Bath & Shower


The world of bathroom design is constantly evolving and changing to meet the demands of homeowners. One of the most recent trends is the installation of wet rooms to create bathrooms that are elegant, stylish and practical. The use of wet rooms is especially suited to smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium. This is because by tanking a small bathroom it is possible to install space saving features like wall hung corner toilets and small sinks as well as being able to do away with the need for a shower enclosure.


Wet rooms are rooms in which the shower is level with the floor. This means that all of the water in the room is drained to one point through one plug hole. Some showers in wet rooms utilise elegant screens and shower heads that massage the body from a number of different angles. By using this type of design feature it is possible to create showers where style and comfort are a prerequisite, leaving the washer feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. For larger bathroom it is normally the practise to only tank the shower enclosure, this means that no loss of luxury is incurred but the overall style of the bathroom is enhanced.


As previously stated wet rooms are great if you want to install wall hung appliances. One of the benefits of this type appliance is that as they have no contact with the floor, cleaning is made much easier. All that is needed to give the bathroom a clean is to wipe a mop around; a process that takes no time at all in a wet room. It should be remembered however that wet rooms are most suited to second bathrooms, if you decide to convert your main bathroom you may in fact harm the value of your property. This is because most wet rooms do not have a bath, and most buyers want to see a bath in the primary bathroom.


If you have decided on a wet room design the installation is the next big issue. A poorly installed wet room can be disastrous for a house. This is because if leaks do occur it is likely that they will seep into the very core of the property, rotting timbers and support struts and in some cases leading to total instability of the home. To ensure this does not happen it is vitally important to use an expert installer who knows exactly how to handle the waterproof membrane and slope the floor in a way so no water collects in pools. Do not be tempted by cheap wet rooms, while they are sometimes expensive to buy and install, the price should act as an insurance of quality workmanship and materials.


Smaller bathrooms can benefit the most from wet room installation. This is especially true if you want to create a second bathroom with a shower. This is because by having a waterproof membrane throughout the room the need for a shower screen is negated, saving a great deal of space. In the industry, the installation of this membrane is labelled tanking and is a process that should be always carried out by a professional. The DIY approach is a possibility but as the effects of having faulty tanking can be so dangerous to properties, it is better to be safe than sorry and pay to have it installed expertly. This means researching fitters and suppliers, looking at their past work and assessing their costs to ensure you not only get a good deal, but also quality workmanship.


So for contemporary, stylish, easy to maintain and spacious bathrooms, the only option is to utilise wet rooms. While the cost may be slightly more than a regular shower, the space saved can be seen as a major benefit that will add value to your property in the long run.

The bathroom has come along way in the past one hundred years. Once just a basic tub set in front of the living room fire and filled with buckets of water, the bathing experience is now a luxury in almost every western home. Back then, a “bathroom” was something only the wealthy and privileged could afford to have in their house. It was this trend which lead to the mass production of bathroom products.

The Edwardian and Victorian styles of the time are still a popular choice today. They look exquisite in a villa or cottage bathroom, and never loose their appeal in terms of design.

Today, thanks to advanced plumbing and modern technology, the bathroom may well have evolved as far as it can. With luxury steam rooms and hydrotherapy baths, it’s difficult to imagine how bathrooms could get any more sophisticated. That said, the bathroom, like any room in the house, is ever changing in terms of design trends.

Here we look at the five most popular styles of bathroom designs. Traditional, Country, Shabby chic, Contemporary and Fantasy.

Traditional

The Traditional bathroom can mean either traditional in terms of Edwardian or Victorian style, or in respect to a standard white bathroom with basic sanitary ware and bath. Here, we’ll be looking at the style of bathroom design where it all started. The Edwardian bathroom.

Over the past decade, with the popularity of TV shows like Changing Rooms, the trend for old-fashioned bathrooms has seen a real upsurge. A rare gem of an old slipper bath or rusty traditional faucet may be found at a scrap yard or in a skip, but thankfully manufacturers are keeping up with demand with skillfully crafted traditional bathroom products.

