Adding luxurious touches around your home is a sure fire way to create a house that you can’t wait to return to and relax in. Having your own personal space in which you can unwind and wash away the stress of day-to-day life is healthy for your mind and body; it allows you to be well-rested as well as drawing your mind away from more stressful work-related worries.

Dissecting your home and isolating areas in which you can maximise luxuries and add touches that really help you unwind allows you to create places specifically designed for relaxing in. This in turn, will encourage residents to take time out to unwind and enjoy the fresh style added to their home.

An Ideal Place to Relax

Every room in the house can be altered and moulded to suit each individuals tastes and needs; from adding a new comfortable matrass and scented candles in the bedroom to instant juice and coffee makers in the kitchen. There is however, one room of the house which proves to be the ideal centre for relaxation; the household bathroom.

The bathroom reigns supreme mainly because of the appliances it yields, bathtubs and shower enclosures are naturally very relaxing as the warm water soaks and sooths sore muscles and releases endorphins; the body’s natural ‘feel good’ stimulant. Make the most of your bathroom by adding luxurious touches wherever possible; let’s look at a few products you could add to your bathroom to maximise your experience while soaking the day away.

Little Touches

Smaller touches around your bathroom can make a huge difference if executed properly. If you enjoy soaking in the tub in a darkened room; the gentle glow of a LED mirror could enhance your experience and the overall feeling of luxury. Ultimate luxury can be found in features you would be unlikely to see elsewhere; items such as a waterproof built in bathroom TV is one way to spend a little extra time in the bathroom and really wow guests and visitors when they see it for themselves.

Effective Features

If you are looking for features that not only add a mental sense of luxury but also have a physical benefit then look no further than the fantastic selection of whirlpool bathtubs that are available to you; these bathtubs have been proved to have a number of physical and medical benefits, from assisting blood flow and circulation to soothing aching muscles and releasing tension from aching limbs. These relaxing tubs are ideal for after an intense workout or just soaking at the end of a log day!

Ensuring your home has a steady and well maintained plumbing system is vital when keeping you and your family in a comfortable living environment. As the family’s bathroom needs rely solely on a constant water supply it is sure that any plumbing problems are identified and fixed as soon as possible. There are many common problems that can cause serious damage to your home if left unattended, so take a little time to think about how you can identify a problem and have it repaired before it gets out of hand.

Hiring plumbers is certainly expensive and there are far too many tales floating around of the typical cowboy plumber who charges three hour’s work for simply taking his time to change a rubber tap washer. Being able to have a basic understanding of plumbing is certainly advisable to anyone looking to hire a plumber, directing them to the problem and showing that you have a basic understanding lowers the risk of suffering any extra charges. Here are a few thoughts that could help you identify common plumbing problems and know what could help.

Leaking Taps

A leaking tap is a common and frustrating problem, the consistent sound of a dripping tap is a sure fire way to lose sleep and spoil the feeling of a stylish and modern room. This could be cause by a number of things, and a DIY job is only recommended if you are competent with standard tools and are confident in your ability to disassemble and reassemble the tap housing to replace a washer. The most common cause of a leaking tap is the gradual erosion of the rubber washer contained inside the tap; all that this requires is a replacement washed and the careful reassembling of the tap housing. Be careful not to force the tap whilst unscrewing, if you split or damage the metal you could make the problem far worse and have no choice but to hire a plumber.

Frozen Pipes

During the winter, common plumbing problems are caused by frozen pipes. This can potentially cause a lot of damage if left untreated. Frozen pipes can be identified easily if the frozen area of pipe is in plain sight; look for areas of the pipe which have heavy amounts of water droplets or condensation on the outside of the pipe. This can show where the pipes are frozen and require treatment. If you wish to tack this yourself do so with great care, rupturing the pipe can leave to massive water damage. Gradually heat the area, turn up central heating in your home to warm the walls and pipes behind the walls, if you have a mobile heater then place it close to the affected area to gradually warm and melt frozen water.

