Tag: bathroom design

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Interiors Addict

Discover the latest in bathroom trends & tips at our event

Would you like to learn about the latest in bathroom trends and the realities of renovation, meet The Living Room’s James Treble and head home with a gift bag, all for free?! Of course you would. Then join us at our next reader event with Integriti Bathrooms at Di Lorenzo’s Willoughby showroom in Sydney.

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I’ll be hosting a chat with some of Sydney’s best bathroom experts from Integriti, Di Lorenzo and Candana, not to mention James who, as an interior designer and regular at international design fairs, is at the forefront of everything that’s fresh and new. We’d love you to join us for a glass of wine or two and refreshments for a fun and informative evening on Thursday 18 August from 6.30 to 8pm.

James Treble
Our special guest James Treble
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Di Lorenzo’s Willoughby showroom

It’s also a great chance to see the latest in Di Lorenzo’s beautiful market-leading range and meet fellow interiors addicts.

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A recent Integriti Bathrooms project

Places are limited so sign up now to get on the guest list. I hope to meet you there!

When: Thursday 18 August 2016, 6.30-8pm

Where: Di Lorenzo, 65 Penshurst Street, Willoughby (parking at rear), NSW 2068.

Find more information on Integriti Bathrooms.

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

How to: Make a small bathroom feel larger

With the average bathroom in Germany measuring less than eight square metres, it’s no surprise that German manufacturers are coming up with innovative solutions to cater to these small spaces. Kaldewei is one such company and we are pretty impressed with its new range of clever space-saving bathroom products.

No compromises

Most people assume that a small bathroom can’t accommodate a bathtub and shower but it’s made all the more possible with Kaldewei’s Meisterstuck Centro Duo bathtub and its clever rounded corner that you can choose to have on the right or left. As a bonus, it’s a gorgeous design too.

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The clever design of Kaldewei’s Meisterstück Centro Duo bathtub, wall hung Centro basin and Superplan shower surface mean this small bathroom has it all
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Kaldewei’s Meisterstück Centro Duo bathtub

To further maximise space consider a wall hung wash basin – the space underneath the basin adds visible floor area to create the illusion of space (Kaldewei’s Centro wash basin is a great, stream-lined choice). And to further create the feel of a larger space, the Kaldewei Superplan is a floor-level shower surface that integrates perfectly with the bathroom floor for a seamless look.

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Kaldewei’s Centro wash basin

Combine the bath & shower

A classic solution to the small bathroom challenge has always been to combine the two – Kaldewei’s new Cavono bathtub serves two functions at once which means you don’t have to miss out on a long hot soak, or a speedy shower. This also means you may have room for two wash basins too.

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Combining the bath and shower in this space allowed for a double sink

Prioritise

Some people favour the shower and want that area to be as large as possible – Kaldewei’s Conoflat is ideal for them. Floor-level, the enameled shower surface is available in large sizes and given it is ultra-flat it really can open up a small space.

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Kaldewei’s Conoflat enamelled shower surface viewed from above

Kaldewei’s short guide to creating a small bathroom that has big impact

  1. Create a bathroom wish list. Start by addressing the essentials: Do I need a bathtub or would I rather have a shower? Are both a must? How many wash zones do I need?
  1. Make the most of space with individual solutions. Optimise your space with bathtubs or shower surfaces that save space in the right places. Flexible solutions are best for a perfect fit. Make niches work for you – use them to install a shelf, cabinet or shower. Maybe a sliding door will give you more space?
  1. Visually enlarge the room. A floor-level shower surface provides greater freedom of movement in a small room. Opt for discreet colours that blend harmoniously with the bathroom floor. Not only will this add to an aesthetically homogeneous appearance, it will also make especially small bathrooms appear larger.
  1. Choose colours wisely. Contrasting colour combinations, such as black and white, add exciting accents that heighten the decorative effect in the room. Make sure to take advantage of natural light, complemented by a well thought-out lighting scheme. A word of caution – strong or dark colours can quickly make a small bathroom feel even smaller.
  1. Opt for a high-quality look. There is nothing that says a small bathroom can’t have an inviting ambience. Polished surfaces made of steel enamel, for instance, give a sophisticated impression while also opening up the room.

Shop the Kaldewei range here.

 

 

 

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RENO ADDICT

Warm up your bathroom with some Scandi-cool this winter

When you consider the widespread penchant for minimalist design, and the way it is often executed in such a cold and uninviting way, it makes sense that the Scandinavian take on the trend is so wildly popular. Scandinavian design manages to infuse clean lines and clutter free spaces with warmth and appeal in a beautifully understated way – the perfect bathroom inspiration.

