Wetrooms

There is no doubt that wetrooms are becoming more popular. While traditional bathrooms with a shower cubicle are still the norm, the trend is moving towards multi generational use areas which are practical and safe.

There are some fantastic materials on the market which will ensure that your room remains watertight - regardless of whether you have a concrete or a timber floor.

Why are wetrooms practical? In smaller spaces a wetroom is the ideal solution, maximising showering space without the need to close off an area with doors.

Where there are elderly family members, a wetroom allows a larger showering area that can allow seating, or wheelchair access. There is no tray to trip over, and in some circumstances it can promote greater independence for the user.

Often an elderly person will require some assistance in showering, and a carer can assist more effectively. While it can be difficult for some people to get in and out of a bath, a shower remains a more preferable experience.


Aesthetically a wetroom can look very stylish, the flooring inside the shower area can remain the same as the rest of the room, or have contrast tiles

While some people may feel nervous about how effective the floors and walls can be - be assured that reputable products, and a good installer, can ensure that the room is "tanked" therefore making it watertight.

The key is also good drainage. A professional  installer will make sure the form (or tray) is level with the right amount of fall - and that the drain can accomodate the output of flow of water from the shower.

Watertight wall panels are a fantastic alternative to tile and grout, and can be adhered to many existing surfaces. They are stylish, easy to install, and do create a very neat finish.
In fact the wetroom panels can be used throughout the rest of the room, as splashbacks, or surrounding a bath.

Porcelain or ceramic floor tiles are a very practical element - and of course electric underfloor heating can be installed under these type of tiles in the area not covered by the shower "tray". This is a great idea where space is at a premium, and there is no wall to attach a radiator.

The idea of a wetroom design opens up a great many design ideas.

If you have any queries contact us @80MarketSt 

The Perfect Bathroom

There is nowhere else in the home that needs to have so much technically going on that also needs to be a relaxing space.
While it is important to engage the services of a qualified, and competetent bathroom fitter, there are a few pointers worth knowing.

Understanding how the room is to be used is key. How watertight do the surfaces have to be? Many homes are including wetroom style areas. These are a great idea for smaller bathrooms and can replace the standard shower enclosure making a room feel larger.

The preformed shower wall panels are ideal in place of normal tile and grout. These boards are tongue and grooved with finished edges and can easily be cut to fit.

There are also a range of worksurfaces, and in some cases shower trays, to match. At this point it is also worth considering an extractor fan to promote ventilation of the room.

There is nothing worse than a cold bathroom. While many rooms may have existing radiators it is worth considering other options. Underfloor heating is a great addition and works particularly well under tile flooring.  There are also some fabulous designer radiators available in a variety of sizes and colours. Stainless steel radiators are more efficient as they conduct heat, rather than the  chrome ones which feel hot but do not radiate the same amount of heat.  Many of the designer radiators include towel rails or even shelving - ideal for where storage required too. Of course it is easy to replace a cumbersome, old, white radiator for a new one which may be more efficient.

There are online calculators which will take your room sizes and advise how many BTU's you will require (British Thermal Unit). Check with the manufacturer of your radiator, as 1 kw = 3.41 BTU.


Lighting is another area where some thought and imagination can create a comfortable environment.  It is worth checking out the zones which require lighting and ensure that what is sourced is safe and practical. While downlighters are popular, it is worth considering where practical other sources. There are some great zone 2 chandeliers and uplighters which might suit a more traditional bathroom. LED backlit mirrors are also an excellent source of functional lighting.

Practically it is worth understanding the impact of low water pressure before choosing showers and taps. Additionally some sinks will have no overflow hole and will require a different waste system.

Then the fun starts!
There are some really excellent ranges of vanity furniture available with very generous storage. And don't think the unit has to be white, light oak, or wenge only! Colours are definitely in, with oranges, purples, floral effects, and linen looks.  Radiators too can come in a multitude of colours and finishes.
And did you want swarovski crystals on your taps?

Children's bathrooms can be fun! Funky colour basins and taps, co-ordinated with a coloured radiator can be fabulous.  Styled with an unusual flooring, this room can really make a statement.

There are no limits to how stylish a bathroom can become.  In fact if you want any help then email me or come visit us at 80 Market Street Hoylake Wirral.

Posh Bathing

Posh Bathing is a bathroom specialist showroom unlike any other I have visited. Owner Gary Walmsley has created a fabulous resource boutique, with an impressive display of quality products by some of the leading European designers.

While some of the suppliers may sound familiar, there are are also some little known brands that are sure to be popular with private clients, interior designers, and architects.

 If you think that Gary has the usual array of sinks, taps and showers - think again!