Blockage

The most common of all plumbing problems is the pipe blockage; when drains and pipes are blocked with waste or other material, water fails to drain and can cause many household problems. The simplest solution to this problem is the age old method of plunging the drain, this can help to suck up or loosen any debris that may be blocking up the pipe.

Sprucing up your house by fitting a new kitchen can be a great way of revitalising and bringing new life into your home. A well designed, modern kitchen serves as an impressive feature in any home; keeping up to date with recent styles and trends shows off your eye for interior design and is sure to impress any visiting friends and family. A kitchen renovation is no small task by any means and there are many things to consider before spending any of your hard earned cash. So, let’s look at a few forward thinking ideas that could learn how to fit a kitchen.

Design

Before you buy any appliances, fittings or decorative accessories for you kitchen be sure you have finalised your ideas for the style of the room.  The first step when learning how to fit a kitchen is simple; know what you want. There are so many different styles available to you and it can be a little overwhelming when trying to source ideas for your home. Thing about what style would complement your home and your personality; are you looking of a more traditional kitchen with a vintage kettle, oven and toaster? Or are you a pioneer of the 21^st century who needs coffee on the go and modern colours and textures? Get an idea of the features, colours and design you want for your kitchen, plan it out and write it down.

Planning

The second step when learning how to fit a kitchen is more complex; once we have settled for a design and style for our kitchen, it’s time to start planning out the space we have and where each of our new features is going to be. Large fixtures and features are going to take a lot of space; ovens, dining tables and other large items are need to be strategically placed to maximise style and space efficiency. Be sure to take measurements of all the rooms dimensions; you’re going to need to measure the height of the room (floor to ceiling) if you’re planning to install an oven with an extraction unit above. Measuring the room is also useful when you are shopping for larger features or fixtures; you can compare new measurements to those of your kitchen to determine how suitable each new feature or item is.

Fitting

The third step when researching how to fit a kitchen is the fitting and decorating. Firstly, clear your kitchen out completely; remove everything that is being replaced and anything that could get damaged. Turn off all water and electricity supplies to the room and disconnect all pipes that lead to/from sinks and drains (if appropriate).

When removing old cabinets, be sure to unscrew and detach any fitting that hold them in place; this can prevent you damaging any walls or connected beams when removing cabinet and draw units. The same rule applies with work surfaces; ease the worktops off after unscrewing fittings underneath. This is the perfect time to make repairs to walls or repaint walls, as there are no new cabinets and draws to accidentally spoil with loose paint.

As you assemble any cabinet or wall mounted cupboards, be sure to check they are straight with a spirit level. Leave doors and draws out of each unit until they are fitted properly, this makes for an easier adjustment if you need to remove units and re attach. Ensure any new worktops are cut to the correct measurements before taking them into your kitchen, doing this outdoors is strongly recommended. Cut out sections of your worktops according to the measurements of any new sinks or hobs. Once your worktop is of the right size and shape then you are ready to complete its installation by bolting it or adding supports.

Once all new features and fittings have been completed, add finishing touches to your kitchen by accessorising with matching appliances and decoration. Kettles, toasters and café tiers can be bought as a set and if matched well with the colour of your kitchen, they can really help bring the whole design together. Add suitable blinds or curtains that complement the room to draw attention to your kitchen window and to any natural light entering your room.

Remember, turn off electrical and water supplies to the kitchen before doing any DIY. Apply common sense and always be safe when taking on home DIY jobs.

Contemporary kitchens can be a stylish place to practice your culinary skills or even entertain family and friends in, if you get the design right. If you’re striving for the ultimate, luxurious kitchen space and don’t know where to begin in terms of décor then follow these few simple tips to have the kitchen of your dreams.

