water is then attracted to your body. No mess, no wastage of water.

But for those sick of having their pampering toiletries filched, and determined to create their own little walled-off retreat, the new trend is for space-saving wall-hung chinaware. The sophisticated concealed plumbing required may be worth it for the space freed up below to house shelves, racks or cabinets.

Laufen does a good range of wall-hung asymmetrical and corner washbasins, including a countertop model that can be cut to fit awkward corners. But they do not come cheap. A Loft washbasin including a 'base station' (cabinet with drawer) will cost you £1,300. Laufen also produces Il bagno Alessi bathroom porcelain in innovative bulbous shapes with Wondergliss coating to prevent limescale (washbasin from £530). Unfortunately, it only comes in traditional white.

Ventilation is a key consideration when creating a new bathroom, especially if there is no window. To prevent mould and other damp-related problems, it is vital to install sufficiently powerful extractor fans.

Vent-Axia has a good technical advice line. Its top-of-the-range ventilation device is the ingenious Air Minder heat recovery system (from about £1,000), which extracts old air and pumps in fresh. The ducts cross so that heat being sucked out is blown back in again, thus saving on heating bills.

Clever solutions for small bathrooms

Read article : Clever solutions for small bathrooms

In any room, a shortage of space can make renovating and decorating tricky, but a small bathroom can be particularly challenging when you think about everything you're trying to fit in it. That's not to say it's impossible though. With a few clever tricks you can easily transform a pint-sized bathroom into a stylish, spacious and spa-like haven. Here are our top tips for living large.

1. Add a splash of colour

When it comes to small spaces, it’s best to avoid blocks of dark or bold colours. Light neutral colours, such as white, cream and soft pastels, are your best pick for the overall colour scheme and bathroom suites. You can then use splashes of bright colours in your accessories, towels or even on a feature wall.

Bright white bathrooms look airy and spacious. Add a few splashes of statement colour for maximum impact. Photo: Nick Watt / bauersyndication.com.au

2. Let there be light

Well-lit rooms always feel bright and airy so follow their lead and use natural light to create the illusion of space in your bathroom. If you're designing the room from scratch or planing a total refit, opt for multiple windows, a floor-to-ceiling glass door or a skylight. You'll reap the rewards of more light immediately. If you're on a budget, try changing the type of glass in your windows — transparent will obviously let in the most light, but if privacy is an issue, soft frosted glass still lets in a fair share of natural light. When it comes to fixtures and fittings, use halogen light bulbs. They're known for their brilliance and will help open up your space.

One way to save space? An integrated toilet design. The Roca Meridian In-Tank Back to Wall Pan is far less bulky than a traditional toilet. Photo: supplied

3. Go for an integrated cistern

Toilets can be one of the bulkiest items in your bathroom, but unfortunately they’re non-negotiable so it pays to shop smart when you’re designing a small space. Look for a concealed or in-wall toilet solution that allows the cistern to be “hidden” in a wall cavity or under a vanity benchtop. Or, for the ultimate small space innovation, opt for the Roca Meridian In-Tank Back to Wall Pan. The game-changing design integrates the cistern and buttons into the pan for a compact toilet that's both sleek and stylish — a lifesaver for small bathrooms.

4. Make your storage smart(er)

Clever storage that makes the most of whatever space is on offer and delivers multipurpose solutions is key when working with a pint-sized room. If vanity space is sparse, or nonexistent, install shelving units above toilets, sinks and baths. Or, you could go the other way, and stretch a vanity benchtop across a bath surround, boosting your storage space dramatically. Recessed mirrors and shaving cabinets are also another winning option for smaller bathrooms.

If in doubt, accessorise all areas! Photo: Hallie Burton / bauersyndication.com.au

5. Small doesn't mean dull

Don't be disheartened by what you have to work with — you can pack a lot of character into a small room. For instance, multiple mirrors work on many levels; they're practical, look good and visually open up a room. Hanging rails can house several coloured or printed towels which serve a dual purpose as a place to dry hands and a way to add a pop of colour. Trolleys or stools also make a welcome addition in place of a built-in vanity and together, all of them create an eclectic, maximising vibe.