Certain rooms only work in certain houses, so if you’re living in a modern high rise apartment the traditional bathroom isn’t going to work for you. If you have an old cottage or villa retreat this style of bathroom is one you should definitely consider.

Almost always, the bath is the centre piece attraction of the traditional bathroom. A free-standing roll-top or slipper bath sits proudly on a dark polished floor, and only if going for a traditional continental style bathroom will an inset or sunken tub hold appeal. Either a wall-mounted faucet or a free-standing one looks classy. Deep ridges and curved angles are what makes the traditional sanitary ware what it is – bold and masculine.

When decorating a traditional bathroom both soft tones and bold colours can work well. Strong tones of browns, maroons and greens give a nice warmth to the room, but be sure the bathroom is well lit, maybe with a lavish chandelier. With the right colours, antique gold can look better than chrome. Go for curtains, never blinds. If going for a vanity unit rather than a traditional basin and pedestal, choose an oak or cherry finish; or the white Cynk vanity unit is a good look with traditional baths and toilets.

One of the most appealing things about the traditional bathroom is clutter gives it more of a lived-in effect, thus enhancing the traditional look. Don’t be afraid to put plenty of pictures on the walls – black and white family portraits in gold frames are a good look. A chest of drawers or corner table with scented candles, aromatherapy oils or flowers will really bring the room to life. As a finishing touch an old style set of weighing scales, a large framed mirror or bulky traditional radiator will give the room that cozy old-fashioned feel.

Country

The country style bathroom is perhaps the easiest type of design to create, and like the traditional bathroom only really works well within the right house. The classic country look is best associated with floral wallpaper, high beams, basin frills and a bath canopy. Following the traditional design, cast iron baths and deep ridged sanitary ware are what gives the country bathroom its nostalgic look.

Check, floral or plaid curtains are preferred over roller blinds, and shutters, though rare in England, offer a great form of privacy as well as adding to the country effect. Wood plays a big part in this look, and almost all furniture works well in this setting, especially beech, maple, ash and oak vanity units and cabinets.

Either tiles or wooden floors can be used. Tiles should be a rustic colour, and can be used to create elaborate mosaics. Wooden floors should be varnished to match the furniture. Decorating may see a stenciled motif used as a border, and the technique of rubbing paint on the walls with a sponge gives the room that worn natural look.

Toilets with high level cisterns and pull chains are very rare these days, but a must have for the country bathroom, as are traditional taps for the bath and basin. Just about any kind of free-standing bath will suit the country bathroom. If wishing to have a shower a tiled walk-in shower is the advisable option with a curtain to conceal the area.

For the final touch add wicker baskets filled with pot pouri, wire basket shelves and stylish wall lamps.

Shabby Chic

“Shabby chic”, a relatively new phrase used to describe room designs, is an obscure blend of neglect and style. It is one of the most difficult bathroom designs to create, and it takes a bold decision to go for this bathroom style. It almost certainly achieves its full potential in a continental house, either a French chateau or old Spanish villa.

The absolute opposite of a fitted bathroom, the shabby chic look is a mismatch of styles and products. You can even do the unexpected, like put a put a refrigerator in the corner. Nothing is expected to match and pipework and plumbing are on show rather than concealed. This style is best suited to those who have inherited a bathroom and want to update it a little rather than fork out on a brand new bathroom suite.

The key to decoration is neutral tones with a few dark colors. For the walls choose a matte or flat wall paint. Pale golds and yellows work particularly well as does floral or check patterned wallpaper.

As with the country and traditional bathrooms, cast iron baths are a must. Either a roll-top or slipper bath will do, and although you don‘t want holes or rust, the more dilapidated it looks the better. Even consider running sandpaper over the paint work and claw feet. It’s always worth looking out for old fittings at antique shops and car boot sales.

