How Many Weight Watchers Points Is A Slice Of Pizza
Slicing up pizza robots
Robotics Roundup: Coming to a restaurant near you
So, true story. Over the weekend I was talking to someone about restaurant robotics. It's a concept people often have trouble visualizing — and understandably so. Among other things, there's really no commonly accepted form factor in a category that sometimes is literally a robot arm flipping hamburgers.
My short response was, "they're large kiosks that make pizza." And honestly, that's not really far from the truth. These sorts of self-contained assembly line robots are probably about as close as we have to a consensus design in the category — and for good reason. They're designed to operate with minimal interaction — largely the employee's involvement is limited to order input, restocking ingredients and cleaning.
The pizza part is two-fold. First: people like pizza. It's plentiful and popular, so it makes sense that it would be one of the first foodstuffs you'd want to automate. Second: it's relatively easy to automate. The process for making it is consistent and the constraints are clear. It's something that can be broken down into an easy to follow, step by step set of instructions.
I covered two restaurant robots in the past week. It's a category that saw a pretty sizable boost in interest during the pandemic, as restaurants were short-staffed essential services looking for ways to minimize human contact with food as the scientific world was scrambling to determine how the novel coronavirus is spread.
Picnic very much fits in with the aforementioned description. It is, quite literally, a big, pizza-making box. This week the Seattle-based company announced a $16.3 million raise that includes a $3 million bridge filed last fall. It's targeting restaurants, as well as public gathering spaces (remember those?) like schools, stadiums and hospitals. There are a handful of companies in the category, including XRobotics — though the formerly best known, Zume, bailed out of the pizza robot space a while back.
Chef Robotics announced a $7.7 million raise this week. I can't really tell you what the final robot looks like yet, because that's still trade secret stuff. Here's what the company says:
Chef is designed to mimic the flexibility of humans, allowing customers to handle thousands of different kinds of food using minimal hardware changes. Chef does this using artificial intelligence that can learn how to handle more and more ingredients over time and that also improves. This allows customers to do things like change their menu often. Additionally, Chef's modular architecture allows customers to quickly scale up just as they would by hiring more staff (but unlike humans, Chef always shows up on time and doesn't need breaks).
Not a lot to go off there, but the modularity bit is interesting — and something a lot of these companies are exploring. If you can get a robot to automate a simple, repetitive task, you can potentially offer swappable hardware that can apply the technology to different kinds of food.
Other notable raises for the week include Mech-Mind robots. The Beijing-based company announced a Series C. It hasn't revealed a specific figure, but given that it says the raise brings its total funding to over $100 million and it had previously raised a total of $79 million (including a $15 million Series B last year), you can extrapolate from there.
Mech-Mind is an industrial robotics and AI company focused on various manufacturing tasks.
If you don't already have one, then these bathroom en-suite ideas will have you adding it to your must have reno list for 2021. You may think it tricky to add an en-suite to your space if you haven't got much room to work with, or if you have an awkwardly shaped space (or both), however, even the most unlikely of corners and loft spaces can make perfect en-suites...
From open plan en-suite bathrooms to more traditional looks, compact setups and more, keep scrolling to help bring more function – and a little luxury – to your home this year. And for more bathroom ideas be sure to take a look at our marvelous feature. Find more information on how to add an ensuite to another room on our dedicated page too.
1. Consider where your ensuite will work best
(Image credit: Solesbury & Worthy)
Before you get carried away with the fun part of decorating your ensuite, consider where it will actually be situated and how that will impact the existing space.
'When adding an ensuite to a bedroom, it's essential that you put a lot of careful thought into where to situate it. First, visualize how much room you're willing to sacrifice.
If you find it difficult to give up a significant amount of space without heavily impacting your sleeping area, you may have to rethink your plans. Next, make a floor plan and carefully start selecting components to fit within it. Be sure take pipework and windows into account as needing to resituate them will lead to extra costs.' says George Holland, design expert at Victorian Plumbing.
2. Opt for streamlined sanitaryware
(Image credit: GSG Ceramic Design)
'As ensuites tend to be a fair bit smaller than master bathrooms, carefully chosen sanitaryware is key to making the most of your available space. If yours is particularly cramped, we recommend opting for a clever toilet and sink combination unit to keep things as open and airy as possible.' continues George.
Opting for streamlined sanitaryware in an en-suite is a practical option that maximizes space while giving a bathroom a sleek and contemporary feel – a countertop basin with a simple silhouette is both a practical and stylish example. For more gorgeous modern bathroom ideas, check out our gallery.
