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Having a beautiful, relaxing bathroom to come home to at the end of a stressful day is a dream we all aspire to. There’s nothing like sinking into a warm bath, or standing beneath the hot stream of a shower to ease your muscles and destress. So how do you go about creating your dream bathroom? 

At Marble Supreme we’re experts in kitchen and bathroom worktop installations in Bristol and the South West, so we’ve put together our top tips to help your bathroom remodelling journey go as smoothly as possible. With our support, you can build a bathroom you can’t wait to come home to. 

Remodelling your bathroom can be an extremely rewarding experience. You get to choose your materials to suit your taste and your lifestyle, and a new bathroom renovation not only benefits your quality of life but can also add significant monetary value to your home. 

 

Consider future use

When you’re remodelling your bathroom, or any room in your house, it’s important to consider the long-term resilience of the materials picked as well as the design you opt for. 

Those trending colours and patterns may look good now, but how long will it be until your style looks dated? Stick to trends that will look timeless and you’ll continue to love it in 10 years’ time. 

As well as aesthetics, you need to consider whether your needs will change in the future. 

Accessibility and practically is particularly important if you’re looking to stay in your current home for a long time. Opting for wider walkways and lower countertops can be a real benefit for people with limited mobility. 

Storage is a top priority

One important feature to consider when remodelling your bathroom is whether or not your storage space is substantial enough or if it needs to be expanded. 

There are endless possibilities for adding storage, whether you’d prefer it to be inbuilt, hidden or a feature itself, pre-planning will save you time and money later on in your remodelling journey. Having to add in storage space after your remodel is finished can be quite difficult and may ultimately stick out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of your interior design. Cluttered countertops may ruin the aesthetic of your bathroom as well as pose the risk of staining to your chosen countertop material. Having ample space away from your main surfaces for your everyday items, in an easy to reach spot, can make all the difference. 

 

Plan out your lighting

If you’re lucky enough to have natural lighting in your bathroom, make the most of it! Adding large windows or skylights can help brighten up the room. 

Artificial lighting can be just as effective, and you can even get playful with it. Adding spotlights can light up dark corners or provide mood lightning. Good lighting can really open up a room, creating the illusion that it’s even bigger than it really is. 

 

Carefully consider the materials you use 

There is a wide range of different types of stone that work well as bathroom countertops. Whether you prefer style or durability, there is a stone for you. 

The maintenance required for caring and cleaning different stones varies, so be sure to consider just how much time you can dedicate to your worktops. As a high traffic area in your home, your bathroom is susceptible to lots of water, soap, and cosmetic and cleaning chemicals so it’s important that your chosen materials can withstand this. 

Finding the right choice of stone for your bathroom worktops can be daunting but it’s important to consider their individual properties. A good bathroom worktop should strike the perfect balance of functionality and style sufficient enough to meet the demands of how you live.

Stone such as quartz and marble offer multiple-use as flooring or tiles too. 

Unsure which material to choose? Check out our guide to choosing bathroom worktops or vanity tops. 

Prioritise proper ventilation 

One of the most neglected aspects of remodelling a bathroom is ventilation. Having bad ventilation can lead to mildew, damp and even mould in your bathroom. If you don’t have a window that can be opened to let in fresh air, we recommend installing an air vent or fan to allow the room to dry out between uses. 

A good fan can improve the air quality, eliminate odours and draw out moisture. 

As a room that sees plenty of water and steam it’s important to ensure it can air out and dry to avoid issues developing. Without proper ventilation your stone worktops, and any other materials and items in your bathroom may deteriorate faster. 

There are several options for ventilation so be sure to pick one that suits your needs. 

Of course, there are many more things to consider when remodelling any room in your home, but those are just a few tips we think are most important for bathroom remodelling. We hope this has helped you on your remodelling journey! 

Need our help?

If you’d like to find out more about the various properties of Granite, Quartz or Marble stone then feel free to explore our blogs or get in touch with one of our team today. 

Our trusted worktop experts will be on hand to impart their advice and recommendations. Or if you fancy finding out more about our wide range of kitchen worktop materials and bathroom vanity tops, why not book an appointment to visit our Bristol showroom in Kingswood and talk to us in person.

The post Top Tips For Bathroom Remodelling appeared first on Marble Supreme.

In order to keep your vanity unit looking its best, we’ve put together this simple guide with easy steps to follow and tips to ensure your vanity unit remains a statement in your home. Plus, we offer some great alternative, eco-friendly cleaning tips for you to consider.

GRANITE VANITY UNITS

Granite is one of the most popular choices for vanity units and countertops. It is naturally antibacterial and highly resistant to scratching and staining but it’s still important to maintain granite surfaces properly, and that includes understanding how to clean granite safely.

How To Clean Granite

To keep granite shiny, we recommend regular cleaning with a PH-balanced product or a mixture of detergent and warm water. You’ll need to remove any items from the surface of your bathroom vanity unit and wipe down the countertops with a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads because they may scratch the surface, and remember to buff out any visible streaks afterwards.