Counter top basins are highly recommended in this setting, and the look out for extremely unusual decorated designs. Place it on a washstand or run-down vanity unit. Add unique ornaments and antique framed mirrors.

Modern

Modern bathrooms are all about what you do with the space you have. Within many bathrooms there is little room to work with, so making the most of the space is essential. This is why fitted bathroom suites are now so popular. Having bathroom furniture made to measure is one of the most practical design solutions when remodeling the bathroom.

How many of us have had a bathroom with a cluttered airing cupboard? With the modern bathroom there’s no need to cram your toiletries, towels and cleaning fluids around the boiler. With fitted vanity units, storage units and cabinets you‘ll have all the space you need.

When examining modern bathroom design, wall-hung furniture has to get a mention. White gloss will never go out of fashion, but more recently furniture finishes such as wenge, beech and maple have made a real emergence in popularity.

As well as the furniture, wall-hung sanitary ware is a great space-saving solution while giving the bathroom a contemporary feel. Also, concealed cistern units are a more eye-pleasing look than the standard close-coupled toilet.

Showerbaths are a great practical way of optimizing the space, so that you have the comfort of both bathing and showering. Walk-in showers are also very popular in the modern bathroom, and if buying a shower enclosure for the modern bathroom choose one with a chrome structure over white.

Chrome and stainless steel are the ultimate choice in the modern bathroom, and taps and bath mixers are available in a number of contemporary designs, rather than the traditional style faucets. Also, choose chrome towel rails over standard white radiators, as well as matching chrome accessories..

Don’t be afraid to decorate with bold colours when tiling or painting, getting the contrast right with the chrome and the gloss. If using curtains be subtle with the designs and colours, but preferably go for stylish roller blinds.

Fantasy

Daring to be anything more than conventional, the fantasy bathroom design lets you be truly innovative with your fantasies and tastes. With the emphasis on futuristic, this style of bathroom is the antithesis of the traditionalist.

The fantasy design is ideally exclusive to only larger bathrooms, as with all futuristic interior design large open spaces are what brings the room together. Steam cabins and whirpool baths are the ideal choice for showering and bathing. Or combine the two will a well designed bath screen and a glass shower panel. Because of their minimal effect, Walk-in showers also work well with modern tiling, chrome shower fixtures and classy shower lighting.

For the sanitary ware go with wall-hung or standard close-coupled toilet and basin with pedestal with acute angles and a contemporary design. Abstract towel rails and wenge wall-hung furniture fit well in the fantasy bathroom, giving it that calm almost surreal look.

The ultimate luxury in a fantasy bathroom would have to be a waterproof TV. You could even think of doubling the bathroom up as gym, complete with exercise bike and rowing machine.

Ornaments should be unobtrusive, so choose things like small piles of pebbles and modern wall prints over candles and nick-nacks.

During your bath remodeling, there are a range of items you may want to consider to make your bathroom a more enjoyable part of your home. Of course, it also depends on how much money you want to spend. This article will discuss some of the things that you can do to raise the quality of your bathroom.

You need to remove outmoded borders, wallpaper and other types of wall covering. You can easily remove all these outdated materials with the help of a heating gun. Wallpaper is currently out of style so it would be a good idea to replace it with some neutral paint.

Also if you damage any of the drywall when you remove the wallpaper, be sure to use spackling to repair it and smooth out the surface. Color always plays a vital role to raise the quality of your bathroom and brings a new look. Always use neutral shades, when you are doing your bath remodeling.

One of the least expensive part of bath remodeling is lighting.  Lighting is very important because the right lighting can make your bathroom feel warm and also make you look your best.  One of the most popular lighting today is Brushed Nickel Bathroom Light.  You can get more information on Brushed Nickel Bathroom Light by clicking on the links at the bottom of this article.

