MBK Design Studio Knowledge Centre
Because of my experience in the industry I write a regular column in the Kitchen and Bathroom News, a national trade magazine and contribute to a leading consumer online blog, The Kitchen Think, a news blog on all things kitchen, where I write articles about design and products.
Knowledge Centre
Please find below a number of articles which should answer some of your questions. We want to provide you with additional information about products and services that are available plus give you some useful tips to help you on your journey.
5 key considerations for bathroom remodelling
The time has come to create the bathroom space you’ve been dreaming of! Where do you start? Your bathroom/shower room should be a place of serenity and relaxation. The renovation process should get the same care and attention to get it right for yourself, your family...
How much does a Bathroom cost?
One of the first questions potential bathroom purchasers want to know when they contact my company is ‘ How much does a bathroom cost? This is a very difficult question to answer however I will try my best here to explain some general price guidelines. In order to get...
Bathroom Design – Planning Guide
Whatever the size of your bathroom – or budget – we will help you plan the bathroom you've always dreamt of, here we discuss; Bathroom décor ideas, Inclusive bathroom adaptations, Bathroom colour ideas, Bathroom paint, Bathroom wallpaper, Bathroom wall panels and...
The 9 different types of tiles – and the pros and cons of each one
The latest tile ideas and tile trends, certainly show a demand for tiles that mimic natural stone and timber, cement, metals, and fabrics. These offer all the advantages of a hardwearing, easy-to-maintain, long-lasting tile with the look of a luxury material. Also...
Our 5 top tips for designing your dream bathroom.
‘I want to design my own bathroom, where can I start?’ Taking matters into your own hands is great! Ensure you’re making use of the wide range of online tools! Before that starts you need to measure up! Precision is key, double and triple check every measurement....
Design ideas for transforming your bathroom
Transform your bathroom from a purely functional space to a rejuvenating oasis with our expert tips. Discover how to seamlessly blend style and practicality while staying on budget. No matter the size of your bathroom or shower room, you deserve to have a serene and...
Where to go for your Bathroom Improvements
It is essential to know where to go for your bathroom improvements. It is normally a wise decision to choose a specialist for a bathroom where a design service is available and a full installation process, plumbing, electrics and a range of goods are available to make...
Buyers may be put off by your property
A report in the Daily Express in Feb 2022 said that the average price for a property in Maidstone in 2021 was £352,464 They also reported that new bathroom trends could decrease value of home and interior experts have revealed the bathroom trends which could decrease...
What to consider when designing a bathroom for the future
It goes without saying that the bathroom is a critical room in any home. It's essential for hygiene and comfort, but it can also be a source of style and beauty. When it comes to bathroom design, however, many people don't think very far into the future. They may plan...
5 Tips to remember when designing your bathroom
When starting a project, everything can be exciting – from picking tiles to deciding on replumbing (yes, really). But that also makes it easy to forget something, especially if it’s one of the finer details. And there’s no shame in that – the most organised of us can...
Why buy a bathroom from an independent retailer
“An Honest Comparison” We exist in a competitive society and to consider that Independents cannot compete with National Retailers would be an incorrect assumption. On a like for like basis the Independents will compete however we don’t want to just compete on that...
Bathroom Design trends
Your bathroom is meant to be a retreat, regardless of its size. For instance, you enjoy the charm of a small bathroom by outfitting it with bold wallpaper or large format porcelain feature tiles, or you can fill a spacious bathroom layout with a calming white colour...
Bathroom trends and colour ideas
One of the most popular interior trends for furnishing our homes in recent years has to create the cottage effect of idealised rural life. This is all about creating a wholesome, laidback and rustic vibe that makes you feel at ease making it perfect for a relaxing...
Tips for choosing bathroom furniture
When choosing bathroom furniture, it is important to consider both form and function. Whether you are looking for sleek modern vanities, compact storage cabinets, or freestanding bathtubs, there are plenty of options available to suit the needs and aesthetics of any...