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With winter very much set in, the bathroom can feel like a cold, uninviting minimalist space but it needn’t be that way. Look to the Scandinavians for simple ways to warm up a space – they’re experts given their ridiculously cold climes

“A pared back Scandinavian style, Nordic minimalism is keeping it simple without being too austere. Hints of soft colour add character to the room which is balanced with imperfect materials such as concrete look tiles and white washed ply,” says interior stylist Bree Leech of the Reece bathroom pictured.

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Less is more
Just as Coco Chanel said you should always remove an accessory or one item of clothing before leaving the house, less really can mean more when it comes to Nordic minimalism. Keep your spaces simple and opt for clean lines and a neutral palette. Think baths and sinks with smooth lines and minimal detail. Plus, there are lots of fabulous baths on the market these days that, while spacious inside, are neat and compact in design too.

Fine lines
Bench tops are trending to the slimmer side this year with basins following suit. Thin, delicate edges are big on the bathroom style radar this year –  think paper-fine edges for a super sleek finish.

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Reece basin with slim edges

White on white
When it comes to bathrooms, tone-on-tone white is always a timeless, fresh look. It also looks clean and uncluttered and has enduring appeal.

See here for more.

 

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Bathrooms Before & Afters Design House Tours Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT Styling

Real reno: Gorgeous Melbourne apartment renovated for just $45,000!

Interior designer Lauren Macer of Sisalla Interior Design opened her home for us recently to reveal her lovely and low-cost renovation that took place over just two months. Untouched since the 1970’s the Melbourne beachside apartment renovation mixes luxe with affordable finds to great effect – we especially love the blue IKEA cabinetry and brass tap ware in the renovated kitchen. What fabulous, original choices!

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Before kitchen

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After kitchen

“I selected a soft turquoise colour for the kitchen cabinets that reflected the Scandi look I was going for.  The cupboard doors are around $20 each so if I wish to swap them down the track it’s not a huge expense.  However, I still love the colour so I’m so happy with trying something slightly unexpected.  The key is to mix IKEA with other items, such as the tumbled brass tapware and unique door hardware,” says Lauren.

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After kitchen – we love the brass details

From changing the kitchen’s faux-wooden laminate cabinets, benchtop, electric stove and mission brown tiles to relocating the laundry and making cosmetic changes to the walls in the lounge and kitchen/dining areas, the renovation completely modernised the kitsch original design.

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Before lounge room

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After lounge room

“Let’s just say the design was original!  The laundry was situated through the rear of the kitchen in its own room which caused the kitchen to be dark and very narrow. There was a nook no larger than a metre wide for a dining table to seat two people. There was a linen closet in the lounge room which was a typical design during this era and a 1970’s archway that separated the lounge from the bathroom and bedrooms.  There was a separate shower and bathtub and the space was so tight that the basin and bench sat over the top of the bath!” says Lauren.

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Before dining

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After dining

Lauren also added lighting and wallpaper to the bedrooms and carried out all the renovations herself with the help of her husband and a friend. “In the lounge room we turned the linen closet inside out so it was inside the toilet instead for toiletries and towels. We took down the existing plaster walls and installed v-groove wood panels to add interest and texture.  We squared off the old archway and installed a barn style sliding door which helped insulate the lounge and isolate noises to other parts of the house. We were able to reclaim quite a lot of space in the bathroom by deciding to remove the shower and put it over the bath,” says Lauren who installed a wall mounted double vanity and European laundry in there too.

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Before bedroom

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After bedroom

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After bathroom

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After bathroom

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After nursery

See more of Lauren’s work here.

 

 

 

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Bathrooms Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

Dekton launches wood-look, industrial inspired & high gloss options

Engineered stone company Cosentino Australia has expanded its Dekton offering with the launch of six new industrial-inspired shades and the super luminous Dekton XGloss which, like the rest of the Dekton range, can be used to create countertops, flooring and cladding and can be used outside too.

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XGloss bench tops in Blaze

The new XGloss range retains the same technical features as the brand’s other offerings (think stain and thermal resistance and water-repellence) but offers high shine. “This commitment stems from an awareness of a growing demand for lustrous, dramatic colours in the world of design, and the realisation that the high-shine materials available in the market until now do not perform well. We therefore wanted to combine beauty with high durability and stain resistance,” says Cosentino product and innovation director Valentin Tijeras.