Presently, you can get various types of bathroom interior decoration and bathroom vanities for your bathroom. All these come in various shapes, sizes, designs and colors. Choose one that suits your bathroom appearance and bring tranquility. If you lack the expertise or knowledge in bath remodeling, then it’s better to consult an interior decorator. You can easily find an interior decorator that provides bath remodeling services. They will provide you the right plan and idea to make your old bathroom looking good.

You can also get various bath remodeling magazines; you can buy a few and get some good ideas what you are looking for in your bathroom.

One of the best methods to search for all types of bath remodeling design is by browsing on the Internet. On the Internet, you can easily get lots of bath remodeling designs, tips and guidelines. You can follow these guidelines, to make your bathroom appearance outstanding. There are also many videos on the Internet about bath remodeling, which you can watch and can gain knowledge about it.

During bathroom remodeling, lighting plays a vital role. Therefore, enhance or change all of the lighting features in your bathroom. To really update this room in your house change the vanities. Today, you can easily get different types of bathroom vanities in the market. You can buy traditional bathroom vanities or contemporary bathroom vanities, as it entirely depends upon you.

You also need to pay close attention to your Bathroom Mirror Lights.  You can get more information on Bathroom Mirror Lights by clicking on the links at the end of this article.

You may have a lot of ideas about how you are going to do your bath remodeling or maybe none at all, but with the help of the Internet you can certainly get all of the information you need to raise the quality of your bathroom to the highest point.

Room Design Software

Did you ever want to see what a room will look like with all of your ideas incorporated into a single room without even laying a hand on anything in the room? Room design software allows for the owner or potential homeowner to design their room using a series of templates that reciprocates results what your room will look like. With just a few clicks of a mouse you will see a 3_D model of your entire house or room with the help of room design software.

Let’s say you are dreaming one day of owning a big mansion in the middle of a wooded area and you have the funding to furnish this mansion any way you want. I failed to mention the fact that you are actually helping in the design process of the house itself by giving your ideas, wants and needs special attention as well such as the number of rooms, placement of the rooms, outside structures, etc. Room design software can be used to even see in a virtual world what color scheme you choose will look like.

Room design software has tools included in it that allow you to enter dimensions of furniture that you plan on using in the home including the style of furniture. Most software will also come with a large choice of colors (both warm and cold) that you can use to color various areas in the room ahead of time so that you could see what the color will look like before even spending the money on the items.  This software (both free and those that cost) are great tools that will save you money and headaches in the end.

Most room design software users will find that they do not need special training or other requirements in order to get the most out of it. By using a computer versus the traditional over way of designing with a pen and paper allows for quick edits for color changes and size modifications before saving your finished product.  Even if you wanted to redesign your entire house or tackle one small room, room design software can save you tons of money, time and effort in the end.

No matter what platform you are using on your computer (IBM or MAC), there are a large number of sites on the internet will allow you to  down load free trials of the software with all functions available and working so that you can try the software before you plan on buying.

You have just purchased a home that has everything you like except the bathroom is small. This is a dilemma faced by many people. More often overlooked are corner bath tubs and some claw foot bath tubs with rim mount faucets.

Although corner bath tubs may appear to be out of the traditional since of a bathroom they do indeed lend themselves to being the answer to the small bathroom dilemma. Although most corner bath tubs are the whirlpool variety it is possible to order these tubs without the jets if you’re the type of person who does not desire jets and the electrical work the goes along with installing one of these tubs.

The corner bath tubs have in recent years have become fairly popular due to the space saving attributes they have to offer. The design is such they give you the since of spaciousness and leading to a relaxing feeling when bathing. Another positive point to these types of tubs is that many offer the spaciousness that allow for two people to bath simultaneously.

Because of there size it is not unusual that they could require upwards of 100 gallons of water to fill which is something to consider regarding your water heater capacity.

If a corner bath tub doesnt quit suit your fancy, consider a claw foot bath tub that is either available in acrylic or cast iron. Many of the standard track homes homes have bathrooms that measure in width 60 ” from stud to to stud. Remembering of course this is before the sheet rock and tile if used.