3. Maximize awkward spaces
(Image credit: Rachael Smith)
En-suite bathrooms, particularly those in a loft conversions, can be small, awkward spaces with tricky angles. It's important to plan your en-suite effectively in order to maximize space and come up with design solutions that tackle awkward angles.
Transforming an en-suite into a wet room can be a great way of tackling this issue as it allows the installation of a simple shower screen (rather than a fitted shower unit), ensuring that awkward spaces are utilized effectively. If this idea takes your fancy go and have a read of our guide to wet room design.
4. Make an ensuite feel like an extension of your bedroom
(Image credit: B&Q )
When designing an en-suite, it can be a good idea to opt for a scheme that complements the adjoining rooms. This creates a sense of flow and continuity through the spaces, making them feel connected and well-considered.
'Choose a deeper shade of the wall color in the adjoining room for your en-suite so it looks individual but still connected.' suggests Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux. 'For example, you could have beautiful soft grey Polished Pebble in the bedroom and a slightly deeper soft grey like Chic Shadow in the en-suite.'
5. Consider opening up a space with a doorless frame
(Image credit: Douglas Gibb)
If you want to create an open feel between a bedroom and en-suite bathroom, consider choosing a doorless frame. This can help enhance the feeling of continuity between the two spaces, particularly when similar colors run through the schemes of both spaces.
6. Or go for the two room option
(Image credit: BC Designs)
If you are able, using the room next door to your bedroom can be a great option. It allows you to have some privacy whilst still retaining that ensuite feel. You can link the two spaces visually, choose one color key color and thread it through both rooms.
Using the same flooring throughout creates a flow too and using brass light fittings in both rooms give the look a cohesive feel.
7. Create the illusion of space with an open plan design
(Image credit: Meir )
A minimalist, open-plan scheme is a great option in a small bathroom design or en-suite, creating the illusion of a space that's large and light. Consider installing a recessed wall unit during the process of designing a bathroom, as this maximizes space and makes for an effective bathroom storage solution.
8. Create an ensuite 'zone' in your bedroom
(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)
If your ensuite is going to be within the same room as your bed, then you can make a complete design statement by choosing a look that's totally stand out.
It's a way to zone the bathroom space so it has its own identity and gives you the freedom to choose those pricey tiles you've yearned after for months - a smaller space means you don't need as many, so that will keep the costs down!
This ensuite is also a great example of how to create a modern look - keep the fixtures and fittings sleek and minimal, no clutter allowed folks!
If maximizing storage is essential in your en-suite, it may be worth considering a built-in or bespoke storage unit – we'd recommend opting for a sleek and minimalist style to prevent an en-suite from feeling boxy. No space? An under-the-sink storage unit can fulfill most storage needs in a small ensuite.
10. Create a partition between your bedroom and en-suite with the addition of a stylish glass screen
(Image credit: The Baked Tile Company)
A floor–to–ceiling glass screen can make for a stylish option if you're adding an en-suite and are concerned that doing so will compromise natural light within a space. Plus, patterned floor tiles help create flow between the two spaces.
11. Choose tiles that complement a space
(Image credit: Topps Tiles)
Take time to consider a tile scheme that complements your en-suite bathroom – particularly if it's an awkward shape. We are obsessed with scalloped tiles at the moment! We have loads of inspiration for tile patterns and design ideas over in our gallery too so go and take a look if you want to recreate a similar look.
12. Go colourful and eclectic with a fun wallpaper
(Image credit: Ikea)
Enhance your en-suite visually with a colorful wallpaper. A particularly good option for loft en-suites, since the wallpaper, withdraw attention from the awkward shape of the room.
You can go bold with your choice too, don't let the fact you are working with a small space let you be deterred, a wallpaper that has a lot going on can actually visually expand the room.
Like everybody else, we love Cole & Son's Jungle wallpaper and for more bathroom wallpaper ideas you can look to our feature.
13. Embrace a monochrome colour scheme
(Image credit: Britton Bathrooms)
En-suites tend to be small spaces, and using color contrasts is a good way to make them seem larger. Check out more similar designs in our black bathroom ideas gallery.
14. Choose a small (but statement) freestanding bath
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Didn't think your en-suite could fit an elegant freestanding tub? Think again. There are so many models out there that are made for small spaces. Just look at this gorgeous little bath from Albion Baths, the Tubby Too is only 147cm long!
15. Go for an all white colour scheme for a fresh look
(Image credit: H and G Designs)
Is there anything more Instagrammable that an all white room with a couple of stylish house plants? We don't think so, and it's a really easy look to achieve, especially in a bathroom where most of the essentials are obviously white.