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Floor in XGloss Lumina

The XGloss collection comes in five colours ranging from pure white to solid black. Halo is a a bright white colour with crystal shine that reflects light, making spaces seem larger while Splendor is a restrained soft grey, ideal for modern kitchens. Dark grey in colour, Blaze has a lovely, subtle metallic finish and Lumina is a very warm, earthy brown.

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Dekton Valterra Flooring and Sensa Orinoco countertop

Inspired by natural and industrial finishes, the new Dekton colours are an interesting bunch too. Ideal for industrial-themed interiors, the new Dekton Blanc Concrete shade looks like concrete but, unlike the real thing, it won’t deteriorate over time. And for those wanting a truly original finish, the Dekton Trilium option is inspired by metal oxides – a mix of volcanic colours it features intense grey and black tones speckled with light contrasts. We love the matte finish.

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Dekton countertop in Trilium

The new colours extend into a wood-inspired offering too – Dekton Valterra combines cream with brown hues in a lineal design while Dekton Aldem is a gorgeous gray wood finish.

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Dekton countertop in Aldem

See here for more.

 

 

 

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Bathrooms Before & Afters Design House Tours Kitchens Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: This Sydney home went from drab to fab

The renovations on this family home were so extensive that the resulting abode is unrecognisable from its humble beginnings. Situated in the leafy Sydney suburb of Woollahra, the process took place over 12 months and had a sizeable budget. The owners needed more space for their expanding brood and they wanted to make the home more light-filled and functional too – their brief was certainly met!

Exterior

BEFORE exterior

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AFTER exterior

“The home was a hideous brick box with no character whatsoever. The internal layout was also inadequate and not functional,” says the owner, who engaged the company Modify to manage the entire process, including preparing plans and managing the Development Application process with council – a lovely job to outsource! “They also managed the interior specifications and the construction process too so it was an end to end assignment,” says the owner.

BEFORE lounge

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AFTER lounge

The home was entirely gutted and the floor plans were changed completely too – the relocation of a staircase and the addition of a multitude of windows were some of the most extensive but effective changes. “Most critically, we moved the staircase from the middle of the ground floor to the side and the introduction of beautiful steel frame windows and French doors throughout meant we were able to draw in significant amounts of light at the same time as adding great character.”

Internal staircase

BEFORE internal staircase

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AFTER internal staircase

The process also included an extension to the rear and the addition of a raised rear courtyard and side passage to the home which allows a seamless transition from inside to out. “This wasn’t possible with the old home as there was a series of steps down into the backyard,” says the owner, who is pretty thrilled with the end result. “I particularly love my beautiful kitchen and butler’s pantry that flows to the living area and out on to our gorgeous rear courtyard.”

Before kitchen

BEFORE kitchen

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AFTER kitchen

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AFTER kitchen (butler’s pantry)

The exterior looks entirely different too, not least in part due to the addition of a black steel balustrade fence at the front. “We also widened the garage to allow for greater storage and functionality and the new fence at the front has added greater security,” says the owner. The black accents continue throughout the home – some of them were picked up inexpensively online. “The black internal door handles were a great buy as they are classic, timeless and we got them for a bargain online!”

Rear exterior

BEFORE rear courtyard

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AFTER rear courtyard

“It’s important that you have confidence in the process when you undertake a project like this. The renovation process can be quite daunting and when demolition starts you have this ‘oh my goodness, what have I done?’ moment! But if you employ the right professionals to help and have confidence in them then the results can be amazing,” says the owner, who is looking forward to tackling another renovation in the future.

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AFTER dining

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AFTER study nook (we love how the bi-fold doors conceal it when not in use)

“Modify managed the process extremely effectively and we were delighted with the outcome both cost-wise and with the actual home itself. I have kept in touch with the company director whom I loved working with and I hope to be able to work with again,” says the owner.

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AFTER bedroom

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AFTER bathroom

BEFORE floorplan

Woollahra before

Woollahra after

AFTER floorplan

For more information on Modify.

Categories
Bathrooms

Top five tips to warm up your bathroom this winter

With its hard surfaces of tile, stone and ceramic, the bathroom can be one of the coldest rooms in the house but, with a few clever tricks, it really doesn’t have to be that way. Recently, our lovely friends at Reece shared their top five tips on how to create a more inviting bathroom this autumn and winter.