We offer a 57 1/2 slipper tub that will fit this type of home. With a home that has the dimensions previously mentioned your other alternative is the inexpensive bath tub with shower surrounds that are available at home stores. Keep in mind however, they are typically shallow and do nothing to set your house apart from the rest when you attempt to sell your home. Our 57.5 inch claw foot is 12.5 inches deep which considerably deeper than the tubs previously mentioned from the home stores and of course makes for a tremendous presence in your bathroom that will surely set your home apart from the rest.

 

http://www.bathtubsfactorydirect.com/servlet/the-Claw-Foot-Bath-Tubs/Categories

 

Professional bathroom designers are masterful at merging both function and form to create breathtaking results. In this eight-part series which I call “Understanding Bathroom Design,” I draw on my experience working with some of London’s top bathroom designers to explain this exciting field. This sixth article focuses on the vessel-style washbasin – a true designer delight!

The vessel-style washbasin has been around for many centuries. It originated not in London but in Ancient China, before the existence of piped water or water treatment facilities, when people simply needed a vessel in which to hold water that had been drawn from the local well. But in the context of bathroom design, today’s vessel-style basin is free-standing and sits directly atop a bathroom counter or similar furniture unit. The London Interior Designer can source all sorts of different styles, dimensions and appearances, to match almost any bathroom design imaginable. One can select from a wide array of standard materials, including metal, glass, and semiprecious stone, or – for super-luxury bathroom designs – one may turn to gemstone-embedded or jewelled models.

What are the advantages of a vessel-style washbasin over a more traditional model? These basins aren’t constrained to slide into a regular-sized hole within a standard counter. Accordingly, London’s top bathroom designers can benefit from much more creative designs and shapes, with non-symmetric detailing and unusual footprints adding visual interest. Many vessel-style basins are taller in the back than in the front – a big boost for a smaller London bathroom design that needs a “touch of flair” but that has no space for a rear splashback.

Clients often tell me they have fallen in love with a standalone basin but just can’t figure out where it should go, perhaps because it doesn’t quite fit in their existing bathroom design. In such cases I may recommend the basin be installed in a London powder room, where it will serve mainly for handwashing – instead of shaving, brushing one’s teeth and giving the household chihuahua a bath.

In the next article in my series “Understanding Bathroom Design,” I’ll return to eco-friendly bathroom designs in London and discuss how to clean and maintain your bathroom in a way that helps protect the environment.

There are many different types of bath towel available these days. Types of bath towel are also important, in terms of changing look and feel of the house, on the other hand, change new house into home. Some people may consider bath towel to be an afterthought and they are usually overlooked, but the complete set and appropriate of colour schemes and pattern will make your bath room has inviting appearance to your visitors. However, sometimes it is unavoidable to use two different types and mismatched bath towel that may happen to you, so here is the guideline about types and usage of bath towels.

1. Wash clothes

This is the types of bath that has smallest size. They are generally made in small square shape in terrycloth, a textured cotton blend. The purpose of use is normally for people who want to lathering and gentle scrubbing. Due to this type of bath towel is very general and so intimate, many people, therefore, generally supply them on hand to accommodate to individual usage and you can easily find washcloth sold in bulk or lot, which cheaper so you can save money from buying them.

2. Hand towel

This is the next largest size of bath towel. You can see from its name that hand towel will primarily used or planed near bathroom basin. Hand towel are produced in variety of design, colour as well as cotton texture. By providing hand wash near bath room basin, you should provide a small hanger ring to locate a hand towel, this will be very convenient for your visitors to use it for drying and clean hand or even face after wash. However, by using hanger ring to carry hand towel, your visitor have to re-adjust its position after use in order to make it always look neat for the next visitor.

3. Bath mat

This type is commonly know as the towel that use to blot up water after bath or shower. They usually have larger size than the first two that has been mentioned above. Due to its large size and has more thickness than standard bath towel, they are designed to have better absorption and traction to correspond to the function of use. A bath mat can be used together with a set of wash cloth and hand towel, even though they have different colour and pattern. However, many people prefer to provide a complete set of bath mat offer to visitors and maybe match colour to shower curtain in some case.

