Latest Interiors: Shower Power
Latest Interiors heads to bath showroom Ripples, where showers and wet rooms are making waves
According to a recent survey by Nationwide housing market research, adding a new bathroom to your property can increase its value by five per cent or more. But it doesn’t need to be a full-size bathroom. In fact, lack of space often means that second or en-suite bathrooms are actually shower or wet-rooms. But showers are a lifestyle choice too, as we place more value on careful use of space, time and water. This week, Latest Interiors steps into some serious shower rooms…
Making space
Second bathrooms can be planned in loft conversions or carved out of large master bedrooms. Careful design can often squeeze a shower room into a WC – small or wall-hung fixtures and fittings, and a wet-room style design, will help to make the most of limited space. However, experts will usually caution against losing a bedroom to accommodate a second bathroom as the number of bedrooms is still a key indicator of property value.
Steamy showers
Modern showers are more than just a place to get clean. No more tacky plastic trays or mouldy curtains: walk-in showers have fixed glass panels and a large ‘rigid-riser’ fixed shower head for a clean, functional look. The riser can be combined with a more traditional ‘telephone’ handset on a sliding rail for reaching those awkward bits.
For a real spa experience, invest in a steam shower. These closed units contain a standard power shower, with the addition of a steam generator and seated area – brilliant for peace and relaxation.
Wet rooms
Ideal when space is tight, wet rooms are a watertight bath or shower room where water drains through the floor and are space-saving and stylish. The perfect wet room should be lined first with a watertight render, followed by a layer of tiles. Floors need to be slightly sloped with a fitted drain, and the room should be well ventilated to ensure that it dries quickly.
Ceiling-mounted showerheads work well in these types of units, where no cubicle or curtain is required. Wall-mounted WCs and sinks (avoid pedestals) with concealed fittings will take up less space, and make even a small room seem larger.
Ripples is offering attractively adjusted prices on quality luxury bathrooms throughout August. Why not visit Ripples stunning Hassocks showroom to take advantage of sale prices and benefit from Ripples specialist design service.