What’s the best underfloor heating for bathrooms?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions and for good reason! With so many brands of underfloor heating out there including Warm Up, Heat Mat, Thermosphere and Schluter, and different methods of heating like wet vs. electric underfloor heating, it can be...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 3
Showers and shower enclosures come in a vast number of designs, shapes and functions so we will deal with showers first. The most important consideration is the type of boiler you have, combination, gravity (hot and cold water tanks) or high pressure. The type of...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 2
So what type of bath do you want? What are the merits of the different versions, which one should you pick and why? In practice there are three different baths, steel, acrylic and freestanding, which sometimes are also made of acrylic. What are the features and...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 1
You are considering buying a fitted bathroom and there are many decisions you should be considering. I will try to put them into some order of importance based on the questions I have asked and been asked by my customers over the last 30 years. You need to determine...
8 Space-saving Bathroom Storage Ideas
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Amanda Pollard (Houzz Contributor) In a small bathroom, it can be tricky to find enough space for storage, but nooks and crannies, unused corners and awkward angles can all offer the chance to...
Steam Shower Room
Plan the shower room layout: Seating – You will want to relax when taking a steam bath so seating is essential. To save on space in a smaller rooms you can use a fold-away seat. If you have enough space you could build a seating area on one or two sides of the room,...
Small Bathroom ideas on a budget……
Making the most of a small bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many small bathroom designs and cost-saving solutions out there to help you get the room of your dreams. Combi bath and shower Whether you’re short on space or looking to save a few a...
After months of dreaming and searching for your new bathroom, the time has finally arrived………..
No, we’re not talking about taking your first bath in your shiny new tub, we’re talking about paying for it! Something no one wants to hear, but everyone, sadly, has to do. By reading on, hopefully nothing will come as a shock when it comes to coughing up the cash and...
8 Key Elements for a Family Bathroom
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Amanda Pollard (Houzz Contributor) Don’t forget these essential items to ensure your family bathroom works well for the whole household Install easy-access storage When a number of people are...
8 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Bathroom Renovation
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Jennifer Chong (Houzz Contributor) Revamping your wash space? Get a clear idea of what you want to achieve by thinking about these essentials first. A bathroom can be one of the trickiest rooms...
Don’t lose your cool – “How & where to install heating in a Wet Room”
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Radiators Of all the rooms in a house to be colder than the rest, it definitely should not be the brand new wetroom you installed. Nobody wants to get out of a shower or...
5 Ideas for Creating A Wet Room
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Many renovated properties and even new developments now have them, but with so many options available, where do you begin when creating a wet room? Here are five ideas,...
How to choose the Right Lighting for your Wet Room
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. As we head into the spring and summer months, we look forward to the lighter and brighter nights this time of the year brings with it. But the aim is to simulate this lovely...
How to achieve a Leak Proof Wet Room Design
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. It may appear counter-intuitive to willingly construct an area in a hotel or a house that has the potential to damage the surrounding fabric of the building it inhabits....
Avoid these 3 costly “Wet Room” problems
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. A wet room effortlessly provides both luxury and functionality to a residential property, be it a private dwelling or a hotel complex. However, excellence usually comes at a...
What is the cost of a Wet Room drain and what types of Drains are available
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Depending on the desired level of sophistication, from “doesn’t really matter” to “something stylish, sleek and minimalistic”, the range of options can cost from £200 to...
5 key considerations for bathroom remodelling
The time has come to create the bathroom space you’ve been dreaming of! Where do you start? Your bathroom/shower room should be a place of serenity and relaxation. The renovation process should get the same care and attention to get it right for yourself, your family...
How much does a Bathroom cost?
One of the first questions potential bathroom purchasers want to know when they contact my company is ‘ How much does a bathroom cost? This is a very difficult question to answer however I will try my best here to explain some general price guidelines. In order to get...
Bathroom Design – Planning Guide
Whatever the size of your bathroom – or budget – we will help you plan the bathroom you've always dreamt of, here we discuss; Bathroom décor ideas, Inclusive bathroom adaptations, Bathroom colour ideas, Bathroom paint, Bathroom wallpaper, Bathroom wall panels and...
The 9 different types of tiles – and the pros and cons of each one
The latest tile ideas and tile trends, certainly show a demand for tiles that mimic natural stone and timber, cement, metals, and fabrics. These offer all the advantages of a hardwearing, easy-to-maintain, long-lasting tile with the look of a luxury material. Also...
Our 5 top tips for designing your dream bathroom.