Removing Stains From Granite

To remove oil-based stains like dirt or grease, we recommend a commercial alkaline degreaser. For tough, organic stains like wine or coffee, a commercial stone poultice is recommended but you can create your own (details to follow).

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

If you’re trying to avoid using mass-produced, chemical-based cleaning products, we have collated the following green ways to maintain your bathroom vanity unit and countertop:

• Try creating your own natural cleaning products using household items. Simply add hydrogen peroxide or acetone to baking soda until a paste is formed. Spread the mixture over granite using a clean cloth and repeat as necessary. Wipe the area dry and remove any excess to prevent leaving any sticky or cloudy residue behind.
• Avoid using lemon, vinegar or acidic ingredients as they can damage the surface.
• Once clean, try adding a few small drops of essential citrus oil onto your countertops to keep your vanity unit smelling lemony fresh.

MARBLE VANITY TOPS

Marble, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, is a metamorphic rock. It can vary in colour from neutral whites and creams to pinks, greys, browns and black. With its rich colours and luxurious feel, Marble is another popular choice for stone vanity units and vanity tops. It is versatile to work with and keeping it clean is actually easier than you may think. Just be sure to avoid products containing acid.

How To Clean Marble

To maintain your marble vanity unit, we recommend that you wipe all of the surfaces regularly. You can choose to use a commercial marble cleaner but it is also possible to use plain soap and water. Simply spray the countertops with your chosen cleaning product and scrub the surface gently. Wipe away any excess residue with a clean wet cloth and repeat as necessary. Then rub the countertops dry and buff with a soft absorbent cloth.

Removing Stains From Marble

The key to removing stains from marble is correctly identifying the origin of the stain and then applying the most appropriate cleaning method.

Organic stains like food, paper or urine cause a pinkish-brown discolouration and can be removed using a mixture of water and a non-ionic detergent. For stubborn or tough stains, we recommend a mixture of equal parts water, white spirit and detergent. This will need to be shaken regularly to maintain the emulsion and prevent the mixture from separating.

Iron or rust stains are orange or brown in colour and can be removed using a stone poultice. However, deep-seated metal stains can sometimes be difficult to remove. Biological stains like mildew are common in bathrooms and wet rooms. To remove these, we recommend using ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. Although gloves should always be worn when handling these toxic chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

• Purchase an eco-friendly detergent at your local store or online. Mix a couple of drops with warm water and use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe down all surfaces. Next, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any sticky residue and buff away smudges with another dry cloth.

QUARTZ STONE VANITY TOPS

Quartz stone is made from one of the hardest minerals on earth and is arguably the most durable stone for your bathroom vanity unit. It comes in a variety of beautiful colours and patterns and is resistant to staining and scratching. It can even contain a resin which means it does not have to be sealed.

The specific cleaning requirements of your quartz stone will depend on the location within your home and how often it is used, but quartz is not hard to maintain. The following guide should help ensure you are able to keep your quartz countertops looking brand new.

How To Clean Quartz Stone

For routine cleaning, we recommend wiping surfaces with a mixture of warm water and soap. This should be done as often as required, but the more often this happens the better maintained your bathroom vanity top will be. To get rid of dirt, you can use a recommended putty knife but be careful to only scrape gently.

Removing Stains From Quartz Stone

To remove tough stains from your vanity units, you will most likely need a cleaner that is specifically made for quartz. If you’re unsure what’s safe to use then please ask a member of our team or check out our helpful FAQ section. We’re always happy to provide free advice and hope we can answer any of your questions.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

• Avoid using multi-purpose wet wipes and opt for liquid cleaning products and reusable cloths. This should save you money and reduce the number of wet wipes that end up in landfill.
• If you are set on using wet wipes, choose a biodegradable alternative and dispose of your wipes in the bin rather than flushing them away.

It all sounds simple and that’s because it is. Maintaining your stone bathroom vanity unit should never be a chore and we hope with these simple tips you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling surface.

NEED OUR HELP?

If you’d like to find out more about the various properties of Granite, Quartz or Marble stone then feel free to explore our blogs or get in touch with one of our team today. Our trusted worktop experts will be on hand to impart their advice and recommendations. Or if you fancy finding out more about our wide range of kitchen worktop materials and bathroom vanity tops, why not pop down to our Bristol showroom in Kingswood and talk to us in person.

The post How To Clean Your Bathroom Vanity Units & Countertops appeared first on Marble Supreme.

Finding the right choice of stone for your bathroom worktops is no small feat. It’s important to consider a number of varying stone materials and their individual properties in order to choose the right material for your home. Good bathroom worktops should strike the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics sufficient enough to meet the demands of how you live.

As a high traffic area in your home, your bathroom is susceptible to lots of water, soap, cosmetic and cleaning chemicals. So to help you on your way we’ve put together this guide on a number of stone materials to consider before choosing your bathroom worktops.

