The Guest Bedroom

As I write this I am reminded it is only 56 days until Christmas. Certainly many people may have started their planning for the event. The Christmas cake may be soaking in sherry, the pudding made, you may even have ordered your turkey- or bought present. Certainly I have read in the press in the last few days of people who have already decorated the outsides of their homes!

So before major panic sets in, have you looked at your guest bedroom? Perhaps you are lucky, or unlucky, to have guests staying for a few days over the Christmas period. Is the room looking its best?

Quite often the guest bedroom door is only opened when there are visitors.

A fresh duvet cover and sheets are always pleasant. The smell of newly laundered bedding really does help people to sleep more comfortably in what is not their own bed.
An inexpensive throw and a few cushions  add that little bit of luxury.

Have a look at the bedside lamps. They often carry a lot of dust, and it is easy enough usually to replace shades if they are showing signs of fading.

If there are young children staying in the room is it worth considering adding some loose blackout linings to the existing curtains?

Maybe the ensuite tiling, or your own main bathroom tiling, is looking a little grubby.
There is no reason to painstainkingly regrout when you can cover the tiles with inexpensive sheets which mimic the effect of tiles and grout. These sheets can be fixed directly over existing tiles and are completely watertight.

Some of the homes around here have little sinks still fitted in bedrooms. Why not try changing the dull chrome taps for something like these from Samuel Heath. They really do add that little touch of luxury and look so much nicer.

If there is no denying that the room does need redecorating, then think about using a great eco alternative paint from Reborn. They have a great selection of colours, and you will be preventing paint ending up in landfill. The coverage is excellent. Do check out their website and support this great initiative.

It is always thoughtful to have a small bottle of water and a glass by the bedside. Many visitors feel uncomfortable about moving around someone else's home in the middle of the night searching for a glass of water. A clean towel in the room and you are done.

Once your visitors are relaxed, you can relax too.

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 

Designer Walls

If you are looking for a stylish alternative to wallpaper or want to create a feature in a room or commercial environment then Designer Walls may be just what you want.

Inspired by textures, the range includes brick, stone, slate and rioja wine barrels!

These innovative wall panels are lightweight yet high strength. Tough and durable they are suitable in most areas.

 One of the most captivating elements is the incredibly natural look, but then some of the panels are actually made from stone veneers. The Rioja range is made from layers of oak taken, unsurprisingly, from actual rioja wine barrels.

As demonstrated by the images shown here is the completely natural appearance and how well they blend into so many different schemes.
The Manchester brick in red is a firm favourite!

 Whether used as a feature wall in a restaurant or to give a plain wall a dynamic feature, I am sure with imagination almost any area can benefit from some natural texture.

Many people already use faux brick panels to line an old chimney recess when replacing a fireplace, so why not clad a whole wall, or use as a feature in a modern bathroom.

Use the panels to create a vintage look in a bedroom where it perfectly complements french style furniture, creating a beautiful wall full of light and shadow.

And of course the brick works so well when recreating the New York loft style feel in an apartment.

 With the emerging trends for using more natural materials like granite and stone, the subtle stone texture works incredibly well.

Because of the lightweight material used, these panels are easy to fix and will not damage the original walls.

 The Rioja range has excellent eco credentials, as they are made from recycled original wine barrels.

We love the subtle but striking effect shown here.

So whether you are considering shopfitting a commercial unit, or are looking for a feature wall in a showhome or your own home, it is definitely worth visiting Designer Walls website and having a chat.

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