Towel radiators work in two ways. Of course, the easiest by far is the electric, which simply plugs in. The other works by allowing hot water or steam, as in a room radiator to pass through metal tubes to heat your towel for you. This requires some work to install, but it is not impossible.

• • If a radiator heater exists in the bath, so much the better. Turn the water off to the unit and drain completely the hot water system.

   

  • Use a reciprocating saw or hacksaw to cut the hot water and return lines. Cut above the floor as high as you can. Remove the old unit.

   

  • If the installation is to be made in another part of the bath, the water and return lines must be extended. If possible, remove flooring to place the pipes out of sight.

   

  • Hold the new unit against the wall and mark its location.

   

  • Cut and dry fit, that is do not solder yet, fittings and pipe from the old heater to the new unit.

   

  • Solder the fittings and the pipe pieces together.

   

  • Solder a threaded copper adapter onto each end of the hot water and return line pipe.

   

  • Repair the floor, if necessary.

   

  • Thread a chrome nipple with a shut off- valve into the end of each adapter and tighten with an adjustable spanner.

   

  • Mark the positions of the hanger bases on the wall.

   

  • Use the appropriate fasteners, screws, toggle-bolts, etc., to attach the bases to the wall.

   

  • Attach the unit to the installed hanger bases. If the markings were off, the bases need to be adjusted or moved.

   

  • Use the adjustable spanner to attach the shut off valves to the appropriate pipes and tighten.

   

  • Turn on the water and check for leaks. If any appear, turn the water off and repair the leaks before trying again.

Other radiators in the house will not be affected adversely by the installation. Of course, with the water drained from the system, air will be present in the pipes, so they will need to be bled prior to use.

Homeowners may find this a DIY project worth taking on, for others, it may prove intimidating. In that case, a licensed plumber will do the work. Check with local building societies to see if a permit or inspection is needed for this installation. If so, obtain the necessary permits before starting. If renting, get the landlords written permission before installing anything. Perhaps the landlord would do the job.

Having towel radiators can make the difference in the morning. For electric models in non-heated bathrooms, it will heat the bathroom as well as the towel. Your family will appreciate it.

Company Profile:

Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, they despatch tens of thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious DIY enthusiasts all over theUK.

To view the full range of towel radiators from Screwfix customers can visit their website.

You are looking for the perfect item to get a modern and extremely appealing bathroom? I found the perfect solution for you. The wonderful glass tiles from NellaVetrina is the perfect solution for your search. It does not only add a touch of luxury to your bathroom but with it you can also create an attraction zone in a certain area of your bathroom.

Introduce a sense of awe into your decor scheme with these artistic glass tiles by NellaVetrina. These beautifully textured Murano glass tiles, made in Italy, are immensely decorative and an exciting way to get creative in any space. Can’t you just imagine their effect in a grand bathroom, an entry hall or hotel lobby? They just demand a certain attention or admiration, as they truly are pieces of art. And depending on how you put them together, the design possibilities are endless and highly customizable.

Sunlight Residence is a Proto Homes project.

You just finished redecorating/decorating your new bathroom and have no idea what the new trends in bathroom accessories are?

Well, here is a HINT! Just take a peak at these awesome pieces that could complete your bathroom design and add a perfect and must needed touch of modern to your new bathroom. I can ensure you that your guests will come over and over again just to be able to visit your bathroom, don’t be scared they did not get a cold – as they need to go to the little girl’s room or boy’s room that often -, they just want to get inspired by your new bathroom addition.

A shelf, a brush holder, a glass and a soap dish are just the things you need to infuse some personal style into your bathroom. Choose from chic designs, like the popular birdie theme done in white and gold, or the swirl and graphic motifs finished in white and silver. The look is trendy but timeless, and one you’ll enjoy for years to come. The design is property of Fap Ceramiche

If you want to design or fundamentally change your existing bathroom, there are a number of factors that you need to take into account. When drawing up the best plan for you, consider everything mentioned below very carefully and you will find that you will be better able to make some very informed decisions:

First of all, your bathroom is usually one of the smallest rooms in the house. However, it is also one of the most used and it is always exposed to a lot of moisture. These factors are very important when it comes to choosing the kinds of materials that you need or the ultimate design and layout. Taking some time to plan well is important as you may end up spending more in the long run. Installing wall to wall carpeting is common in colder countries, but generally they don’t last long. Installing underfloor heating and tile flooring will be cozy and last a lifetime. It may cost a bit more initially, but will save in the long run.

Let’s take a look at the mechanics of your bathroom. Where are the existing pipes and water outlets? Are they located within one wall, under the floor, or elsewhere? If you are redesigning the layout of your bathroom and/or you are also working on a limited budget, it is important to be very aware of this information so that you can decide exactly how and where you would fit the bath, sink, and/or toilet bowl. Do your ideas conform to what there is, or do you need to make any radical changes to the plumbing to make them work? Do you need to redirect or add any pipes? If so, how much would it cost and how practical would this be?

