Planning Our New Bathroom: Design, Budget & Cost-Saving Ideas!

[@lindakirk698]

You have a phenomenally unbelievable amount of upheaval coming with this work , on top of moving & coping with cancer. We are strong, & it was diffucult for us & my cancer surgery was far worse than Mikes. Doing the work yoursel while looking after a sick patient will be extremely hard! More costly but much easier to get someone to do it!!

[@cheryllifeat50]

I'm a tough lass 😁The cancer is a set back for him in terms of getting stuck in but I'm strong enough for the two of us - however - the point of the move was to be close to family and we will be surrounded by an army of helpers 😍❤️so I'm not alone. We now have a good network of tradesman and are ready to go 😃❤️❤️xx

[@alisons7301]

Just want to comment that I think it is well worth having a hand shower as well as a rain fall shower. We have both and I really wouldn't be without the hand held one, it is very useful for rinsing all around when you are cleaning too😊.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Alison 😍 Agree, I also colour my hair so hand held a must for me. Just need to decide if I'm getting it attached the shower or the mixer tap ❤️❤️❤️

[@alisons7301]

I would personally recommend it on the bath mixer tap, so if you want to use it when you are actually having a bath then you dont have to stand up.

[@cheryllifeat50]

@@alisons7301 gotcha, makes sense ❤❤

[@melodyharris7455]

I’m a domestic cleaner in a very hard water area, 28 years experience and I’d go lighter tiles, no ridges, normal bath, the feet ones get filthy underneath, I’d go Crome as the brushed brass goes green and you have to be very careful what cleaning products you use, vinyl or tiled flooring. Black taps etc even worse. Shower door the plain ones are easier to clean the fancy ones don’t stay fancy long. X

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Melody, thank you so much for this, its really helpful, I've not had brass before so this is so useful, I really feel the love of chrome coming back to me after this. Dont like the black taps so thats easy choice and again with shower screen thank you, hubby said same actually 😃 really appreciate this, its set my mind straight on brass and normal bath, must say as much as I loved the clawed feet bath in our old family home we used to get eight legged visitors set up home under the bath 😬😬😬🤣. eek. Stick with me - i need you! The house is in need of deep deep clean and product choice would be so helpful as hubby will be having surgery when we move 🫤❤️❤️ xxx

[@shelleykent5392]

No to the carpet. Like the more inexpensive options. I think the rectangular sink goes well with the cheaper bathtub. Have fun designing!

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Shelley 😍 Everyones adamant about the carpet so I think its going to be vinyl then 🤣❤️❤️❤️

[@shortymalloy8027]

Thank you for sharing. It is all very exciting

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thank you lovely, hopefully it will all come together 😍❤️❤️

[@edithlyman1823]

Hi I think you should consider a walk in shower with no step as long term it’s easier to manage when mobility issues are there.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Edith. Thank you ❤️ We are looking at maybe a shower room downstairs if we can squeeze one in 😃❤️❤️

[@moiracallaghan145]

Maybe look at a plain half tile and a wallpaper or patterned blinds - they will be easier and cheaper to replace if you get fed up with them. You can create the art deco look that way and with accessories. I don't remember exactly but I think someone once told me brass shows water stains more than chrome. Fittings inside the wall look very sleek but presumably would be more difficult to repair/replace if the need arose. Am sure it will look great whatever you choose. You could also use a temporary wallpaper similar to the tile you are thinking of so you would get an idea before you commit to the tiles. Good luck and really looking forward to seeing the finished bathroom.

[@dianepetro6180]

I liked the tile in the bathtub photo. I liked the pattern and the different colors. I bet it comes in green shades. I also like the glossy green ones also. go with the heated tile bar if it works into the budget. No carpet.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Diane ❤️ You're all saying no the carpet 😂 We thought might stop slippage, also, theres no loo in there so would stay clean. Nice bathroom carpet? 😃 Im on the hunt for some more tile choices, Mike didnt like any of them 🫤🤣❤️❤️

[@lindakirk698]