4.Luxury Hero Bathroom

  1. Heat it up

Heated towel rails are a quick and easy way to add some luxury to your bathroom and will instantly warm up your space. Enjoy the feeling of wrapping up in a fluffy, warm towel after a steamy shower or bath. Heated towel rails are also an excellent space saver for storing your towels and add to the aesthetics of your bathroom too. There are a wide range of styles available to suit your bathroom design and practical requirements, including traditional ladders, swivel, mobile, freestanding and individual rails.

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  1. Add warmth underfoot

If you’re looking for a little warmth underfoot then underfloor heating is a clever solution and such a luxury on cold winter mornings. Because heat rises, underfloor heating is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home and is a great long-term investment.  Advancements in technology mean underfloor heating systems can now be installed in the concrete slab of a new build and can be retrofit too.

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  1. Rug up

Bath mats or rugs are an easy and cost effective way to keep your feet warm in the bathroom. Place them in front of the sink, toilet and shower to keep your feet warm. Opt for a warm colour or stylish pattern to add to your bathroom design.

  1. Let natural light in

Windows, skylights and a clear glass shower surround make the most of natural light and on a sunny day can add extra warmth. Make sure your windows are air-tight to avoid letting cold air into the bathroom – even the smallest crack can result in the loss of warm air.

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  1. Colour your walls

A splash of colour can instantly add a sense of warmth to your bathroom on a chilly morning. Warm tones such as red, orange and yellow can help create a cosy ambience in a space.

 See here for more.

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Bathrooms Before & Afters Design Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

1950s Sydney apartment transformed into Scandinavian-inspired retreat

Renovated in time for the arrival of a baby, almost every aspect of this 1950s Sydney apartment was overhauled over a 12-week period, with a budget of $120k, and the result is Scandi-chic.

Before kitchen

BEFORE kitchen

2 After kitchen
AFTER kitchen

“The apartment was in its original 1950s state, obviously needing a complete overhaul, but we saw the potential because of the natural light streaming through the northerly facing windows and the beautiful green outlook. We love period buildings and the opportunity to completely overhaul the interior was just too much to resist,” says owner Sian Jenkins.

3A After kitchen

AFTER kitchen

Aside from the aesthetic revamp, the most transformative aspect of this renovation was structural. “We removed a section of a structural wall that closed off the kitchen from the living and dining area. This really opened up the whole space and meant we could also fit an island bench for extra storage, benchtop space and casual seating,” says interior designer and project manager Luisa Volpato, who cleverly chose a mirrored kitchen splash back to open up the space even further. “This reflects space and light from the large north-facing kitchen window. So even if you’re standing at the stove, you can still see what’s going on around you which is perfect if you have young kids. You can also chat with someone sitting at the island bench behind you,” says Luisa.

Before living room

BEFORE living room

4A After living

AFTER living room

4B After dining

AFTER dining

“The old carpet and lino was replaced with Blackbutt timber floorboards and all the walls were painted in Dulux Natural White. This provides a modern yet timeless blank canvas for Sian’s colourful artwork, quirky homewares and vintage furniture pieces,” says Luisa. She selected neutral wool carpet for the bedrooms, modern frosted glass doors in the main bedroom and mirrored sliding doors in the second bedroom. “You can’t go past mirrored sliding doors to help small rooms look bigger.”

Before main bed

BEFORE main bedroom

5B After main bed

AFTER main bedroom

Before second bed

BEFORE second bedroom

5A After baby bed

AFTER second bedroom

Massive fans of pink, we were rather taken with the original bathroom – the sorbet-toned mosaic floor tiles in particular – but it obviously had to be overhauled for design consistency alone! “Besides the original 50s pink tiles and matching pink bath, toilet and pedestal vanity (which were totally fabulous in their own quirky way) the main problem with the original bathroom layout was that it was very cramped,” says Sian.

Before bathroom

BEFORE bathroom

The configuration was changed completely and a large mirrored cabinet (in lieu of a vanity) and combined bath/shower were installed: both space-saving measures. “With a baby on the way, we didn’t want to remove the bath altogether so it was a happy compromise,” says Sian.

1A After bathroom

AFTER bathroom

“While large-format white wall tiles help make the space look bigger, we decided on a concrete-look tiled floor, black fittings and timber accents to give the bathroom more character than if it was entirely white,” says Luisa.

