Inspiration and Advice

A matt black theme exudes easy modern style and sophistication. However, it can be more difficult than it first seems to accessorise. Include too many black features and your bathroom ends up looking gothic and dingy. Add too much colour and you cheapen the style. Opt for an off-shade of black and the aesthetic starts looking off too.  To truly elevate your space, you need features like soft lighting, metallic accents and fully matt black fixtures. So, in this article, we explore where you can find them and how you can use them to build a space with that distinctive allure that matt black provides.  How to decorate a bathroom with black fixtures  Matt black is one of those timeless bathroom designs that will always be in style. Here’s how to make the look work.  1. Balance with white elements If you have too much black in a space, it can appear darker and smaller. Conversely, as Designer Camile Okhio describes, “When done correctly, black and white is easy on the eyes and provides a sharp contrast that feels like it came together naturally.” Pay attention to how you balance your matt black fixtures against lighter elements such as walls and countertops. If you have white versions of the following key pieces of bathroom furniture, you can also make the space appear more hygienic: Toilets Basin wastes Shower trays  2. Incorporate metallic furnishings Metallic furnishings and accents provide more dynamicity than white features, bringing a touch of glamour and sophistication to a space and adding warmth and texture.  Just take a look at one of our steel baths as an example of how this can look in practice. Set against a predominantly matt black background, it appears striking, with fluid lines and mesmerising reflections.   3. Embrace different materials and textures Incorporating varied materials and textures is the perfect way to offset the boldness of matt black fixtures and add depth to a space. And, as Designer Hayley Watters says, “Creating diversity through design using texture is a great way to give a space personality in a more subtle and understated way.”  You could, for example, include a rattan basket and some pampas grass to create a distinctly elevated feel. Or, if you were going for a different aesthetic, you might opt for a sleek and polished look by incorporating marble countertops and glass accessories.     4. Optimize your lighting To complement your bathroom with black fixtures, you have several lighting options to choose from:  Bright Industrial-Style Pendant Lights. These will add a touch of urban charm to the space and you can choose black or metallic accents to tie in with the matt black fixtures. Sconces or Wall Lights. You can use these to provide localized illumination on a textured area. This will ensure that the matt look doesn’t become overwhelming.  Recessed Lighting. Make sure that these are carefully placed to provide even, warm light throughout the space. Cabinet lighting. Consider opting for a cabinet (such as our mirrored cabinet) which includes in-built lighting to add a contemporary touch. Natural Light. In many ways, this is the best solution to complement matt black fixtures since it balances out darkness. Clear window space, install a mirror and install a skylight if possible.  5. Include natural elements Adding natural elements can soften the dramatic and sometimes harsh appearance of a matt black aesthetic. Look to plants, rattan containers, and cotton bath mats as easy places to start.  6. Ensure your accessories are aligned  When it comes to more essential accessories, like towel rails and toilet roll holders, it’s important to look out for items that match a deep matt black closely. This is because these are the touchstones that will tie your look together and anything off will start to cheapen the look. We know it can be hard to find a range of accessories that are the deep matt black you need for your space. And that’s why we created pieces like our matt black robe hooks, towel rails, wall-mounted toilet brushes and toilet roll holders.  Get in touch today to find out more about how they can contribute to your elevated and sleek aesthetic. 

