Achieving a dreamy sense of seaside luxury is easy in any bathroom, whether you are near the coast or not. It’s all about evoking a feeling of laidback holiday relaxation.
Image: Credit Gavin Maddock
Fiona Gould, style expert from House of Rohl, shares her tips.
“Natural materials like raw timber, handmade tiles, stone, ceramics and french linens paired with crisp whites and pops of fresh greenery is the perfect way to bring that calming sense of holiday spirit into your bathroom space.
“Step away from the cliched coastal motifs and instead look at subtle nods of seaside inspiration, through a soft colour palette with hints of calming blues, and turn to texture as the hero of the space.”
Oversized bathtubs made for long lazy soaks, positioned as the hero of the room, make for a quintessential luxury moment.
Image: Design Platform + David Lauer Photography
“The Victoria & Albert Pescadero freestanding bath has a beautiful wave-like detail, perfect for exuding a subtle nod to a seaside vibe. For a more contemporary seaside look, the Barcelona freestanding bath has a beautiful curved form, which would sit very comfortably in a fresh coastal look.”
Fiona adds classic statement tapware can add a pop of sophisticated glamour to a seaside look. Victoria & Albert’s Georgian collection is a lovely transitional shape, with a hint to a more classic form while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
“Pewter or English bronze finishes will compliment a cool -oned colour seaside palette beautifully, and although it is a very on-trend material choice for 2022, it’s also a timeless look that will look stylish for it’s lifetime.”
The Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) celebrated its 14th annual Awards Gala earlier this month Here, we’re sharing the five designers who beat the rest with their beautiful bathrooms.
KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 – NSW and KBDi Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022
Eliesha Paiano | Paiano Design
Illawarra-based designer, Elieisha Paiano took out the top bathroom title with this tiny space.
Here’s what the judges had to say:
“There is much more to this bathroom than can be captured in a photograph. The passive-designed tree house required thoughtful planning and considered material selections to meet the client’s sustainability goals. The designer created a space with an earthy aesthetic, innovative material usage and a highly functional layout, ticking all the boxes for a sustainable and liveable project. The bathroom was comprehensively documented with a detailed specification and professional plan set, and the judges were delighted to award the designer a national title.”
KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 – Victoria
Naomi McLean | MJ Harris Group
This up-and-coming Melbourne designer took home a swag of awards, with the state title being just one of eight!
Here’s what the judges thought about this particular space:
“Planning an expansive bathroom space is not without challenges, and the panel commended the designer on her proportionate resolution. The design was carefully considered and expertly documented, and a visual treat, too.” The judges declared it a well-deserved winner in this tight competition.
KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 – South Australia
Jo Niederer | Brilliant SA
The judges were impressed with this designer’s innovative space planning and clever design solution. They commended her on a stylish selection of finishes and a pleasing and practical outcome.
KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 – Western Australia
Alysia Pekel | Western Cabinets
From the well-designed bedhead with suspended beside tables to the detailed walk-in robe and ensuite documentation, the designer demonstrated an impressive range of skills with this master suite entry.
KBDi Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 – Queensland
Sheena Hanks | Inka Interiors
The designer overcame the challenges of an extra-large space to create a well appointed, proportionate and aesthetically pleasing space. The panel commended her on her efforts and a successful end result.
The Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) is Australia’s premier specialist kitchen and bathroom designers’ association. It is a national organisation with chapters located around Australia, and a strong commitment to the continual improvement and professional development of this increasingly specialised design field. KBDi Designer Members are committed to their profession and this niche industry.
5 of Australia’s best kitchens as voted by design professionals
The Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) members and industry partners celebrated their 14th annual awards this month as an…
As the host of Foxtel’s Love it or List It Australia and Selling Houses Australia, it’s safe to say that Andrew Winter is a bona fide residential property expert. So, when the serial renovator reached out with pictures of his new bathrooms, inside his new house, we were keen to take a look and get some design advice at the same time.
Andrew loves looking at the sky from his bath while avoiding having to have frosted glassMaster en suite detailsAndrew opted for a luxe freestanding bath in the master ensuite
“We wanted to achieve a classic but creative feel and tried to avoid the usual with a nod to our coastal location. Classic because too high fashion has very little longevity. And we tried to be creative and avoid the usual – whilst we are all influenced by what we see and like, pure plagiarism is dull,” says Andrew. The bathrooms, created with products sourced from Reece, are located inside Andrew’s new three-level coastal Queensland home.
Andrew in his new powder room
Aesthetics aside, Andrew put a lot of thought into space planning the four ensuites and powder room that he shares with his wife and two of his three daughters. “In any decent sized bathroom, the toilet should always be discreetly positioned or hidden,” says Andrew who made sure to do that in the home’s master ensuite. He also positioned the bathroom windows in a way that allows for privacy without frosting or screening. “It’s lovely to be able to soak in the bath and look at the clouds or sky if possible.
Andrew loves a bit of mood lighting in a bathroom
“And never forget lighting – we have bathrooms that are practically lit yet create mood,” he says.
Ensuite one
After many seasons on Selling Houses Australia, Andrew has seen his fair share of bathroom disasters with the worst offenders hailing from the 60s, 70s and 80s. “Oh my God, you haven’t got enough tape to record how many hideous bathrooms I’ve seen!” says Andrew who does concede that you do occasionally find a gem from those eras. “We had a house in this past season of Selling Houses with a very old-school wash basin and floor tiles that were this sort of soft grey and soft pink from the 1950s, like a little mosaic. We all said, ‘you can’t change those’ because they were beautiful,” says Andrew.
Ensuite two
When it comes to bathroom renovations, Andrew has lots of practical tips. “Bathrooms don’t date that quickly but what does tend to date are the bits that go around them, which is usually the tapware, the style of any cabinetry, and the tiles.”
For instance, it’s worth choosing taps that you truly like because you can change them easily when an update is required. By contrast, when it comes to tiles, Andrew recommends sticking to neutrals, rather than controversial or strong coloured tiles, simply because they are much harder to change. “If you go for fairly neutral tiling, then you can just add some candles and lovely coloured towels in colours of the moment.”
Ensuite three
For those looking to renovate a tired bathroom for sale, without replacing it, here are Andrew’s top tips:
Taps can look worn, so just a tapware and a vanity swap could update a bathroom.
Even the most shocking tiles can look fantastic if professionally sprayed in white, a soft grey or a nice neutral colour. You could do that inexpensively and it would have a massive impact.
Change the light fittings to something modern – subtle downlights or a track light.
If the windows are ugly, go with a plantation shutter, louvred white blind or roller blind. They will cover up an ugly window and still let the light in.
Add nice towels and plants. Suddenly, it’ll feel a lot nicer and you won’t have spent a lot of money.
Award-winning interior design firm Joanne Green Landscape & Interior have completed a stunning transformation of a tired, awkwardly laid-out bathroom in a federation home on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Blending functionality with a spa-like aesthetic has created a contemporary and family-friendly space that seamlessly suits the style of the home.
Interior designer Angela Neylon worked closely with the client through several iterations of the design, from modern concepts to classic layouts; deciding on a contemporary version aiming to create a sense of space.
“The existing layout was a traditional and common 1980s arrangement that unfortunately led straight into the shower and emphasised the toilet. In this long, narrow space it was critical to get the layout right and it was certainly a challenge to fit everything in while creating a light, bright and spacious atmosphere,” says Angela.
The clever design simplified the layout, repositioning the bath and shower to create a wet area against the window, and elongating the vanity for visual appeal upon entry. Choosing a timeless white and grey palette, Calacutta marble was selected to be the major feature as it adds a spa-like, luxurious feel to the family bathroom.
The entire bathroom was demolished and re-built with an impressive attention to detail. A challenge for the team was lining up the 20mm marble to meet the 12mm thick tiles, ensuring a seamless façade without an overhang, which helps to visually enlarge the space. A recessed, mirrored cabinet and oversized wall-hung custom vanity answers the client’s need for additional storage.