1B After bathroom

AFTER bathroom

Sian, who recommends informing your neighbours when any noisy renovation works are planned, and generally filling them in on your project’s progress, is thrilled with the end result. “You labour over every decision for each and every aspect so you’re emotionally involved in even the littlest things. I completely love the kitchen with its clean lines, mirrored splash back and 11 square metres of storage; but then I also adore the oak modknob door handles we had imported from the US for the bedroom and bathroom doors,” says Sian.

See here for more information about the interior designer.

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Why the trend for black tapware is here to stay

By Rick Bazerghi

2013 was the year that black tapware first raised its curious head and became popular with brave bathroom and kitchen remodellers. However there was little choice and most of the products were finished in a powdercoated black paint which has a tendency to scratch easily. The electroplated items were far more durable but only came in a gloss or semi-gloss finish which looked cheap and was unpopular with developers and builders. The complications and constant product returns caused retailers to lower prices to clear remaining stock.

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By late 2014, many retailers discontinued their range of black tapware due to the unreliable quality and growing customer returns. During this time, they tried to convince customers that black tapware was a fad and that the trend would soon be over, even though they were getting up to a dozen queries a day! Instead of looking for alternative suppliers and learning about this growing trend, they saved face and stood by their earlier decision to limit their black tapware range. Big mistake!

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2015 came around and there was a flood of interest in black tapware, mainly due to popular TV shows such as The Block.
The contestants were bold and edgy and believed that this trend would be around for a long, long time. They had perfect judgement, as black tapware was beginning to be seen as a soft tone that worked with almost any colour scheme and material such as stone or timber. Contestants continued to use black tapware in their renovations week after week.

Retailers started to scramble for stock at this point. Everyone wanted black and anyone that wasn’t stocking it didn’t get a second chance with customers. It was soon apparent that not having a range of black tapware was going to hurt more than they realised, but there was no way they could keep using the same imported products as before. Very sharply, the demand went from black tapware to specifically high-quality electroplated matte black tapware and customer satisfaction instantly rose.

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No other bathware trend has produced this much demand or shown similar awareness other than chrome tapware when it was first introduced. Even tapware shapes and sizes seem to come and go in a flurry, while traditional round or square designs tend to stand the test of time.

Black tapware is now available in most retail stores around Australia and will continue to grow in both availability and range. We will soon see more stores devote more of their showroom space to black, which has its heels firmly in the ground.

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–Rick Bazerghi is a director at Meir Australia, who produce a premium range of electroplated matte black tapware, showers and accessories containing European parts. Clients include architects, interior designers, builders, stores and retail customers. They recently started exporting products to New Zealand and the UK.

Categories
Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

How to: Increase ventilation in a small bathroom

Small bathrooms, including ensuites and powder rooms, present their own specific ventilation challenges – mainly because they usually lack windows. This leads to a host of problems including a build-up of condensation, mildew and stale air that is not only unpleasant but may damage your bathroom fixtures too.

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Melbourne-based company IXL develop heat, light and ventilation products for any sized bathroom, presented in a smart, contemporary package. They also have a great online tool that helps you ascertain the best solution for your space. You can calculate your extraction requirements in two easy steps by choosing the type of room and its dimensions.

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IXL Tastic Neo Vent n Lite

As for the IXL range, their Tastic 3-in-1 model not only eliminates shower steam but it features heat lamps too.  The brand’s Tastic Neo Vent n Lite is perfect for small spaces as it combines three 7W LED directional downlights with a powerful 170mm fan that boasts an impressive exhaust capacity of 360 m3/h.

See here for more.

Categories
Bathrooms Design RENO ADDICT

How to: Choose a bathroom designer

A bathroom that is built to last can be an expensive investment. But in the world of bathroom design you don’t necessarily get what you pay for. I know from experience that it can be hard to swim in the huge ocean that is the choice of bathroom designers and arriving at the final product can be an arduous journey. Therefore it’s worth going with a designer you trust.

To avoid any major mishaps, make sure you know the following things before you choose your designer.

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Bathroom design by The Inside Project

Company size
How big is the designer’s company? Bigger is not always the better; in fact the smaller it is the more personal and tailored the customer service will often be. Larger companies often offer package deals with set prices, whereas smaller companies are more likely to create a unique design at a reasonable price and also be happier to oblige your unique requests.

That being said, if you choose a bigger company they may have more experience and be more professional in their take on your bathroom. So I guess it’s up to you to choose what kind of customer service experience you want.