MARBLE BATHROOM WORKTOPS

As one of the most beautiful natural stones around, Marble is often the most popular choice of stone for bathroom worktops and flooring. With increasing advances in modern technology, it is also available in a vast range of colour variations and patterns. Each slab is extremely unique and adds a touch of class to any home!

Pros

• Cool temperature – it maintains a cool temperature which is ideal for the bathroom where hot showers and liquids are common place
• Sense of space – the light, natural look of the marble stone can also give the illusion of added space – ideal for creating a relaxing and cleansing atmosphere which is perfect for bathroom spaces.
• Easy to maintain – Marble is also very easy to maintain, simply wipe the surfaces clean with water and a mild detergent

Cons:

• Can stain easily – Marble is more porous than other natural stones such as granite and as such can more readily absorb unwanted liquids or oils that are spilt on the surface. You should be cautious of using nail varnish or any acidic liquids that could stain the worktops, even in the bathroom
• Susceptible to scratching – marble is heavily susceptible to scratching and so care should be taken when using any sharp objects in your bathroom.

GRANITE BATHROOM WORKTOPS

Known as one the most durable stone materials around, granite is a popular choice for both kitchen and bathroom worktops. Here are a few pros and cons for the stone material:

Pros:

• Easy to maintain – like marble, the superb finish of granite is extremely easy to maintain with a simple wipe of the surface with a wet cloth and mild detergent. Whats more as one of only two authorised dealers of Dry-Treat sealant in the South West, all of our worktops are sealed with a Dry-Treat sealer, for premium stain protection.
• Strong & Durable – As one of the most durable stones around, Granite is denser and stronger than all other natural stone. Each slab is unique and heavily resistant to scratching and staining making it a firm favourite for kitchen worktops and bathroom vanity tops.
• Extremely heat resistant – Granite is also extremely heat resistant and can handle hot temperatures that can occur in both kitchen and bathroom environments
• Lower cost range – Whilst often considered as more expensive than Marble stone, there are now a number of Granite materials that out-price even Marble Carrara worktops. These include Steel Grey and Azul Platino granite – both of which are stocked in our Bristol showroom in Kingswood.
• Versatile material – As a highly versatile material, Granite can also be moulded to a variety of unique shapes and styles – ideal for bespoke designs and fittings.

Cons

• Porous Material – As a porous stone like Marble, it can absorb wine, juice or other oily liquids if the worktops aren’t sealed properly – causing the worktops to create stains that may be rather difficult to remove.
• Cost– Granite is one of the most expensive stone materials out there. Its hard-wearing qualities and natural beauty can often come at an expensive price
• Not Full proof – Even though it is one of the most durable stones around, it can still be susceptible to scratching and staining if a heavy object is dropped on a corner of the worktop, or the worktops are not sealed correctly upon installation.

QUARTZ BATHROOM WORKTOPS

An increasingly popular choice for both kitchen and bathroom worktops due to its high durability and flexible nature, Quartz, otherwise referred to as composite, stone is another great stone for bathroom worktops and vanity units.

Pros

• Durability – Quartz is an extremely durable material and is highly resistant to scratching and staining
• Flexible to work with – The added flexibility compared to other stones such as marble and granite, make Quartz an ideal choice for tackling difficult corners or bespoke designs and fittings
• Easy to maintain – Quartz worktops are extremely easy to clean and maintain. As with granite and marble stone all that is needed is a simple wipe down of your surfaces using a mild dish-washing soap and warm water.
• Non-Porous Stone –  As a non-porous stone, it can resist staining from household acids, mould and mildew much better than its natural stone counterparts. They also require no sealing.
• Antibacterial – As a non-porous surface Quartz worktops will not harbour bacteria or viruses, another factor that makes them an ideal choice for bathroom worktops, flooring and bathroom vanity tops.

Cons

• Very heavy – They can often be heavier than granite.
• Less heat resistant than Granite – Quartz worktops are not as resistant to heat as other natural stone materials like Granite.
• Susceptible to weathering – Unlike its natural counterparts, Quartz stone can start to fade in colour if exposed to too much natural sunlight
• Seams are more visible – Seams within the worktop units are more visible in lighter shades of Quartz worktops compared to that of marble stone.

BATHROOM STONE TILES

Aside from bathroom vanity tops, bathroom tiles are also a popular feature of bathroom designs. They can also be a feature within your bathroom vanity tops, however, the uneven surface is not ideal for a flat, horizontal worktop unit. Moreover whilst they come in such a wide variety of beautiful stone variations, the grout lines within stone tiles are often a prime place for dirt to be trapped and become mouldy if not maintained over time.

LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR BATHROOM?

At Marble Supreme, we provide expert craftsmanship in stone materials for both your kitchen and bathroom needs. Whether you’re looking for granite, marble or quartz bathroom vanity tops, flooring, shower enclosures or bath surrounds, we can craft solutions to your exact needs. Why not pop along to our Bristol showroom in Kingswood today and grab a coffee with one of our expert team. Alternatively, give us a call on 0117 956 3030 and we’d be more than happy to help

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