Plainer tiles are easier to find & replace if you have to re configure. Put the lush in your wallpaper/blinds/accessorie/paint. Yes go chrime! Much easier to keep clean & stay looking nice longer. Yes need a small hand shower head on taps No carpet! Plenty of nice flooring & add luxury mat! That one cupboard will not be enough, so you will need to match it! Allow more space at the side of the sink than you think! My daughter having to change hers like the rectangle one you show. You will have a shock at plumber prices!! I say do kitchen first then see whats left for bathroom. I spent £8000 on our ensuite & £18000 on the kitchen. Been here just 7 yrs. Before that we did a mini revamp on our very small bathroom (6 x 6 ft) with no new tiles & it was £3000.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hiya, yes will go with chrome, more choice too, Im looking at the kitchen design today, really difficult with us not being in the place yet, feels hard to visualise it. Got my my crayons out to draw it all 🤣 We done loads of renovation projects over the years but this one will be the last one. It is so expensive its ridiculous, we spent 70k on one house, it was beautiful though when we finished. Different now as theres no kids to think about, just us two. ❤️❤️ x

[@jilltibbett3993]

Have you had a look at the many U tube ‘Bathroom Mistakes’ videos?

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Jill, no but I will do now thank you, Ive watched a load of 'how to videos' ready to get stuck in ❤️❤️

[@mozit8063]

Hi Cheryl. Re the bathroom tiles, I loved the green and the brick affect. Beautiful bathrooms. Yes a small toilet or bathroom doesnt have to be cream etc. I did mine in Burgundy paper with a gold and dark pink kinda flower and a Burgundy tarten blind with a point and a gold tassel. I loved it. I then changed it to a cream and gold look. Both were lovely. You have good taste , so Im sure you will decide on the best one for you. It is strange to make the smallest room the most striking xx

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Mozi ❤️ oh now I love burgundy! What a lush colour especially with gold, youve got me going again now 😍😂 I think my memories of my old bathroom in the family home we had keep coming back to me, I called it my happy place and made it so lovely. Gosh this bathroom is such a small one, the smallest Ive ever had so I kinda want it to be as good as it can be. xxx

[@michelehewitt9678]

I would take the carpet out of the bathroom and put some lilo downor some tiles

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Michele, Thank you 😊💕 I think it vinyl down currently but not in a good state so all needs taking out. I would love tiles but the floor would need sorting as its currently uneven wooden floorboards ❤️❤️

[@alisonbennett8951]

I really like the gold fixtures Cheryl, gold and brass are definitely back in at the minute. The only things I would say about the freestanding bath is that we moved into our house last year and it has a wobbly freestanding bath because the floor isn’t completely level so one of the legs isn’t quite touching the floor. Good job I’m not a bath person. We also have a rainfall shower and the nozzle can be tilted slightly so you don’t have to get your hair wet every time you shower!! X

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Alison 😍 Thats a point, its wooden floorboards so they are likely to be uneven and creaky. Hmm I think the standard bath might be the way to go. xxx

[@ElaineHolmes-x5o]

Hi my nephew did us some new steps at the doors and it was done in resin .😄

[@cheryllifeat50]

Oh we've heard of that. Mike is going to look into it. Thanks Elaine ❤️❤️❤️

[@alisonday89]

❤ Love your bathroom choices .I just got my keys to my flat last week. No luxury for me as council rules I ca t ha e a shower installed till I've been a tenant for 12 months. That's rough esp in the summer. X

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hiya Alison, Thank you ❤️ Exciting news on your flat though. Hope all goes well 😍😃❤️

[@RyanPorter-yv4wd]

Check out urban tiles as well they had the tile for 20 per m2

[@cheryllifeat50]

OOh Thanks Ryan, will do ! 😃❤️

[@joythorp4688]

Prefer the bath on the picture with the most expensive tiles and I think those glossy green taller tiles would go perfectly. Xx

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Joy, 😍 That is a rather plush bath isn't it! I really fancy green for the luxury of it, just not sure that small bathroom can take it. xxxx

[@joythorp4688]

@@cheryllifeat50 our bathroom is fairly small, the tiles are those big ones and all bar one wall is tiled we have a slightly different shade on the floor, hard to describe the colour, how do I send you a picture? Also have a vanity under the sink. Xxx

[@cheryllifeat50]

