Climate change and the environment
You may not think water use contributes to climate change, but according to Waterwise the energy used to pump, treat and heat the water in the average family’s home produces the equivalent carbon of a return flight from London to New York or around 1.4tonnes CO2.
By conserving water you’ll also be helping to protect the wildlife that lives in rivers and wetlands. The more water used at home, the less there is available in rivers, lakes and wetlands, and as water levels fall, food for birds be lost and oxygen levels can become dangerously low for aquatic life.
Shower power – water saving solutions
Taking a quick shower instead of a bath is an effective way to save water in the bathroom, but you can take it a step further by installing the very latest in eco technology from Mira.
The Mira Eco Showerhead uses aeration technology that mixes water with tiny air bubbles to create an invigorating spray pattern you’d never think uses up to 75% less water than a standard shower head. Unlike many eco solutions it’s effortless to install – simply unscrew your existing head and replace.
Your choice of shower can also help save water; the Minilite Eco comes with a six or eight litre per minute flow as standard compared to the usual 12, saving thousands of litres over the year, without affecting performance. Similarly, the Mira Miniduo & Eco Showerhead saves up to 75% water and still delivers a great performance.
Waterwise is an independent not-for-profit UK NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK by 2010.
The shabby but chic family bathroom
Creating a cosy inviting family bathroom can be so easy. Soft pale pink walls and ceilings will give the impression of both space and warmth. If you’re not adverse to a touch of DIY take a vintage Lloyd loom laundry basket or ottoman if you have the space, and paint the same colour as the walls.
Add your own personality by choosing a dramatic contrast fabric to upholster the top of your Lloyd loom basket/ottoman or even the blinds in the bathroom (easy with a staple gun). Add glamour with a vintage or vintage inspired chandelier, this combined with the classic Victorian style, chrome, fixed 21cm deluge head of the Mira Realm with Diverter has the luxury of a country house estate. The diverter which has a maximum temperature stop, provides flexibility and safety needed for a family bathroom without compromising on style.
To create more continuity and if you still have the paint brush out, paint the frame of any pictures and mirrors the same colour as the walls and ceiling. If you’re feeling super brave pick out a clashing colour from your contrast fabric and paint frames and other accessories. Should you feel extra creative take the scraps of fabric and some PVA glue and cover the frame of your mirror in a patchwork style.
Vintage modern; grown up streamline bathroom
A simple streamlined bathroom with classic styling will stand the test of time, its longevity is thanks to the enduring and ever-popular ingredients of black, white, chrome and mirror. Victorian interiors are notoriously fussy and cluttered with ornament, strip back the fuss and an elegant stylish skeleton is revealed.
Black and white bathroom floor tiles, popular in the 19th century, coupled with chrome bathroom fittings need little more ornament than a simple mirror. For an eclectic streamlined bathroom go for stark ‘studio white’ walls, a chequerboard floor and frameless 1930s mirrors hung on industrial chain. The classic chrome and elegant design of the Mira Montpellier shower compliments this look and is the perfect choice for those whowant to combine style with a relaxing showering experience.The large deluge head (available in 6”, 8” or 12”) and Victorian lever gives a period look to any bathroom. Add interest in the form of a Fornasettivase or urn. For a seriously dramatic boutique hotel feel, reverse to x-ray; paint walls charcoal black and install a hi-tech surround sound system!