Scandanavian Style Bathrooms

We recently across a lovely blog called My Scandinavian Home run by Niki. She sources and posts an array of inspiring images of the home. What attracted our attention initially was the unique way in which accessories pull a bathroom design together. For instance the image to the right is a very neutral space; white suite, grey floor and pale walls. The individual details are what personalise this room. The mirror is quite large, possibly intended to create the illusion of more space and the art can be said to contrast with the simplicity with its surroundings [source via Plante Deco]

We like the minimal oval shape bath which and basin on a pedestal... the mixing of modern and old is a look that we feel works quite well.

The image to the left presents a very different look. It appears that the bath is constructed entirely out of stone which recaptures the beauty of sculpting out of natural materials... just like the marble sculptors of Greece used to. To us, this design is quite rustic but we love the contrast of the chrome taps against the weathered stone bath. This is another instance of mixing old with new; the juxtaposition of the two creates a look which is both on trend and quite unique. To the right is the basin from the same bathroom. [source]

Roman Elements: an ancient history.

Roman, at the tender age of sixteen, first started as an apprentice for a furniture-fitting company. As well as making, for instance, the kitchen units, wardrobes, bars and doors, he would also fit the products in both domestic and commercial settings. After six years of working for numerous furniture manufacturers, Roman went self-employed as a kitchen and bedroom fitter. His customers would regularly ask him to tile as well as fit furniture. Slowly but surely tiling became the forefront of the business, and at one time there were thirty employees on the books.

Roman’s portfolio of work varies considerably. From a Burger King on Oxford Street, and at least one in every other city in the country, to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in Liverpool. He has worked nationwide, travelling from Aberdeen to Southern Ireland and has worked in an array of celebrity’s homes including Take That’s Gary Barlow, the Duke of Westminster, footballer Danny Murphy, the late Gary Speed, Andy McCluskey of OMD and the Warburton bread family. Big businesses have also employed Roman to carry out work for them such as Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Morrisons supermarket and O’Neills Irish Pubs. 

Roman has fixed tiles in excess of 1,000 homes for Mytton Developments and has also fitted for Gower Homes and Watkin Jones. In addition, Roman was involved in the founding of the Fired Earth Guild of Installers. 

It wasn’t long before a selection of Interior Designers saw potential in Roman to implement their creative concepts. His natural ability to think outside of the box and make a drawing on paper a physical reality enabled him to establish strong relationships with companies such as Sisi Design, Lisa Keates, Geldard Roberts and Mark Gillette. Collaborations with designers allowed Roman Elements to branch out into the realm of bespoke bathrooms using natural products.

He now specialises in contemporary design. That is, clean lines, neutral colour schemes and high-tech lighting systems. Roman has put a remote controlled television into a shower cubicle, created glass paths, heated seats and installed built-in laundry chutes.

Every single space that Roman creates is unique. He works with his clients to ensure their needs are met, whether that be building an adapted bathroom, installing double sinks or simply informing them of each process every step of the way. 

Roman Elements pride themselves on outstanding customer service, attention to detail and the excellent finish on every job carried out.

Wet Rooms: A Guide

What is a wet room? Basically, a shower room without a tray and shower screen. They usually have an open, fully-tiled floor area and are perfect for rooms on the small side. However, we have occasionally advised our customers to consider having a shower screen if they have a smaller space, to prevent everything getting sprayed. 
The shower area is tanked out behind the tiles and there is no silicone; meaning, your room is waterproofed. 

What is good about them? They save you space, eliminating the need for a bath. They are also easier to clean due to the lack of shower screen and tray. Better still, if you opt for a wall hung toilet and basin, it will be even easier. The floor under your tiles will be better protected compared to if you had a 'standard' bathroom. In order to prevent any problems when using a wet room, care must taken with towels etc, to ensure they aren't sprayed. Heated towel rails would be a perfect solution to ensuring warm, dry towels every time. We can advise on which heated towel rails to have fitted too; dual- fuel rails run on your electricity in the summer and your central heating in the winter. This means, there is no wasted energy during the warmer months. Wet rooms are not complete without the luxury of under-tile heating. Not only will your feet benefit but your tiles will dry more rapidly. 

And an added bonus, if your wet room is to be installed in the second room of your house, it has potential to add value to the property. 

For more information call us on 

01978 846000 

or email
info@romanelements.co.uk

Images taken from www.housetohome.co.uk

Nature's gift: Terracotta Tiles

Terra Cotta – from the Italian meaning “baked earth". These beautiful tiles in shades of red and brown can bring a warm look to any floor in your home. It can also be combined with stone, wood or other materials. The limit is your imagination.

Terracotta is resistant to sunlight, maintaining its colour unchanged over the years, even in places of great exposure and it is resistant to shock and temperature changes.

The floor is easy to maintain, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove all dirt and use a care product such as “Lithofin Easy Care”. General household cleaners may be too aggressive and are likely to damage the sealants and finishes applied.

For most domestic floors it will be necessary to apply additional coats of wax from time to time. The frequency will be dictated by the wear the floor receives. If a build-up of wax becomes visible, reduce the frequency of waxing. Likewise, if the tiles are marking or look dull and dry, increase the frequency.

If the idea of a warm floor appeals, then consider the installation of under-tile heating. Radiant heating is extremely efficient and the lack of moving air can also be advantageous to people with severe allergies.

The tiles shown in the photograph are from Fired Earth. 

www.romanelements.co.uk

01978 846000