KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

Five more remodelling tips...

Hayley Fenn, UK head of Granite Transformations, offers some great ideas on remodelling projects...

"The latest home improvement report from Barclays indicates that over half (53%) of UK homeowners would choose to remodel their existing properties, rather than move to a new house. The most desirable home improvement is a designer kitchen, with an en suite bathroom also high on the wish list. Remodelling homes is my business, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, so here are five more affordable tips, which will enable those considering remodeling, to enhance their living spaces and adding value to their property.

Add an en suite - demand for en suite facilities is on the rise, so they could turn an adjoining room or under-utilised space into a walk-in bathroom adjacent to a bedroom. Slimline agglomerate granite, quartz, recycled glass or porcelain water-repellent finishes and modern space-saving suites will facilitate remodelling even a compact room, with large floor tiles visually linking the adjoining areas.

Explore magical mosaics - modern tile laying systems mean that genuine Italian glass mosaics are quicker and easier to fit, adding an unmistakable touch of luxury in the kitchen, bathroom or dining room. There is a wide choice, from classic subway styles, mix'n'match 'mosaics on a mattress', to exclusive designer patterns, even stained glass effects, all non-porous, wipe clean, durable and beautifully textured. There's even the option of a custom mosaic design.

Island style has the 'wow' factor - in the kitchen or as a room divider in a kitchen-diner, a standalone island unit offers extra storage and casual dining. The island countertop, with down-to-the-floor waterfall ends, can either show off the main worktop finish or add a splash of colour with a contrasting, bold finish. A 'dining island', with cantilevered top and stylish stools, helps focus the kitchen area as the hub of the home and family living generally.

Pimp a downstairs loo - a humble downstairs loo or closet can be transformed into an eyecatching visitor cloakroom, wowing guests... just let the creativity run wild. Quality glass mosaic wallpaper can add drama, especially with downlighters picking out reflective highlights, while lighter agglomerate floor tiles help create an illusion of space. Modern corner sinks and close-coupled WCs maximise the use of floorspace, while presenting a clean, clinical look.

What a shower - there's definitely a trend toward bigger, better showers, such as walk-in enclosures, double showers for convivial use, even complete wetrooms. Modern, water-resistant and virtually seamless shower liners, floor-to-ceiling wall cladding and feature floor tiles are all options in the makeover palette, together with large glass panels and shower enclosures, china and acrylic base trays, and modern user-friendly fixtures such as hydromassage columns.

Perhaps the best thing about my remodelling tips is that they can be mostly carried out within existing room layouts, without re-siting the plumbing and electrical connections, and by simply overlaying the worktops, tiles and bathroom surfaces that are to be replaced.

That means less ripping out, less dust and debris, and less household disruption.

If I tell you also that most of our finishes are eco-friendly, made from recycled materials, then you'll be happy that you won't be damaging the environment or contributing to unwanted landfill."

T: 0800 044 5393
W: www.granitetransformations.co.uk

3rd June 2016