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Bathroom design by The Inside Project

Company location
If their company is close to you it is more likely that they can make site calls and be really present in the whole process. This may become an invaluable asset if something looks as though it’s about to go majorly wrong, but is intercepted during an on-site call. What’s more, if you know where their company is it will give you a sense of what kind of company they are. Be it a busy city office that thrives on meeting deadlines or a laid back, coastal, home office that are flexible with extra time to meet with you for a cup of coffee.

Previous work
Obvious yes, but no less important. Ask to see their previous work if they don’t show it to you. Maybe they’ve done lots of work but none in the kind of style you like, maybe they’ve had no previous work at all. It’s valuable information that you need to know before you choose a bathroom designer.

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Bathroom design by The Inside Project

Reviews
Reviews for designers can be located online at websites such as Houzz. Some home design blogs will review work by bigger designers, or there may be some reviews floating around on Google by individuals who have used different designers for their own home.

Don’t be afraid to go with a lesser-known designer, just be sure you are confident in them. And don’t be afraid to ask them questions – chances are they’ve heard them before and if they are true professionals they will be more than willing to answer them.

–Jenny Kellett is a design consultant at The Inside Project and specialises in bathroom and kitchen renovations.

Categories
Bathrooms Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Caesarstone launch new marble inspired design

Featuring broad, warm grey veins and a soft white background,  Caesarstone‘s latest offering ‘Statuario Maximus’ is perfect for lovers of the marble trend.

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The new design joins the Caesarstone Supernatural designs collection and offers the same benefits we have come to love about the brand – it is scratch, heat and chip resistant.

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“Over recent years we have seen the market truly embrace the natural inspired marble designs in Australia and overseas,” says Andrew Dixon, Caesarstone GM Marketing.

It’s a trend we have been tracking and we think this product could have a number of great applications in kitchens and bathrooms in particular – we love the luxe feel of marble but also its scope as a neutral.

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“Statuario Maximus will work with many other materials and colours providing wide colour scheme flexibility,” says Andrew. From classic white to warm neutral or grey toned cabinetry to all the fabulous woods available now (oak and walnut spring to mind), the design options are endless.

See here for more.

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Bathrooms Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Super smart new bathroom range ideal for compact spaces

As square meterage prices rise, so does demand for clever design solutions for small spaces.

The rise of the ensuite and small bathroom presents its own unique design challenges but we’ve got our eye on one range in particular that is looking to remedy the situation – enter Raymor.

Raymor Timber Ensuite-hero
While there’s no doubt that the dedicated use of a single tile (in this case a mid-tone porcelain timber-look option) keeps the space looking larger, so too do the compact bathroom fixtures. We love the Scandinavian meets sauna vibe of this space.

Raymor Pattison-Alor-2Raymor Pattison wall hung engineered stone basin, $479

Key to the uncluttered look too is the ceiling-mounted showerhead and wall-mounted basin – we are big fans of the integrated hand-towel, concealed waste and minimalist lines of this compact number. In addition, the wall hung toilet, with concealed cistern, also maximises the sense of space.

Raymor Timber Byron WHRaymor Byron wall hung toilet suite, $799

Click here for more.

Categories
Bathrooms Expert Tips Interviews RENO ADDICT The Block

Block winners Dean and Shay share top bathroom design tips

Black, white and concrete made inviting with accents of warm wood – Dean and Shay, the winners of The Block 2015, really brought it home with their winning Scandi-inspired bathroom.

1. H5_R1_-89Dean and Shay in one of their winning bathrooms

Like us, we’re sure you’ve wondered how to create a dream bathroom. Well sit tight because, thanks to Reece, we’ve got the skinny, straight from the mouths of Dean and Shay themselves.

Q: How do you create an award winning bathroom using tiling and taps?

Dean & Shay: We chose tiles and tapware that was neutral – greys, white and black, softened by timber. We also ensured the feature tiles were used minimally to avoid a cluttered look. Don’t be afraid to use large tiles in a small space and make the tapware your main statement piece.

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Q: What was it that made your bathrooms such an all-out success?

Dean & Shay: We chose to make the tapware the feature of our bathrooms – this gave a sense of sophistication to the bathrooms without relying on the overpowering nature of bold feature tiles.

Q: What’s your style advice for home renovators looking to create their dream bathroom? 

Dean & Shay: Create that high end feel on a lower budget with things like matte black tapware and accessories that hold hints of metallic.

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Q: When it came to creating your bathrooms, were you responding purely to aesthetics or were you also thinking about commercial factors like sale at auction?