@@joythorp4688 Not sure you can put pics on here but I can be contacted on my email [e-mail] xxx

[@vivienne7271]

Ooo no to carpet. I like the green pattern tiles on pic 1 and the green unit also like the brass taps. We updated our small bathroom in 2 yrs ago. Umd and ard wether to have a bath with shower or just shower. We had shower over bath because we like having a bath. We had dark grey gloss units . Nice Wall to wall tiles with central feature. It looked beautiful. I HATE IT. Its a such a ball ache to keep it looking clean in a small space. I wish we had just the big shower and a sink and loo with clean lines. Oh and Cheryl a couple of tips. Don't scrimp on the cost of an extractor fan. Get a decent one £100+. Cheap ones are a waste of money and are not big or powerful enough to do a proper job. If you get cabinets they are only fibre board. So if your bathroom gets steamed up for any length of time on a regular basis. The edges swell up and take in the moisture. Other than that enjoy your project

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hiya Vivienne. ❤️ I completely forgot about extractor fan!! Argh, Ill add it to my spreadsheet and look up costings. Oh no, you hate it? Aw no, thats my fear, maybe I should stick to simple plain tiles. 😬 My current bathroom is really simple and works well. Sigh... we do like our baths though. Helps mikes hips when they ache and I like a bubble pamper bath 😃❤️❤️❤️

[@coralsworld4327]

Hi Cheryl that's sounds really good having the utility lots of uses also toilet and if room maybe a shower just depends how much room you want for washing drying etc ,did you say you are putting the kitchen next door to the existing one I like that then you go onto the conservatory maybe for dining and you have your sitting room at the front , I have green in our bathroom I do like green I think like you say you have to pick something your happy with for a long time as not things you want to swap all the time you have good taste , we are just waiting on a date now 18th been mentioned but I'm not holding my breath we've been doing more packing won't be able to move round soon 😂 hope Mike's well 🙏 take care Cheryl ❤️❤️❤️😘 xxxxx

[@cheryllifeat50]

Ooh Coral, thats exciting ! Keeping everything crossed for you. So yes, big turn around on the layout, bigger kitchen and nice useful utility room. It means we wont have a best 'posh' room but this way it solves a lot of problems and gives us that downstairs loo. I really like green, I think it has a regency touch but I do have a very teeny bathroom so maybe a light green or sage even. Not the same though. I fancied a cosy 'royal' bathroom 🤣❤️❤️xxxxxx

[@coralsworld4327]

@@cheryllifeat50 ❤️❤️😘

[@Madeleine-h1c]

why not have the fluted shower screen to make up for not having the fluted tiles? I would go for plain neutral tiles and perhaps a more heavily patterned lino floor which is easier to swap if you get sick of it. - definitely not carpet! My personal preference for hardware in a bathroom is always chrome because it is less likely to date. Bring in your favoured green through the wallpaper or wall covering as well as your blind and your towels etc. I think there are things you can save on which will allow you to splurge on others.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Madeleine, I love this comment, it makes sense, fantastic advice, thank you so much 😃😍❤️❤️

[@Summerrose400]

It’s worth having the additional hand shower as you will need it to wash down soap from the shower screen and generally rinse cleaning products from the bath? Also will your husband be able to cock his leg over a bath rim? My mum could last year but not now due to arthritis in her knees. We now have to book hotels room with a walk in shower if we go away, just a thought as it will be very expensive to change from a new bath into a walk in. Everything from new tiles, showers etc would also need to change. This can be avoided if you can squeeze a second shower maybe in the down stairs loo as that room looks quite generous?

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Summer ❤️ Shower downstairs might be an idea. Hes fine with our current bath and likes a soak when his hips ache. I am thinking it through again though, long term 🫤❤️❤️❤️

[@marisayoung8670]

Forget the claw bath, such a safety issue for everyone! It’s just not practical. The green tile is too much pattern, will be a nightmare to clean, go with something more neutral. Just my thoughts Cheryl. It’s good to think of reselling when renovating even if you don’t have this in mind. Best wishes. 🎉

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Marisa, yes Mike keeps saying same about resale and being mindful of that even though we think this is our last move... never say never, great advice, thank you lovely 😍❤️❤️

[@doreenjackson7287]

May be a shower in your utility room/ toilet, getting in and out of the bath may become a problem, if this is your forever home . Price up both bathrooms ,you may get a better ideas on price, and what luxury to add or take away .so difficult and you can get overwhelmed with everything. Take care best of luck with everything , you have a lot to consider. Love to you both .