‘I want to design my own bathroom, where can I start?’ Taking matters into your own hands is great! Ensure you’re making use of the wide range of online tools! Before that starts you need to measure up! Precision is key, double and triple check every measurement....
Design ideas for transforming your bathroom
Transform your bathroom from a purely functional space to a rejuvenating oasis with our expert tips. Discover how to seamlessly blend style and practicality while staying on budget. No matter the size of your bathroom or shower room, you deserve to have a serene and...
Where to go for your Bathroom Improvements
It is essential to know where to go for your bathroom improvements. It is normally a wise decision to choose a specialist for a bathroom where a design service is available and a full installation process, plumbing, electrics and a range of goods are available to make...
Buyers may be put off by your property
A report in the Daily Express in Feb 2022 said that the average price for a property in Maidstone in 2021 was £352,464 They also reported that new bathroom trends could decrease value of home and interior experts have revealed the bathroom trends which could decrease...
What to consider when designing a bathroom for the future
It goes without saying that the bathroom is a critical room in any home. It's essential for hygiene and comfort, but it can also be a source of style and beauty. When it comes to bathroom design, however, many people don't think very far into the future. They may plan...
5 Tips to remember when designing your bathroom
When starting a project, everything can be exciting – from picking tiles to deciding on replumbing (yes, really). But that also makes it easy to forget something, especially if it’s one of the finer details. And there’s no shame in that – the most organised of us can...
Why buy a bathroom from an independent retailer
“An Honest Comparison” We exist in a competitive society and to consider that Independents cannot compete with National Retailers would be an incorrect assumption. On a like for like basis the Independents will compete however we don’t want to just compete on that...
Bathroom Design trends
Your bathroom is meant to be a retreat, regardless of its size. For instance, you enjoy the charm of a small bathroom by outfitting it with bold wallpaper or large format porcelain feature tiles, or you can fill a spacious bathroom layout with a calming white colour...
Bathroom trends and colour ideas
One of the most popular interior trends for furnishing our homes in recent years has to create the cottage effect of idealised rural life. This is all about creating a wholesome, laidback and rustic vibe that makes you feel at ease making it perfect for a relaxing...
Tips for choosing bathroom furniture
When choosing bathroom furniture, it is important to consider both form and function. Whether you are looking for sleek modern vanities, compact storage cabinets, or freestanding bathtubs, there are plenty of options available to suit the needs and aesthetics of any...
What’s the best underfloor heating for bathrooms?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions and for good reason! With so many brands of underfloor heating out there including Warm Up, Heat Mat, Thermosphere and Schluter, and different methods of heating like wet vs. electric underfloor heating, it can be...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 3
Showers and shower enclosures come in a vast number of designs, shapes and functions so we will deal with showers first. The most important consideration is the type of boiler you have, combination, gravity (hot and cold water tanks) or high pressure. The type of...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 2
So what type of bath do you want? What are the merits of the different versions, which one should you pick and why? In practice there are three different baths, steel, acrylic and freestanding, which sometimes are also made of acrylic. What are the features and...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 1
You are considering buying a fitted bathroom and there are many decisions you should be considering. I will try to put them into some order of importance based on the questions I have asked and been asked by my customers over the last 30 years. You need to determine...
8 Space-saving Bathroom Storage Ideas
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Amanda Pollard (Houzz Contributor) In a small bathroom, it can be tricky to find enough space for storage, but nooks and crannies, unused corners and awkward angles can all offer the chance to...
Steam Shower Room
Plan the shower room layout: Seating – You will want to relax when taking a steam bath so seating is essential. To save on space in a smaller rooms you can use a fold-away seat. If you have enough space you could build a seating area on one or two sides of the room,...
Small Bathroom ideas on a budget……
Making the most of a small bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many small bathroom designs and cost-saving solutions out there to help you get the room of your dreams. Combi bath and shower Whether you’re short on space or looking to save a few a...
After months of dreaming and searching for your new bathroom, the time has finally arrived………..
No, we’re not talking about taking your first bath in your shiny new tub, we’re talking about paying for it! Something no one wants to hear, but everyone, sadly, has to do. By reading on, hopefully nothing will come as a shock when it comes to coughing up the cash and...
8 Key Elements for a Family Bathroom
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Amanda Pollard (Houzz Contributor) Don’t forget these essential items to ensure your family bathroom works well for the whole household Install easy-access storage When a number of people are...