4. Bath sheet

This is the largest type of bath towel available in the market, which are varied from 6 feet long or more. The basic function of use of this type of bath towel also same as bath mat, to blot up water after bath or shower, but this type generally provided in hotels to offer to their guest. It is quite rare to see people using bath sheet at home due to its large size, which is required extra cabinet in bath room to store them. The reason that we can see many hotel use them because some guests take a bath for a long time and some people have shower many times during the day so the standard sized may saturated with water quickly, then the hotel have to change a bath towel for them very often and that’s take cost.

Up The Room With Beautiful….

To create a beautiful home is not easy, there are many obstacles in designing a house, the creation of the wall, for example, the op strategy is needed to appear to be interesting and interior elements that captivate.

Houses are quiet, comfortable, beautiful and can meet the needs of all the activities of family members. No one if all people dream it. For, the house is a family activity center in a life.

The atmosphere of the room can be obtained through certain elements of the game wall, so that created the atmosphere that is expected. The atmosphere is cool and calm can be created through the wall of gray sand. Meanwhile, natural and warm atmosphere can be achieved through the familiar pattern of the wood texture. So that the elements of texture on the wall not only create a more dynamic atmosphere, but also generate instinct of the material differences.

In the modern period is often found that the contrast material differences between the interior walls with metal characterized the learner rough plaster. This gives the impression not monotone for users. Unlike in the party room luxury, usually used material suede, leather or carpet on the walls give the impression that luxury and exclusivity.

Decorative wall began widely known when the emergence of trends Retro. The use of natural stone mixed with wood and with modern design to give the impression cozy and warm. Previous natural stone is used only for the exterior, it is natural stone and wood design, development, which is quite interesting for the interior. For material that is the natural effect of this atmosphere outside the bullpen brought into the room, and this gives comfort because its natural texture.

In addition, Rustic style walls as the walls begin texture also popular. With expose bricks and coated with a thin stucco and natural color to appear as the natural home face. Display plain brick layer op have to be more easy to care and more beautiful. Through the effect of wall paint can also make effective the old interior, exotic and natural.

Now, the wall learner texture fine as sand or rough wipe or brush even with the mold on the walls of a special, combined with various colors selected for the more impact a different atmosphere.

Gypsum, learner texture wallpaper, games and paint effects to add more beauty texture wall. With a variety of patterns and colors deliberately created to support the desired atmosphere, such as natural, cool, calm, even as a dynamic surprised or lure learner texture wall, gave a different atmosphere and interesting for anyone to touch that view. Walls also effects a more beautiful reflection when exposed to light.

Ceramics used as a doormat and floor, kitchen, bathroom, terrace, swimming pool, and others. Can use in the interior and exterior of the building. The convenience of care into one of the options ceramic use as a doormat. Even ceramic can be combined with furniture such as desks and cupboards to display accents and a certain beauty.

One of the best ways to add value to your home is by remodeling your bathroom.  This will not only add value to the home itself, but it will also make it easier to sell your home when the time comes.  As you probably spend a great deal of time in your bathroom as most people do, you will want to have the best fixtures, such as bathroom vanities and faucets that you can afford.  This will not only make your home more attractive to any buyer, but also to you as you use this room in your home. 

 

You may choose a bathroom that is ultra modern that looks like a spa setting or one that is cozy and inviting, depending on your own personal taste.  The decor of your bathroom depends not only on how you paint the room and choose to accessorize the bathroom, but which type of fixtures you choose for the room as well.  You should spend your money fixtures that will give you the most for your money when it comes to looks and quality. 