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thank you so much Doreen, yes we may need to rethink the bath although Mike really likes a relaxing bath. If we can squeeze a shower into the utility room that would be great. Ooh I do get overwhelmed, theres so much to think about, just cant wait to get in there and get started ❤️❤️xx

[@doreenjackson7287]

@@cheryllifeat50 Take care it is exciting and great choosing, you will get there in the end. Enjoy ♥️

[@valeriemearns3367]

Nice ideas but my head is busy thinking about the cost of ripping out and disposal of old bathroom, replastering walls ( if necessary ) and replacing possible old chipboard flooring etc ...🤯🤣

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hiya Valerie, It's floorboards underneath I think. Going to need a skip! 😬 Mike used to be a plasterer in his young days but with his tremor he'd end up covered in it! I'm not sure I could do it but I definitely give it a go 😂😃😂❤️❤️

[@yvonnecoogan8287]

Personally I would spend the extra £1000 if you can and have what you want, you only want to do this once and not regret not having your dream bathroom. £1000 spread over the next 10 years or so is nothing in the big overall cost. Good luck x

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Yvonne, I like your thinking, would be nice to have a lush bathroom xxxx

[@GillianKempster-u5d]

Hi Cheryl and Mike. I think the green shiny tiles are beautiful, and would look stunning with the brass. If you want your bathroom to look warm then I would consider those tiles. Lighter brighter tiles I feel would give a colder look. I also like all the brass showing in the shower not hidden in the wall. Hand held is good as sometimes just need a shower not washing hair. As your bathroom is quite small, I think you could do your own vanity unit and make it really beautiful and fun as you say. I wouldn’t have carpet as getting out of bath with wet feet would eventually wear it unless you have bath rugs which defeats the object of carpet if you know what I mean. there are some beautiful floorings and beautiful bath rugs as an option. Heated towel rai, just make sure it’s wide enough to take bath sheets, a mistake I made getting a narrow one 🙈. So glad you’ve made a decision re kitchen and utility. Great decision. Green and brass together stunning. If you can, I would absolutely go with brushed brass, very classy and elegant. Xxxx. Pps, have a look at panels. Definitely cheaper and very stylish. I have sparkly ones with white and black as my bathroom is very very tiny. Good luck xx

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Gillian, are they like giant tiles? Think Ive seen a few, Ill have a shop around. We were thinking carpet to avoid slipping, I fell once and broke the loo as I landed on it 😬. I would like a go at a DIY vanity unit, just worried I might make a mess of it 😂 I have a towel radiator in our current bathroom and yep its too narrow for bath towels. I think the floor underneath is floor boards so its a bit uneven.❤️❤️

[@valeriehart3077]

Go for the lush option Cheryl, you both deserve it. Also consider putting a shower in the utility room, you might not always be able to climb over a bath.

[@essanjay8604]

Good point. I've got problems with my hip currently and that's precisely the problem I'm having!

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Valerie, love your thinking ❤️😍 Will probably chat the bath through with Mike, he does like a bath but it might not be the way to go long term ❤️❤️

[@cheryllifeat50]

Ouch, hope you are ok. Mikes hips aren't good but he may end up with a hip replacement ❤️

[@jeanettedickinson3446]

Go brass if thats what you want or you will regret it, no to carpet, tiles go Light colour not dark green dark shows all the water marks. Where are you moving to?