8 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Bathroom Renovation
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Jennifer Chong (Houzz Contributor) Revamping your wash space? Get a clear idea of what you want to achieve by thinking about these essentials first. A bathroom can be one of the trickiest rooms...
Don’t lose your cool – “How & where to install heating in a Wet Room”
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Radiators Of all the rooms in a house to be colder than the rest, it definitely should not be the brand new wetroom you installed. Nobody wants to get out of a shower or...
5 Ideas for Creating A Wet Room
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Many renovated properties and even new developments now have them, but with so many options available, where do you begin when creating a wet room? Here are five ideas,...
How to choose the Right Lighting for your Wet Room
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. As we head into the spring and summer months, we look forward to the lighter and brighter nights this time of the year brings with it. But the aim is to simulate this lovely...
How to achieve a Leak Proof Wet Room Design
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. It may appear counter-intuitive to willingly construct an area in a hotel or a house that has the potential to damage the surrounding fabric of the building it inhabits....
Avoid these 3 costly “Wet Room” problems
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. A wet room effortlessly provides both luxury and functionality to a residential property, be it a private dwelling or a hotel complex. However, excellence usually comes at a...
What is the cost of a Wet Room drain and what types of Drains are available
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Depending on the desired level of sophistication, from “doesn’t really matter” to “something stylish, sleek and minimalistic”, the range of options can cost from £200 to...
5 key considerations for bathroom remodelling
The time has come to create the bathroom space you’ve been dreaming of! Where do you start? Your bathroom/shower room should be a place of serenity and relaxation. The renovation process should get the same care and attention to get it right for yourself, your family...
How much does a Bathroom cost?
One of the first questions potential bathroom purchasers want to know when they contact my company is ‘ How much does a bathroom cost? This is a very difficult question to answer however I will try my best here to explain some general price guidelines. In order to get...
Bathroom Design – Planning Guide
Whatever the size of your bathroom – or budget – we will help you plan the bathroom you've always dreamt of, here we discuss; Bathroom décor ideas, Inclusive bathroom adaptations, Bathroom colour ideas, Bathroom paint, Bathroom wallpaper, Bathroom wall panels and...
The 9 different types of tiles – and the pros and cons of each one
The latest tile ideas and tile trends, certainly show a demand for tiles that mimic natural stone and timber, cement, metals, and fabrics. These offer all the advantages of a hardwearing, easy-to-maintain, long-lasting tile with the look of a luxury material. Also...
Our 5 top tips for designing your dream bathroom.
‘I want to design my own bathroom, where can I start?’ Taking matters into your own hands is great! Ensure you’re making use of the wide range of online tools! Before that starts you need to measure up! Precision is key, double and triple check every measurement....
Design ideas for transforming your bathroom
Transform your bathroom from a purely functional space to a rejuvenating oasis with our expert tips. Discover how to seamlessly blend style and practicality while staying on budget. No matter the size of your bathroom or shower room, you deserve to have a serene and...
Where to go for your Bathroom Improvements
It is essential to know where to go for your bathroom improvements. It is normally a wise decision to choose a specialist for a bathroom where a design service is available and a full installation process, plumbing, electrics and a range of goods are available to make...
Buyers may be put off by your property
A report in the Daily Express in Feb 2022 said that the average price for a property in Maidstone in 2021 was £352,464 They also reported that new bathroom trends could decrease value of home and interior experts have revealed the bathroom trends which could decrease...
What to consider when designing a bathroom for the future
It goes without saying that the bathroom is a critical room in any home. It's essential for hygiene and comfort, but it can also be a source of style and beauty. When it comes to bathroom design, however, many people don't think very far into the future. They may plan...
5 Tips to remember when designing your bathroom
When starting a project, everything can be exciting – from picking tiles to deciding on replumbing (yes, really). But that also makes it easy to forget something, especially if it’s one of the finer details. And there’s no shame in that – the most organised of us can...
Why buy a bathroom from an independent retailer
“An Honest Comparison” We exist in a competitive society and to consider that Independents cannot compete with National Retailers would be an incorrect assumption. On a like for like basis the Independents will compete however we don’t want to just compete on that...
