Bathroom Suites - How To Get More For Less

Do you remember the days old of when the only options available to you for bathroom suites were plain old white or that horrible avocado colour? Times have moved on a lot since those days, of course white is the most popular suite colour by a mile, and with good reason, you can match anything to it.

But with the massive development in bathroom accessories there is definitely a need for the current wide range of bathroom suites colour ways available.

Go for white is the standard advice when it comes to kitting out the bathroom and after all, it makes a lot of sense - many of us have seen the disastrous results of a fleeting enthusiasm for navy as a bath colour, and of course who can forget the dreaded avocado?

But as we now like to think of our bathrooms more as spa rooms than just as places for a quick wash-and-brush up, to some a pure glossy white out can seem a little stark and lacking in character. So what's the alternative?

Mosaic tiling is one easy way of injecting a little colour into your bathroom - the Romans were great fans, and who are we to argue with the kings (or Caesars) of the spa bathing experience? Many different types of mosaic tile are available, iridescent mosaic tiles of gold and purple make a real statement, and as most mosaic tiles come in sheets they are relatively easy to lay, quite a simple way to turn your bathroom from the empty white room to a colourful oasis.

Used on the washstand, they'll be relatively easy to replace when you come to redecorate. Mosaic tiles also work well in a wet-room, but if they're used over a large expanse of wall, take care when you're choosing the colour-a mix of soft neutrals and browns is easier on the eye than bright white or a bold colour. Don't forget, you will need to seal them well at joints in a wet-room.

Something as simple as changing the style of wash basin in your bathroom can make a big difference to the overall look of your bathroom. If a feature is made of its plinth some luxury taps added and a nice mirror as well you could have it as the centrepiece of the room.

Which brings me onto a key bathroom trend and another easy route away from the uniform white bathroom suite look. A large but plain looking bowl type wash basin on a chunky stand along with a simple looking mixer tap give a contemporary edge and yet if chosen wisely and boldly the colours and textures of the mosaic and bowl can add a rustic charm.

A very similar looking bowl basin in glossy white set into an antiqued wooden washstand will lose all its stark credentials and gains instead a rustic charm, this time with a traditional rather than modern appeal. These looks are relatively in-expensive ways of achieving a specific look to a bathroom without breaking the bank.

If the bold purple and gold of the iridescent mosaic tiles are a bit much, the softer, neutral shades of natural materials such as limestone, sandstone and wood are a good choice for a bathroom.

In fact, a mix of natural stone and wood has something of a Mediterranean feel to it - perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere in the bathroom, as you can drift off in the bath thinking about holidays in sunnier climes.

If real sandstone or limestone is likely to bust the budget, choose a good imitation, if possible without the glassy sheen that you often see on cheap faux stone.
Always make sure that any flooring you choose for your bathroom is non-slip, there are plenty of alternatives available on the market from slip resistant tiles to slip resistant paint for the floor.

And finally, what better way of casting aside the stark white suite than by investing in a traditional cast iron bath? And if you are feeling really daring, you could always choose a design that has a painted exterior or even paint it yourself to add an injection of colour. This is a great way to update a roll-top bath, bringing a modern twist to a classic look - you could even introduce pattern onto the side of the bath if you've a steady hand with a brush.