Right from the initial consultation, Angela’s focus was very much upon the practicality of use within the space, as well as its aesthetic qualities. “As the family’s main bathroom, it was essential that the finished result was both beautiful and functional. The layout, palette and materials were all carefully considered to sit cohesively within the magnificent federation home,” she says.
Details such as the clear shower door and minimalist fixtures help achieve the client’s vision of an airy, open space. The careful combination of curves and angles also adds dimension and visual interest, without cluttering the space or detracting from its simple elegance. This project truly shows the impact that a clear and clever design plan can have when updating and modernising a space.
DIY decorator Kristine attempts first brand new bathroom
Kristine Franklin is the queen of the budget DIY makeover so, faced with designing her first brand new bathroom, she was a little anxious! Thankfully she ended up enjoying the…
Bathroom styling 2020: the finishing touches that matter
A drab bathroom can be more depressing than a wet flannel, but with a few stylish touches, your bathroom could end up being the sexiest room in the house! The…
Bathroom vanities: what’s hot right now
We’ve noticed some gorgeous new bathroom vanities on the scene lately so I’m here to share some of my favourites and some of the great customisation options available. The ability…
Well, I have to say, I was IMPRESSED by The Block contestants this week. Seriously impressed! There were high scores across the board and deservedly so! My personal favourite had to be Luke and Jasmin’s with its curved wall and reeded glass, joint first place with Jimmy and Tam (after the latter used their golden gnome bonus point to tie). But they were all pretty fab, weren’t they? And I love how different they were.
Joint second:Harry and Tash | 28.5/30
The tile choices were praised by the judges. They said the room was so much better and the opposite of their last bathroom, which was slammed.
Neale said it felt like a contemporary bathroom with definite references of the era. He said he wanted the basins for his own house! And Shaynna absolutely loved the bath, which couldn’t be more appropriate for the era!
None of them liked the wall sconce right above the tiles. And of course Darren noticed the shower glass being too short again!
They said the styling was superb; pared back and simple.
It was a tough week for the couple after Sarah’s grandmother passed away. But with the help of their trades, they rallied together to deliver a beautiful and spacious bathroom.
Neale said: “Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, wow!”
Darren said it was just as bloody good as nextdoor. “These tiles are so beautiful. It’s really impactful and also really calming.”
Shaynna said there were technically too many types of tiles but somehow it all blended beautifully. “When you’re confident, know the rules and break them.” She was worried the splash out from the shower could be too much though.
The judges struggled to find anything to fault. Neale said, after learning about their family tragedy on top of the pandemic, that it was incredible they had delivered what they had.
“I’d be proud if I owned this home; I’d be proud if I created this bathroom,” said Darren. “This is exceptional.”
Fish scale tiles on not one but three walls! It was a brave move.
Darren loved the entrance through the wardrobe into the en suite. Neale said the fish scale tiles were beautiful. “I never thought I’d see as much of it and love it!” Darren said they made perfect sense.
Shaynna loved the layout and the drainage. And she loved the subtle curves, such as the bath, contrasting the hard lines.
Darren thought the vanity could have been a lot bigger.
But the tiling was exceptional, and the paintwork was excellent, there was no sense of hurry and it was another fantastic bathroom.
That curved wall! Oh my! This was my favourite, even though it was hard to pick this week.
Shaynna and Darren both said “What?!” as they walked in. In a good way! Neale followed it up with “Wow!”
“It’s so elegant, I’m just blown away how beautiful it is,” said Darren.
“I would not have expected a black bath but I love it,” said Shaynna. Darren said it was the one contrast point that was needed.
Neale said it was exceptional. “They have give us a very, very modern bathroom but remained faithful to those period cues.” He rightly pointed out that one of the vanities was much too close to the shower screen though. And the toilet roll holder was not well placed either.
Minor faults in an otherwise perfect bathroom.
Darren said the execution and craftsmanship was amazing. “They’ve taken a big risk but it has paid off.”
Joint first: Jimmy and Tam | 28 +1 with gnome = 29/30
Darren noticed it didn’t have a bath tub because it was smaller. But Shaynna said she preferred a bigger walk-in robe. They’d need to ensure they had a bath in their next bathroom though.
Shaynna said the colour palette was divine. Darren said it was a clever move to match the vanity to the bed and bedside tables. “They’re interesting tiles but they’re not expensive. It’s clever.”
Neale said the sconces were a little disappointing. And Shaynna said the lighting wasn’t functional at all. But that aside, the bathroom was great.
“Jimmy and Tam know exactly how to build a space that makes your heart sing; makes you happy,” Shaynna said.
Neale said the woman in the Slim Aarons print would be very happy in this bathroom.
Overall, the judges said they felt privileged to have been at The Block that day. “I can’t remember seeing five such consistent bathrooms this early on in the compeitition,” Neale said. They agreed it was remarkable, especially considering the world was going into lockdown around them and they were away from their families.
Next week: a bedroom and a bathroom!
The Block 2020 master bedroom reveals
Let’s recap who scored what, the judges’ comments and our picks to buy. Winner: Harry & Tash | 25.5/30 The father and daughter duo really needed their first win, especially…
The Block 2020 guest en suite reveals
Jimmy and Tam won for the second week in a row last night. Impressive stuff! And I have to agree their 1950s bathroom (below) was the best. Let’s recap what…
The Block 2020 first room reveals
Not only is The Block all about houses this season, they’re also period houses! And we’re onto the first room reveals already! That’s what we’re all here for, right?! It…
Gold accents have been gracing the most enviable bathrooms since, well, forever. While metallic embellishments have been trending over recent years, gold is making a huge comeback in the bathroom — but there’s more than one way to get the look.
Emma Joyce from luxury bathing brand Victoria + Albert Baths shares some of her favourite gold accent bathroom designs, with tips on recreating this touch of luxury in your own home.
Dark + Moody
Designed by Heirloom Studios, this modern oasis is the epitome of a moody masterpiece. Elements like charcoal floor tiles, a deep black vanity, and ‘midnight’ mirror-framing transcend the space into a calm depth of darkness. Lightness is re-introduced through an almost full-wall window, which floods the room with a natural glow.
Design by Heirloom Studios | GG Archard Photography
The dark and deep statement pieces are offset by lighter elements, including a turquoise and black penny round mosaic feature wall, tropical plants, and of course the soft, gold finishes of the tapware and fittings. Victoria + Albert’s ios bath creates a dramatic feature as it stands pride of place in gloss white against its moody surrounds.
Recreate the look:There’s a pre-conceived idea that gold accents will create a ‘kitsch’ look, when, really, they can complement so many interior styles and are flexible to most people’s tastes. If you like a more sombre aesthetic, look to colour blocking with dark charcoal and light greys. This bathroom is a great example of using soft, warm finishes to bring life to a dark and moody space. The designer has chosen to use gold accents on the faucets, wall light, and through decorative pieces as supporting elements to elevate the ambience.
Light + Airy
Crafted by M James Design Group, this modern take on traditional Victorian design creates a ‘new age’ spa-like retreat that is all about luxury. A grand space deserves grand features, which is established here through the floor-to-ceiling marble-look walls and the gold-plated tapware finishes.
M James Design Group | Michael Hunter Photography
These striking elements are softened through the layering of flowing white sheer drapes, white and navy patterned tiles, and the striking Victoria + Albert ios bath in gloss white drawing the eye into the space.
Recreate this look:If you want to keep things neutral, a splash of colour isn’t the only way to make a space pop. Texture is key when it comes to adding depth to an interior and is an easy way to introduce different materials like marble surfaces, patterned tiles, and crown mouldings.
In this bathroom, the designer has taken it up a notch by adding finishes and fixtures with a modern golden accent. If you’re after a ‘less is more’ aesthetic, stick to the same finish throughout the space and hold back on introducing more than three shades into your bathroom’s colour palette.
Mixed It Up
The recently refurbished Orchard Cottage, an Airbnb rental property in Australia’s Blue Mountains, is the perfect embodiment of how the finer details can elevate any bathroom.
