Inspiration and Advice

Remodelling Your Bathroom - 20 Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Our Experts  1. What are the first steps in planning a bathroom remodel? The first steps in planning a bathroom remodel involve setting a clear vision and budget. Start by identifying your needs and preferences, such as the desired layout, fixtures, and style. Create a detailed list of the changes you want to make and prioritise them. Research the costs associated with these changes to develop a realistic budget. Next, measure your bathroom space to ensure your plans will fit. Consulting with a bathroom design professional can help refine your ideas and provide valuable insights. Finally, gather quotes from contractors to compare prices and services, and choose a reputable one to begin your remodel. 2. How do I set a realistic budget for my bathroom remodel? Start by researching the average costs of bathroom renovations in your area, considering factors like materials, labour, and design complexity. Break down your budget into categories such as fixtures, flooring, plumbing, and electrical work. Allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses, typically around 10-20%, to cover any unforeseen issues that may arise during the project. Prioritise your spending on essential items and features that add the most value to your bathroom. Comparing quotes from multiple contractors can help you get a fair price and avoid overspending. Keeping a detailed budget plan and tracking your expenses throughout the project will ensure you stay within your financial limits. 3.What are the latest trends in bathroom design? The latest trends in bathroom design focus on creating a spa-like atmosphere with modern, luxurious touches. Key trends include: Minimalist aesthetics - Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on functionality. Natural materials - Use of stone, wood, and natural fibres to bring an earthy feel. Bold colours - Dark, moody colours like navy and forest green, balanced with lighter tones. Smart technology - Integration of smart showers, touchless taps, and heated floors. Freestanding tubs - Elegant and statement-making, these tubs add a luxurious touch. Large format tiles - Reducing grout lines for a seamless look and easier cleaning. Black fixtures - Matte black taps, showerheads, and hardware for a modern, sleek appearance. 4. How can I maximise space in a small bathroom? Maximising space in a small bathroom involves clever design and storage solutions. Here are some tips: Opt for wall-mounted sinks, toilets, and vanities to free up floor space. Install shelves, cabinets, and towel racks higher up on the walls to utilise vertical space efficiently. Large mirrors can create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and making the room appear larger. Consider sliding doors for showers and cabinets to save space otherwise taken up by swinging doors. Choose a cloakroom basin and furniture designed for small spaces. Use clear glass for shower enclosures to maintain an open feel. Incorporate built-in niches and shelves for storage within the shower and above the toilet. 5. What are the best materials for bathroom flooring? The best materials for bathroom flooring are those that offer durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. Popular options include porcelain and ceramic tiles, vinyl flooring, natural stone or engineered wood. Each material offers unique benefits, so choose one that fits your style, budget, and maintenance preferences. 6. Should I choose a walk-in shower or a bathtub? Choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub depends on your needs and bathroom space. Walk-in showers are ideal for small bathrooms, offering accessibility, modern aesthetics, and easy maintenance. They can be designed with various features like rain showerheads and built-in benches, providing a spa-like experience. Bathtubs, on the other hand, are perfect for relaxation and are great for households with young children. They add a touch of luxury and can increase the home's resale value. If space and budget allow, a combination of both a walk-in shower and a bathtub offers the best of both worlds. 7. What is the best type of lighting for a bathroom? The best type of lighting for a bathroom combines ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit, functional space. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and can be achieved with ceiling-mounted fixtures or recessed lights. Task lighting is essential for grooming activities and should be placed around mirrors, typically in the form of wall-mounted sconces or LED strip lights. Accent lighting highlights architectural features or decorative elements and can be achieved with spotlights or under-cabinet lights. You might consider using dimmer switches to adjust the lighting levels and create a relaxing atmosphere. 8. How do I ensure proper ventilation in my bathroom? Installing an exhaust fan is the most effective way to ensure adequate ventilation. Choose a fan with the right capacity for your bathroom size, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The fan should vent directly to the outside, not into the attic or another interior space. Additionally, open windows and doors after showering to allow fresh air circulation. Regularly clean the exhaust fan and check for any blockages to maintain optimal performance.  9. What adds most value to a bathroom? High-quality fixtures and fittings, such as modern taps, showerheads, and toilets, are essential. Installing energy-efficient and water-saving features, like low-flow showers and dual-flush toilets, can attract eco-conscious buyers. Adding underfloor heating and a heated towel rail provides luxury and comfort. Ample storage solutions, such as built-in cabinets and vanity units, maximise space and organisation. A fresh coat of paint in neutral tones, new tiles, and updated lighting can transform the look of the bathroom. Overall, a well-designed, functional, and stylish bathroom definitely boosts a home’s value. 10. Do I need planning permission to renovate my bathroom? In the UK, planning permission is generally not required for standard bathroom renovations, such as updating fixtures, tiling, or plumbing. However, if your renovation involves structural changes, altering the property’s exterior, or expanding the bathroom size, you may need planning permission. Always ensure that electrical and plumbing work complies with building regulations and is carried out by certified professionals. 