What about the electrical points in the bathroom? Are you planning on changing the lighting or how the heating system works? Remember that electrical work also costs money, so you should make sure to factor this into your budget.

Which materials are you thinking of using?
Certain materials are more amenable to use in close proximity to water, such as:
- Fiberglass for the bathtub and sink
- Resilient vinyl flooring
- Enamel gloss paint for the walls
- Waterproof area rugs – You can get great oval rugs made from polypropylene or acrylic
Remember that certain materials are more prone to mildew and staining, and this should therefore be checked out before you make your final decision.

Do you have to apply for building or planning permission? This is a vital question that must be investigated before you start changing anything. You don’t want to start work and then find that it all has to be torn down again.

Once you have all of this information, start to think about what you are hoping to change in your bathroom. Do you want a different color scheme? Are there new features that you are hoping to add, such as a vertical shower cubicle or a vanity sink? Do they fit into your budget and the practical scheme of things?

Don’t forget the various accessories that you need in the bathroom for your own comfort. These include storage cupboards, new area rugs, towel rails, and toilet paper holders. You may want to add mirrors and a ventilator fan to this list. Take a look at how you can fit all of these into your design tastefully, without overloading the complete look. Browse some style magazines for ideas.

Once you have taken all of the above into consideration, you should be able to design a beautiful bathroom.

Living near an ocean will make the components of a nautical theme a lot easier to find, but even craft stores in landlocked regions typically carry some ocean-themed items.

Here are some ideas for easy oceanic decorations.

For a child’s bedroom, or for a really big impact, buy a fishing net at an athletic or outdoor sports store. Suspend the net from the ceiling, or hang against one wall. If used in a child’s room, a net like this makes a great place to put stuffed animals, balls or other toys. Revolving night lights that cast fish- or shell-shaped images on walls or ceiling are another good addition to a nautical theme in a child’s room. And don’t forget to add fish-shaped area rugs or floor coverings in ocean colors, such as blue rugs and green rugs.

A quick and easy way to update a room is with wallpaper borders. All kinds of nautical themes are available, from seascapes to seashells, seahorses to boats at sea. Decorators with some artistic ability may want to try stenciling seashells, fish or other aquatic creatures on door frames, walls or even lampshades with a stencil from a craft store.

Shell-shaped dishes can hold soap in bathroom or kitchen, or they can hold treats for guests in the living room. For the “wet” rooms, get mini soaps shaped like shells or liquid soap containers bearing shells, fish, boats or other nautical symbols.

For those who’d like to create their own room accessories, consider filling a clear glass bowl with some sand and seashells, both available from a craft store. Shells also make an excellent display inside a shadow box, particularly if you can find one that looks like driftwood found on a beach. Another way to use seashells is to glue them to picture frames or to create other wall art with them. This can make a great family project for summer. The shells can be attached with white glue or with a hot glue gun – under adult supervision, of course.

A spool lighthouse makes for an interesting craft. It is often used for Christmas decorations but it can also serve as a tabletop or shelf display. To make a spool lighthouse, you will need

• Empty thread cone spools
• Model car paints
• The spout from a bottle of liquid dish soap or a used water bottle
• A small piece of craft foam, cardboard or felt.
• If you’d like to use these are Christmas decorations, add a plastic Christmas flower or leaf.

Instructions:

• Paint stripes on the spools in any desired pattern. You can either use Christmas colors for holiday decorations, or you can use colors that match the décor of your home.
• Using model car paints, paint the bottle spout cap in any shade that matches the lighthouse.
• Paint the center of the cap bright yellow to represent the light in the lighthouse.
• Paint the bottom of the cap black, and then add small vertical lines. This represents the walkway around the lighthouse’s top. Other architectural features, such as doors and windows, also can be added.

Trace around the lighthouse bottom on “fun” foam, cardboard or felt to make a cushion for the lighthouse. Cut out the tracing and glue it to the bottom. If using the lighthouse as a Christmas decoration, now’s the time to add holiday flowers, leaves or other seasonal embellishments. Your nautical decoration is ready to spread its joy of the season.

Belgian architectural firm dmvAdesigned ‘blob VB3′, a mobile unit for the office of xfactoragencies as an extension to the ‘house’.

The  space – egg house consists of a bathroom, kitchen, lighting, a bed and several niches for storage. The nose can be opened automatically and functions as a kind of porch. It easily transportable and can also be used as an office, guestroom or garden house.

Polyester was the primarily material used in construction of the ‘blob VB3′.

The blob can be opened the front and side as you can see in the above pictures.