Make the space slightly less clinical with greenery and choose hardware – things like handles, taps, showerheads – in gold, silver or even black to create a bit of contrast. You could also add color with a cute bath mat.
16. Create a traditional feel in an ensuite
(Image credit: Drummonds)
Ensuites can be the epitome of glamour – they are not just for minimalists! You can invoke a traditional style bathroom too – how about having a chandelier in yours? And parquet flooring? Tick! You can create a look like this even if your home is a new build - choose architectural elements like paneling and choose a classic bateau bath and period style wall mounted towel rail. As before, keeping your color scheme similar in both rooms will keep it cohesive, especially if you want the rooms to link.
17. Add an ensuite into an alcove in a loft bedroom
(Image credit: Katie Lee)
If you have a loft bedroom, it can be tricky working out how to fit in an en suite. This is such a fab idea though, use the eaves, the sections that might otherwise go unused.
Just plan your bathroom around the proportions, for example a bath where the ceiling in lowest to create a cozy feel and a shower at the tallest part of the room. If you want more en suite ideas, take a tour of this bungalow transformation what has been fitted into that small space is amazing.
For advice on loft conversion costs and planning check out our in-depth feature.
18. Bring a statement bath into your bedroom
(Image credit: Waters Baths of Ashbourne)
Dreamed of having a deep tub to soak in in your ensuite? If you cant squeeze one into the space, why not bring the bath out into your bedroom – a statement freestanding bath brings a luxurious hotel vibe and you can still have your toilet, sink and shower out of sight in your adjoining ensuite.
19. Conceal an ensuite behind a panelled wall
(Image credit: Colin Poole)
If you are after ways to disguise your ensuite entrance, adding in a wall of paneling with a hidden door is a perfect way to do so. It looks lovely, perfect for a more traditional bedroom, plus it means your bedroom isn't broken up by a doorway and you still have seamless walls.
20. Add depth with dark greens and plenty of plants
(Image credit: Georgia Burns)
Painting your ensuite is a super quick update that doesn't require a remodel and you can DIY on a budget. If you want to add a bit of drama we say go with a rich deep forest green. Perhaps not a color you would use on all four walls of your bedroom, but in a small space like an ensuite, it works perfectly. Add even more of that depth with complimenting houseplants too.
21. Build in handy storage
(Image credit: Chris Snook)
Bathroom storage in an ensuite can be tricky to fit in, but it is an essential if you want to create a practical, clutter free space. Therefore it's worth thinking about clever storage from the get go.
When designing your ensuite, build in handy nooks like you can see here – a place to store even just a couple of toiletries within the wall will save you having to add a caddy which, one, we don't always love the look of and two, will just take up valuable space.
22. Expand your space with a mirrored tub
If you could see our faces reflected in that gorgeous bath, we would be drooling. What a stunning tub. But just in case you needed to further justify your purchase of a silver bath, they are a practical buy for a small ensuite because, as you can see here, it's almost camouflaged into the space.
There's no bulkiness prevent the flow of light, in fact, this bath adds more light and the reflection of the floor tiles creates the illusion of a bigger room too.
23. Go statement with your floor tiles
(Image credit: Chris Snook)
Speaking of floor tiles, they can be a great way to add pattern to your ensuite. If you want to keep the walls of your bathroom pretty neutral, you can look to the floor to bring in the style and color.
If your ensuite is on the smaller side, we would always recommend going for bigger tiles with a larger pattern – anything too small and fussy could make the room feel smaller.
You can check out our small bathroom tile ideas for plenty more tips.
24. Contrast tiles and statement wallpaper
(Image credit: Chris Snook)
Splitting up your walls like this is a great hack for ensuites and smaller bathroom as it can create the impression of more height. Loving the bold color combo here, and don't be afraid to use a busy wallpaper in your ensuite, just keep the lower tiles simple so as not to overwhelm the room.
25. Be brave with color
(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)
A big trend for 2021 is moving away from classic all white bathrooms and bring color into the space. Not just with decor and accessories but the actual sanitary ware too.
Now if you aren't feeling quite brave enough to go bold in your family bathroom, an ensuite can be the perfect room to get more experimental.
'Personality of a homeowner is coming across more and more in bathroom design through the use of color and customized products. We aren't seeing stark white bathrooms anymore, instead colour is at the forefront through a combination of brassware, paint and even colored ceramics.' says Sally Cutchie Marketing Manager at BC Designs/Bayswater.
Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux agrees:' Small rooms deserve to have a little attention lavished on them just as much as you do. Rich, gutsy 'in your face(cloth)' shades on the walls will wrap around you like a soft fluffy towel and you can include the ceiling in your plans if you want to accentuate the feeling of being warmly embraced.'