6. Do sweat the small stuff

When space is at a premium, every little bit counts. Don't just focus your attention on the big ticket space savers — such as the bathtub, the shower and the actual foundations of the room — spend some time thinking about smaller details, too. The tapware, the towels, the tiles. They all contribute to the overall look and feel of your bathroom so opt for streamlined faucets, wall-hung accessories and hardware and penny-round tiles that will all enhance your space.

Carve out a little extra space — it all adds up — by opting for sleek and streamlined hardware in place of clunky, oversized taps. Photo: Martina Gemmola / / bauersyndication.com.au

Brought to you by Reece Bathrooms

Boutique-style bathroom from a spare room

Read article : Boutique-style bathroom from a spare room

Add a false wall

Create a unique, contemporary space by using decorative panelling (Above) to make zones for all your bathroom elements, from the bath and shower, to the basin and WC. The Nuance range by Bushboard features polyurethane trim-free panels bonded with high-pressure laminate that can be installed without any fixings being visible for a sleek result. Plus, shower fixings or sanitaryware can also be attached. With a high-definition printed design, the Dolce Vita True Scale has the look of real stone, but only costs from £70 per m².

Opt for all-over colour

Choose your favourite shade and go for a design that uses it all over the bathroom. To complement the bold blue mosaic tiles and accessories, the bespoke Silestone by Cosentino worksurface in Limited Edition Acqua Fraccaroli was created to suit this scheme. As the material has the ability to be moulded to create thick widths, long lengths and even be shaped along walls and upstands, it’s a great way to create a unique look. Silestone by Cosentino costs £400 per m².

Indulge in a spa-like shower

There’s nothing more luxurious than a relaxing shower, and with the Gessi Minimali chrome-finish recessed showerhead, you can re-create a spa feel at home. With aerators to minimise water consumption, while maintaining a power-shower sensation, the head fits into the ceiling seamlessly for a streamlined finish. Dia.35cm, it costs £950 at CP Hart.

Be creative with vinyl

The ideal choice for bathroom flooring, luxury vinyl now comes in an array of colours, patterns and textures emulating real wood and stone. Amtico’s latest Signature collection features a range of stylish motifs to create an eye-catching focal point in your space. This Myron Motif, Dia.91.5cm, £120, shown here paired with Sedimentary Grey Stone vinyl flooring, £70 per m², provides a modern contrast.

Pick a bright colour

Whether you’re decorating a small or large bathroom, adding a statement shade to the walls is a great way to refresh the space. Use a modern, trend-led shade such as Valspar’s Simply Brilliant all over the room, on a feature wall, or simply to update a stool or storage unit; £27.98 for 2.5 litres of Kitchen and Bathroom

Be bold with your bathroom basin

A far cry from the dated avocado suites of the past, coloured and patterned sinks are enjoying a revival. Update your master bathroom, en suite or cloakroom with the stunning Adriana porcelain basin, H15.5xDia.41cm, £690 from The London Basin Company

Co-ordinate finishes

Made to suit a humid environment, these blue café-style shutters in Crown Dance Hall from Shutterly Fabulous are made to measure from poplar wood. Also available in full-height, solid pane and tier-on-tier designs, the shutters can be painted in a colour to suit your scheme, for example, to match a statement bath and accessories. From £320 per m2 for a custom finish.

Apply lots of pattern

Why not create a real statement by using a print you love on both your walls and floors? The Baked Tile Company’s Elle porcelain tiles, W44.2xL44.2cm, £33 per m², are suitable for both surfaces, plus they’re hardwearing and easy to clean. Team with neutral fixtures and fittings, or add further wow factor with pops of bright colour.