Orchard Cottage, NSW – Zoe May Photography and Inward Outward Photography
White tiled walls and a high ceiling give a feeling of light and space, while a Crittall-style shower screen in black divides the bathroom, creating a separate cocoon for shower and the York freestanding bath by Victoria + Albert.
Warmth and personality are introduced for balance through natural wood and gold brass fittings, including striking antique lights above the vanity unit.
Recreate this look:The crucial element to mixing finishes is to not go overboard, keeping to the rule of two to four varieties of gold finishes. An easy way to keep your bathroom stylish is through matching; notice how the towel hanger and taps pair nicely and the wall lights and mirror have a similar brushed gold look? This helps create a refined feel in the bathroom.
Another rule of thumb is to have a foundation palette contrasting the gold elements. For example, if you’re going to install high-shine finishes, complement this with a timber vanity or matt-finish basin or bath.
Play With Pattern
Designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, this stunning Moroccan-inspired bathroom takes the user to a luxurious Marrakesh spa. In this compact space, a sense of depth is created through the striking turquoise and white mosaic feature wall, which is surrounded by white gloss landscape subway tiles.
Leanne Ford Interiors
Personality and texture are introduced through the vintage feature ceiling light and satin brass mixer, which creates a sense of old-world luxury.
Standing pride of place on its own elevated step is the Victoria + Albert ios bath in gloss white. A modern freestanding bath brings an air of luxury to any space.
Recreate this look: If you want your space to reflect your inner ‘maximalist’, try a tile feature wall in a block colour or pattern finish. Take cues from this exquisite bathroom by adding gold exposed piping for a bold feature. If a white tiled bathroom is your dream, add subtle features by layering the tiles in a herringbone or crosshatch pattern to bring dimension to the space. Subway tiles in a landscape or vertical pattern are also making a comeback.
You know that old cliché about saving the best until last? I think we may have just done that with our family bathroom! This was the last major (indoor) project in our…
Interiors Addict bathroom reno 2: what I chose and why
There is so much to share about my recent bathroom reno and I couldn’t possibly fit it all into the reveal post, so I’m sharing a little more detail today,…
Hotel bathrooms: take inspiration from some of Australia’s best!
As restrictions continue to ease across most states, many Australians are beginning to plan their next domestic weekend escape to relax and rejuvenate. Even if you’re not getting away, you…
We’ve noticed some gorgeous new bathroom vanities on the scene lately so I’m here to share some of my favourites and some of the great customisation options available. The ability to customise is becoming much more common and affordable which is great news for renovators, especially those with tricky spaces or specific tastes.
Blossom by ISSY
First up, the latest ISSY by Zuster collection, exclusive to Reece Bathrooms, is called Blossom and it’s beautiful, as always. These showstopping vanities (as well as cabinets and mirrors) aren’t cheap but they’re stunning designs, built to last.
“The ISSY by Zuster Blossom range encapsulates a real opportunity to deliver luxurious, handcrafted Australian-made bathroom furniture that caters to the user’s every need,” says Reece bathroom and kitchen merchandising leader, Daniela Santilli.
Created by Zuster (sisters Wilhelmina McCarroll and Fleur Sibbel), this highly functional, feminine collection has been created primarily for women, featuring thoughtful conveniences that help create a truly seamless bathroom experience.
“I really enjoyed designing the Blossom range because I like to think about how we use the bathroom. Like us, many women are busy with family and work, and want to start and finish their day with an amazing experience at home,” says Wilhelmina.
With this in mind, the Blossom collection integrates a wealth of modern conveniences within each piece. Think concealed, soft-close vanity drawers that pop out with the tap of a finger and feature different compartments for all your personal grooming items. And mirror configurations that allow you to see your hair from every angle (a feature the designers were looking to experience in their own bathrooms).
Designed with flexibility and personalisation in mind, Blossom can be customised to fit with a diversity of bathroom spaces and styles, with an abundance of storage and customisable material and finish options. It comes in six American Oak finishes including light lime wash and a rich, dark slate stain. you can also choose from 12 handle finishes.
“Manufacturing locally means customers can customise their furniture while receiving their products within six-to-eight weeks, instead of up to 20 weeks’ wait time for overseas suppliers,” says Fleur.
“We appreciate the bathroom vanity for more than just its practical purposes. Rather, we see it as a beautiful and functional piece of furniture – a centrepiece for your bathroom retreat,” says Wilhelmina. “We have studied the beauty of flowers to create a collection that is both decorative and delicately organic.”
The popular Highgrove Bathrooms’ blackbutt timber vanity collection is now available with customisation options, so you can create a unique centrepiece in your bathroom. Whether you prefer natural stone, marble, or quartz top, you can personalise the new Jones & Jones wall hung vanities, adding a timeless and elegant look to your space.
The eco-friendly design of the Jones and Jones vanities uses water-resistant properties with an interior core of 23mm of marine ply, for minimal maintenance and to ensure they don’t expand and contract over time.
Designed with crisp lines and a large drawer format with modular dividers, the vanity not only adapts to any bathroom style, but provides the perfect storage solution to keep all your essentials organised. Featuring Blum soft-close drawers and a long lasting lacquer, so every surface is protected to repel water and remain durable for many years to come.
Available in five sizes from 750mm to 1800mm wide with a five-year warranty.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, I love the options at Vanity by Design, especially the Hayley, which you can buy with a Carrara marble top.
They have plenty of modern designs too though, like the Eadie. All in all, a great place to look for both classic and contemporary options.
Somewhere I’m loving for the sheer amount of customisation options available, all online, is The Blue Space. They have just about every style of traditional and contemporary vanity, in all manner of finishes and with countless options for tops, basins and handles. There are also a lot of floorstanding options, which aren’t as popular these days due to our love of wall-hung, so can be tricky to find. Sometimes floorstanding is still the best (or preferred) option though!
We recently shared the coloured concrete cylinder pedestal wash stands from Nood Co. Perfect for a powder room, totally unique and available in 14 colours!
And there are two navy options we’re pretty mad for at Early Settler at the moment, a brand whose vanities have, until now, been very much on the tractional end of the spectrum! This one’s the Nate.
Cool bath mats Australia: the best places to buy online
Cool bath mats are a thing these days. As bathrooms become much less utilitarian and more reflections of our personal taste, many of us are left looking for a stylish…
Interiors Addict bathroom reveal: before & after
You know that old cliché about saving the best until last? I think we may have just done that with our family bathroom! This was the last major (indoor) project in our…
Timber in the bathroom? Not just for The Block!
Following the first Block bathroom reveals a lot of you asked me if it was really practical to use timber in the bathroom or did it just look good? I…
What’s new in bathrooms: August 2020
Let’s take a look at what’s new in bathrooms this month, from coloured concrete freestanding sinks on cylinders to a deep bath tub perfect for relaxing, to navy vanities and…
Being in lockdown for more than two months had many Australians looking to their bathrooms for some much needed spa-like sanctuary! With the colder months upon us, some interiors personalities share why they love a soak and their favourite bath designs.
Alisa and Lysandra – interior designers and former Block winners
“I love turning the lights out, lighting my candles, putting the salt in the bath, sitting back and relaxing with a glass of wine in hand, listening to my favourite business podcasts,” says Alisa.
Their favourite bath: The Kado Lussi Freestanding. “We used it in our Albert Park project and we’ve used it on The Block. It’s definitely our go-to bath.”
Bonnie, Lana and Erin – founders of Three Birds Renovations
“Our favourite thing about having a bath is that it’s so much more than just a practical way of getting clean. Done right (kids in bed!), it can be the ultimate indulgent form of relaxation. We love styling our bathrooms with a stool beside the bath so that there’s a handy spot for a gorgeous candle, a glass of wine and a laptop to catch up on Netflix,” they say.
Their favourite bath: The Posh Domaine Inset. “We recently used it in House 11 because it was a total lifesaver for us! It’s a small but deep bath, the perfect space-saving option when a bath is a non-negotiable.”
Tess and Luke – winners of The Block 2019
“My favourite thing about a bath is it’s your time to relax, unwind, read a book, have a wine and enjoy,” says Tess. “There is nothing more relaxing than jumping into a nice, warm bath, especially on a cold winter’s night,” adds Luke.