Dean & Shay: We think that it is easy to create a neutral bathroom that appeals to a broad market, but it’s harder to create a bathroom that isn’t polarising or dated but still exudes that high end quality. I feel like we nailed this concept through our tapware and accessory choices.

Q: When it comes to buying a house, how important is the bathroom in a buyer’s purchasing decision?

Dean & Shay: Really important! Bathrooms deliver a sense of luxury to a buyer, so if the buyer loves the bathroom they can easily overlook a paint colour they don’t like in the bedrooms or living areas.

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Q: If you could do it all over again, what are the things you’d keep or change?

Dean & Shay: We love every bathroom we created, they are timeless yet still bang on trend, so we wouldn’t change anything!

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Click here for more bathroom inspiration from Reece.

Categories
Bathrooms Design RENO ADDICT

Incredible tile-less bathrooms: add luxe using an ancient Moroccan decorative finish

It’s been around for centuries but Aussie bathroom renovators and designers are now being let in on an industry secret that delivers a minimalist and completely seamless bathroom without using a single tile.

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Originating in Morocco, Tadelakt is a lime based render product which is naturally waterproof, can be tinted to just about any colour imaginable and creates an exquisite finish to any bathroom or wet area.

Thanks to renovation shows like The Block and House Rules, Australians have been introduced to the wonder of Tadelakt bathrooms as the housemates look for that special something to wow judges.

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Caro & Kingi’s bathroom

On the recent series of Channel 9’s The Block, contestants, Caro and Kingi used this finish extensively in their apartment, earning praise from the judges week after week.

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Caro & Kingi’s bedroom

Melbourne based natural materials artisan, Gorni Cahani from Render it Oz, is happy Tadelakt is becoming more widely known, seeing an increase in enquiry as renovators and designers choose the Moroccan finish for their bathroom projects. “I think some of the biggest surprises for most people who enquire about Tadelakt is how durable it is, how little maintenance is required and how green and natural it is.”

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On the design front, the most sought after colour at the moment is a light grey, concrete colour because of its industrial look. It also goes really well with recycled timber bathroom furniture and accessories. Pearl white with blue LED bathroom lights, understated beige tones and even dark and moody black bathrooms are very popular too.

Aside from its aesthetic beauty, Takelakt is 100% natural and has no artificial materials meaning it is not a burden to the environment like its competitors, tiles and other cement based finishes. Tadelakt is also extremely low maintenance. “It is resistant to mould, moisture and humidity,” says Gorni. “And it is easily cleaned by wiping the surface with a cloth and a bit of black soap.”

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Fast facts – Tadelakt

What is Tadelakt?

In its original Arabic form, Tadelakt translates to ‘rub in’ or ‘massage’ which is still relevant today as the artisan who applies the product by hand uses special trowels to create the burnt look. Finally, the artisan uses a stone to rub the product which compresses it, brings moisture to the surface then finishes the surface with a special wax and/or olive soap depending on the type of sheen required.

How it is applied?

Originally, Morrocan artisans passed down the application methods to apprentices over the years. Today, artisans usually come from a plastering or rendering background and train over time perfecting the Tadelakt application method.

Surface preparation

Tadelakt can be applied over blue board, villa board, brick walls or just about any substrate you find in bathrooms or wet areas. It can also be used in kitchens, laundries or as a unique feature wall.

Colours and finish types

Tadelakt can be tinted to a range of colours to suit any bathroom or wet room. Being hand applied, no two finishes will ever be the same so you can expect a bespoke, one of a kind design.

Finishes range from:

  • High Gloss – highly reflective or mirror finish
  • Lustre – slight sheen or glow that can reflect soft light
  • Smooth – a matte velvety finish with a rustic look

How much does it cost?

Extremely affordable and comparative to some tiling finishes, Tadelakt is extremely cost efficient, environmentally friendly, low maintenance and durable.

— Melanie Cahani is an artisan at Render it Oz, the experts in a range of decorative finishes including Tadelakt, Venetian Plaster and cement rendering. 

Categories
Bathrooms DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to save money on your bathroom reno with Baz DuBois

Our resident expert Baz DuBois shares his best advice. Don’t forget to contact us if you have a question for Baz!

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Don’t move the plumbing

A lot of people advise not moving plumbing to save money, particularly the drainage. That’s fine if the bathroom has a design and layout that suits you and or your family. If I am renovating a bathroom, I expect that it’s an investment that will be enjoyed over at least 10 years, so I do think the planning and layout is very important. The cost of changing the plumbing may not be that significant in the context of how it could improve the space and how long you’ll get out of the reno.