11. Is it easy to renovate a bathroom? Simple updates, such as painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new accessories, can be manageable DIY projects. However, more extensive renovations involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes require professional expertise. Hiring a qualified contractor can streamline the process and ensure the work meets building regulations and quality standards.  12. How often should you renovate your bathroom? Renovating your bathroom every 7-10 years is a general guideline to keep it looking fresh and functional. However, the frequency can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the original materials, the level of wear and tear, and changing personal preferences or lifestyle needs. Regular maintenance and small updates, such as repainting, replacing worn fixtures, and re-caulking, can extend the time between major renovations. If you notice persistent issues like leaks, mold, or outdated plumbing, it might be time for a more comprehensive renovation.  13. How can I create more storage space in my bathroom? Install wall-mounted cabinets and shelves to keep essentials within reach without taking up floor space. Use the area above the toilet for additional shelving or cabinets. Incorporate built-in niches in the shower for toiletries. Opt for a vanity unit with drawers and cabinets to store items out of sight. Use baskets, organisers, and trays to keep smaller items tidy. Mirrors with integrated storage can also help.  14. What are the best paint colours for a bathroom? The best paint colours for a bathroom create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere. Light and neutral tones are popular choices as they make the space feel larger and brighter. Whites, soft greys, and beiges provide a clean and timeless look. Pale blues and greens evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, reminiscent of water and nature. For a more dramatic effect, consider darker shades like navy or charcoal, balanced with lighter accents.  15. How do I prevent mold and mildew in the bathroom? Preventing mold and mildew in the bathroom involves controlling moisture and maintaining cleanliness. Ensure good ventilation by using exhaust fans and opening windows to reduce humidity. Clean surfaces regularly with mold-inhibiting cleaners and wipe down wet surfaces after use, especially shower walls and floors. Keep grout lines sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in, and apply mold-resistant paint to walls and ceilings. In particularly humid bathrooms, using a dehumidifier can help keep moisture levels in check.  16. What are the most durable materials for bathroom walls? Durable materials for bathroom walls must withstand moisture and frequent cleaning. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are highly durable and water-resistant, available in various styles. Acrylic panels are easy to install, water-resistant, and low-maintenance. Glass tiles offer a stylish, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean option. Vinyl wallpaper is moisture-resistant and available in various designs, making it suitable for bathrooms. Moisture-resistant paint is specially formulated to resist moisture and mould. Beadboard or wainscoting adds texture and style and is best when treated with water-resistant paint or sealant. These materials provide long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing wall coverings for bathrooms. 17. How do I choose the right mirror for my bathroom? Select a mirror that fits the scale of your vanity and bathroom, as larger mirrors can make small spaces feel bigger. Match the mirror style with your bathroom décor, whether it's framed, frameless, or decorative. Functionality is also crucial; consider mirrors with integrated lighting, storage, or anti-fog features for added convenience. 18. How can I make my bathroom more accessible for people with disabilities? Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide support. Choose a walk-in shower with a low or no threshold and consider adding a built-in or fold-down shower seat. Non-slip flooring throughout the bathroom is essential to prevent falls. Use adjustable showerheads mounted on a sliding bar for ease of use. Opt for a comfort-height toilet, which is taller than standard models, to reduce strain when sitting and standing. Ensure storage solutions are within easy reach, and consider widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. 19. How can I make my bathroom more eco-friendly? Start by installing water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and aerated taps, which significantly reduce water consumption. Opt for energy-efficient lighting, like LED bulbs, to lower energy use and electricity bills. Choose sustainable materials for your bathroom renovation. Recycled glass, bamboo, and reclaimed wood are excellent choices for countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Consider using eco-friendly paints with low or zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to improve indoor air quality. For a greener cleaning routine, switch to natural cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. These are safer for both your health and the environment.  Lastly, ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould growth and reduce the need for chemical cleaners. By making these changes, you can create a bathroom that is both stylish and environmentally responsible. 20. How do I choose the right vanity for my bathroom? Start by measuring your bathroom to determine the appropriate vanity size. For small spaces, compact units like the 450mm vanities are ideal, while larger bathrooms can accommodate wider units like the 1200mm double sink options.  Match the vanity style to your bathroom décor—34 St John offers a variety of finishes, including walnut, oak, and numerous colours. Functionality is crucial; look for vanities with ample storage, such as multiple drawers and shelves, to keep your space organised. Finally, ensure you choose a high-quality vanity within your budget, as investing in durable materials will provide long-lasting value. 