Their favourite bath: The Kado Neue. “We used it in our master en suite last year on The Block. It was really the focal point of the room and we absolutely love it.”
El’ise and Matt – The Block 2019 contestants
“We use our bath every single night for our children. It’s cost-effective and a time saver to be able to chuck them all in the bath together,” they say.
Their favourite bath: The Kado Lussi. “We used it twice on The Block, and that’s because of the soft curves. It’s nice and deep and it’s just a really beautiful looking bath. And it’s easy to clean.”
Mitch and Mark – The Block 2019 contestants
Image source: Instagram
“Now that we’re going into winter, nothing is more relaxing and warming than having a beautiful, hot bath to relax aching, tired muscles and feel rejuvenated,” they say.
Their favourite bath: LAUFEN’s Palomba. “We picked it for the en suite on The Block. That thing was deep, it was sloping, it was insane, and also a work of art. Favourite ever.”
Andy and Deb – The Block 2019 contestants
“What I love most about having a bath is closing the door, locking it, lighting a candle, some bubble bath, relaxing and waiting for someone to knock on the door and say: ‘what are you doing in there?'” jokes Deb.
Their favourite bath: The Kado Lussi. “We loved it so much that we had it in two of our bathrooms on The Block. It’s a beautiful matte white, very organic shape, natural sort of raw look which we love, and it really complemented everything else in our bathroom so well.”
– Reece Bathrooms is Australia’s largest plumbing and bathroom supplies business, committed to bathroom happiness, even in unusual times.
Real reno: This incredible bathroom makeover cost just $2,000!
It’s fair to say that we’re privy to plenty of renovation projects here but there’s something about this one that really piqued our interest. Aside from its stunning good looks,…
Beauty influencer Leigh Campbell, as you might expect, has a lot of skincare! So the original seventies bathroom and ensuite that came with her apartment weren’t cutting it. The overflow had to be kept in baby Alexander’s room! But her new bathrooms are storage heaven and a lot more stylish!
Managing to combine husband Rich’s industrial taste with her love of Moroccan/Turkish vibes, they’re serene but small spaces, where every inch has been maximised. Leigh splurged on handmade Moroccan feature tiles and saved on Bunnings tapware to achieve the reno, which wasn’t really in the budget.
“The original bathrooms were typical of 50 years ago: cream mosaic tiles (not in the good way), thick frosted glass shower and tiny vanities. Storage was dire,” says, Leigh who is executive editor at Mamamia, where she presents the very popular You Beauty podcast. When Leigh reviews makeup and skincare, whether it’s budget or luxury, people sit up and listen! But buying a home when you’re 37 weeks pregnant and then moving in with a newborn, isn’t something she recommends!
“We renovated the kitchen right away because it was unliveable but hadn’t planned on doing the bathrooms so soon after. Then we were heading overseas for a wedding so figured it made sense to do them (and the laundry) while we were already going to be out of the home and the cats would be in boarding. Two birds with one stone and all that.”
“I really needed a lot of face-level storage. I kept asking for it to be bigger! Before we renovated I had secondary storage in my son’s room. He’s one now and accumulating ‘stuff’ of his own so I really needed a proper solution in the bathroom.”
They moved the toilet in the main bathroom so they could accommodate a bigger vanity and also changed the separate bath and shower to a shower over bath. “Not the chicest option but good for resale and the spot for the bath before was simply too small.” Leigh couldn’t handle the thought of cleaning behind a freestanding tub, but getting rid of it altogether was never an option as she enjoys a relaxing soak.
Beauty cupboard goals!
While Rich definitely had a say in the reno of the three-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Randwick, he left most of the decisions to Leigh. “He stopped me when I wanted a teal concrete sink though, so I knew my limits!”
If the reno newbies had their time again, they’d have done the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry all in one go, before moving in, for cost and consistency. “Renovating when the apartment has your things in it is not ideal. I am still cleaning dust off surfaces, mostly inside my wardrobe, every single day,” Leigh, 38, says.
The improved storage has been the best improvement to the functionality of the bathrooms, and a bigger bath to bathe Alexander too. And while those handmade feature tiles were $200 per sqm, Leigh says they make her heart sing and you can’t put a price on that! “All our matte black tap ware is Mondella from Bunnings; really good prices but still with a 10-year warranty, which was important.”
The Concrete Cloudburst Ceasarstone vanity tops with their textured finish, are another favourite element. Leigh no longer cringes every time she takes a shower, and her evening bath has become much more enjoyable and spa-like.
When it came to the laundry, she had the ingenious idea to incorporate a built-in kitty litter for her two much-loved cats. “Before, we had a huge plastic dome in the laundry for their kitty litter. Not chic. When I was designing the space, I opted for a shallow basin so I could fit their toilet underneath. A doggy door was cut into the cupboard door and there you have it: a built-in kitty toilet.”
While the multitude of decisions can make bathrooms one of the most stressful rooms to renovate, Leigh’s a woman who knows what she wants, and the hardest thing for her was actually wait times. “That’s a lesson learned for next time.”
With everyone likely to be spending a lot more time at home in the near future, we want to help you fall in love with your space. We’ve put together…
Small bathroom ideas: An incredible before & after
Home to Pinterest partner manager Kim Hollis, is it any wonder that this luxe Sydney bathroom renovation has serious design cred? But creating a moodboard was just the beginning of the…
5 plumbing tips for small bathroom renovations
A plumber only plays a small part in a bathroom renovation. But the plumbing in a bathroom plays a vital part, because if it’s not installed correctly it can be…
Concrete and brass bathroom update is luxe and warm
Nestled in the Sydney coastal suburb of North Curl Curl, this 20-year-old bathroom got a stylish upgrade recently by interior designer Deanne Crowther, of Bathrooms by Oldham. And while there…
It’s a myth that interior designers live in perfect homes, and Donna Allen waited a long 15 years to get her dream bathroom renovation, complete with a bold waterproof wallpaper!
While the 1970s bathroom had had a few cosmetic changes, like removing the original mauve wallpaper, she lived with it for much longer than she anticipated, but it was worth the wait! “As interior designers we can be our own worst client. If only I had several homes to indulge in all of my favourite things!
“In the end though, renovating my own home is a privilege for several reasons. It gives me the opportunity to push design boundaries that may be difficult to do with a client, it allows me to experience first-hand what it is like to live through a renovation and therefore better support my clients through the process, and it gives me a chance to even more closely collaborate with my suppliers and trades.”
BEFORE
Donna has a bit of an obsession with new and different materials and how they can be successfully incorporated into a design, so when she came across the waterproof wallpaper at a trade fair two years ago, she knew she wanted it for her bathroom. The challenge was in selecting the design from the many available options!
AFTERBEFORE
She also consciously chose a majority of Australian products. “We are so lucky to have access to the calibre of designers and artisans in Australia that we do and I am keen to support and showcase them whenever possible, both personally and in my business.”
With such a statement wallpaper (Arctic Wind by Wall & Deco, from Pure Interiors), Donna, who owns The Space Within, says the room needed some strong supporting players for balance.
“More subtle but equally stunning are the terrazzo floor tiles from Barefoot Living. The colours of the aggregate are soft but the large chip size gives the tile substance. The other hero is the freestanding Amélie bath from Rogerseller. It is a modern take on a traditional clawfoot bath and the fluid lines mirror that of the wallpaper.”
Ensuring the existing slab was structurally sound was one of the biggest challenges at the outset of the project. “Our original plan was to replace the slab completely but as we demolished the existing bathroom, we realised that because of how it was tied into the walls of the house, we wouldn’t be able to. We had to bring a structural engineer who advised that the full slab needed reinforcement from underneath.”
A few small but strategic changes were made to the layout to get the most out of the space. By moving the toilet to the opposite wall, Donna created room for a separate shower and freestanding bath. She also changed the hinged door to a cavity slider, which created much more circulation space. “The bathroom feels larger now even though we didn’t change the footprint.”