The power of colour

Colour scheme can have an incredible impact on the kitchen as every shade of each colour carries different connotations. Before picking a colour scheme for your new contemporary kitchen design, decide what statement you’d like your kitchen to make. If you want a bright kitchen to devour your cereal in of the morning then white, light woods and a pastel flooring with a matt finish are a perfect modern kitchen choice. Bright kitchens combine modern interior design with family life as they’re an enjoyable place for conversing over family dinner.

If your contemporary kitchen design desire is to have a trendy, sleek kitchen which oozes style and class then black is the perfect accent colour. Work-tops which are black marble with a high-gloss finish can really make a statement to complement wooden cabinet surfaces.

Stainless steel is incredibly popular throughout modern kitchens within the home. Its light reflective properties make it a striking choice for accessories and appliances. Kitchen taps, cooking appliances and displayed utensils can be incredibly eye-catching if in stainless steel. If you have opted for black as an accent colour in your kitchen there’s a variety of accessories available from popular retailers which combine black and stainless steel to bring your kitchen’s classy colour scheme together.

Furniture for Functionality

Kitchen furniture is a necessity in order to prepare fresh food for the family. Some kitchens however, don’t utilise the space available for furniture to its full potential.

Kitchen islands have become an incredibly popular feature of contemporary kitchen design as they utilise the centre of the room which is often left vacant due to having kitchen cabinets connected to the wall. As the kitchen island is central, it makes accessing the sink a whole lot easier – improving the functionality of your kitchen. The surface area on the top of the island provides you with a lot more space for food preparation, storage of equipment and displaying accessories/utensils.

Breakfast bars have also become an increasingly common feature in the contemporary kitchen and can add an extra visual level. They’re designed for eating light meals and breakfast at, rather than dining, so they’re perfect for families with busy lifestyles! Decorate the breakfast bar with a bowl of fruit to encourage healthy eating within the household whilst adding a splash of colour.

Contemporary kitchens can be easy to design and accessorise and look fantastic if you get the colour scheme right! It’s time to rip out that old kitchen, modernise your home and add a touch of class to your cooking and dining experiences.

Adding new colours and styles in your bathroom is a sure fire way of bringing new life into your home. Many people are looking for a complete overhaul of their current bathroom, in which they remove all old fittings and fixtures and strip and paper and curtains from the walls. Revamping your bathroom with new colours which are well suited to you and your home is certainly a great way of adding a new sense of character to your house. To create a the perfect bathroom however, it’s going to take more than just a lick of pain here and there; with a bit of pre planning and forward thinking you can add some extra feature and accessories that can bring the colour scheme and style of the bathroom. Be sure to shop for well-matched fixtures as well as decoration, good examples for this are the Tapshop321 Sagittarius Taps, made in a range of designs there are bound to be a set of Sagittarius Taps that match the style of your bathroom perfectly.

Picking two primary colours with which to pain your bathroom is a great start to choosing an effective and stylish colour scheme. If you’re planning to revamp a smaller bathroom then lighter colours applied throughout the bathroom can help to give a more spacious appearance. If this is your ultimate goal then consider allowing more natural light into the room by adding a frosted glass door or window to the bathroom to brighten the room as much as possible. If you are happy with the size of your bathroom and were hoping to create a cosier environment then consider looking into darker, warming tones when choosing base colours. Dark, vintage tones would be well suited to some of the classic style Sagittarius Taps; combining this style of tap with the appropriate colours can bring the entire theme and style of you bathroom together, and this is where the effectiveness of accessorising really comes into play.

Once you are happy with the colours you have chosen for your bathroom then it’s time to put some serious thought into accessorising with other matching colours applied through towels, floor mats, curtains, washing kits and alike. Small dashes of matching colours strategically placed around the bathroom are the final step in finalising a well accessorised bathroom. Tapshop321′s Sagittarius Taps can add a lot of style to your bathroom but wisely choosing a well suited colour scheme is something only you can decide on.

