5 More Remodelling Tips
from Hayley Fenn, UK head of Granite Transformations
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 ensuite bathroom also high on the wish list. Remodelling homes is my business, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, so here are 5 more affordable tips for enhancing your living space and adding value to your property.
Add an ensuite – demand for ensuite facilities is on the rise, so you could turn an adjoining room or underutilised 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 enable 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 unmistakeable touch of luxury in the kitchen, bathroom or dining room. Choose classic subway styles, mix’n’match ‘mosaics on a mattress’, exclusive designer patterns, even stained glass effects, all non-porous, wipe clean, durable and beautifully textured. There’s even the option of your own custom mosaic design.
Go island style – 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 your 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 – you can transform a humble downstairs loo or closet into an eyecatching visitor cloakroom, wowing guests and letting your 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 your makeover palette, together with large glass panels and shower enclosures, china and acrylic base trays, and modern user-friendly fixtures like hydromassage columns.
Perhaps the best thing about my remodelling tips is that they can be mostly carried out within your existing room layouts, without re-siting the plumbing and electrical connections, and by simply overlaying the worktops, tiles and bathroom surfaces that you want to replace. 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. What’s more, our Granite Transformations showrooms have all the experts and installers to help plan your remodelling project and do all the work for you. Can’t be bad.
For your nearest showroom, visit www.granitetransformations.co.uk or ring our hotline on 0800 044 5393.