Donna and her husband Chris love the end result. “It’s a space that is both calming and refreshing at the same time. Stepping into the room is like taking a swim in the ocean on a hot summer’s day. It’s such a luxury to have a long, deep bath to relax in!”
Donna shares some expert tips for anyone embarking on a bathroom renovation, which can be stressful, expensive and take several weeks, if not months!
“A bathroom renovation encompasses almost all of the trades that a full home renovation would require, often in the smallest of spaces so it is expensive and can be stressful. Engaging a trusted team is paramount. If you don’t have a trusted builder, ask for recommendations from people you know who have recently renovated.
“Start your planning by pulling together your scope. Be clear on what things are must-haves, what are nice-to-have and what you definitely do not want. Then talk to your builder and/or trades to determine what opportunities and constraints you have. Questions to ask include: can you move the plumbing relatively easily, can the footprint be enlarged, if necessary, and, if your wish list includes something like a freestanding stone bath, are structural changes required to accommodate it?
“Then, working to scale, play with the layout so that it works for how you like to live. Only then should you begin selecting your fixtures, fittings and finishes.”
While many people bang on about resale and making design choices that appeal to broad markets and aren’t polarising, Donna, controversially, says resale is just an excuse to play it safe!
“The only time I think the question of resale should get a vote is if you are renovating specifically to sell. Otherwise, make the decisions and choices that are going to create a space you love. It’s your home, and one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, after all!”
This isn’t the only room in Donna’s house, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, to feature wallpaper. She’s just installed a wall mural from Kingdom Home in the laundry, she has a bold leopard design in her home office from These Walls and Banksia from Porters Paints in the dining room.
She describes her aesthetic as coastal cool. “It’s an eclectic mix of edgy industrial and modern beach with a dash of traditional. I believe a great interior is like a delicious recipe – start with high quality key ingredients then add the right mix of spices and herbs to bring it to life.”
Showerscreens used to be much of a muchness. These days, they can really make a statement in your bathroom. Whether for a new build, rebuild or renovation, here are the seven Ss of selecting the perfect showerscreen!
Photo: The Designory/Andy Macpherson
Showerscreens are commonly the biggest structure in the bathroom. Beyond function, they affect the space’s aesthetic, usage and upkeep. Choosing the most appropriate showerscreen means balancing broader stylistic elements with practical aspects such as size, ease of maintenance and physical design.
Style
Frameless showerscreens are comprised of unobstructed thick glass secured by subtle metal clamps or a slimline aluminium frame for low visual impact. They are increasingly popular with interior designers, as they enable the eye to focus on the space’s aesthetics, vignettes and material choices.
“In this case, less is truly more. Stegbar’s frameless, floor to ceiling showerscreens allowed me to emphasise the bathroom’s important stand out elements,” says interior designer Nina Maya of her recent home and bathroom renovations.
Alternatively, semi-framed screens can be used for a more defined, structured look. This option offers the best of both worlds – minimally intrusive screens and a wider glass area for a more spacious feeling with reinforced structural support. Stegbar’s Grange collection features slim perimeter frame with crisp defining lines in a modern and minimalist matte black.
Shape
Innovative design has re-shaped showerscreens. Instead of the standard sharp angles, consider curved edges for forward thinking style. Rounded frameless showerscreens provide a subliminal softness and flowing feeling, as well as a distinct, couture look.
Photo: The Designory/Andy Macpherson
“Rounded shapes were a necessity,” says interior designer Melissa Bonney of the bathroom in her latest project, The Barefoot Bay Villa in Byron Bay. She worked with Stegbar to create custom frameless showerscreens that would mirror the surrounding landscape. “The subtlety of the glass screens allows the lines to subconsciously evoke the shoreline. This is balanced with tiles reflecting the green eucalyptus and terracotta rock of the bushland.”
Space
Space is often at a premium in bathrooms. Stegbar’s Grange slider showerscreens are uniquely designed for spatial efficacy and striking modern style. These frameless doors are designed with minimal visible screw fittings and a corner slider to better utilise space in small rooms. Available made to measure to the exact specifications of your unique bathroom.
Supplementary styling
Showerscreen hardware and accessories are often an afterthought when doing a bathroom re-fresh, but because of the shower’s visual prominence, it’s an important detail for creating cohesion within the space. When purposefully selected, the hinges and handles of frameless showerscreens and the structure of partially framed screens can serve to define the overall look of the room.
On the other end of the spectrum, chrome or nickel-plated hardware can be applied to get the lighter look of airy beach house style, or a final touch of French Provincial finesse.
The Pivot 2000 semi-framed showerscreen has a pivoting door system and features innovative Dri-Guard water seal and magnetic door strips to ensure a secure close, offering a perfect blend of innovation and aesthetics.
Incorporating black hardware in shower handles or wall hinges adds impact and streamlined style,” says Christal Fysentzou, co-founder of Brisbane-based building and design firm Zou Build.
Black handles and hinges are timeless and can both bend into or stand out of bathroom designs depending on their usage. Stegbar’s Jett hardware can complete the look of contemporary or chic industrial style bathrooms.
Seal
Shower leakage may result from low volume drainage, improper tiling, faulty shower design or having kids who love to splash about. The damage from leaks can be both immediate, and critical long-term, as consistent exposure to moisture can cause structural discolouration, mould and rot.
To best minimise leakage, chose a showerscreen with an overlapping door and a seal on the opening edge of the door. The overlap will create a barrier that prevents water from spilling out. The seal helps reduce water leakage between the door and the closing panel or jamb. Stegbar has developed overlap showscreens with pivot doors as part of its Grange collection. These semi-frameless structures offer well-constructed framing systems for stability, strength, easy access and elegant style. This pivot design is available with up to 2500mm wide openings, and is ideally suited to larger, more opulent designs.
Photo: The Designory/Andy Macpherson
Savings
Bathroom renovations can become extremely expensive, so it’s important to understand where you can make savings without compromising on style. Semi-frameless shower screens are becoming extremely popular as they give a clean, streamlined look without the expense that is associated with a fully frameless option.
Stress-Free Maintenance and durability
While it creates a unique look, frosted glass is often more difficult to clean than clear options, and is more likely to showcase soap scum, making it an option for the style conscious homeowner with more time on their hands.
Across all glazing options, applying a protective coating will reduce the amount of effort required to keep screens looking fresh. Stegbar’s Nanoclean technology reduces cleaning time by up to 90% and decreases the necessity for harsh chemicals. The coating prevents glass corrosion, lime deposit build-up and is abrasion resistant so it won’t wear down or rub off. It also chemical resistant, repelling both oil-based and water-based substances.
It’s also important to consider the longevity of your showerscreens so look into the warranty yours comes with.
While showerscreens may not be the first consideration in bathroom design, they can completely change or dictate the look of the space and how it ages over time. Finding the right option can mean the difference between creating a soothing space or more maddening maintenance.
From unusual statement bath tubs to elegant Art Deco inspired tapware, March has seen a couple of exciting new ranges hit the bathroom scene. Plus, Kohler’s new DIY tap ware collection features interchangeable spouts and handles that let you become the designer!
Agape bathtubs: If statement bath tubs are your jam then you can’t go past the latest collection from Italy’s Agape. Available locally at Artedomus, there’s three new styles; the super original and organic inspired ‘DR’ (designed by Marcio Kogan), the beautifully curved and compact ‘Cuna’ and the unusual ‘Lariana.’
The highly original Agape ‘DR’ bathtub
Agape ‘Lariana’ bathtub
Agape ‘Cuna’ bathtub. Image: Derek Swalwell
I.B. Rubinetterie Belmondo tap ware collection: Designed by Italian architect and designer Maurizio Duranti, this elegant new range features unique angular and octagonal shapes inspired by the Art Deco period of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The clean lined range is available in three finishes; chrome, gold and rose gold. From $150.
Kohler Components tap ware: With a range of different spouts and handles that can be easily interchanged, the latest from Kohler lets you custom create your own individual bathroom look. The minimalist range has three spouts and four handles to choose from, and is currently available in polished chrome, with new finishes being added soon.
