Consider factors like bathroom size and features when shopping for a bath

A shower is the fastest way to get clean but when you have a bit more time, the bath can be a relaxing alternative.

“Baths have become more than a place to wash. In addition to getting your family clean; baths are a soothing reward, a meditative reprieve and provide a truly personal experience,” says Debra Retief marketing manager at Tile Africa.

With a multitude of styles, choosing the right bath to suit your family’s need can be difficult. Consider the following factors before making a decision.

How much room is available?

Determine the exact dimensions of the space where the bath will be placed.

“The golden rule is to measure your space. Nothing could be worse than finding that your ideal bath is 10 centimetres too long for the space you’ve allocated. Don’t forget to include space for opening doors and moving around in the bathroom,” says Retief.

What colour and types of material will look best?

In terms of colour, think of one that will best fit your style. Materials used to make bath tubs also vary and options can range from acrylic which is light and will make your bath less heavy to crystallite which is highly chip and stain resistant and can withstand harsh handling.

Is the bath comfortable?

The best trick is to lie down in a bath before purchasing to make sure it feels comfortable.

Types of baths:

Freestanding baths

Freestanding baths provide flexibility when it comes to placement and don't require any special faucet drilling.

If you would like to make your bathroom look bigger, a freestanding bath is the ideal choice as it can make a space look more spacious. “Freestanding baths add a touch of luxury to any bathroom and are the perfect retreat where you can pamper yourself, daydream and recharge your batteries,” says Retief. Although freestanding baths don’t offer a base on which to place accessories such as bath crystals, bubble bath and hair products, an alternative is to place a bench or vanity cupboard in close proximity to the bath.

Corner baths

Corner baths are the affordable option and are also the perfect choice for saving space.

“Whether you have a small or large bathroom; corner baths are great for maximising the floor space and getting the most out of your bathroom,” says Retief.

The placement of a corner bath opens up the centre section of the bathroom allowing traffic to move freely throughout the rest of the space

A corner bath can also fit a roof shower over the bath. This provides an added extra which functionality wise will help you out on those busy mornings when you don’t have time to bath.

To add a special touch to your chosen bath; consider adding steps leading up to the bath. One can also introduce an element of colour with a line of mosaics or tap handles with pops of colour.

Tile Africa offers a wide range of baths in all shapes and sizes. For more information contsct Tile Africa on 0800 002 783 or visit www.tileafrica.co.za

Tile Africa appoints new Marketing Manager

Tile Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Debra Retief as its new Marketing Manager. Marketing seemingly comes naturally to Retief. After graduating with a B.Com in Marketing Management from Rand Afrikaans University (now known as the University of Johannesburg) in 1999, Retief immediately went on to become sales and marketing consultant at Virtual Market Place which founded and developed the MySchool programme.

In September 2000, she took up the marketing mantle at Look & Listen until July 2002. From 2003 to December 2010 Retief ran her own successful marketing and design consultancy business named ‘To The Core Marketing’. In January 2011 she once again took up the post of Marketing Manager at Look & Listen until August 2014, at which point she decided to change track and join the Tile Africa team.

Describing her responsibilities, Retief says: “As Marketing Manager, I am responsible for all the marketing activities and brand communications for Tile Africa. I’m excited about navigating an entirely different industry and I enjoy working with a dedicated and enthusiastic team which shares the same vision of expanding and enhancing the brand. Together I hope we will be able to unleash Tile Africa’s full brand potential.”

In terms of the challenges ahead, Retief believes a balance will need to be struck in terms of securing marketing spend to grow and develop the brand within the tile and bathroom market. Tile Africa has embarked on an ambitious growth path which will expand the company’s retail footprint as well as the commercial side of the business – says Retief.

Going forward, Retief will also focus on a consumer-centric approach across all stores within the group to ensure the entrenchment of Tile Africa’s brand identity within the mind of the consumer. She also plans on elevating the company’s social and environmentally responsible profile by implementing environmentally friendly practices and engaging with the community across various platforms.

Retief is taking her new position and challenges in her stride. She attributes her success to her ability to utilise and implement new retail trends which ultimately serve to enhance and improve the customer experience as well as develop and grow the ‘lifeblood’ of the company.

When Retief isn’t tackling marketing matters, she spends time with her husband and children Connor and Keira. She also enjoys playing action netball, running, mountain biking and playing the occasional game of golf.