Do you need planning permission for an ensuite bathroom?
If you are adding an ensuite to a part of your house that already exists, say dividing up a bedroom to create one, you won't need planning permission. However, if your home is listed, you will need planning permission to change the layout of your home and the configuration of the rooms.
Adding a new ensuite will also need to comply with building regulations so double-check those too.
How much does it cost to add an ensuite bathroom?
This can vary on the size of your ensuite, the quality of sanitary ware you choose and the decor too, but on average, adding an ensuite costs around £3000. This can also change based on where you want your ensuite to be and if any waste pipes need to be moved.
PHOTO: AMY BARTLAM; DESIGN: JENNIFER MUIRHEAD INTERIORS
Whether you have a small bathroom or a sprawling main bath that's borderline grandiose, organizing a space of any size can be challenging. To find out how to tackle some of the most common organizational problems in this room, we turned to experts Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit: a home organizing service that's garnered over one million followers on Instagram, as well as a slew of celebrity clients including Busy Philipps, Mandy Moore, and Khloé Kardashian.
When it comes to small bathroom organizing ideas, the pros swear by a simple method: the drawer and cabinet test. "If we open it and items aren't contained, it's an organizational red flag," Shearer and Teplin tell MyDomaine. "The key is to create functional systems where items are contained and have a designated home, so you always know where to look for things and where to put them back."
Ahead, learn how to be a small bathroom organizer like the experts as they break down some of the most common organizing mistakes (and how to avoid making them yourself).
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Declutter Before Organizing
PHOTO: SARA TRAMP; DESIGN: EMILY HENDERSON
According to The Home Edit team, the biggest mistake you can make when organizing a bathroom is skipping the editing process. "This means taking everything out, creating groupings, and paring down your items—no exceptions," Shearer and Teplin explain. For the experts, purging is a crucial step when trying to find an organizational system that will work for your space.
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Choose the Right Containers
BREATHING ROOM
Once you've finished decluttering old items, you'll have a fresh bathroom to work with. "It's the only way to fully access the space, the contents that will live there, and how to best organize them," Shearer and Teplin say. "It will also give you a chance to take better measurements of the space, which is important when choosing storage containers. The wrong product can add to the clutter, not conquer it."
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Zone Your Products
MIKA PERRY
As a general rule of thumb, Shearer and Teplin recommend separating your products into a few core categories. "You will almost always be organizing your items into these groupings: Face, hair, dental, bath, and body," they say. They note that you'll also likely want to dedicate spaces for eye makeup and hair tools, along with cotton swabs, travel items, and any back stock of necessities you have multiples of.
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Keep Labels General
MIKA PERRY
After separating your items, don't get too specific with labels when corralling your products. "In a bathroom, [labels] can actually be pretty general, as long as your items are contained and live in a designated spot," the pros note. Opt for clear storage when you'll be housing the containers inside cabinetry, or choose standard containers to keep the finished look sleek on open shelving.
The Container StoreThe Home Edit All-Purpose Deep Bin with Divider$24.99
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Upgrade Your Wall Space
WHITE SANDS DESIGN BUILD
If your bathroom is lacking traditional storage space, look to your walls: Installing wall shelving not only creates room for extra towels and products, but can also be an opportunity for design. By stacking items atop the shelves in this bathroom, the stylist utilized space without taking up room in drawers or closets.
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Use Space by Category
MIKA PERRY
Whether you have a large makeup collection, favorite hair care accessories, or an array of skincare products, dedicate a space in your bathroom by category for each assortment of items. By reserving a special place for these makeup essentials, there isn't clutter on the countertops or tossed into drawers in this room. Various sizes of containers fit together to separate items and keep the bathroom clean.
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Take Your Back Stock Elsewhere
PHOTO: TESSA NEUSTADT; DESIGN: EMILY HENDERSON
Rather than storing bulky items like extra towels and boxes of tissues in a small bathroom, stash them away somewhere else until you need them. "Since you don't need to access back stock until absolutely necessary, you can store these items in any linen closet, or even a laundry room," advise Shearer and Teplin. "We like to use stacking bins with labels to keep back stock contained and accessible when we're ready to replenish."
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Make Daily Items Accessible
BREATHING ROOM
When it comes to developing and maintaining an organizational system, it's especially helpful to keep the items you use the most in a designated space. "Simplify your routine by grouping all of the items you use twice a day without fail: Toothbrush and toothpaste, contact lenses, face wipes, and whatever else suits your daily routine," Shearer and Teplin recommend.