10 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom Without a Full Renovation.  If you feel like your bathroom is looking a little dated or you have moved into a new house and want to spruce it up, you might be dreading the thought of a full scale renovation. Sometimes, it’s needed, but there are a lot of cases where some simple changes can transform your space into a modern and luxurious sanctuary.  We asked our bathroom design experts to come up with 10 ways that you can easily upgrade your bathroom, without a full renovation.  1. Upgrade Your Lighting https://pin.it/3CLXDtpWj Swap out old light fittings for modern, energy-efficient LED lighting. Install dimmable lights to create a relaxing atmosphere, or go for sleek, contemporary styles like pendant lights or wall sconces to instantly modernise the space.  2. Change Your Taps and Showerhead  https://pin.it/3EmoGhlNr  Replacing outdated taps and showerheads is one of the quickest ways to upgrade your bathroom. Opt for minimalist or industrial-style fixtures, such as matt black or brushed nickel, for a fresh, modern look. Rainfall showerheads can give your bathroom a spa-like feel and are really trendy right now - a surefire way to feel like you live in pure luxury. 3. Install a new LED vanity https://pin.it/75iWhKp43  A large, frameless mirror can make your bathroom feel bigger and more modern. Look for mirrors with built-in LED lighting or anti-fog features for the ultimate in modern style. For extra storage, choose a mirrored cabinet.  4. Add Open Shelving  https://pin.it/7JbvXBWK7  Install floating shelves to display stylish bathroom accessories like rolled towels, candles, or greenery. It will make all the difference, especially if you currently have blank walls.  5. Refresh Your Bathroom Accessories  https://pin.it/6YfwxpFyW  Sometimes, small details make the biggest impact. Bathroom accessories like toilet roll holders, towel rails, robe hooks and even toilet brushes can really transform the feel of a space.  Go for modern metals and colours like matt black, brushed brass, chrome or brushed steel for a luxurious feel.  6. Invest in Luxurious Textiles  https://pin.it/7hZh53GrV  Upgrade your bath towels, bath mat, and shower curtain to high-quality materials. Stick to neutral or solid colours for a clean, minimalist look, or add a bold pattern if you want to make a statement. 7. Swap Out Your Toilet for a Sleek, Modern One  https://pin.it/4WJsuthMU  If you’re ready for a bigger change, you could think about choosing a modern toilet. Wall-mounted toilets are a sleek option for small bathrooms, and smart toilets with hands-free flushing add a touch of luxury without major plumbing changes.  8. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint  https://pin.it/LJPcXVmUL  A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in transforming your bathroom. Choose neutral tones or soft shades like light grey or blush pink to create a calming atmosphere. If you want a bolder look, create an accent wall with a deep, rich colour or patterned wallpaper.  9. Add an Accent Wall  https://pin.it/4RK5chTMB  Accent walls are not going out of style anytime soon. You simply choose one wall in your bathroom to either paint a different colour or tile in a different pattern. A good option is to tile the wall behind your basin, which means it’s also waterproofed and you don’t have to worry about backsplash when people wash their hands.  10. Incorporate Plants https://pin.it/kh7XfNlxq  Bring life and texture into your bathroom with plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns, aloe vera, or spider plants. Hanging planters, windowsill succulents, or a stylish corner plant stand can transform your bathroom into a relaxing oasis.  Need help redesigning your bathroom?  We have a bathroom design service where our experts will help you create the bathroom of your dreams. Simply give them your budget, share your ideas, and they’ll get to work!

Brushed steel has quickly become one of the most sought after finishes for the contemporary bathroom. Combining an elegant and classy look with a versatile style, brushed steel is a leading choice for Bathroom Taps and Faucets, Shower Sets, and a wide variety of Bathroom Accessories and Essentials – and it comes with a range of practical benefits. Incredibly long-lasting, brushed nickel’s ability to hide stains, smudges and dirty fingerprints makes it perfect for busy bathrooms. It’s important to regularly clean brushed steel bathroom fixtures to maintain that amazing finish you bought them for, but doing so may not be as straightforward as you think. This is because the material doesn’t react well to commonly used hard, abrasive bathroom cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia – they can easily ruin the delicate surface and even strip the steel away. To help you avoid this and keep your brushed steel at its best, here’s a quick and easy three-step guide you can follow to clean your brushed steel taps, faucets, shower sets and any other bathroom accessory. Step one: Wipe the surface down Firstly, wipe the surface with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth using small, circular motions to remove dust, grease and any smudges. It’s important that you keep hard cleaning products away from brushed nickel, and the same is also true for abrasive cleaning tools like scourers, sponges and brushes. Step two: Use water to remove marks and deposits Next, dampen a separate clean cloth with warm water and use that to remove any stubborn marks or deposits, regularly rinsing the cloth throughout. If any grease, dirt or hard water deposit is too stubborn for water alone, dampen your cloth in a solution of white vinegar diluted in water. Never use neat vinegar on brushed steel as that too can cause damage, and if you do use a vinegar solution make sure you quickly rinse the area well once you’re done. Step three: Dry the area Once the fixture is clean, use another dry, lint-free cloth – it can be the one you used in step one as long as you’ve cleaned it – to dry the fixture. Repeating step one, again use small, circular motions to buff the steel to a shine. Bonus step: Treat with wax Alongside regular cleaning, you can – and really should – polish your brushed steel bathroom fixtures with a standard wax approximately every four weeks. And you don’t even need a special wax to do it – most car waxes will do the trick. Waxing isn’t essential, but it will keep your brushed steel looking its best for longer.

