Wetrooms are the latest trend for en suites, shower rooms and even the main bathroom. Stylishly simple, they are the perfect antidotes to our ever-increasingly cluttered lives.
By Hayley Gilbert
London Grey tiles, Taylors
A true wetroom is just that – a completely watertight room simply furnished with a shower. There’s no conventional shower tray as such but a shower area, which is a continuation of the floor.
London Grey waxed 30cm x 60cm tiles, around £112 per sq m; mosaics, around £13 per 30cm x 30cm sheet, Taylors Etc
In Italy, a wetroom is defined by a door or screen whereas here in the UK we tend to have a more open area, which is fully clad in a waterproof material. The room can be as small or as spacious as you like and you can also incorporate a basin and loo to make the most of the space.
Adding a second shower room or en suite is usually going to add value to a property or at the very least, make it more appealing to prospective buyers in a competitive market. Wetrooms in particular have a perceived high-value status due to their association with luxury spa hotels and this is considered a bonus to a property’s re-sale value. Be wary of completely converting the main bathroom in a family home though, as any future buyers will expect a family bath.
If you are making any structural alterations or planning to change the drainage system, check with your local planning department and building regulations officer first to avoid problems later.
Colourwash tiles
Making the room watertight is the most important element of creating a wetroom so you’ll need to choose the right materials for walls and floor. Most people tile their walls – mosaics and large format tiles are currently popular – while others use waterproof panels from the likes of Norske Interiors.
Ceramic ribbed Tatami shower tray, £1,086; Bisazza mosaic tiles, from £135 per sq m, Colourwash
‘Glass mosaic tiles are particularly popular at the moment,’ says Caroline Gow, Fired Earth’s Tile Category Manager. ‘Another trend is for tiles from the same range to be used on bathroom walls and floors. Fired Earth’s Terrano and Moderna porcelain tiles and Architectural glass tiles come in several sizes and complementary finishes that can be combined to create a wet room effect.’
Design Ideas For Contemporary Bathrooms
How To Choose A Bathroom Suite
How To Find The Perfect Bath
Choose A Bath Here
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