How to Style a Freestanding Bath in a Small Bathroom Having a small bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the benefits and luxuries of a freestanding bath. These eternally gorgeous baths make your bathroom feel like a fancy spa. However, many homeowners worry they’re too big and take up too much space in smaller bathroom areas.  If you have limited space, you’ll love these small bathroom ideas with freestanding baths. We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to style a freestanding tub in your space so the whole room feels bigger and less cramped.   Opt For A More Compact Freestanding Bath Freestanding tubs come in various shapes and sizes - some of which are a lot more space-consuming than others. While the appeal of a grand bath sounds amazing, you should settle for a more compact option to save space and fit it in your small bathroom.  Our Varese Solid Surface Freestanding Bath is a fine example of this. At just 1500mm across, it’s smaller than most tubs and the curved design keeps it neatly compact. A smaller bath is easier to fit into smaller spaces and will give you more room to play with.   Place Your Bath In A Corner Or Against A Wall Again, the most appealing placement for a freestanding bath is centre stage in your bathroom. That’s what everyone wants, but it’s not a viable option for small bathrooms. Instead, you need to find a better placement so less floor space is taken up and the room enjoys the benefits of your new tub without feeling too small.  Put your bath in the corner and you immediately save a lot of space. It’s tucked away, opening up the bathroom and giving you more room to walk around. There’s a cosiness to having a freestanding bath in a corner too - and you can build the taps into the walls for even more space-saving attributes. If, for whatever reason, you can’t fit a bath in the corner, pushing it against a wall is still beneficial. Once more, you’re taking up minimal floor space so the rest of the bathroom feels as open as possible.   Improve The Storage Solutions Around Your Bathroom Making a freestanding bath fit a small bathroom is sometimes about adjusting the overall design of the room itself. You don’t need to do anything too drastic, but you may wish to rethink the storage solutions and cabinets around the room.  Primarily, find storage solutions that use space better than others. Our Modern Mirror Cabinet is a great idea - it gives you a bathroom mirror and a large cabinet for storage rolled into one. It negates the need for a cabinet below your sink, instantly making the bathroom look more spacious.  Another option is our Raffinata Tall Wall Cabinet. This provides ample storage but is long and thin, so it doesn’t appear to take up as much space as a traditional square wall cabinet. We also think it’s worth building shelving into the walls near your freestanding bath. You get great storage and easy access to bath foams and towels but no additional space is taken up in the room.  The overall effect is a practical bathroom with plenty of storage space yet you feel less boxed in. Removing a cabinet from under your sink is particularly important in our view as you immediately see how much bigger the bathroom looks.   Use Mirrors To Create Spaciousness While Reflecting Natural Light Two things can make any small bathroom feel more spacious:  Mirrors Natural lighting The brightness from natural sunlight creates an airy feel to the place and you almost feel like you’re outside at times. Mirrors are known to create reflections and make it look like walls fade away, giving an open feel to your bathroom. Try to use both with one another so your mirrors create spaciousness and reflect the natural light around the room.   Turn Your Shower Into A Wet Room One of the main reasons people struggle to place freestanding baths in small bathrooms is because there’s a shower taking up loads of space. You’re not going to get rid of this as it’s simply too practical for a quick wash.  What you can do, however, is convert the shower into a wet room. Have drainage on the floor and an open entry point so it feels more spacious. Use a glass partition to separate the shower and bath so it doesn’t feel as closed off. This helps you enjoy the practicality of a shower with the luxury of a freestanding bath in a small space.  These small bathroom ideas for freestanding baths show how easy it is to get a gorgeous tub in a room with limited space. If you’re interested in buying a luxury freestanding tub or wish to see the best options, our range of freestanding baths.

