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10 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / TRENDS<br />
September 28 to October 4 2014<br />
Bathrooms and Powder Rooms<br />
Minimalistic<br />
Modern<br />
bathrooms<br />
with a touch<br />
of elegance.<br />
Photo – Luxe Interiors + Design<br />
Noma Ndlovu<br />
I went to see a house that was up for sale the<br />
other day, all was going well until we came<br />
to the bathroom, and needless to say it went<br />
downhill from there. Bathrooms are dealbreakers<br />
in any property sale or rental even<br />
if the new owners or tenants are going to<br />
change it. First impressions count, you can<br />
close a “hanging” sale based on how attractive<br />
your bathroom is. A bathroom should not be<br />
neglected, it says a lot about you and your hygiene<br />
habits. <strong>The</strong>re are so many ways you can<br />
fix your bathroom from simple DIY to grand<br />
designs. <strong>The</strong>se days it’s all about expressing<br />
yourself and bathrooms can showcase your<br />
personality and style just as any room can.<br />
Tips to create a beautiful bathroom<br />
Space, fittings and finishes<br />
Nowadays bathrooms are spacious, affording<br />
you the luxury of a bathtub, a shower, a double<br />
sink and even space to sit. Whether it’s a<br />
large or a small space, the key is to create a<br />
flow that makes it user-friendly.<br />
Bathtubs and Sinks – with different types of fittings<br />
available your budget is the limit. You<br />
can go for any type that you want. <strong>The</strong>re is the<br />
standard that we all know which is the alcove<br />
or perhaps a free standing or a drop in, a corner<br />
bath, or an under mount. Similarly materials<br />
used for bath tubs vary. <strong>The</strong>re is porcelain<br />
coated metal bath tubs which are heavy and<br />
are difficult to clean once stained, metal – copper<br />
or brass, stainless steel for the industrial<br />
look, engineered wood, acrylic which is light,<br />
high gloss and non-staining, marble hard and<br />
cold or fibreglass.<br />
Showers – with a plethora of designs and styles<br />
out there curved glass enclosed showers give<br />
your bath room a softer and warmer glow minimising<br />
the jagged edges from the sharp edges<br />
of your bath vanities and windows.<br />
Walls – use tiles as they are easy to clean. You<br />
can still use paint specifically for bathrooms<br />
or also wall paper to create a calming or wow<br />
effect.<br />
with mid toned finishes like Caesarstone floor<br />
tiles, yellow wood flooring or Italian tiles.<br />
Plumbing - conceal all piping. If you love the<br />
industrial look go for copper or brass piping<br />
that can blend in with the taps and faucets in<br />
your sinks.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Powder Room<br />
This is a small “bathroom” with only a toilet<br />
and a sink. It is an essential addition to your<br />
home as you limit traffic to the main bathroom.<br />
It allows your guests to use the facilities<br />
without treading on your private space. It still<br />
needs to be treated with much design care as<br />
the rest of the house. In today’s competitive<br />
real estate market, a powder room is often an<br />
essential selling point. <strong>The</strong>se have a positive<br />
effect on the value of the property.<br />
Bathrooms should be relaxing, light, airy and<br />
enjoyable. You should be able to enjoy scenic<br />
views from your bathroom window while<br />
bathing so long as no one sees you. Top it all<br />
up with luxurious towels, scented candles,<br />
foam baths, shower gels, bath oils whatever<br />
works for you. Enjoy.<br />
Fabulous bathrooms are no longer the domain<br />
of hotels or the rich and famous, we all can<br />
have our own slice of bathroom paradise in<br />
our homes.<br />
Standalone bathtubs create a sense of luxury Photo – ambiance<br />
interiors<br />
Brilliant White Walls and Large windows give your bathroom an edgy<br />
timeless look. Photo Credit – Luxe Interior + Design<br />
Windows – be bold. Replace the small old windows<br />
with large teak framed or stained aluminium<br />
framed sliding windows and doors.<br />
Light and Colour – lighter colours give a sense<br />
of calmness. You need to relax in your bathroom<br />
and come out refreshed. Dark colours<br />
drain energy unless they are contrasted with<br />
bright colours. I recommend Vanilla, Timeless<br />
or Brilliant white as a base and then offset<br />
Credits – www.Wisegeek.com, www.bathtubchoices.com,<br />
www.HouseBeautiful.com<br />
www. Luxe interiors + design<br />
Noma Ndlovu is an Interior Designer & Property<br />
Stylist.<br />
Feedback: unaminkosi@yahoo.co.uk.<br />
+263775 402 083<br />
Clever contrast of colour can create a warm and cosy “space” in a small<br />
bathroom. Photo - House Beautiful
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