“With Components the client is the designer. They are part of the design process,” says Bruno Chenesseau, design studio director, Kohler Kitchen and Bath EMEA. From $79.
Create your own custom tap look with the collection’s interchangeable parts
This smart lever handle design is part of the Components collection
Highgrove Bathrooms matte white freestanding baths: This new lightweight acrylic bath collection features three designs, all finished with an on-trend, matte white finish. From straight to more rounded edges, the lightweight acrylic designs are ideal for spaces where weight constraints are an issue (the material is much lighter than solid surface and stone tubs).
Furthermore, acrylic provides excellent thermal insulation properties for increased heat retention, so you can sit back and relax for longer. The baths are available in 1500mm or 1700mm lengths and start from $1450.
Sisters Wilhelmina McCarroll (creative director) and Fleur Sibbel (managing director) are the award-winning design duo behind the Zuster brand – a name synonymous with beautiful, bespoke Australian made furniture. This International Women’s Day, we spoke to Willy and Fleur about their design legacy, interiors trends and what it’s like to be working mums.
Wilhelmina (L) and Fleur (R)
Q. How have you brought a new perspective to a family business with a history predominantly founded by men?
Fleur: I said to my son that, “it’s a male-dominated industry.” And he said, “is it?” Because it’s something that we actually don’t acknowledge. We grew up a family of four girls and our father was a builder, and there was no job that he didn’t make us do, like pushing the wheelbarrow, hooking up the trailer, carrying firewood, everything. We did the same as if we were boys. I never carried in my head that I would be perceived differently as a woman. So we haven’t had a lot of obstacles. When we walk into a factory, people take us for who we are, not our sex.
If anything, it’s been an advantage because most of the interior designers and people decorating their homes, the decisions are made by females. And I think us being females has been a massive advantage to our business because Willy is designing for women, especially what we’ve done with the bathroom collection. It’s very much designed by a woman for women that are using the bathroom. And so we’ve been able to add a more feminine flair while having the manufacturing expertise to carry it through.
Q. What are your tips for mums when it comes to running a successful brand while having children?
Fleur: I guess it’s just being really organised. Both Willy and I work four days a week and we’ve always done that. My children are in their 20s now, but throughout the years, we’ve always worked four days. And the time at work is fully focused on work, time at home fully focused on family. So having that life balance is really important.
Willy: And getting up nice and early in the morning to get everything done as well and just being really focused and working really hard when you’re at work and then you have your time off with your family in the evenings. But you’ve got to make every minute count and I think that’s the thing about being a working mother.
Fleur: I think it’s really tricky for working mums because when we have our children, we sort of start the whole guilt cycle too, which is really challenging. So you’re guilty when you’re at work, you’re guilty when you’re not at work. But I think we’ve both learned to really let that go and we really believe in what we’re doing and we love what we do.
And we’ve seen the benefits because we’re kind of through the other side a little bit more and we’ve seen the sacrifices we went through. Often when they’re very small, leaving them is really, really hard. But then we’ve built this business over these 25 years and imagine if we didn’t? If we stayed home?
Willy: But they’ve also watched that and it’s been an example to them of how you can build a business and what you can achieve in your career. And I think they’re amazing lessons for your children.
Q. Does having children influence the design of your products?
Willy: Having children definitely influences your product design because you have to work with being more functional with what you make, more robust with what you design, and I think it’s really important because storage becomes such an important thing when you’ve got a family, and design as well. You want the pieces to be beautiful but you also want them to be really, really functional as well.
Q. What trends are you seeing in interiors?
Fleur: We watch the market all the time and we’re seeing where trends are going and where our niche is. And I think we’re really good at establishing that niche.
Willy: I think trends are changing quicker now. It’s two types of trends that I’m feeling at the moment. There’s a really natural kind of a trend with very organic materials and shapes. And then there’s an eclectic trend, which is putting different marbles together, different finishes, lots of different materials, and keeping it very tonal just in the one colour pattern and scheme.
I’ve ended up with two really creative children, they absolutely love design and they’re actually telling me what the trends are. It’s interesting now they’re teenagers, they’re onto everything, quicker than I am.
Q. What are the challenges many women face getting ready in the morning, and how do you address them?
Willy: I think the challenge of women getting ready in the morning is often time. We’ve got children, we’ve got really busy lives, and we want to actually get ready as quickly and efficiently as we possibly can. I think storage is really, really important because there are so many beauty products on the market and you seem to accumulate so many. And so there needs to be a place for all these products. We’ve worked really, really hard on achieving that and I think we’ve done a good job.
Q. What is your advice for people looking to design a new bathroom?
Fleur: We think it’s a really good idea to create a moodboard and to work out what sort of style you want to go for. It’s quite a stressful process renovating a bathroom and the more organised you are and the clearer vision you have, the better.
Willy: I also think in a bathroom, less materials is better, especially in a small space. It’s a lot more messy to see lots of different materials in one bathroom.
Fleur: And when you’re designing a bathroom, really thinking about how you’re going to use that space and what’s important. Do you need two basins for you and your partner to have a separate space? Is storage really important? What is your dream list? Then you can negotiate with the bank and your builder to make that happen. I think to really go high on your goals early on to create the right experience. Because we do use the bathroom every day.
Willy: It’s definitely a room you don’t want to overlook because it’s actually incredibly important to get it right.
Q. What’s in your ideal bathroom?
Willy: My ideal bathroom would definitely have lots of storage, a nice big bath, lots of beautiful materials.
Fleur: My ideal bathroom is the bathroom I have. I’m lucky enough to have done a renovation and have an ISSY by Zuster bathroom. Storage is really important, and mirrors. I love having multiple mirrors that I can look at. I love just getting ready and being able to access everything in the one footprint. And the bathroom being a really calming space, I think is really important.
Willy: Yeah, a bit of a day spa feel is a really nice thing.
Q. What’s next for your ISSY by Zuster collaboration with Reece?
Willy: Next in the bathroom is going to be Blossom. If I was to describe the new Blossom range in three words, it would be glamorous, decorative, and functional.
Fleur: And we’re really excited because it’s a very beautiful, very feminine collection.
Willy: A little bit fashion-inspired as well. I’ve been inspired by a lot of pattern, so I’ve actually incorporated the pattern into the fronts of the drawers, in kind of a subtle, classic way. When I designed the Blossom range, the element on the front of the detailing, I actually saw something similar in a balustrade, overseas, and then I put it together in a timber form and it just worked out so perfectly. I was so happy.
Fleur: We’re also introducing marble for the first time, so there’s the option of marble handles in both Halo and in Blossom, which is going to be really beautiful, and some very organic shapes. We feel like it’s very on trend with people wanting to go back to more organic shapes and materials. And then she’s designed this series of incredible mirror that are oval, very organic.
Willy: Oh yeah, we’ve done a lot of new mirrors which are going to be terrific. They’re a little bit more decorative than we’ve done before. I think that they’re really going to give the bathroom lots more character too. We’re pretty excited about launching them.
Fleur: And with the collection, we’ve tried to create more of that day spa, hotel experience. Because we know, like us, we’re busy with family and work and our lives are crazy, but we want that amazing experience at home. So when Willy designed the collection, she had that very much in mind. Timber is a very calming material, being a natural material, so having that calming experience, that’s our dream for women.
The timber extends to when you open the vanity drawer, it’s a full-extension drawer, that timber is lined inside the drawers as well, which we haven’t seen in bathroom before. Even with the waste cutout, that’s made in the timber as well. So you get that feeling of luxury and craftsmanship. Someone’s handmade each item, one person makes it from start to finish, and you can feel that, especially living with it day-to-day. You see that the edges of the drawer have all been mortared, it’s all lined, you don’t ever see a screw, concealed drawer runners so you never see any hardware. Down to the very minute details, we’ve really thought of everything to deliver a luxury experience.
When we started the bathroom collaboration with Reece, we both really felt like there wasn’t a good solution on the market that offered storage, that was a beautiful, clean-line design, that had the longevity and the quality, and the day-to-day experience would improve people’s lives. And we really saw that as a niche, and same with Reece too.