Renovating your kitchen is a fantastic way of adding renewed life you your home; it can give you extra space, practical appliances and desirable fixtures. There is a wide range of modern and contemporary kitchen suites available and choosing one that is right for your needs is vital before you commit to buying.

Many people crave the fashionable style and modern amenities that you find in a 21^st century kitchen, but feel that the homely charm and character of traditional kitchens express their personality a little better. If this is the kitchen for you then you’re in luck! Here are a few useful thoughts to help you find a nice compromise between hi tech modern and charming traditional kitchens.

Style

A great way to add a classic look to traditional kitchens is by adding vintage cook’s tables and china cupboards; this gives off a strong classical feel, accents the theme of the kitchen well and shows you have a keen eye for style. Combining this with some granite wall and floor tiles can add a modern touch to the design of the room. Choosing vintage features in modern colours is another way to combine these two styles, most vintage units are available in black and other modern tones so consider this when designing the layout and colour of your kitchen. Small modern features in a classic looking kitchen such as venetian blinds and new styles of kitchen tap/washing basin units can add a 21^st century feel to traditional kitchens. Keep an eye out for features such as these; it is important not to choose anything that looks too out of place and detracts from the overall impressiveness of your new kitchen.

Practicality

If you are looking to stay with a purely vintage look in your renovated kitchen then there are still many options available to you when shopping for practical amenities. Features such as vintage or ‘retro’ fridge freezer units can really add character to traditional kitchens, as well as being a spacious and practical addition. Smaller features such as the household toasters and kettles can be bought as part of matching sets in a truly fantastic classic design, these look great when bought as a set and can help to bring the entire room together if placed strategically around the kitchen. Ovens and cookers are also available in classic designs; as these are more expensive, use them to base the colour scheme of your kitchen accessories (kettle, toaster etc.).

So there we are; a few simple hints and ideas that can help you to add a fantastic looking traditional kitchen to your home without compromising in practicality or luxury.

It’s no secret that hiring a plumber to come to your house and make repairs is very expensive indeed; usually a basic call out feel is charged before there is any sign of work being started and then you are charged by the hour after that. It’s fair to say that there are a large amount of problems and tasks that only a qualified plumber would be able to handle, as they have experience and appropriate equipment to suit each job. But there are also certain ‘cowboy’ plumbers who are more than happy to tinker under a sink for 3 hours and charge you hundreds of pounds for what should have been a 45 minute job. Here we will look at some basic advice that could help you learn how to fix a leaking tap.

We’ve all heard the unbearable sound of a constantly dripping tap, anyone who has lived with one should know exactly how annoying it can become. Rather than waiting for days to find an available plumber there are basic checks and repairs you may want to do yourself. Keep in mind; this is basic information on how to fix a leaking tap, if you suspect the problem may be complex or serious then do not attempt to repair it yourself. You could cause further damage to the tap and result in a more costly overall repair.

The most common problem behind a leaking tap is a damaged/eroded rubber washer. If the tap in question is a mixer tap be sure to check and replace both rubber washer. If there is visible damage to the valve seating, do not attempt to repair it unless you are confident in your plumbing abilities and you have researched the repair properly.

Firstly when practicing how to fix a leaking tap, be sure to switch of the water supply (the mains are commonly located under the taps or under the main sink in the kitchen). If you begin to remove the headgear from your tap without shutting off the water supply you are very likely to flood the room. Once you have shut of the supply of water, drain your taps by leaving them all the way on and cover the plug/drain to prevent any small parts being lost.

Unscrew the tap cover and you will find the retaining screw underneath; once this is removed you are then able to take off the head of the tap. Using a suitable spanner to remove the headgear nut, (it is important not to force the headgear nut, applying too much pressure can cause serious damage to the tap) if you need extra leverage here use some oil on the joint and hold the tap in place as you twist.

