How to get the most from your small bathroom

When ripping up the bathroom and getting the builders in to extend isn't an option then try these cheaper ideas and tricks to improve the space in your small bathroom.

1. Try a double shower instead of a full size bath or if you love a soak fit a small space saving bath with shower over.
2. Optical illusions, lay larger tiles diagonally. Narrow tiles on walls to give appearance of length and height.
3. Pale cool paint colours on walls and preferably a white/off-white ceiling.
4. Fit a wall mounted vanity unit or utilise space under basin with a cupboard. Having a pedestal sink can also open up space.
5. Slim storage units.
6. Fix your cabinets to the walls use the space higher up instead of taking up floor space. (Above the loo is a good option - mind your head!)
7. Wall hung toilets or basins save floor space.
8. Try a low profile shower tray.
9. A frame-less shower or wet room can create a feel of more space. If this isn't an option throw away the shower curtain and fit a clear glass door.
10. Use mirrors to bounce light and give a sense of space, position two on opposite walls or opposite a window. Another option is to cover the whole wall behind the basin with a huge mirror.
11. Use the back of your door! Hooks and rails for towel and dressing gown storage. Add a shelf for towels above the door.

Enjoy your new spacious bathroom!

www.buycheapfurniture.wordpress.com

Top Tips for the auction house - find an expensive piece at a bargain price!

One way to find quirky unique pieces of furniture or home accessory is to visit the auction house. You can find an expensive piece for a bargain price.

As a complete auction newbie you walk into the room not having a clue whats going on and probably afraid to scratch your head, cough or stretch! These little pointers will help you relax and enjoy the auction experience and prevent any pre-auction jitters but ye be warned after reading this you may catch the auction bug!

1. Before attending your chosen auction give them a call/check online to find out when the viewings are. When buying antique/vintage items you need to have a good snoop around to check the conditions of the items. Generally there will be viewings the day before the auction or early on the day of the auction.
2. Dress Code – warm and comfortable.
3. Equipment: Notepad, pen, calculator, glasses. For collection: large enough vehicle, packing tape, dust sheets, straps.
4. When you arrive go to the counter/office and ask for a bidding card, you are under no obligation to buy anything with this, it simply saves time and you are then ready to wait calmly and bid for your item. Some auction houses may also require you to pay a deposit when more substantial items are on offer. There is also the matter of the hammer price + %VAT + %Auction house fees (ask at the counter/office for exact figures).
5. Now you can write down the lot numbers of any items you may like to bid on. At this point I would also suggest you write an estimate of the maximum price that you would be prepared to pay next to the lot number. It is so easy to get carried away! Always remember there is the final hammer price + the fees.
6. Whilst in the room you should generally remain fairly quiet and wait for your lots. When the bidding starts and you here the right price, raise your number card and try to make eye contact with the auctioneer. When you win your first item it’s quite exciting, but remember no whooping or shouting ‘haha loser’ at the other bidder! Hugely frowned upon!
7. When all the excitement of the auction dies down and its time to leave you must go and pay for your items. Different auction houses will have differing price structures on delivery if you need this. Some places will want you to take your items there and then and others the following day.

Happy Buying Bidders!

Can the colours of your bedroom affect your sleep?

Does your choice of bedroom colours affect your sleep? Yes I do realise your eyes will be closed, however the colours in your bedroom will affect your state of mind before going to sleep. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, where you can leave all worries at the door and relax.
The colours need to be calming not stimulating. Now I'm not saying your room has to be bland and boring, think spa, think dreamy, think Zzzzzzzz.
Equally the colours will allow you to wake up to a calm area and your mood relaxed, after all your bedroom is the first thing you see in the morning and last thing you see at night.

My top tips are

• Use a colour wheel. The colours opposite each other compliment each other, however they are energising and vibrant when used together. The colours sitting next to each other are harmonising, for a bedroom pick a more muted colour and use the colours alongside it on the wheel for accessories/soft furnishings.
• Always try the colours/fabrics together as small samples before buying.
• Paint the ceiling a light neutral colour to open up the room.
• If your room is dark, enhance the light by using muted pastels, greys and off whites.
• If your room floods with light you can use a darker colour as an accent to the soft colours on the walls.
• Also use colours to warm or cool a room depending on the general temperature of your room.
• My palette choice would include airy, soft blues and greens with fresh off white linen bedding. A real sanctuary.