Update -- my plumber finally returned. Not sure what he did while here, but he told me again it wasn't working -- then he did some work on a radiator which had a small leak. We were having a long discussion about options on pumps, new showers, taps etc and I read out the installation guide and he tried it again, and suddenly it worked. It is bizarre as I don't know how many times i tried it previously. My friend who works in construction ALSO called earlier today and tried it several times to no avail. It must have been extremely stiff or perhaps the plumber realised some airlock whilst fixing the radiator since I think water pressure is much stronger since he went. Thanks for everyones help -- i learned lots on plumbing and a valuable lesson to take out the installation manuals myself and not trust that trades men know everything!!! I feel like celebrating!!

If you are planning to splash out on a new bathroom in 2017 you might be inspired by some of these emerging new bathroom trends. Whether you have a huge bathroom in a country house or a small bathroom space in a town centre apartment there will be an ideal bathroom design for you out there. From a s step back in time to traditional ‘heritage style’ bathrooms to uber-modern cutting edge new styles we have it covered. Here is our take on the top 5 bathroom trends for 2017. 1.Traditional Styles are back Period style bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular with large freestanding roll-top style baths taking centre stage and setting a grandiose theme. Carefully selected period fittings will add a glorious touch of heritage inspired luxury. With this exciting bathroom trend your bathroom will be endowed with a timeless elegance, creating the perfect space for relaxing body and mind. This style need not be confined to older period houses – it can work equally well in a newly built home. The trend for traditional styles has also been reflected in the fashion for traditional paint colours and Edwardian / Victorian tile styles. Muted greys, greens and soft blues are highly popular right now and can complement the bathroom furniture beautifully. Lighting is really important to get right. The right lighting can make a huge difference to the overall ‘look and feel’ of your bathroom. Many bathrooms often have a poor source of natural light so mirrored surfaces and shiny high gloss finishes can boost the available natural light and making smaller bathroom spaces seem larger and inviting. 2.Reflected Glory – Shine bright like a diamond Sparkling, high gloss finishes are growing fast in popularity. With the right lighting they can really give your bathroom a spacious, bright feel. Mirrored and coloured glass, reflective wall panels and tiles, and high-gloss furniture and bath panels are popular light-enhancing materials used in bathrooms. Tiles are a natural and traditional choice for bathroom walls and floors and they are available in a bewildering choice of sparkling, glossy finishes. For an ultra-modern style you should look at smooth, handle-free high-gloss fitted bathroom furniture . Keeping furniture off the floor and using wall-mounted cabinets makes the look even more contemporary. Large mirrors and chandelier style lighting can add drama and a touch of luxury to your bathroom creating a real “wow” factor. Feature a Feature Wall Feature walls have become ‘a thing’ in 2016 and they can be applied to the bathroom just as much as to a lounge or bedroom. Use a “statement piece” of furniture, or dramatic tiling or a large ornate mirror or some other piece of wall art to bring attention and interest to an otherwise bland wall space. Let there be Light – as long as it’s the right light. The right lighting scheme will maximise the impact of glossy reflective surfaces. Thoughtful use of downlighters can cast elegant pools of light over selected surfaces and recessed LEDs placed behind glass will deliver a diffused, gentle light just ideal for this long unwinding soaks in the bath. 3.Back To Nature There is a real interest in more natural materials such as wood and stone. There is a real trend for “bringing the outside inside”. Wood and stone can add real character to your bathroom. They can also complement the sleek lines of modern bathroom. Stone tiles are a natural choice and can be used on walls and floors. Basins and baths carved from stone can add to the natural theme. You can add natural characteristics to your bathroom with wood panelling and as a bonus it will help to retain heat in the bathroom as wood is an excellent insulator. Tongue and groove is ideal for enhancing the heritage theme. For modern themes consider large panels of wood-effect composite. If real wood and stone are pushing the budget too far there are excellent choices available in stone or wood effect materials and it’s becoming increasingly hard to distinguish the natural from the manufactured. Metals are also becoming trendy again with brass, copper and rose gold making being favourites for fittings and trims. 4.For Dramatic Effect Convention – what convention? Increasingly we are seeing free thinking in the bathroom space with the use of solid, intense colours and bold, uber-trendy patterns. Glitzing up plain white ceramics is becoming a popular thing. This year’s colours are elegant and rich – think rich aubergines, deep blues and powerful, impact greys. You need to be careful though – especially in a smaller bathroom as the colours can overwhelm the space so if you are going to incorporate a bold colour or two consider using them in single blocks. You can also introduce vibrant colour via high-gloss lacquered storage cabinets and coloured-glass or by selecting strikingly coloured wall tiles, you won’t be short of choices here. 5.Simply Showers Recreating the Spa- like theme has seen a rise in bathrooms without baths – just showers. This often frees up space in the bathroom for additional furniture and storage options – or it can be left simply as free space for an expansive open look. We are also seeing “invisible edged” shower screens growing in popularity. Unlike metal-edged alternatives “invisible edge” shower screens add an ultra-modern touch. Whatever the size and shape of yor bathroom and whatever your specific requirements we are certain that we will have a bathroom solution for you. Come down to our extensive Bathroom showrooms (we are in Abingdon in Oxfordshire and just 20 minutes from Oxford,) View the bathroom styles on offer from leading manufacturers like Roca, Novelinni and Laufen. Also take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that our friendly and experienced would be only too willing to share with you. If you are a looking for a new bathroom we would be delighted to help you. Our highly experienced consultants can give you as much guidance as advice as you require. We have a large range of exquisite bathroom suites on display in our extensive showroom in Abingdon – just 10 miles from Oxford – with a large free carpark alongside us. Click this link for our Bathroom Showroom map

Thank you all. Maddy, we are more than happy to help you and advise on your project. Feel free to pop into our showroom on King's Road, where our lighting design team is based (you'll find more information here: http://www.johncullenlighting.com/lighting-design/lighting-design-service/) Stephen - thank you. Make sure to check our website and Instagram for more inspirations.

Hi I would certainly cnosider moving the bathroom into the smallest bedroom but it will come down to budget as it will require signifcant plumbing work. If you did that you could then make the existing bathroom into an ensuite for the larger of the 2 bedrooms. If you would like some help planning out the upstairs space to work out furniture placement for optimum flow in each room feel free to get in touch. Its worth spending the time working out how you want to use the whole floor to make the right decisions. Rgds Vicky My Claybrick Home www.houzz.co.uk/pro/webuser-531145241/my-claybrick-home