Installing a wet room is the perfect way to make a small bathroom feel more open and expansive. A minimalist design allows you to create a truly tranquil and elevated space. The added benefit of a minimalist design is its inherent tranquillity. The minimal aesthetic cuts down on clutter, both physical and visual, turning your wet room into a serene sanctuary. Bringing the two together, however, can be a challenge, and minimalist wet rooms can easily end up feeling too stark and functional. To avoid this, you can include a statement piece like a Japanese Toilets or a unique ceiling mounted shower head that blends form and function seamlessly. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to wetroom ideas for small bathrooms. It’s full of pictures and should leave you feeling inspired and ready to go! Minimalism and functionality need not be mutually exclusive; when applied creatively, they can coexist in a small space, giving you a bathroom that's both practical and beautiful. 1. Go all glass While the classic wet room has no shower screen or enclosure, you can create the illusion of extra space in a small bathroom by installing a glass screen. This not only looks seamless and stylish but acts as a functional barrier to contain water while maintaining a sense of openness and accessibility.  If you're feeling bold, consider textured or tinted glass for an additional layer of style without compromising the minimalist aesthetic. By separating out wet and dry spaces, you can elevate your bathroom experience. For example, you could shower in one section and then get ready in another or separate your toilet for added hygiene.  Source 2. Choose wall-mounted fixtures Wall-mounted fixtures are the perfect addition to a small, minimalist wet room because they allow you to free up floor space and remove clutter. And there’s so much choice out there depending on which minimalist style you are looking to implement.  Wall-mounted fixtures aren't just functional; they are also an artful way to express personal style within a limited space. Opt for mirrored cabinets for additional functionality or choose a long cabinet if you want to maintain a sleek appearance. You can also add a shower niche or shelf to provide a touch of thoughtful detail and sophistication.  Going a step further, integrated LED lighting within the fixtures can accentuate their form and function, so this is a great option for a small space. .  Source 3. Implement under-floor heating Under-floor heating is especially valuable when you're dealing with a limited room as it eliminates the need for bulky radiators or heating fixtures. By installing it, you also add an air of luxury to any space, turning a simple wet room into something that feels more like a spa. Beyond luxury, under-floor heating has health benefits too; it’s a dust-free and allergen-free way to heat your space.  Source 4. Opt for a back-to-wall toilet Back-to-wall toilets have a hidden cistern and plumbing system, ensuring a streamlined and uncluttered appearance. While wall-hung loos are elevated off the ground, back-to-wall loos sit directly on the floor. They are a favourite choice for modern wet rooms due to their design where only the toilet bowl is noticeable. This sleek design not only minimises visual clutter but also offers easier cleaning, resulting in a tidier, more spacious-looking room. 5. Add large format tiles Large format tiles offer a sense of visual space, even in a smaller room. When opting for a wet room, stone and tile can be seamlessly integrated into the grating, ensuring an expansive aesthetic. Moreover, using fewer tiles translates to fewer joints, giving  your wet room a cleaner, more unified appearance. It's worth noting that we provide waterproof membranes within our wet room packs, but for those seeking added reassurance, these membranes are also available separately for that extra peace of mind. As Creative Director Roisin Lafferty describes, it’s also “a case of the less grout, the better in wet rooms for longevity and cleanliness.” So large format tiles are the perfect choice if you want something low-maintenance. In the realm of interior design, larger tiles are known to create a roomier, more open feel, which is perfect for a small bathroom. Source 6. Go monochrome Source A monochrome or matte black design can complement a minimalist wet room by emphasising simplicity. The absence of colour removes visual clutter whilst creating an unparalleled sense of elegance.  What’s more, even smaller fixtures can create a cohesive, sophisticated statement when used in a small space. For example, you could introduce matte black towel bars to elevate your wet room’s look. These seemingly small details make a big difference in creating a harmonious space. 7. Maximise natural light Natural light is key to creating a sense of spaciousness in a small, minimalist wet room. And you can increase it by: Installing larger windows or adding a skylight Using light-reflective tiles and materials such as those with glossy or glass finishes Positioning mirrors strategically — for example, placing a large one on the wall opposite the shower area Besides making the space feel larger, natural light can boost your mood and help regulate your circadian rhythm, making for a healthier, happier living space. Ready to create your own seamless design? Optimise your small bathroom with St John’s easy-drain, easy-install wet room-in-a-box. Explore your design ideas and create your own minimalist haven today!

