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New bathroom suggestions

9 replies

Patnotpending · 07/10/2019 22:19

We've been meaning to replace our bathroom for the last couple of years and put it off because of the hassle but now we've discovered that we've had a slow leak under the bath and the bath will have to come out and a new floor go in – so we might as well do the lot.

The guy who came out to deal with the leak referred us to a bathroom fitter he works with who says that instead of the usual three-month wait he can do the job in early November. We need to choose and order sanitary ware, tiles and flooring asap and I'm completely unprepared.

We'll probably be selling the house in a couple of years so we want something neutral-looking and moderately priced. Can anyone recommend where to start looking for bathroom suites? I like the look of those oblong-shaped tiles: possibly a hazy pale blue or green – or do people hate colours? Are the oblong tiles going out of fashion now? Looking at picture of bathrooms I see a lot more Aquaboard-type panels in use instead of tiles. Is this a trend? It used to be a cheap and cheerful solution. I don't want a tiled floor – too cold. Is vinyl acceptable these days? Do people expect the kind of built-in units that conceal cisterns and pipework?

I'm overwhelmed by all the choices and nervous of making a poor decision. We don't have enough money floating around to be able to afford a mistake. All tips and ideas gratefully received.

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Nightmanagerfan · 07/10/2019 22:26

We have had the same - leaking shower meant it was easier to replace everything. We got someone who could start in two weeks so an even faster deadline! I looked on Pinterest and then found a picture to copy.

We’ve gone for patterned blue hexagon floor tiles, white brick size flat wall tiles and a walnut vanity with drawers under sink. Good shower with large head and separate hand held shower.

Metro tiles with bevelled edges seem to be going out of fashion.

Pipandmum · 07/10/2019 22:34

The sanitary ware should be white, and I like plain as possible. I like built in storage under the sink. No pipes on show! Heated towel rail. Mixer taps. I use bathstore.com
quite a lot. You can get decent quality without spending loads.
It sure what you mean by aquaboard but if it’s what I think then still seems cheap. Go with plain tiles (or marble pattern) in white or neutral - do not do a colour. Good quality vinyl floor is fine. Do not tile the whole bathroom but go to the ceiling if you have shower over bath and do the entire wall. Tile from sink to mirror. A hand towel rail next to sink is useful if bathroom is sizeable.
Finally I hate plastic side panels I think it’s worth tiling the side of the bath too.

Patnotpending · 07/10/2019 22:44

Thank you, both of you. Those white flat brick tiles sound good; can you remember where you got them from? White grout? Very thin spaces between tiles? Googling for inspiration this evening I came across an article about tile spacing and grouting and that raised a whole new set of choices and questions I've never thought about...

I was looking at the Bathstore but the plumber who came today didn't rate them.

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Samosaurus · 07/10/2019 23:16

Honestly, if you are planning to sell in a couple of years, just go for Homebase stuff. We did and it looks really nice - we went for white metro tiles with grey grout, patterned floor tiles, and white furniture. When we move to our 'forever home' we'll spend a bit more - I love the Fired Earth look!

gleegeek · 07/10/2019 23:22

Our plumber has said avoid Bathstore like the plague at the moment as they're struggling. Apparently things are out of stock or arriving damaged/missing and no replacements to be found. Sad because their showroom local to us is great but want to avoid delivery problems!
I'm struggling with bathroom decision making too. Had a walk round B and Q - the prices are great but the reviews not so much! It's so hard!

Patnotpending · 07/10/2019 23:32

I think I'm going to try and fit in a trip to B&Q tomorrow, no Homebase anywhere near here. I love Fired Earth style and if we were going to stay here I'd be prepared to blow money on something I love, but given the extra costs of repairs to the floor, possibly the joists and the ceiling downstairs too, we need to keep the cost right down.

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LauraPalmersBodybag · 07/10/2019 23:33

I’d avoid white grout op, it always looks manly very quickly. Go for a dark grey. I’m not into subway/metro tiles, they’re rather dated, but if you’re looking to sell sooner rather than later, I’d opt for 10 x 10 cm square tiles, probably in white and use a grey grout.

Echoing pp who says that a built in storage under the sink is very nice, as is a heated towel rail. Hide your pipes for sure.

www.colourflooring.co.uk/collections/vinyl-flooring Do nice high quality floors. Err away from flat white or anything without a slight variation to the pattern of the surface - they look lovely and neat but show dirt horribly.

If you want to use colour, paint the walls instead or use accessories by keep the built in things plain and white.

Patnotpending · 08/10/2019 09:51

Thanks again. Think a classically patterned vinyl is probably the way to go.

Dog-walking friend has suggested I look at Ikea and I saw this Hemnes washstand,

www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/hemnes-wash-stand-with-2-drawers-grey-10348788/

which seems reasonably priced and looks quite smart. They do it in white, it doesn't have to be grey. Will everyone be able to look at it and know instantly it's Ikea, and is that a bad thing? We haven't had much from Ikea and a few things we've bought there have been a bit wobbly.

Sorry if I sound naive. I have quite a strong sense of style and lots of people love the things we've done to our house, but I'm probably not so good at the kind of bland, suits-all style that I think is needed now.

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deeplydippydopey · 08/10/2019 15:02

I'm currently looking to upgrade my bathroom so I feel your pain. I find the amount of options available is quite overwhelming.

I'm working with The Bathroom Store, part of Travis Perkins, at the moment. I haven't totally decided to go with them but they are the best I've found so far. Their prices for basic but good quality toilets, baths and sinks etc are very good, much cheaper than others which is great as it means I can stretch a bit further for other things such as tiles etc.

I'm thinking of doing the kitchen next year and am expecting the choices to be even more mind blowing.

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