Written by Carly Freestone | 18th June 2018
Property expert Phil Spencer believes a stylish bathroom makeover adds up to 3% to the value of a property. Here at Michael Graham our estate agents regularly take buyers to view properties with bathrooms that wouldn’t be out of place in a spa resort. Here are some top tips on how to give your bathroom maximum impact, whether you’re planning to move on or just make over.
Unlike Italians who consider it akin to lying in dirt, in Britain we love a long, hot soak in the bath. Whether large or small, a freestanding bath adds a touch of luxury to any bathroom. Composite baths are a good choice as cast stone retains water temperature and the mineral-rich surface will resist wear and tear as scratches can be polished out. Shower enclosures are also worth investing in, not least because a more expensive enclosure will have precoated glass protection for easier cleaning. Attention to detail can transform the feel of a bathroom and splashing out on a high- quality shower head and taps will always be worth the investment. Finally, factor in storage space to avoid the clutter of bottles and jars on display. Consider cupboards or a freestanding vanity unit in soft colours and organic, natural materials such as wood and stone for an expensive look that won’t date.
On the other hand, your budget doesn’t need to stretch to a professionally designed lighting scheme. Just fit a dimmer switch, buy a mirror with lights built into the sides and dot candles around the bath for an instant spa feel. Tiling a bathroom can take a big chunk out of the budget, but there are ways to cut the cost without compromising on the look. New printing processes on ceramic tiles can replicate the look of natural stone, marble and wood at a fraction of the price. Mosaic tiling is also very impactful and cost effective, as you don’t need to use much of it. Save money on the bathroom suite too by choosing as pared back a design as possible and letting the premium fittings make the impact. You can always make a fashion statement with tiles, towels or a striking basin mixer tap.
What do you value most in a bathroom? We’d love to hear from you on our social channels.