Project info: blob VB3
Design: dmvA
Principal: rini van beek/ xfactoragencies
Team: david driesen, tom verschueren, thomas denturck
Location: anywhere/ mobile
General contractor: AD&S thomas denturck
Constructional engineer: AD&S
Built area: 20 m2
Completion 2009

Flux Collection by Lasa Idea

With the trend of bathroom furniture at an all-time high, Italian company Lasa Idea has released its fabulous new 2009 Flux collection, live and in vivid color! These fabulous bathroom furniture sets come in a range of hot hues like spring green, deep red, royal purple, black, white, and even a wood finish to suit your traditional tastes. But who says you have to settle for just one? Mix and match these various modular elements to bring your dream bathroom to life. Whether displayed in groups or individually, these rounded wall-mounted and floor cabinets, cupboards, mirrors and shelves not only look great, they also offer lots of storage options to achieve a clean, contemporary look. But regardless of whether you’re going for simple minimalist elegance or elaborate fashionable funk, this modern bathroom furniture collection has got you covered.

Tantante White Flower Decor is by Fratelli Branchetti

Fresh, floral modern bathroom furniture … the Tantante White Flower Decor is by Fratelli Branchetti. These exquisite cabinets, vanities and wall-mounted storage units are part of the Tanteante Decor collection. Perfect for modern living, the White Flower collection lets us get back to nature without even stepping outside. Bold, real flower motifs made the units come alive… yet the focus on white makes sure the look stays subtle and sophisticated. The overall feeling is unquestionably feminine, but has a powerful look the man of the house can’t possibly object to. Fratelli Branchetti celebrates the joy of nature with this elegant bathroom furniture range.

Although a major bathroom renovation will dig deep into your pocket book, there are many smaller changes you can make over the course of one weekend that can literally transform your humdrum bathroom into a luxurious retreat.

Paint

Paint, by far, is the quickest means to change a space in your home.  As bathrooms tend to be small, it is simple to put on a few coats of a new color and alter the way your room looks.  Do not stop the changes you are making to your walls at just paint.  If you are a fan of country decorating, consider putting up wainscoting along the walls and only painting the top portion a deep, dark color.  Paint the wainscoting a contrasting color or a clean, stark white.  The contrast can be stunning, and it will give your bathroom a completely new look.

Shower Curtains

Considering that you spend a lot of time looking at your drab shower curtain, changing it for a new one can add a breath of fresh air to your bathroom.  There are many varieties of shower curtains, including starched cotton, waterproof silks, linen, or vinyl.  Choose one that best suits your lifestyle, and don’t forget to add some funky shower curtain holders.  They are much more eye catching than regular plastic shower curtain holders.

Tile, linoleum and rugs

Most bathrooms have linoleum or tile on the floor, but you can still provide yourself with an eye-catching accent by adding an area rug to your bathroom.  Depending on what you’d like to achieve, you can purchase a luxurious white cotton area rug to sink your toes into after a warm bath.  If the rug is more about performing a function, such as giving you a way to avoid slipping after getting out of the shower, consider a natural fiber area rug such as sisal or jute.

Mirror

If you are like most homeowners, your bathroom mirror is a simple mirror that takes up the entire space over your vanity.  Replacing your current mirror with a framed version can add an entire new dimension to your bathroom.  You can take your current mirror to a glass shop that will add a frame for you, or purchase a large functional mirror from a home store.

Functional accessories

Don’t forget about your towels when adding the finishing touches to your weekend renovation.  There is nothing that will take away from your overall polished look more than a set of old worn towels.  Luxurious hand towels, bath sheets, and face cloths in thick Egyptian cotton may cost you a pretty penny, but they last much longer and are a fantastic way to engulf yourself in comfort after a long bath.

Small accessories such as soap, hand cream, and a bouquet of flowers will complete your weekend bathroom renovation.  Once you’ve added these small touches, run yourself a hot bath and relax in the luxury of your brand new bathroom.

SHH took on the Kensington House project with a commission to create a complete interiors scheme for the six storey, 1,114 sq m house. The new-build property is a contemporary take on a Georgian terrace house, set within a classic west London square. The property is comprised of a very generously proportioned reception room, large formal dining room, family room, cinema and pool room, all located on the lower 3 floors. The entire first floor is occupied by the master suite, with the remaining two floors taken up by 5 further bedrooms and en suite bathrooms.

The client’s brief was simple. The house had to suit the needs of an international couple with a large family. As for the look? ‘Cream, off-white and funky’.

The house is entered at upper ground level, which consists of a double volume entrance foyer, a free-floating staircase and the principal reception room. A centrally-located double door ushers visitors into the 66 sq m reception room. The front part of the room is to be used as the formal area and has been treated in a more prescribed manner, whilst the garden side of the room has a less formal feel. The garden is reached via the main staircase and is comprised of a passage leading into the family room at the back and the dining room at the front, both of which can be accessed through the centrally located internal kitchen. The family room is comfortable, warm and airy, decorated using soft creams and natural shades. The dining room, with it`s formal proportions, uses a minimalist Italian table and chairs from Minotti to great effect against the spectacular backdrop of a cross-combed polished plaster fire breast. The jewel in the room is the Hellbob light, designed by Ruhl Haagmans.