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Stick to Your Process
A FRESH SPACE
"General categories create a flexible road map, so if there is an outlier, it doesn't get thrown in haphazardly," Shearer and Teplin explain. Be sure to stay true to your labels once they're made—no more saving time by throwing things in unorganized areas where they'll ultimately be forgotten. "It's important that you label the categories, which is basically a guilt mechanism if you try to put something back where it doesn't belong."
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Maximize Drawer Space
PHOTO: AMY BARTLAM; DESIGN: JENNIFER MUIRHEAD INTERIORS
If you're working with a large bathroom, make the most of all the space that you have. "If a drawer is deep, don't use shallow inserts—use more modular ones instead," Shearer and Teplin advise. "Take advantage of the height, width, length, and depth of every space; even negative space like a floor or wall."
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Stay Consistent
KATIE MARTINEZ DESIGN
"Consistency is key, so try to buy storage containers in the same collection (or at least the same color)," the pros say. "Matching products instantly elevate a space, while mismatched products make it look sloppy. Streamlining your supplies will make everything look polished." Choose colors of containers or baskets that complement the design in your bathroom for an added element of style.
If your baskets or storage bins are visible on open shelving, opt for matching sets that disguise the contents in style. Choose clear sets for easy access to items that are stored behind closet doors and in drawers.
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Keep Counter Clutter to a Minimum
CATHIE HONG INTERIORS
To keep your bathroom feeling clean and fresh each time you walk in, keep items on the counters to a minimum. While it may be tempting to leave your daily products out for easy access, it also takes up space and creates a cluttered feeling. Choose a few special items—like lotions, cotton balls, or your favorite décor—to keep on the counters at all times. Find other places like drawers, cabinets, and closet storage to organize bulkier things like your hairdryer or collections of products.
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Be Flexible
MIKA PERRY
An integral part of designing a clean bathroom is making your storage flexible. Opt for containers like caddies or baskets with handles that can house daily items like hairspray, bobby pins, combs, and other products. Easy-grab bins make it simple to stow your daily favorites away in the cabinets when they're not in use, and quick to pull out each morning while keeping them organized together.
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Use Every Inch
MICHELLE BERWICK DESIGN
Especially if you're working with a small bathroom, be sure to utilize every area available for storage. Vanities with open shelving along the bottom can make a great opportunity for folding towels and bathrobes, stacking extra paper goods, or stowing away items that aren't used every day. When you have many small items, store them in short bins that can slide out easily.
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Curate a Daily Drawer
BREATHING ROOM
A product that Shearer and Teplin swear by for organizing commonly-used products is the modular drawer organizer. "We like to use modular drawer organizers to keep items separated," they say. "Curating a 'daily drawer' also helps when you travel, so you can grab-and-go and not worry about forgetting your essentials."
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Store on the Floor
HOUSE 9
A simple trick to add storage space in your bathroom is to incorporate floor baskets. This versatile solution can be home to fresh towels, or even to store those extra bottles of shampoo and conditioner that take up space in your cabinets. Choose a few matching sets to separate various products, or opt for one large basket for items like bath towels.
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Make Hard-to-Reach Areas Accessible
A FRESH SPACE
Spaces like the area below the sink can be difficult to organize. Your bathroom's plumbing may get in the way of shelving inserts, or you might find yourself knocking over items in the front when reaching for essentials at the back of the cabinet. Make hard-to-reach areas easy to access by using storage bins that can be pulled out as a whole.
To make your under-the-sink storage even more simple to reach, install sliders underneath your bins to roll them in and out with ease.
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Install Wall Hooks
KATIE MARTINEZ DESIGN
While they're an absolute necessity in the bathroom, towels are also large items that take up a considerable amount of room on shelves. If you're short on space, install a few wall hooks to keep extra towels off the floor and out of your cabinets. Choose hooks in a finish that matches your bathroom's plumbing fixtures, or opt for a bold color to add a pop of personality along with storage in your space.
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Invest in Organizers
A FRESH SPACE
Whether you're stowing them on the counters or in your bathroom's cabinetry, dedicated organizers can clean up your space while separating a large number of items. If you have more than a few daily essentials, a multi-purpose organizer may be the key: And opting for clear storage makes finding each product a breeze.
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Focus on Cluttered Areas
BREATHING ROOM
To really maximize your bathroom's storage, don't skip the organization process in any area—especially those that are most likely to invite clutter. By keeping things clean and tidy under the sink or in cabinet shelving, necessities like toilet paper, extra soaps and lotions, and mouthwash can have a designated home without becoming messy. Use storage bins with multiple areas for small products to keep it sleek.
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