Bathroom Suites | SuiteBathrooms.co.uk

Maximum efficiency to allow adequate space to move and dry with ease is of paramount importance when planning a  bathroom.  If, for example, the bathroom is to be used for a working couple who need to leave the house at the same time, there must be ample room for 2 people to use the room simultaneously.  An ideal bathroom would have a hand-basin each and of course a shower which is quicker and more invigorating in the morning than a bath and  is space-saving.

The bath, which may act like an over-sized shower tray in the morning, can be transformed into a place for massage and water therapy at the the touch of a control button that activates spa and jacuzzi fitments.  To achieve the water bubbling effect without replacing the bath, there are mats made of fine tubular plastic piping that can be placed in the bottom of the bath and will, when activated, achieve a similar effect to the built-in spa fitment. Other new technology which increases the efficiency of the bathroom can be seen in the variety of temperature and timing controls now on offer that programme a shower or bath to turn itself on at a given time, with water at a pre-set temperature.

Contemporary bathrooms owe much of their new style to the advances in materials from which baths and basins are currently made.  Acrylic baths now come in a comprehensive array of shapes and sizes, with variations such as corner baths with arm and head-rests.  Acrylic also has the advantage of being warm to the touch, keeping the bath water warmer for longer and being easy to clean.  But the surface is less durable, nd when it comes to cleaning an acrylic bath or shower tray, it is advisbale to use a cream cleanser and a soft cloth because an abrasive cleaner or cloth can scratch the surface.

In the modern bathroom practical objects such as radiators can be made into a decorative feature.  A number of radiator companies now make unusually shaped and coloured varieties and these, as well as having a useful function, can be the focal point of the room.  The ladder radiator for instance, is also space-saving, as its narrow frame can be fixed high on the wall where it not only heats the room but dries wet towels.

Splashbacks behind hand-basins and baths can also be made from materials other than the more conventional perspex or ceramic tile.  Sheets of fine steel can be cut into imaginative shapes and polished to produce smooth edges.  The steel can be lacquered or varnished to prevent rust forming in damp and steamy bathroom conditions.

Contemporary bathrooms are often comprised of metals such as steel and chrome, as well as reinforced glass fittings.  These reflective and transparent surfaces can be used to create a spacious feel and the design of many of the fittings is minimal, adding to the uncluttered look.

Bathrooms can look like business places with items such as clinical trolleys, magnifying mirrors on expanding zigzag wall brackets, industrial chrome wastebins and single-support mirror and shelf units.  However, under a low-voltage bulb the modern bathroom can still have a relaxing charm.  Creating a contemporary-style bathroom can be accomplished on a tight budget by mimicking the designer look.  For instance, plain standard units, or white or wood cupboards  from stores such as Ikea, Habitat, Tesco and Homebase can be transformed with the addition of modern chrome or steel handles.  It is simple and easy to remove an embellished, decorative frame off a mirror, then fix the mirror to the wall with capped screws.  This creates a minimal, chic appearance.