Designing the perfect bathroom starts with smart layout planning. Whether you’re working with a small space or a large master bathroom, the right layout can transform how your bathroom functions and feels. This guide walks you through essential ideas and tips to create a layout that maximises both form and function, tailored to your needs. Assess your needs and space Before choosing a layout, measure your bathroom and decide what you need from the space. For smaller bathrooms, compact layouts can make the space more functional by using wall-mounted fixtures or corner sinks. For larger bathrooms, you have the flexibility to incorporate both a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in shower.  Accurately measure your bathroom No bathroom renovation can get started without this all-important first step. Here’s how you should do it. Gather your tools: a measuring tape, pen or pencil and somewhere to write down your measurements Measure your bathroom’s length and width, wall to wall. Make a note of the measurements (in millimetres for the greatest accuracy) Measure your bathroom’s height, floor to ceiling. Make a note of the measurement Take all three measurements again to double-check If necessary, measure all of your bathroom fixtures and fittings, including doors and windows – double-checking the measurements https://pin.it/65X3rYlmo Now that you have your measurements, you can start figuring out which layout you want to go with.   Bathroom layout ideas Here are some ideas collected from our bathroom design experts: Small bathroom layout ideas https://pin.it/5ZE1EbsZ5 Compact shower over bath: If space is tight, consider combining the shower and bath in one area. Use a transparent glass door to keep the room feeling open.  Wall-mounted fixtures: Choose wall-hung vanities and toilets to free up floor space, making the room feel larger.  Corner sink & toilet placement: Positioning sinks or toilets in corners opens up more central space, creating a better flow. Large bathroom layout ideas    Separate shower and bath zones: In larger bathrooms, creating separate zones for the shower and bath can give the room a more luxurious feel.  Double basin vanities: If space allows, installing two sinks is a practical option, especially for shared bathrooms.  Central focal points: A freestanding bath or large walk-in shower can serve as the centrepiece of your layout, surrounded by storage or seating areas.  Family-friendly layout ideas Dedicated storage zones: Install built-in shelving or cabinets to ensure that all family members have designated storage.  Open floor space: Ensure there’s plenty of room for movement, especially in bathrooms used by multiple people.  Functional zones: Separate the vanity area from the shower/toilet for better usability during busy mornings.  The way you position your bathroom fixtures has a significant impact on the overall efficiency and functionality of the space, and don’t forget, there are some practical considerations beyond aesthetics.  Here are some layout-efficient positioning tips:  Toilet positioning: Always place the toilet as close as possible to the existing soil pipe. Moving the soil stack can be expensive and complex, so it’s best to work with your current plumbing setup. A corner placement or positioning the toilet against an exterior wall can help keep plumbing simple and the layout compact.  Sink location: Position the sink near existing water supply and drainage lines to minimise the need for costly plumbing alterations.   Shower placement: For both practicality and aesthetics, place the shower at the far end of the bathroom. This maximises space and keeps wet areas away from the entryway, reducing splash zones. If possible, align the shower with existing water and drainage lines to avoid rerouting pipes.  Bathtub positioning: If including a bathtub, it’s important to place it near both the hot and cold water supply, and ideally, the existing waste pipes. In larger bathrooms, a central freestanding bathtub can serve as a focal point, but ensure it remains close enough to the plumbing infrastructure to avoid modifications.  Maximise wall space for storage: Use vertical wall space to add storage units, cabinets, or wall-mounted towel rails. This keeps the floor area clear, especially in small bathrooms.  