The 'Forgotten Room': The Secret to a Gorgeous Downstairs Cloakroom

Kay Dymond • May 11, 2021

Are you giving your downstairs cloakroom the attention it deserves? Here are some secret tips for making your downstairs bathroom your favourite room in the house.

A part of the home that I fondly call the ‘forgotten room’ is the downstairs cloakroom, the room that is actually probably used the most; by the family of the home, by friends, and even by the Waitrose delivery driver. It is generally located towards the front of the house with the door closed, almost as if to hide the room. The question is: Why is this room hidden away and why don’t we take much notice of it? As part of updating your home, this room is a perfect start to practice in.

How to make small spaces look good

With lockdown easing, perhaps it’s time to update a room in your house. My first choice would be the downstairs cloakroom; let’s reintroduce this room and make it a real feature in the home. Inject fun by having a funky radiator, quirky tiles, and clever storage to complete the look. Use it as an opportunity to express your decorating style. Traditionally, we use this room as storage; so why not introduce clever ways of storing your essentials? Don’t choose large items of bathroom furniture; stick with furniture and items that suit the size of the room. Perhaps you could even choose some vibrant wallpaper that expresses your favourite themes and add photographs and pictures to create a family feel about the room. Focus, too, on a mirror; this is where ladies will go to check on their appearance, so consider having lighting around the edge to soften the look.

Lighting in your small space

Lighting is a key part of the room and does not just provide the functionality of having light; it adds atmosphere and mood. Having just one light in the form of a lamp ceiling light will just cast a single pool of light in the middle of the floor. By using multiple lighting sources you can achieve elements of light in all areas, making the room feel bigger and more relaxing. Even the wall-hung toilet adds to the look of the room and, coupled with lighting underneath, creates a warmth to this room. The cloakroom pictured at the beginning of this article is a beautiful cloakroom that really shows how lighting can work in a small space by using a ‘chandelier’ type light.

If you are looking to be creative and start off somewhere small, then take a look at our dedicated Cloakrooms page. If that inspires you, then please contact us to arrange an appointment to visit our showroom - email sales@optionsstudio.co.uk or telephone 01344 627500.

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Discover Our New 3-Step Virtual Design Process

By Caitlin Davis • June 16, 2020

For those who no longer wish to meet with designers in person or visit our showroom, we have created a new three-step design process which ensures you can achieve your dream bathroom without leaving your home. We feel it is important in bathroom projects that communication is clear and consistent, so that we can create the most gorgeous and suitable room for your needs and tastes. So that is why our new virtual design process has been cultivated to ensure that you are aware of all the options available to you and the choices we recommend at all times. Step One We have a new form on our website where you can send in images of your current room, including sizes and dimensions. When we receive your images, we will give you a call to discuss your requirements and what you hope to achieve from the room. Step Two Then, we'll get to work drawing up your new design using our CAD software. Step Three When your design is complete, we will give you a call to arrange a time when you can be sat in front of a suitable device; a desktop, laptop or tablet, where you can easily view the designs. During the arranged call, we will email you the images we have created, and we will discuss what we have designed, how we've designed it and how you feel about it. Then, when you're ready, we'll switch to video and give you a tour of our showroom , explaining what we have here and discussing things in further detail. Once we've come to the necessary decisions, we'll make a plan for the next step. Follow our Instagram ( @optionsbathtile ) to keep up-to-date on our latest designs, and to hear Steve talk through our design process! Ready to begin your project? Just click here to go to our form and commence with Step One!

Our Showrooms Have Re-Opened

By Chris Lunn • June 15, 2020

We're delighted to say that as of today both our bathroom and tile showrooms have re-opened to the public. Safe to say we are following the latest government guidance closely and as such we recommend contacting us to arrange an appointment to come in. We are limiting the number of people who enter at one time so arrange a time will ensure you don't need to wait to enter and can enjoy browsing all of our displays at your leisure whilst also having time allocated with one of our experienced designers. We look forward to seeing you soon. Contact us to book an appointment or discuss our virtual design service.

Virtual Design Service Launched

By Chris Lunn • April 10, 2020

Whilst our showroom is temporarily closed we have launched a new free design concept creation for all projects with a total order value including fitting and VAT of £15,000+ (for homes within a 25 mile radius of our showroom in Ascot, Berkshire). Due to the current COVID-19 situation and restrictions for meeting face-to-face in the showroom, this can be completed virtually by submitting a form and booking a follow-up call / virtual design consultation with one of our designers. Click here to find out more.

Happy New Year!

By Chris Lunn • January 3, 2020

On behalf of all of the team here at Options Bath & Tile Studio, happy new year! We return to work next Monday and will be available to discuss your plans to update your home with a new bathroom, wet room, cloakroom or tiles throughout. The showrooms are up-to-date with our latest display ranges and our designers are on-hand to give you their expert input to create that dream space. To book an appointment, contact us and we look forward to seeing you soon.

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By Chris Lunn • April 11, 2019

Just to let you know, our showroom will be closed over the Easter bank holiday weekend so if you would like to arrange an appointment, please contact the showroom to arrange one just before or just after. Good Friday - 19 April: Closed Saturday 21 April: Closed Easter Monday - 23 April: Closed We hope you have a great Easter weekend and look forward to seeing you soon.

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