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Jeanette ❤️ Were moving from North Yorkshire to East Riding close to Hull. Had a few say no to carpet, was thinking less slippage but I can see what you mean. Mike looked through and said he didnt like any of my tile choices ! 🤣 So thats that then 🤣 back to browsing online ❤️❤️

[@janping5247]

I would have the normal bath. Chrome throughout. Brass soon tarnishes and you will be left with an awful effect.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Thanks Jan, I've heard a lot about the brass issue on this video so I am now thinking yup chrome to go! 😃❤️❤️

[@Gingerrogers124]

I think coloured bathroom soon look dated and you will get fed up with it sooner rather than later ,and always remember shop about never pay for something that's expensive because you will get fed up with it before it's worn out .Definitely go to other bathroom specialists as VP is massively overpriced. Can I say if you are paying that much for tiles get a tiler in as they are the professionals. Do you live in a hard water area because that will soon tarnish brass taps? I really don't think you can beat Chrome.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hiya Ginger ❤️ Not sure about the water, probably hard as its yorkshire water and our is hard in Scarborough, I have a constant fight with limescale! Yep, I'm on it with other bathroom places. Just collecting all the ideas from all of you guys then Ill be surfing the shops for some new prices. Mike looked at my choices of tiles and didnt like any of them 🤣 so thats that then 😂❤️❤️

[@doreenjackson7287]

Definitely no to carpet , have you considered the half wall panels and painting them , just tile the bath wall

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Doreen, I love wall panels - Ill miss our living room panels. We have considered them for the rest of the house. I had wall panels in a previous house but they had to be waxed every 6 months to keep them waterproof which was a bit of a nightmare 😬❤️❤️❤️

[@doreenjackson7287]

@@cheryllifeat50 you could paint with waterproof bathrooms paint you could do your vanity sink the same colour would look good and cheaper than tile , just an idea, can’t visualise the size of your bathroom , maybe it won’t take that kind of thing , do love the wall panels though , they looked good in your flat♥️

[@kylieharrison3782]

Cheaper bath, chrome throughout, light marble look porcelain tiles and light oak wall mounted vanity with drawers (so that it off the foor). I also liked the the boob shaped light fitting. Bring in the green with plants, towels and mat. Also clear crystal bottle with pumps for liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner etc. Keeping bathroom decor extremely simple, plain, traditional reeks of inherited wealth ie the upper echelon classes.

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hiya, I do like the marble effect, feels timeless I think. made me laugh out loud - boob light fitting 🤣🤣 never thought! But if I get it thats what I'll think every time I look at it, 😂 so funny. I would love plant but needs to be fake so I dont kill it. I like the crystal bottle idea! a LOT ! thank you, luxury look! thank you so much, love these ideas ❤️❤️❤️

[@julieadams6806]

Have you looked at the marine board panelling .We have it 10yrs and still like new easy to clean easy to fit and have you looked at IKEA bathroom and kitchens ,fantastic quality and a free planning service if you make a appointment you will be surprised ,

[@cheryllifeat50]

Ooh thank you Julie, Ill have a look today 😃❤️❤️

[@normabrooks2351]

Why not make this wet room no bath. As you get older getting in and out of bath even to shower can be a problem. Wehen re did our bathroom we had a bath and walk in shower - never used the bath sobwas a waste of money ❤

[@cheryllifeat50]

Hi Norma, thinking it through but we do love a bath, its good for hubby when his legs hurt he likes to soak in warm water and then shower before bed. We are considering a shower in the downstairs utility though for the future if the bath becomes difficult ❤️❤️❤️

[@Summerrose400]

Did I miss a bit? You are having your kitchen in the sitting room? And a utility in the existing kitchen ?Where is your sitting room going to be ? Yikes I wouldn’t go for carpet in a bathroom! Mould, smelly wet carpet.

[@cheryllifeat50]

🤣 yes weve been round in circles. So the front lounge will be our sitting area on a night and the back sitting room will be the kitchen and the kitchen will be a utility and wc 😍. Im thinking carpet to reduce chance of slipping, although Mike quite likes idea of soft bathroom carpet. ❤️❤️

[@doreenjackson7287]

@@Summerrose400 nice bath mats that you can wash and dry easily, carpet will be a nightmare

[@jilltibbett3993]

No carpet, Marks and probably others sell bath mats with non slip backs which give sufficient comfort underfoot in a small bathroom. I understand why you are doing this, it is exciting but exhausting making all these decisions but I would definitely opt for walk in shower clean lines practicality. There will be plenty of chances to express your personality in the other rooms.

[@cheryllifeat50]

@@jilltibbett3993 thanks Jill 😀 ❤️❤️