If you are contemplating where to spend your reno budget, many professionals (designers, real-estate agents) would advise to look at two primary areas – the kitchen and the bathroom. It is a well-known secret that money invested in updating these two areas of a home is money well spent – it increases the value of the home in case one day you decide to sell.

The London based newspaper, The Independent, published  “The 50 best bathroom essensials” – a list of fixtures, gadgets, etc., that make your bathroom look trendy, modern and add not only beauty to the space, but functionality too. All featured products are manufactured by European companies, so they represent an European view in what makes a modern bathroom. While they may not be available at your Home Depot or Rona store near you, they are available to order online… It is a matter of fitting the cost within your budget.

Here are a few examples:

Roca has its own innovation lab and has come up with this combined washbasin and water closet, which is perfect for the downstairs cloakroom. The waste water from the basin is filtered and used for flushing so you save both space and water.

Where: www.roca.com

How much £2,760

 

Porcelanosa Twin Glass Blanco Tile

This company has a very broad range of colours and effects,   but these are so reflective they emphasise the horizontal beautifully.

Where: www.porcelanosa.com

How much £54.

Starck Classic Mono Basin Mixer for Hansgrohe

This tap is iconic The feathered quill joystick handle epitomises Starck’s desire to make the bathroom a more tranquil space.

Where: www. colourwashbathrooms.co.uk

How much £646.40

Bathtub Caddy Rack

This caddy will hold two glasses of wine as well as a book, a candle and still leaves space for the soap and the flannel.

Where: www.dutchbydesign.com

How much £45

Moroccan Tiles

Yes they’re costly as they’re often handpainted but you can mix in a few painted ones with some plain ones to soften the financial blow.

Where: www.habibi-interiors.com

How much 100mm x 100mm is £5 per tile

Cloud Shower Head

The current fashion is for a shower head as large as you can afford for a really invigorating and powerful shower. Choose from either 1800mm or 220mm diameter for a good old drench. It also comes in square and either ceiling or wall-mounted.

Where www.bathstore.com

How much from £240

Luminist by Toto

This is a basin that is lit from below creating an ambient glow. It’s so you don’t have to switch the lights on at night.

Where: www.cphartboutique.co.uk

How much £4,864