Penthouse refurbishment in London’s Financial District.Contemporary Bathroom, London
Photographer: Philip Vile
What Houzz contributors are saying:
BathroomThis is a steamy spot, so you need to ensure the fittings you choose are suitable for use in a bathroom. They should have an IP rating of at least 44.It’s really nice to have a mix of lighting options in a bathroom. You might like an atmospheric glow for when you’re relaxing in the tub, for example, and functional lighting for when you’re putting on make-up or shaving. So a mix of overhead lights and under-cabinet spots or wall lights on separate circuits works really well.Shop for lighting room by room
Make rooms work hardWhen you’re designing a room, try to see where you can utilise spaces more effectively. Can you give a design feature multiple functions, for example? In this bathroom, the toilet and basin have been fitted into a wall that conceals the pipework. The designers have created recessed storage in the wall with an open shelf and cabinet. The under-cabinet lighting creates a second source of ambient light, and the result is a sleek and clutter-free bathroom with lots of atmosphere.Ready to find a professional to renovate your home? Look no further than the Houzz Professionals Directory, where you can see past projects and read client reviews for pros in your area.
Be aware of typical timescalesIt’s a good idea to have an idea of how long projects usually take. This will give you a general guideline to work from. As a rule of thumb, a small project such as a bathroom refurbishment will typically take four to eight weeks to complete from the design stage to the finish, while a mid-sized job like a kitchen renovation will usually take eight to 12 weeks. A larger project, such as a house refurbishment and extension, can take from eight to 18 months from the time you get the ball rolling until the final snagging.How have you managed to stick to your renovation’s timetable? Share your experiences and tips in the Comments below.
Peruse ideas for wall-hung fittingsWall-hung sanitaryware is a great choice if you want a contemporary look. If this is what you’re going for, however, be aware that this is only the start of the decision-making process.One benefit of wall-hung pieces – and of any sanitaryware with concealed pipework – is that, because the wall will need to be boxed out to conceal the services, you can use the space behind the boxing to create a recessed storage cupboard. Here, roomy mirrored cabinets are recessed above a wall-hung basin and toilet. Look out for other examples of bathrooms with sanitaryware requiring a boxed-out wall and familiarise yourself with the many options there are to make the best use of it. The niche/shelf with a mirror cabinet above is a classic, but do you prefer it to be a feature, as here, with a frame around the whole space, or something more streamlined? Or would a simple ledge, and one that doesn’t stretch the width of the room, be more useful?Cast your ideas net wide and then start filtering.Check out more photos of contemporary bathroom ideas
Work in a wall-hung modelIf you want a clean, modern style that’s easy to keep clean, wall-mounted toilets are the ultimate choice – not least because you can mop the floor with minimal fuss. With this type of toilet, the cistern is concealed within the wall or a cabinet, along with a hidden frame to keep the loo securely in place. You’ll need to plan ahead, though, so it’s one to think about when you start designing your bathroom.Another advantage of wall-hung loos it that you can vary the height from the floor if you so wish, which could be a plus for someone with limited mobility, for example.
The front door opens onto a small hallway with a cloakroom, coat storage and a staircase leading upstairs. Thomas kept it classic and clean, with light porcelain tiles and a little oak to give it an organic touch.
What Houzz users are commenting on:
Too dark but I like the tile everywhere and that it is easy to clean around the toilet. don't like the sink, we need more storage
Shakeel Ahmed
TG-Studio