Consider clearances for usability: Ensure there’s enough clearance around fixtures for easy movement. For example, leave at least 60cm of free space in front of the toilet and sink for comfort. Consider where doors (both entry and cabinet) will swing to avoid awkward collisions with fixtures. Reasons to work with your existing plumbing Provided that your existing plumbing is in good working condition, there are many big reasons why you should stick with it for your bathroom renovation. Save money. Moving or altering plumbing lines can be very expensive – especially if you need professional help Save time. On top of money, removing and creating new plumbing is a time-consuming process that will lengthen your project timeline Reduce risk. Changing your plumbing can compromise the structural integrity of your home if not done properly, increasing the risk of damage to your home's structure Fewer or no new permits. Making changes to your plumbing often requires you to obtain new permits from your local authority – costing you more time and money  Map out your floor plan   Now you have an idea of where you want to place your fixtures and how you want your bathroom to look, you can start to map out the floor plan.   You can either:  Sketch your bathroom to size - map out the bathroom space according to the measurements you took. Measure your toilet, sink, shower, bath etc and draw them to size.  Use a 3D layout mapping tool - tools like Flooplanner, or Ikea’s bathroom mapping tool can plot these measurements accurately and visualise your bathroom layout in 3D.  If you’d prefer to let the experts handle the hard work, consider using our bathroom design service. For just £100, our team will professionally design your bathroom layout, and the best part is that the £100 cost is refunded if you choose to go ahead with our design.

If you’ve got a pretty small bathroom, it’s super important to choose colour schemes that enlarge the space. Certain colour choices can give the sense that your bathroom is bigger than it actually is, and help it feel clean and decluttered. We’ve listed 12 such colour schemes below, alongside the specific Farrow and Ball or RAL colour choice. The imagers are there just for your inspiration. 1. Classic White and Neutral Tones https://pin.it/65npsZ8iq Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: All White (No. 2005) RAL: Traffic White (RAL 9016) Description: White is a timeless choice for a small bathroom, as it reflects light and makes the space feel larger and more open. Pairing classic white with neutral tones like light greys or beiges adds variation without overwhelming the room. Farrow & Ball's All White has a pure, clean look. RAL's Traffic White complements it for a minimalist style. This combination is ideal for a contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired design, where simplicity and light are key features. 2. Blue and White https://pin.it/pwXWjcIQB Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Borrowed Light (No. 235) RAL: Pastel Blue (RAL 5024) Description: Pastel blue and white create a serene atmosphere, wonderful for a bathroom where you want to sit back and relax after a long day at work. Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball is a delicate blue and captures the essence of a clear sky. RAL's Pastel Blue provides a gentle pop of colour without overpowering the space. This colour scheme is stunning in bathrooms with plenty of natural light, giving you the feeling of a fresh and hygienic environment. 3. Pale Grey and Charcoal https://pin.it/1e1I8we8j Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Ammonite (No. 274) RAL: Graphite Grey (RAL 7024) Description: A blend of pale grey and charcoal will give your space a modern feel. Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite is an understated grey that works beautifully as a base colour, while RAL’s Graphite Grey offers depth and contrast as an accent. This palette is quite versatile and pairs well with chrome or matt black accessories. 4. Warm Beige and Earthy Tones https://pin.it/7vKEM6YNc Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Skimming Stone (No. 241) RAL: Beige Grey (RAL 7006) Description: Warm beige and earthy tones give a cosy feel to a small bathroom. Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball is a warm beige which creates a neutral backdrop. RAL's Beige Grey compliments with an earthiness that grounds the space. This colour scheme is a great choice for those who want a nature-inspired bathroom or a rustic style. 5. Pastel Pink and White https://pin.it/3EHrvcAWh Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Pink Ground (No. 202) RAL: Light Pink (RAL 3015) Description: A pastel pink and white combination gives a romantic atmosphere to a small bathroom, making it feel bright and airy. Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground is a soft blush. It contrasts delicately with white tiles or fixtures. RAL's Light Pink offers a sweet, feminine touch. This colour scheme is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of warmth and charm without overwhelming the space. 6. Sea Green and White https://pin.it/6TEKJCQdh Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Teresa’s Green (No. 236) RAL: Mint Green (RAL 6029) Description: Sea green and white offer a fresh, invigorating vibe to a small bathroom. Farrow & Ball’s Teresa’s Green is a muted green that pairs beautifully with crisp white, creating a refreshing look. RAL’s Mint Green is a slightly bolder shade, perfect for a feature wall or accents. 7. Navy Blue and White https://pin.it/453JQswGJ Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Hague Blue (No. 30) RAL: Traffic Blue (RAL 5017) A navy blue and white pairing offer an elegant contrast. It's perfect for a bold look in a small bathroom. Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue is a deep, rich navy that provides depth and drama, while RAL’s Traffic Blue is a lighter, more vibrant shade. This combination works particularly well with white tiles and fixtures, creating a clean, modern aesthetic with a hint of luxury 8. Light Lilac and Grey https://pin.it/49tO0C2kk Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Calluna (No. 270) RAL: Pastel Lilac (RAL 4009) Description: A subtle combination of light lilac and grey will make your bathroom feel understated and elegant. Farrow & Ball's Calluna is a lavender-grey and it oozes calm. RAL's Pastel Lilac gives a hint of colour and complements the grey. This colour scheme is perfect for adding character without overwhelming a small space, creating a sophisticated and soothing environment. 9. Bright Yellow and White https://pin.it/56dbNdehu Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Yellowcake (No. 279) RAL: Zinc Yellow (RAL 1018) Bright yellow and white will make a small bathroom feel lively and cheerful. Farrow & Ball’s Yellowcake is a vibrant yellow while RAL’s Zinc Yellow offers a slightly more subdued option. 10. Sage Green and Cream https://pin.it/7cEgeZbJj Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Mizzle (No. 266) RAL: Reed Green (RAL 6013) Description: Sage green and cream create a soft, mindful environment in a small bathroom. Farrow & Ball's Mizzle yields a relaxing atmosphere with its subtle grey-green hue. RAL's Reed Green presents a tone that is reminiscent of earthy landscapes. Paired with a creamy white, this colour scheme is ideal for those seeking a tranquil, spa-like environment. 11. Dusty Blue and Beige Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Lulworth Blue (No. 89) RAL: Beige (RAL 1001) A mix of dusty blue and beige creates timeless elegance in a small bathroom. Farrow & Ball’s Lulworth Blue is a muted blue for a serene atmosphere, while RAL’s Beige gives warmth and cosiness. This colour scheme is great for those who want a classic look. 12. Bold Black and White https://pin.it/1EKnaZCDv Colours Recommended: Farrow & Ball: Off-Black (No. 57) RAL: Jet Black (RAL 9005) Description: Bold black and white is a dramatic look that makes a small bathroom feel stylish and luxurious. Farrow & Ball’s Off-Black is a deep, rich shade that adds contrast, while RAL’s Jet Black provides a sleek finish. This colour scheme, with its crisp white tiles and fixtures, is ideal for making a bold statement in a small space. Feeling inspired to go for one of our suggested colour schemes? Don’t forget - with 34 St John, you can choose ANY colour you like for your vanity units. Simply use our colour picker to visualise your chosen shade, and we’ll make it happen.