I'm renovating my third bathroom – and I'm finally doing these things differently
I'll never be using white grout again, for one!
Home decorator and content creator Leah Hodson is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on overhauling a home with clever DIY and decorating tricks. See the rest of her articles here.
I secretly love a bathroom renovation, one of the few rooms where I get to sit back and let the contractors do their work! Bathrooms are an everyday essential that need to be both beautiful and functional – all the while being cosy at the same time too!
Having done bathroom renovations twice (in my previous house and our current one), here are a couple tips on how I’m designing and sourcing my en-suite.
Tiles
Tiles can be costly, but spending wisely and checking second hand market places can help keep the prices down. I previously bought 10m2 of mosaic travertine tiles for only £30. This time around, I didn’t have much luck on the second hand shopping front, but I’ve found cheap clearance tiles on Johnson Tiles outlet store which I’ll be using in the shower.
They can also be a fun way to add texture and colour to your bathroom. I’m adding that splash of bold colour by using pink marble tiles called ‘Capri Sunset’ from Mandarin Stone for the rest of the bathroom floor.
My secret to a considered bathroom design is grey grout, or coloured grout. White grout makes tiles look dated and they stain so easily. I love using grey grout as it hides limescale stains very well!
Bathroom fittings
Taps and shower fixtures are one area where I’ve tried to save money in the past, and it’s a decision I’ve come to regret. They’re frequently used in the bathroom, so investing in a better quality fitting pays off in the long run when it comes to upkeep and looking as good as it does, years after installation.
Even though our en-suite ceiling height is only 2 metres, having an overhead shower was a non-negotiable for me. Thankfully, Roper Rhodes have a ceiling mounted shower head that is perfect for my en-suite! Their other bathroom fittings are also beautifully designed and high quality that’s made to last!
For the first time, I’m opting for a concealed shower system. I’ve always avoided them because of an unfounded fear of leaks hidden behind the wall, choosing exposed shower systems instead.
But after years of cleaning tirelessly, and constantly battling limescale in all those hard-to-reach spots, I’ve finally been won over. A concealed system not only looks more streamlined, but should also make keeping the bathroom clean that little bit easier.
Lighting
When my electrician told us he’s going to charge us for every point, I was stressed! Did you know every downlight is considered a point? Me neither! Tip: It’s always worth checking how many points are included in your renovation!
I tried keeping the number of points low, however, I still ended up with seven points! My en-suite is a long room with one tiny window at one end of the room, next to the shower, so alternative light options are essential. I’ve opted for three equally spaced downlights, above the shower, toilet and the vanity, to evenly light up the space.
I would’ve liked wall lights, but I am lacking in wall space so I opted for a light up wall mirror from Roper Rhodes that also de-mists! What I’m most excited about the mirror is that it has a motion sensor so no more jumpscares or turning on the wrong light in the middle of the night!
After renovating two bathrooms, I’ve realised that the best decisions aren’t always the trendiest or the cheapest – they’re the ones that make everyday life easier, with a side of bougie. Renovating is often a process of trial and error, and whilst I wouldn't change the lessons I've learnt along the way, I'm hoping this time I've found the sweet spot between what is practical and what looks beautiful too.