There are steam showers, quality mineral cast basins, bespoke furniture, wall panels, designer radiators and funky taps.

On display are taps by Maier Griferias which have swarovski crystals, stylish radiators by K8 and Brem, furniture by Burgbad, steam showers, mirrors from Zierath. The list of suppliers is quite staggering.

 Gary is no stranger to the key European design shows and his interest in locating and forging relationships with innovative suppliers is key to the success of this showroom.

There are faux brick and stone wall panels, marble tiles with led lighting, mosaics, and much, much more - all beautifully arranged and complimented by a huge selection of basins and taps.

 One of the more exciting developments has been in his enthusiasm for designer radiators.

I was fortunate to be able to meet up with him in Italy this year where we visited Italian designer Brem. Quite simply their selection of both electric, and plumbed radiators are breathtaking.

Another supplier of note is Tubes Radiatori . The Scaletta shown here is available in a wide range of sizes and colours.

Zazzeri have a unique range of taps with interchangeable coloured heads and impressive eco credentials when it comes to saving water.

Furniture is supplied by Burgbad and Fiora to name but two. However there are bespoke pieces in multiple finishes with glass, wood or marble inserts.

This haven of inspiration is well worth a visit. Gary's eye for developing his product range is matched equally by his expertise in installation. A perfect blend of style and experience.

For opening hours or to book an appointment contact him here.

Zazzeri S.p.A. "Pop"

 Bathroom ware doesen't get much more exciting than POP by Italian company Zazzeri. Already they are the  winners of two awards for stunningly creative design through Red Dot and A Design Awards.

The range comes in four metal finishes, along with a range of interchangeable heads in 6 silicone shades allowing up to 40 permutations.

Consisting of taps in varying heights, shower heads, concealed and wall mounted mixers and more - this unique collection satisfies all the demands of both creative and function.

Their eco credentials are impressive with the ability to control the flow of water by offering a one touch facility on the flexible head.

Playful and fun, POP heads also glow in the dark. This innovative and sturdy marriage of metal and silicone is unique. The products themselves are what you would expect from a company of impressive credentials in manufacture.

POP delivers that splash of colour that makes bathroom design much more fun! Why do fittings have to be chrome when you can mix black and orange , or chrome and violet. The overheard shower heads really can bring a showering experience to life.

Or stay with a complete metal finish that oozes great design. Black fittings are certainly making a big impact in bathrooms at the moment, a trend we envisage to last for quite some time. Stylish white subway tiles with a black shower system looks fabulous.

Whether you are looking for an alternative to the same old fittings available on most high streets, or have a contemporary scheme that would love that injection of colour, or designing for a child's ensuite - POP is definitely worth considering.

The complete range of concealed fittings and valves means there is no worry about creating a complete system, although POP is compatible with all current fittings.

For more information on these products do contact us here. And check out their cute Youtube 

We will be happy to advise and can offer best prices.

Dornbracht deal

I have these 3 items, exceptional German Dornbracht shower products. Do the search, but price good

 1 x 3552797090, 1 x 36416780 and 2 x 36310780 as a package. Retail £2061.00

Brand new boxed, in stock ready to go. £900.00

Have multiples, so if have project in mind.

Steam Rooms- Health Benefits

 While the images shown here are beautiful steam shower enclosures, the real beauty lies in what you can not see - water vapour.

For millenniums this planet has offered up great reserves of this vapour that the populace quickly appreciated as having  wondrous effects on the body and mind. Think hot springs, Turkish baths, Roman baths . The Victorians embraced the idea of a Turkish bath, however theirs was full of hot air, and not steam. The Islamic hamman originating in Turkey was steam.

While the recommendation  for steam showers is to be used moderately, 20 minutes at a time is the advice, the benefits are enormous to health.

The effect of increased temperature on the body raises the pulse rate, this allows the blood vessels to expand thereby improving blood circulation.
Bacteria and viruses hate this effect and cannot ordinarily survive.

The pores on the skin open, and toxins are sweated out, thereby having a detoxifying effect unblocking clogged pores.

By the same nature breathing is improved. Endorphins are released which has the effect of reducing stress and relaxing muscles.

Through sweating some excess body water can also be lost.

It is therefore unsurprising that steam was, and still is, popular. While the use of it was largely relegated to communal areas or the enclaves of gyms and spa resorts, it is becoming increasingly more popular within the home. Sealed units with seating and compact generators allow a neat solution in smaller spaces.

For the health conscious family a steam shower is ideal to prevent bacteria remaining in the body, reduces stress and improves the immune system. A small price to pay for good health and wellness.

Ask our recommended specialist for more information.