Here you will find the rubber washer; if there is a small nut securing the washer in place then remove this before tackling the damaged washer. Replace the damaged rubber washer and if possible, lubricate the thread on each section of your tap before re-assembling.

So there you have it, some basic tips about how to fix a leaking tap yourself. Remember, if you do not feel 100% confident about disassembling your tap yourself, seek advice or professional help.

Designer bathrooms can be incredibly luxurious, durable and enjoyable to spend time in. On the other hand, they can also be incredibly expensive and not all homeowners have the budget at their disposal to indulge in such luxury. This doesn’t mean however, that they can’t create a luxurious bathroom that mimics the standards of a designer bathroom. Many products and methods are available to ensure homeowners can have a designer bathroom but at a lower and more affordable cost.

If you’re looking to spruce up your bathroom design and add a touch of luxury to your home without splurging all your cash then here are a few tips on how to have a designer bathroom on a budget.

It’s Curtains for Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are unsightly, old-fashioned and hard to maintain. Switch your shower curtain for a glass shower screen for the ultimate designer bathroom appearance. Shower screens are so much easier to clean than shower curtains too and are less likely to develop mould and mildew problems. They’re also more effective in preventing water from the shower spraying on the floor.

Opt for Classy Flooring

Choosing the correct flooring for your bathroom can be the hardest aspect of bathroom design. Marble tiles can be incredibly expensive but extremely tempting as they’re highly attractive and are the ultimate accessory for a designer bathroom. Vinyl flooring can mimic the appearance of marble tiles and is generally more affordable in price. It’s generally quite durable and waterproof and can look great if it complements the rest of your bathroom.

Vanity is Sanity

One of the most common items in a designer bathroom is a vanity unit. They’re often sleek in design and extremely convenient for using when performing daily personal hygiene and beauty routines. You can head on over to Bathshop321 to view vanity units at affordable prices. Not only do they have a prestigious appearance, they’re also a convenient storage facility for unsightly bathroom products such as bathroom cleaners and sanitary products.

Scour the Sales

Many designer product outlets have end of line sales at the end of each season as new product ranges are released. You can really find a good bargain on designer fixtures and furniture in these sales so it’s worth keeping your eye out for some real steals. Also, look out for online voucher codes that provide discounts on home wares and interiors.

Accessories make all the Difference

Updating your bathroom accessories can really change the dynamic of your bathroom design. A simple change in colour scheme can be done through accessories, meaning you don’t have to do any repainting! Towels are a great way to make a subtle change to the colour scheme in your bathroom, if you’re feeling bold you could even opt for vibrant coloured towels to really give your bathroom a quick uplift. Make sure your towels are always clean, fluffy and smelling pleasant – a designer bathroom wouldn’t contain soggy towels!

Do It Yourself

The easiest way to save money when transforming or even updating your bathroom is to do the work yourself. Invest in some well-trusted DIY guides to help you perform some simple bathroom maintenance and remodelling. If you’re not entirely sure about any project you’re attempting however, seek some professional advice as one small error could result in a costly mistake. Never tamper with plumbing and pipes you’re unsure of as you could end up with a serious case of flooding on your hands, which would be extremely costly to repair and the damage may not be limited to the bathroom.

Big Ideas for Bite-size Bathrooms

Not everyone has the luxury of a spacious bathroom which is so large you can fit a Jacuzzi in there. Many homes have cloakrooms which are converted into small bathrooms (they can be a great way to add value to the home) and others have ensuites which may be deprived of space. Here at Tapshop321 we recognise that all homes are different, which is why we’ve conjured up a small bathroom design guide to help you utilise your space without compromising on functionality.

Showers

Some bathrooms simply don’t have the room for a bath which means the shower has to be extremely efficient and durable to compensate for the lack of a bath. Some people don’t consider the shower head as it may not seem like the most important part of the shower – it is! Power showers provide the ultimate shower experience, ensuring the cubicle remains hot and the water spray invigorates the skin. Leaking, powerless showers generally make showering an unpleasant task and leaks can eat up your utility bills!

