Cheapest way to get Wow factor in a bathroom

Searcher2

A friend wants me to help him buy a new bathroom suite. Looking around the local bathroom showrooms is a bit of a nightmare and some of the prices look laughable. I am posting in the hope that someone may give me a few pointers as to :

1. Manufacturers/retailers of baths/sinks that give quality AND value.

2. Items that could give the best return for money in terms of wow factor. Is it the tiling? Taps? Mirrors? Flooring? Radiator? Wall hung pottery?

I bought a really good shower unit for my shower room and the thing that the people notice when they go in is the metallic Amtico floor which I bought from Ebay!

Thanks in advance! :-)

newlywed

We bought a cheap plain white steel homebase bath and then added a fancy folding shower screen, nice white tiles with that chrome tile trim round the edge and fancy modern bath taps (although only from B&Q). We kept the chrome running all the way through the bathroom with lots of accessories and small silver candles etc and everyone loves the way it looks.

JennyW_2

white suite with nice taps. I think quality floor tiles make a difference and I'd like to see a chrome wall radiator.

Yes, chrome accessories and neutral walls

Searcher2

Definitely going to go for a chrome towel rail.... Just been looking at Ebay and saw a lot of good looking stuff with this retailer...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bathroom-sink-ceramic-basin-vanity-mirror-YG234_W0QQitemZ280011042047QQihZ018QQcategoryZ38157QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DESIGNER-CERAMIC-BATHROOM-TOILET-BASIN-ITALIAN-STYLE_W0QQitemZ280013191939QQihZ018QQcategoryZ71283QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Though I would guess I would have to go and have a look at the quality in real life. Anybody want to disuade me from this route?

Andyleung

I agree chrome all around looks good.
I had my bathroom changed recently and put chrome borders around the room, and now have a chrosme radiator and shelving.

Keep the rest of the bathroom suite all in white and buy some decent taps. if your near Greenwich then JEM is a great place to pick up good quality bathrooms and accessories.

cattie

The former owners of my house put in some very stylish Italian taps on the bath & basin & they definitely give the wow factor. Almost everyone who uses the room comments on the fabulous taps.

angeleyes

We are puting in a glass block shower screen they look fab!!

tanith

White suite with cream stone effect tiles and matching floor... look stunning with white towel rail and blind, have sea green towels ...

Alan_M_2

For Pottery go for the Laufen Pro Range (top manufacturer but the Pro range is aimed at architects for commercial installation) looks like £1000 units but cost £100 - £150 per piece - very good designs.

Bristan taps, will give you to contemporary look without the high pressure requirements of Italian, Spanish or German Products.

Bette Pressed steel baths, very high quality, reasonable prices of you go for standard shapes and sizes, 30 year guarantee.

itgirlinuk

I would suggest few candle holders near the tub and maybe a designated place to put your music player / speaker. Even if its not large enough, I think setting the mood can make it all the more interesting.

And recessed lighting thats not too harsh.

Becles

Go for a white bathroom suite. Colours date too quickly, and it's not the type of thing you replace on a regular basis!

Buy fasionable accessories as they are cheap and easy to replace when you fancy a change!