Bathroom Design trends
Your bathroom is meant to be a retreat, regardless of its size. For instance, you enjoy the charm of a small bathroom by outfitting it with bold wallpaper or large format porcelain feature tiles, or you can fill a spacious bathroom layout with a calming white colour...
Bathroom trends and colour ideas
One of the most popular interior trends for furnishing our homes in recent years has to create the cottage effect of idealised rural life. This is all about creating a wholesome, laidback and rustic vibe that makes you feel at ease making it perfect for a relaxing...
Tips for choosing bathroom furniture
When choosing bathroom furniture, it is important to consider both form and function. Whether you are looking for sleek modern vanities, compact storage cabinets, or freestanding bathtubs, there are plenty of options available to suit the needs and aesthetics of any...
What’s the best underfloor heating for bathrooms?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions and for good reason! With so many brands of underfloor heating out there including Warm Up, Heat Mat, Thermosphere and Schluter, and different methods of heating like wet vs. electric underfloor heating, it can be...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 3
Showers and shower enclosures come in a vast number of designs, shapes and functions so we will deal with showers first. The most important consideration is the type of boiler you have, combination, gravity (hot and cold water tanks) or high pressure. The type of...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 2
So what type of bath do you want? What are the merits of the different versions, which one should you pick and why? In practice there are three different baths, steel, acrylic and freestanding, which sometimes are also made of acrylic. What are the features and...
Everything you should know about buying a fitted bathroom. Part 1
You are considering buying a fitted bathroom and there are many decisions you should be considering. I will try to put them into some order of importance based on the questions I have asked and been asked by my customers over the last 30 years. You need to determine...
8 Space-saving Bathroom Storage Ideas
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Amanda Pollard (Houzz Contributor) In a small bathroom, it can be tricky to find enough space for storage, but nooks and crannies, unused corners and awkward angles can all offer the chance to...
Steam Shower Room
Plan the shower room layout: Seating – You will want to relax when taking a steam bath so seating is essential. To save on space in a smaller rooms you can use a fold-away seat. If you have enough space you could build a seating area on one or two sides of the room,...
Small Bathroom ideas on a budget……
Making the most of a small bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many small bathroom designs and cost-saving solutions out there to help you get the room of your dreams. Combi bath and shower Whether you’re short on space or looking to save a few a...
After months of dreaming and searching for your new bathroom, the time has finally arrived………..
No, we’re not talking about taking your first bath in your shiny new tub, we’re talking about paying for it! Something no one wants to hear, but everyone, sadly, has to do. By reading on, hopefully nothing will come as a shock when it comes to coughing up the cash and...
8 Key Elements for a Family Bathroom
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Amanda Pollard (Houzz Contributor) Don’t forget these essential items to ensure your family bathroom works well for the whole household Install easy-access storage When a number of people are...
8 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Bathroom Renovation
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Jennifer Chong (Houzz Contributor) Revamping your wash space? Get a clear idea of what you want to achieve by thinking about these essentials first. A bathroom can be one of the trickiest rooms...
Don’t lose your cool – “How & where to install heating in a Wet Room”
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Radiators Of all the rooms in a house to be colder than the rest, it definitely should not be the brand new wetroom you installed. Nobody wants to get out of a shower or...
5 Ideas for Creating A Wet Room
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Many renovated properties and even new developments now have them, but with so many options available, where do you begin when creating a wet room? Here are five ideas,...
How to choose the Right Lighting for your Wet Room
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. As we head into the spring and summer months, we look forward to the lighter and brighter nights this time of the year brings with it. But the aim is to simulate this lovely...
How to achieve a Leak Proof Wet Room Design
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. It may appear counter-intuitive to willingly construct an area in a hotel or a house that has the potential to damage the surrounding fabric of the building it inhabits....
Avoid these 3 costly “Wet Room” problems
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. A wet room effortlessly provides both luxury and functionality to a residential property, be it a private dwelling or a hotel complex. However, excellence usually comes at a...
What is the cost of a Wet Room drain and what types of Drains are available
Another of our series of Blogs called “Ask the Experts” and this one is by Wet Room Materials. Depending on the desired level of sophistication, from “doesn’t really matter” to “something stylish, sleek and minimalistic”, the range of options can cost from £200 to...