Creating the perfect bathroom for your own tastes is vital in making a place truly feel like home. But how do you include a wetroom in your home? There are so many options regarding bathrooms, and how you choose to design them. As part of your search for the perfect bathroom, you’ve likely found yourself encountering what is referred to as a ‘wet room’. What is a wet room? A wet room is a variation of a traditional bathroom that is a totally waterproof and isolated space in the home, in which the shower space is situated at the same elevation as the rest of the bathroom floor. This creates a wonderfully unified space that can make a bathroom more pleasant and simple to use. Why choose a wet room? Over the last few years, wet rooms have taken off as a luxurious statement in a bathroom - they’re a real indulgence, as they open up a larger amount of space to really enjoy a shower routine, rather than see it as a chore. Not only are they modern and en-trend, but they’re incredibly convenient. Wet rooms are water proof - so you really don’t have to worry about water flowing over to the floor and creating a problem. Typically, wet rooms are designed with a linear drain and a slight gradient, where water can channel down into the drain, avoiding damp floors or walls. This prevents the collection of moisture and preserves the quality of a bathroom. With our wetroom kit, you can install your wet room easily, with everything included in the box. Not only that, wet rooms are also great for those with limited mobility because there is no need to step over anything, or run the risk of tripping.  How should you incorporate wet rooms into your bathroom? When it comes to incorporating a wet room into your home, there are a few things you’ll want to consider as you go about designing the room and all of its elements. Let’s take a look at these now. Create A Central Feature An ordinary bathroom would usually place much of its focus on the central fixture, such as a bath or a shower enclosure that is installed in the space.  Because the shower in a wet room is technically just a smaller part of the larger space, you will want to make sure to define the distinct areas of the wet room to help create a sense of space and intimacy within the room.  Try using different types of tiles to define different spaces, such as lighter tiles in the shower area, and darker tiles elsewhere. This can help your shower space still feel like a personal experience and can create a stunning visual juxtaposition that gives you breathing space, intimacy and privacy all in one. Ventilation You will want to consider making it as easy as possible for humidity and moisture to escape the room.  Try to make sure that you either have a window that can be opened, some form of ventilation fan, or both at the same time. Windows are great for passively ventilating a space, whereas fans are great for getting rid of a lot of humidity within the space in a short time.  Splash Zones You might want to consider the smaller logistical details of your wet room. For example: keep your toilet roll holder on the other side of the bathroom so that water doesn't splash the toilet roll fix your towel rail close enough to reach but not too close so that your towel gets soaked consider a glass screen if your have a smaller space and want to keep water in a smaller space Shower Design Because you won’t have an enclosure or a visually dominating centre-piece, you can really indulge in the actual shower, taps and drainage that you choose. Do you want brushed brass, brushed steel,  brushed brass, or matt black? The choices are vast and they can really transform the mood of the space.  Our wet room in a box is truly a statement of opulence - eye-catching metals give them a delightfully modern aesthetic - they feel clean, luxurious and minimalist all at once. Consider Your Plumbing Wet rooms cannot operate with standard plumbing options and ordinary drain sizes. If you want to create a wet room, we recommend opting for larger pipes, and high-flow drainage systems, to ensure that the water can leave quickly, and not run the risk of flooding the room.  You can always get in touch with our expert team for guidance on installing a wet room and to discover more about our convenient wet room in a box option. Flooring options Flooring is a key aspect to understand and consider when choosing your wet room. You can choose from either our timber floor or screed floor solutions: Timber Solution Our elegant and convenient small wetroom timber flooring kit is straightforward, cut-to-size and comes with a pre-installed drain. The dimensions can be reduced from a length of 120cm down to 70cm, and a width of 90cm down to 70cm. This allows you to customise the product according to your bathroom space. With reversible grating, tile or stone can also be inserted to perfectly complement the interior of your wetroom. Screed Solution Screed is a layer of material that is applied on top of a concrete floor. It is made out of cement and sand, to create a strong and smooth surface. This can be used as the main flooring surface for a wet room.  Our Complete Screed Wetroom Solution comes with a 80cm Linear Drain and grating to create a diverse range of luxury finishes - including Steel, Matt Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze and more. The grating is also reversible, allowing you to insert bespoke tile or stone for a seamless finish. With the ability to blend with any bathroom design, this screed wetroom solution can bring a touch of luxury to your home. Underfloor Heating This is a great option for a wet room and an extra touch of luxury. Not only will it be lovely and cosy to step onto after your shower, but underfloor heating can help get rid of excess water through evaporation.  Cleaning Luckily, keeping a wet room clean is actually very easy, and does not require any more effort than a standard bathroom. Generally, all you need to do is use a brush or sponge, alongside some mild soap, and carefully scrub the shower area around once a month. Using mild soap can help to protect the waterproofing from damage. Cleaning solutions with harsh solvents have been known to slowly degrade the membranes that keep wet rooms completely waterproof. Our membranes (included in the wet room box) are under a tiled floor so there is no need to worry about the slow degradation of the material and subsequent water leakage. To Wrap Up We hope that this guide has helped address the planning stages of incorporating your wet room and that you now feel ready to take on your wet room project! Explore our range of wet rooms and indulge your innermost design desires.