Create a wet room

If you dream of a wet room but don’t want to tank your entire suite, opt for a recessed shower tray. At only 2.5cm thick, Roca’s In Floor steel shower tray is fitted at floor level, creating a walk-in shower with a streamlined drainage outlet built in. Designed with an anti-slip coating, in six sizes up to L140cm, the base costs from £744 for W90xL90cm. Combine with a slim, frameless glass shower screen for a minimal, contemporary look.

Use the latest materials

A must-have for kitchens, concrete details are now making their way into the bathroom, too. Introduce the look with Fired Earth’s large-format W60xL60cm waxed porcelain Berlin tiles in Reichstag. Inspired by the ‘utilitarian cool’ of East Berlin, they have a realistic, textured finish and offer a neutral backdrop to colour and pattern. The tiles can be used on walls (as shown) and floors, £49.97 per m².

Now this is a grand design and it's in Burbage

Read article : Now this is a grand design and it's in Burbage

This beautifully-designed modern home in Burbage hits that perfect point where a striking design doesn’t appear too abrasive.

When the current owners built this contemporary home in Rugby Road two years ago, the main drive was sustainability and low maintenance.

Now this property is on the market courtesy of Fine and Country, for a cool £650,000.

Built to high industry standards, it has exceptional insulation values and is supported by another rarity - an A-grade EPC rating.

With the balance of the warranty still available, this is an extremely economical house, and energy bills can be kept even lower with electricity provided by solar panels on the back of the house.

Additional benefits include an 11 zone gas-fired under floor heating to both the ground and a solid first floor.

A heat recovery whole house ventilation system is in place providing temperature control free from stuffy or stale rooms throughout.

Further modernities include A-rated aluminum powder-coated windows and doors, an alarm system, and a commercial quality Sarnafil single ply roof.

The front of the home in Rugby Road. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

Quietly tucked away on the street it still manages a double garage and a south west-facing private landscaped rear garden with a fishpond.

For living space, the property offers three to four reception rooms, four, possibly five bedrooms and four bathrooms, of which three are en suites.

Double doors open to the spacious open-plan hallway which has Amtico flooring that flows through most of the ground floor.

From here, an internal hardwood door gives direct access to the garage and there are full height windows and double doors overlooking the private courtyard.

A little further on a central oak staircase rises to the first floor with two stainless steel handrails.

central oak staircase ascending from the hallway to the landing in this contemporary home. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby." src="src" />

The central oak staircase ascending from the hallway to the landing in this contemporary home. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

Heading first in to the smart open-plan kitchen one can see an extensive range of cream-fronted base units including twin-pan drawers and an integrated Smeg dishwasher.

Cooks can enjoy a Bosch electric fan-assisted double oven with a five-ring gas hob and a bespoke extractor above.

There is plumbing for an American-style fridge/freezer unit - just what is needed for those hot days - and three full-height spice racks and storage cupboards.

There are Quartz work surfaces with a built-in drainer and an inset Blanco sink unit and mixer tap.

Heading back out into the hall way, and to the right of the staircase, doors lead to the cloakroom which has a close-coupled toilet and a contemporary washstand.

The well-fitted study offers shelving, cupboards and a work station and is tucked away with a telephone point and two windows.

central oak staircase. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby." src="src" />

A view from the kitchen, past a dining area towards the central oak staircase. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

In here an open doorway and curtains lead into the versatile media room which has black cabinets and wired for a large screen and surround sound.

It could provide a second office or a small sitting room for children if preferred.

On the other side the stairs, another door gives access to the private ground floor guest bedroom which has double doors overlooking the courtyard.

There are fitted quality wardrobes and an en-suite shower room, with a Grohe shower unit, pedestal wash hand basin, low-level toilet, quality ceramics, fitted mirrors, and an opaque window.

But the real selling point is the stunning open plan combined living, dining and morning room.

sunny winter afternoons. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby." src="src" />

The stunning open-plan lounge is light and bright and is perfect to enjoy those cold but sunny winter afternoons. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

This bright area provides flexible living space.

The main lounge area is double height with bi-fold doors overlooking the back garden and glazed windows above make it a very well-lit and impressive area.