We thought about what we would want to do in our dream bathrooms. Lucky we’ve got our dream bathrooms now, but before, we didn’t. And we said, “we’d love to be able to sit and do our hair and do makeup and have a mirror that while you sit you can still see yourself at the mirror, to have the compartments that you can just access your makeup.” We’d talk amongst ourselves and we’d say, “imagine if you could just touch and then a drawer would pop out and all your makeup would be there and how amazing would that be?” And so then Willy designed it.
The home has a magnificent outdoor bathroom. Image: Jake Magnus
We’ve featured this fabulous Noosa home before but today we’re taking a more in-depth tour of its resort-style, award-winning bathrooms. “They have the vibe of a luxury hotel – I wanted each bathroom to be a place to unwind after a busy day,” says the home’s architect Sarah Waller.
The chic, monochrome spaces complement the home’s minimalist design while connecting seamlessly with the outdoors – the most notable is the master bathroom which is a covetable indoor/outdoor space.
The home’s dreamy outdoor bathroom. Image: Jake Magnus
We caught up with the architect recently to get the inside skinny on how to create a sanctuary style bathroom – here are Sarah’s top eight design tips.
Planning
As with anything related to designing and building a home, planning is key for wet areas. “Be thorough when planning your bathroom layout. It’s a small space so carefully consider lighting, ventilation, windows, the placement of fittings and the colour palette,” says Sarah.
Simple palette
“Keep the colour palette simple. Bathrooms are usually quite small, intense spaces and busy colours are too overwhelming on the eye and can create an unwelcoming space. Look to black and white to provide clean lines,” says Sarah.
With a whopping five bathrooms in this home, Sarah made them different but complementary. All of them boast black and white colour schemes that have a unifying effect overall.
Storage
“Storage, storage and more storage. Everything should be hidden away in concealed storage for a clean line of vision,” says Sarah and we couldn’t agree more. From mirrored medicine cupboards to vanity drawers designed around plumbing, you can never have enough space to store toiletries and make-up.
Image: Photopia Studio
Timeless (but not boring!) fixtures and fittings
“Choose classic styles for longevity. Select fittings that are classic in style and high in quality,” says Sarah who is wary of trends in the bathroom – especially when it comes to tiling. “When selecting bathroom tiles remember you have to live with them for the next ten years so be wary of trends. It’s not easy to retile a whole bathroom,” says Sarah.
This shower features the Methven Aurajet Aio rail shower in matte black. Image: Michelle Clark
Create space “The more floor space you have, the larger a bathroom will feel. Anything you can keep off the floor is a design win. Look to floating vanities, wall-hung toilets and concealed cupboards. Adding storage behind mirrored cabinets is ideal,” says Sarah echoing our sentiments above.
A wall hung vanity increases the feeling of space in this bathroom. Image: Paul Smith
Heating
While our warm weather is envied across the globe, it can also get rather cold in Australia which is why you may like to consider bathroom heating. “Underfloor heating is amazing in bathrooms and takes the edge off walking on cold tiles,” says Sarah. Overhead heat lamps and heated towel rails are some other great options too.
Lighting
From task to mood and natural lighting, Sarah argues that lighting is key when it comes to creating a practical yet luxe bathroom sanctuary. “Lighting is important as we tend to use bathrooms at night. Make sure your space has mood lighting for enjoying a relaxing bath, as well as task lighting for doing things like your make-up. Windows are energy efficient and provide natural lighting throughout the day,” says Sarah.
Pendants provide mood lighting in this bathroom. Image: Jake Magnus
Accessories “Matching accessories complete the look. Choose items such as towels, soap dispensers and decorative pieces that complement your colour palette. They will tie the whole look together.”
Perfecting your en suite’s design and functionality, as well as adding sophistication, is the ultimate goal to master and conquer. The master en suite needs to be the idyllic getaway after a hectic day, a sanctuary to unwind in and to be pampered in.
But what makes the ultimate master en suite in a home? We asked Henley interior designer, Rebecca Burrows, to give us the lowdown on the en suite heaven.
En suite finesse features
According to Rebecca, ensuites are taking on a spa-inspired feel, promoting an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. “Clients want their bathroom to feel like a resort or day spa – a personal retreat, a place to escape. En suites are open and an extension of the bedroom – a stylish sanctuary. The current trend is focusing more on different finishes rather than colour.”
Elevating your en suite
En suites are usually timeless and neutral in colour and the focus is more on the materials and textures used – natural materials and finishes like marble, stone, timber, concrete. Floor to ceiling tiling is still very popular in large format tiles.
Rebecca adds: “You can either choose a subtle patterned tile to use for both floor and wall or choose one tile for floor and a different tile for walls. Using feature tiles to a full wall is the current design trend. Subway tiles are also still popular – try laying them vertical and stacked or vertical and bricked rather than in a traditional horizontal pattern/design.
“Three dimensional tiles like ‘relief’ pattern tiles and textured tiles are also a current trend that add some depth and interest to the space. When using tiles, also think about the grout colour – this is just as important as the selection of what tile to use. Contrast the grout colour with the tile to create more of an impact or to highlight a feature. Choosing a matching grout colour blends in with the tiles and makes the floor or wall look seamless and a consistent colour and finish.
“En suites can be earthy and organic or elegant and glamourous. Luxe and moody or light and airy. No matter what the theme or colour palette, en suites are filled with cold surfaces. Remember to add depth, interest and warmth with either a timber vanity, some soft fluffy towels, decorative lighting, a potted plant or freshly cut greenery.”
Dip your toes in
With an open concept en suite, a freestanding bath is often the main feature or hero of the space. It offers a sense of wellness and it is a place to relax and switch off after a hard day at work.
“A freestanding bath sitting on a podium or step with a floor mounted spout adds dimension to the room and has a real luxe feel. Baths come in all shapes and sizes so don’t be disappointed if you have a small space, you can still achieve a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind and disconnect,” Rebecca adds.
Keeping it elegant and simple
Simple, uncluttered and minimal are the key ingredients to achieve that day spa feel. Storage is an important feature of any room so vanities, recessed mirrored cabinets and open shelves are all important things to consider.
“Wall mounted or floating vanities are still on trend which create a feeling of space. This style of vanity frees up floor space and makes cleaning simple. Open shelves below or above vanities or tiled shelves in showers are great for storage too or for showcasing personal items,” Rebecca says.
Shower me with style
When it comes to showers, the bigger the better. Double showers with twin showerheads give that day spa aesthetic. Rain head showers are the most popular and these are often paired with a handheld shower rail.
Rebecca adds: “If you are on a budget or looking to update your bathroom, basins and tapware are the easiest thing to transform a bathroom. These are easy and affordable. Countertop basins make a statement that are mounted on top of the benchtop. Nood has a range of statement basins in a range of different shapes, sizes and colours. Tapware becomes a feature when selected in a finish like matte black, brushed nickel, gunmetal and brushed brass. Remember to match showers, accessories, shower drains, waste drains and even door hardware to the same selected finish.”
And don’t forget
Other luxe features of en suites are frameless shower screens, rain head showers, backlit mirrors, underfloor heating and heated towel rails. “Colour and fun can be added with scented candles, storage baskets, towels and potted plants.” Rebecca adds.
Lots of light, preferable natural light is important when designing a bathroom. Task lighting must be planned and designed with thought. Feature lights like decorative sconce lights, LED backlighting, pendants and undershelf lighting are stylish and create a mood.
“Technology and smart bathrooms are becoming the norm in new homes – ie Google Home, sensor-activated toilets that are self-cleaning, seat warmers, integrated lights and integrated speakers while you soak in the bathtub.”
—Henley is Melbourne’s leading new home builder with over 30 years’ experience.
Bathroom trends are changing every season and whilst it’s easy to add a new bath mat or toothbrush holder into the mix, a more permanent fixture like a basin is more difficult to replace. So what bathroom fitting trends are going to look stylish for years to come and which will make you wish you just stuck with a basic white porcelain?