 

Most people use bathroom vanities as a way to store products as well as a way to make the room appear more attractive.  There have been many new innovations with regard to these fixtures as of late that you may not even be aware of if it has been a while since you updated your bathroom.  For example, you can choose a recessed sink or one that sits on top of the counter as well as faucets that will come in a variety of different styles as well as materials when you are remodeling your bathroom.  You should look for storage as well as appearance when you are buying these fixtures and make sure they blend in with the rest of the bathroom. 

 

Two things that you want to be sure of when you are looking for bathroom vanities is that they are both attractive as well as offer function.  You want to be sure that there are enough drawers as well as space for storage of various products in the cabinets of these items.  You can get vanities that even have storage compartments built right into the units to make everything more organized.  One of the biggest complaints that people make is that they do not have enough storage space in their bathrooms.  You can solve this problem by getting vanities that offer you convenient storage. 

 

In addition, take a look at your faucets.  These are relatively inexpensive to change and can add both function as well as beauty to your bathroom.  You can find those that are more appropriate for a traditional styled home as well as those that are ultra modern when you are shopping for these products.  They can be high faucets or low to the sink, depending on your own preferences and sense of individual style. 

 

When you are choosing faucets for your bathroom, you should make sure that you choose those that will coordinate with the rest of the decor in your bathroom.  For example, you do not want to choose an ultra modern faucet in a bathroom with a traditional setting, or vice versa.  You should also make sure that you look for quality when it comes to these fixtures.  You are better off to get a high quality faucet when you are shopping for these items than one that will have to be replaced after a year or so after use.  Look for a maker of these products that specializes in providing clients with high quality fixtures. 

 

You do need to know about your plumbing when you are choosing faucets for your bathroom.  For example, you need to know if you need a single hole that is all one unit, or if you need a widespread faucet that has separate taps.  Take a look at the faucets that you currently have in your bathroom so that you can choose a product that will be easy to install without having to undergo any major plumbing renovations.  You can choose a model that is similar to what you already have in your bathroom, or you can choose something that is updated and different to add a whole new look when you are looking for faucets for your bathroom. 

 

If you are looking for the best way to update your bathroom so that it can be more marketable, then make sure that you do so the right way by choosing the best fixtures for the job such as bathroom vanities and faucets that will make the room more attractive and the home easier to sell. 

Professional interior designers are expertly trained in the use of lighting features to create breathtaking results. In this four-part series which I call “Colour Me Brightly: Understanding Light in Interior Design,” I draw on my experience in London’s interior design community to explain this fascinating subject. This fourth article concludes my series.

Linear light patterns can focus on either the horizontal or the vertical metrics of a room. A given wall-light technique can create an immersing halo effect, if the interior designer uses concentrated super-bright light at high level that gradually fades out towards the base. Some London Interior Design consultancies specialise in choosing continuous sources, such as a miniature tungsten rack for a soft light or overlapping fluorescents for a cooler light. This is an effect that works very well in contemporary interior designs, where light can be concealed between the wall and the ceiling in a crevice in order to take the place of the traditional cornice.

The best method of illumination for interior designers to use when creating patterns will depend on the interior, and also on the direction of windows (natural light in London can be very seasonal). A smoothly plastered wall can jump into existence with a dappled arc wave from closed-offset down-lighters but if the interior design feature lies in the texture and in the structure or hue of the wall, then a more uniform spray of light will emphasise the wall’s best perspectives. A splashback tile solution at the rear of a shower or bath is a good interior design choice for the arc wave effect, as is a Venetian blind in a London kitchen. A wood-panelled hall or study is often a compelling interior design feature, and accordingly it would be better lit with an even light that does not detract from the feel of the wood.

Shifting from instant to instant and from a London dawn to a dappled full seasonal moonrise, the impacts of illumination and shadow are phenomena we almost disregard. But London’s top interior designers know that patterns of light can actually transform our emotions with respect to the interior forms that engulf us. By bringing to life walls, floors and ceilings with light-focused interior designs, pattern-making is yet another realm of illumination that can brighten our spaces and enhance our quality of life.

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