“Whether you’re there for the long game or renovating to sell, beware of fashions”
8FOLLOWING FASHION Design by Woolf Interiors
“Don’t be dictated to by trends,” warns Philippa. “Whether you’re there for the long game or renovating to sell, beware of fashions. We all scroll Pinterest and Instagram for the latest beautiful bathroom inspiration but be careful with what you choose. It’s expensive fitting out a bathroom and if you want to change the tiles later down the line, it’s going to be painful.” Neil backs this up by suggesting tiles be chosen on their merit, and not what’s the latest trend. “A tile will look very different on its own, compared to how it looks when it’s in place in your bathroom. It’s vital that you think about the colour and size of your tiles, as well as where you want them placed, as these factors will have a huge impact on the overall design of the bathroom. If you’re using tiles on the walls and the floor, we often recommend choosing designs in similar colours as this will help create a seamless look and tricks the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it really is.”
9POOR LIGHTING
“Not considering lighting and the respective electrical circuits as a priority is a another common mistake,” says Natasha. “Particularly important if the bathroom only has a small window or if the lighting casts unwanted shadows/glare across mirrors. Review the space, where are dark areas? Are you installing illuminated mirrors that can provide additional illumination? Which lights do you wish to be on when you are getting ready and which provide a relaxing ambience, how will you distinguish between the two?”
10DOING IT YOURSELF
“Bathrooms are technical spaces requiring careful planning by knowledgeable designers who understand the details and can foresee challenges that may arise,” says Natasha. “Not talking to a professional first often means underestimating the amount of expertise, work and budget required to achieve an excellent and long lasting finish.” n
OUR BATHROOM PANELLISTS Neptune’s Lulu believes in enhancing white with paint and timber
7
ALWAYS WHITE?
“White can be an easy way to resolve a bathroom, particularly if you are on a tight budget and you want to maximize the feeling of light and space,” says Verity. “However, the execution needs to be sharp and all white can drain the room of personality, unless you put in some fun accessories. Don’t be afraid to include artwork in your bathroom where you can, provided it is not hung too close to the shower.” Lulu Keyzar, the store manager of Neptune, the interiors and lifestyle brand, also believes in enhancing the white-not-quite look. “Incorporate paint and timber rather than starkly white tiles to evoke a richer, warmer and softer appearance. Bring in other pieces of furniture if you have room; a cosy armchair to sink into in your dressing gown, or simply a place to temporarily drape your clothes. This will introduce softness of fabric to your bathroom, although best to avoid velvet as it’ll mark easily.”
1. Lulu Keyzar; www.neptune.com 2. Natasha Townsend; www.hobsonschoice.uk.com 3. Neil Curtis; www.ripplesbathrooms.com 4. Philippa May; www.maydstudio.com 5. Verity Woolf; www.woolfinterior.com 1
2
4
3
5
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93