Pink tapware by Phoenix
Marc Reed is the managing director of luxury bathware distributor Candana in Sydney’s Woollahra and has been in the bathroom industry for over 20 years. Working with Australia’s most respected builders and interior designers, he has an eye for the next big thing and gave us some advice on curating the perfect bathroom that’s on-trend, yet won’t date.
Do: Opt for a statement basin, but in your personal style. Statement basins are the talk of the bathroom this season. We are seeing an explosion of different colours, materials and shapes coming to market, with so many options that haven’t been available before. Although, I do think this trend is great and is something you should invest in, make sure you choose the right fit for you. As much as a pink basin might look amazing editorially, it might not be the right fit for your home. A great option to consider when looking for a statement basin is a freestanding basin. Not only will it look amazing and draw the user’s eye, but you can also opt for more neutral colours as the basin shape does all heavy lifting.
Do: Use colour in subtle ways. Colour is making a strong case for itself this year. Pastels, of course, are very on trend, but we are also seeing a lot of deep colours like dark greens and blues. This comeback of colour is something I strongly encourage as I think it’s great to see some fun come back into this space, however it has to be done right. Coloured tapware is a great way to add some personality to the bathroom without going all out on something like a tiled wall.
Don’t: Go all out on one trend. The worst mistake you can make when renovating a bathroom is going all-out on one trend. Not only will it date quickly, but it will also be hard to update and easily change. Instead, opt for adding subtle nods to the trends your loving so it’s easier to change your mind down the track. For example, instead of doing a whole bathroom industrial style, add in rustic tapware to exude that style in a subtle way.
Do: Consider natural materials. We are currently seeing a lot of natural materials making their way into the bathroom. People are looking to bring a more natural feeling into the space and adding elements of wood in their shelving and cabinetry is a great way to do this. Not only does it make the bathroom feel warmer, but wood will never date and always look great in this space.
Don’t: Just consider a freestanding bath. When you think bath, a lot of people instantly think grand freestanding vessels that make a statement. Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful freestanding bath as much as the next person, but it’s not always the right option for your home. There are a lot of great built-in options that can really optimise the space for a smaller bathroom and will still look just as amazing as a freestanding when done right.
According to recent market research by Beaumont Tiles, choosing fixtures and fittings for your bathroom, cost blowouts and not knowing where to start are amongst the biggest challenges facing Australian renovators. Big ticket projects like bathrooms, can be particularly daunting, and leave renovators opting out of picking up the tools.
The solution? Beaumont’s strategic design team have created a series of bathroom packages that combine quality products and provide renovators with peace of mind. Priced from under $4,000, they’re available in all Beaumont Tiles stores.
“The key to alleviating reno stress is having access to transparent costs and inclusions. That’s what we’ve provided with our bathroom packages,” says Beaumont Tiles strategic designer Vanessa Thompson. “All our packages have been mindfully designed to reflect Australia’s current top 10 trends, and include everything from the cabinetry, tiles and taps, right through to the tub. Our local stores will even help you find the trades to do it!”
With over 16 packages to choose from, she shared some of her favourites and her tips on styling your newly renovated bathroom:
Modern
Clean monochrome lines complemented by tiles configured to create a spatial illusion has been kept front of mind when curating the looks for this package, with options available for both warm and cool lit spaces.
“To complete this look, create playful balance with the inclusion of elements that draw the eye upwards. Always remember to soften a modern bathroom with scented candles, trendy vases, and brushed metal elements,” adds Vanessa.
The modern bathroom package
Classic traditional
This package features a dark tile floor, with lighter wall tiles to draw the eye upwards and out. Further complemented by added texture with a feature wall tile and matching fixtures and cabinetry.
“To finish off this bathroom, add touches of drama with glass, metallic and floral elements,” says Vanessa. “Think owl feather embellishedtowels softened with a gorgeous glass vase with tulip or other classic bloom.”
The classic traditional bathroom package
Scandinavian
This package is all about simplicity and economic use of space that is as beautiful as it is functional – with loads of thoughtful storage.
“In both package options we’ve selected a central focal point, then provided opportunity to add colour and layers. I recommend styling with natural elements such as a timber stool and indoor plants with geometric motifs to add theatre.”
The Scandinavian bathroom package
Coastal
“Coastal styling is all about bringing the outdoors in, to complete this bathroom I would opt for clean furniture in lighter shade neutrals or sea blue,” says Vanessa. “Then use indoor plants, rattan mats and seascape artworks to bring the outdoors in.”
Getting the design right for your small bathroom can mean the difference between a cramped, awkward space and a heavenly, cosy sanctuary where you can breathe a sign of relief at the end of a long day.
Here are some of our best tips to make the most of your small bathroom space.
1. Keep it clean
Small spaces are easily cluttered with too much detail. To keep the area looking light and clean, select large format tiles. Using large tiles means clean lines, continuous colour and fewer visible grout lines to break up the space. This immediately gives the illusion of a larger, more luxurious area. Stay away from too much pattern and details that can look busy and crowded when combined.
2. Consider your bath selection
While we all know and love the feeling of relaxing in a big bathtub after a hard day’s work, when designing, remember to allow for the additional space you need around freestanding bathtub to ensure that it’s comfortable to hop in and also clean around. A small room may not provide the space for the visual appeal a freestanding bath demands. Back to wall bathtubs are much more compact, allow for easy cleaning and, if the space is really tight, can double as a shower.
3. Walk-in shower
In tight spaces where a bathtub would be impractical, we often recommend tiled floor, walk-in showers coupled with a frameless shower screen to create the illusion of space. Add some luxurious fixtures such as a rain shower to create that sense of opulence and perhaps a wall niche for shampoos.
4. Custom made cabinetry
In a small bathroom, correctly sized cabinetry is critical to getting the design right. In small spaces we often use compact custom made cabinetry to ensure that we make optimal use of the spaces and add some drawers around the plumbing for extra storage. Medicine cabinets that are recessed inside the wall are a clever space saving tip. When installed, the cabinets look like a flat mirror on the outside but can give you a few centimetres of storage depth inside.
5. Floating vanity
Vanities can take up a whole lot of precious floor space. To keep thing compact, choose a small, shallower one. Also, keeping things off the ground will immediately give that the illusion of spaciousness. A floating vanity which gives you lots of storage for toiletries and linen inside but also frees up a little storage space below for small items is a stylish and on-trend addition to your bathroom.
6. Smaller, shallower toilets
Compact wall-hung toilets with a shallow depth and recessed cistern are a great choice for small spaces as minimal floor space is taken up. With a cistern that is recessed inside the wall, you’ll need to choose an in-wall cistern button plate to suit your design.
7. Fittings
Small bathrooms can easily look cramped when there is too much clutter so it’s a good idea to have to have a place to put everything. Fittings are a great way to neatly use every nook and cranny in your bathroom from toilet paper to linen. Hooks behind doors for your towels and robes are a must have as is storage for your smaller items such as medicines and toiletries. To keep things in proportion, when choosing fittings, make sure they are the right size and scale compared with the rest of your bathroom.
8. Use light colour and reflective surfaces
Light colours generally work better in small spaces compared with dark colours or dark wood grains. A light and airy colour scheme using whites, soft greys and light timbers will make your room brighter, more spacious and will always be in style. Use reflective surfaces such as a large mirror or even a mirrored wall to reflect your light source if possible. This will open up the space and brighten up the small room.
9. Pay attention to lighting
Well-lit spaces will always make a room feel bigger. When lighting a bathroom, it’s important that the lighting arrangement creates a space that feels well-lit but does not overpower the room. We recommend staying away from pendant lighting around eye or head level. More creative ways of lighting your bathroom include mirror or vanity lighting, tape lights under the cabinets or flush mounted ceiling lights.
–Lindsay Williams is the head designer and owner of Mint Kitchens Burwood, part of the Mint Kitchen Group in Melbourne. Regularly winning national awards for his kitchen and bathroom renovations, Lindsay is an industry leader and master of his craft.