The dining area is ideal for regular entertaining while the morning room has a side window overlooking the terrace and double doors to the garden.

This light and versatile area is designed for modern living and makes the ground floor extremely versatile and the space flows freely into the attractive garden.

Upstairs, the first floor landing has a large picture window with an inset roof window making this a visually stunning and bright area.

With full-height windows there is a fine vista from the galleried landing over the living area and the rear garden.

The master bedroom has engineered wood flooring with smart reading lights with TV and telephone points and two discreet slit windows with shutters allowing views of the ground floor.

Bi-fold doors (and insulated shutters) give access to the balcony which has a stainless steel and glass balustrade.

Bi-folding doors open out from the master bedroom onto the balcony over-looking the back garden. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The en-suite has a double-width shower enclosure with sliding doors and a Grohe shower unit along with quality ceramics, a washstand with an oval basin and a close-coupled toilet.

A door leads to a dressing room with wardrobes, cupboards and drawer sets.

Naturally, this could provide a child's bedroom or nursery if required. It has engineered wood flooring with a window to the courtyard.

The second bedroom has a triple wardrobe along with storage cupboards. There are two windows and downlighters. The spacious family bathroom can also provide an en-suite to this bedroom.

There is a double-width shower enclosure, again with a Grohe shower unit, a white oval bath with freestanding monoblock tap a white washstand, and another close-coupled WC with fitted alcoves and storage.

There are porcelain floor tiles, wall ceramics and two full height opaque side windows allowing light to flood in.

The third double bedroom has a double wardrobe with downlighters and two windows.

The en-suite bathroom of the master bedroom. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The en-suite has a close coupled WC, contemporary washstand and a shower enclosure with shower unit, porcelain floor tiles, wall ceramics, downlighters.

The convenient first floor utility room has plumbing facilities and houses the heating controls.

Like the ground floor, the first floor has low-level concealed lighting, downlighters, smoke alarm and an alarm sensor.

This property is nicely tucked off the road via a private driveway.

The garage to the front is at the end of a block-paved driveway providing ample parking for two large vehicles while the garage has an automatic up and over insulated sectional panel door.

There is light and power connected with a rear personnel door and a work bench.

To the side of the house is a well-stocked border with grasses, lavender and some colourful annuals.

There is a lockable side gate to the left of the garage leading to a deep storage shed for garden machinery.

On the far side of the house there is a private courtyard area with stone chippings and multi coloured paving slabs.

A wide gravel pathway leads round to the main garden.

The side garden and courtyard. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The rear garden has been thoughtfully-landscaped and is a very low maintenance.

Facing south west it offers a good degree of privacy.

There is a sunny private terrace directly behind the house and a pathway leads to a seating area which offers the best view of the rear elevation.

The substantial fishpond was a feat of engineering with a raised viewing area, pump and filtration system.

It is raised above the garden and retained by a well-stocked rockery and some large pieces of local stone.

To the right of the path is high-quality astroturf with Welsh slate borders and two ornamental trees. There is a further slate border with a raised rockery planted with a colourful selection of grasses, heathers and specimen trees.

A view of the back garden looking back towards the house. Property for sale in Burbage with Fine and Country of Rugby.

The garden is enclosed on all three sides by wooden close boarded fencing, a neighboring garage wall, established conifer trees and a buddleia.

The elevated balcony is ideal to catch the last western rays of sunshine after a typical busy day.

Homes of this quality are rarely available so an early viewing is advised.

As the current owner, Gabriella said: “My husband and I had always wanted to build our own home, and when the opportunity arose in 2013 we jumped at the chance and we are absolutely thrilled with the result.”

For more details, and to make a viewing contact Fine and Country Rugby on 01788 820062.

SELLING POINTS

Number of bedrooms: 4 to 5;

Reception rooms: 4 to 5;

Bathrooms: 4;

Garden: Small, but beautiful;

USP: Amazing, unique contemporary home

Price: £650,000

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