If you’re struggling to find a shower cubicle that doesn’t overshadow the rest of your bathroom a corner shower could be the perfect product. Sleek in design, they’re spacious internally whilst not giving off a “bulky” exterior appearance – the ultimate shower cubicle for small bathroom design. They’re perfect for saving space in any bathroom but are particularly popular for ensuites. Wet rooms can also be a space saving choice, providing you with a spacious area for showering. They’re incredibly convenient for those in your family who have limited mobility.

Sinks

One of the necessary features of any bathroom, even in cloakroom suites, is a sink. They’re essential for sanity and hygiene reasons and prevent the spreading of germs from toilets to other areas of the home. In small bathroom design, bulky sinks can really overtake the limited space available. This is why slender, functional sinks need to be fitted into bathrooms where space isn’t the room’s forte.

Corner sinks can really save space in bathrooms and are an incredibly popular choice for cloakroom suites. They often don’t have a visible pedestal which really helps to save space. Even bathrooms which are plentiful in space can benefit from these corner units as they’re often dainty and slender in design.

Baths

Some ensuite bathrooms are lucky enough to be able to squeeze a bath into the compromised space. Thanks to modern design and manufacturing there are such baths which space-save whilst still having sufficient room to relax in. P-shaped baths are spectacular space savers – giving you more room at the head of your bath as they curve outwards whilst giving less room at the foot. They’re essential for small bathroom design along with compact baths. Compact baths are perfect for small bathrooms and don’t compromise on functionality – perfect for those who love to relax.

The modern breed of bathroom tap fixtures

It was only a few decades previous that you could expect to be laughed at if you said taps were a glamorous bathroom accessory. Generally, they were all of similar design and frequently hindered the appearance of a bathroom, often borderline horrendous; their sole function was to provide water to the home. Nowadays taps have evolved so much there’s such a breed referred to as “designer bathroom taps”. Sleek in design and ever so functional, designer taps are functional accessories which complete the appearance of a bathroom suite – they certainly aren’t 70’s throwbacks.

Designer bathroom tap filler - stylish and quirky design.

Even now in the 21st century some homeowners overlook the importance of bathroom tap design, and yes it may not be something you discuss at a dinner party, but choosing a stylish, high quality designer bathroom tap fixture can increase functionality of your bathroom and be just the finishing touch you were looking for.

Such an increase in demand for designer bathroom taps has broken style conventions for bathroom taps. The days in which homeowners were restricted to two separate tap fixtures (one for hot, one for cold) are well and truly over. Mixer taps have brought a whole new feel to the daily routine of hand washing. No longer does the user scold their skin in an attempt to wash their hands in warm water, nor do their fingers turn blue under the icy surge of the cold tap. Stylish designer mixer taps have provided the perfect solution to the problem of ugly and impractical tap fixtures.

The death of gold and brass effect taps was by no means subtle and seemed quite sudden. For years gold taps were seen as the must-have fixture for traditional bathrooms, taking a proud seat on the sink top. However, the modern bathroom sink is rarely accompanied by the grand gold water features – hence the birth of chrome taps. Chrome bathroom taps are incredibly popular and are now available in many different styles due to their continually high demand. They’re also great reflectors of light, making them a striking focal point for a minimalist bathroom.

Many manufacturers now boast the design of their taps as equally as quality and durability. Major designer bathroom tap manufacturers such as Hudson Reed pride themselves on sleek design to suit designer bathrooms as well as the incredibly high quality of their products. With minimalism being a major current trend it’s become increasingly important to choose taps which complement the bathroom suite and are an attractive accessory.

A designer bathroom, complete with designer tap

If you feel repulsed at the sheer sight of your sink fillers it’s time you considered taking a leap into the 21st century and source some highly fashionable designer bathroom taps that make every trip to the bathroom an enjoyable and comforting experience.