Planning

Once you’re happy with your brief, start with really broad strokes on paper and again don’t focus on detail or aesthetics at this stage. This is more about how you will move through and around the space. It was Louis Sullivan who first coined the phrase “Form ever follows function”. This simply means if all the functional aspects you require are met, the style and architectural beauty of the space will develop naturally.

Less is best

The less you replace the less it will cost. When you’re looking to do a bathroom makeover on a budget, be sure you don’t replace items and fixtures that still have good integrity. So often newbie renovators’ first step is to start demolishing. After the first day of hard labour and huge mess, you have removed walls and floor tiles, a bath and toilet that had years of life left in them but simply were not your style or colour choice. Before you spend big money on a full bathroom renovation, think about a mini low-cost refresh.

DIY

f you are happy to leave the plumbing fixtures (toilet, bath, shower etc) in the same place, there is a lot you can do on your own to really transform your bathroom. Let’s start by removing everything that doesn’t require a tradesman to replace and you can simply go to your local hardware store and get them off the shelf: toilet seat, shower screen, vanity, taps (yes you don’t have to be a tradesman to replace taps ad soap holders etc!

Look or style

If you’re looking to get another five years out of a bathroom that has integrity but you hate the look of it or the home’s for sale and it needs a refresh, there are some great quick-fix products on the market. You could consider painting the tiles with specialist paint or carefully removing the silicone around the bath and in all junctions and re-grouting the existing tiles. This will not only give a nice refreshed look, it will add years to the life of the bathroom. I recently had a bathroom that had been tiled to the ceiling with a white tile in a brick pattern with a terracotta feature about three-quarters of the way up. It was a very eighties look! I re-grouted the walls up to the feature with a product from Davco which only needs 1mm of existing grout removed and you simply skim the new polymer-based product over the top. I choose black but there are about 10 different colours. I then masked up the feature tiles and painted them with a tile paint in white to match the existing tiles. Lastly, from the feature up to the ceiling, I went for a very light mint and simply covered the junction between walls and ceiling with a timber scotia and painted that in white with the ceiling (which was dark). The bathroom now has a vintage or French chalet feel.

Vanities and storage

Some of the vanities you can buy off the shelf blow me away. When I think back 20 years, the choice of vanities was very limited and to go custom cost a fortune. But as good as the off the shelf stuff goes, I love getting an old chest of draws or a side table, giving it a revamp or paint finish and combining that with an off the shelf basin. It means you have something unique and cool. You may need a plumber to finish it off, but that would be the case either way.

Trades and critical path

Depending on your skill set you will need tradies for some or all of the work to be carried out. Whether your input is a little or a lot, you will save money by making sure you have a tight and achievable critical path. This is a document that sets out who will be doing what, in what order and how long it will take. The way I prepare my critical path is to carry out or build the reno on paper, i.e:

  • Demolition and remove shower screen tiles etc
  • Plumber turn off plumbing and remove taps and plumbing fixtures
  • Install new powerpoints
  • Patch walls
  • Waterproofing
  • Tiler
  • Painter.

The important part here is not what you know, although that helps, it’s more about starting this document so when you’re getting quotes on the work you can’t do yourself, you ask that tradie how long will your job take and what needs to be done before that trade starts? The more information you can get before you start, the smoother the reno will be. And we all know time is money.

The most fun I have had in a bathroom

I once renovated a studio apartment in Potts Point which had an oversized bathroom (a common mistake in small apartments). I knocked down all the bathroom walls and left the toliet where it was. Originally the shower was in the bath which ran perpendicular to the toilet. I removed the bath and used the plumbing for a new shower. To block the view of these two spaces from full view of the apartment, I positioned an armoire with the doors facing the main room. Inside the armoire on one side, I installed a vanity basin and on the other, shelves for storage. It was a very unique space. I gained an extra 2.5 metres squared for for the living area (10%) and all the potential buyers went nuts for it.

The biggest mistakes I have seen

If I have seen it and said it once, I have seen it and said it a thousand times: nothing will drain the life and personality out of a space quicker than ill-considered lighting.

Last but not least, have fun, draw it 100 times before you lift a hammer and remember, every big job is just a bunch of small jobs added together!

Read all Baz’s articles

Categories
Appliances Bathrooms Designers Furniture

Embrace your colourful side with Reece’s latest products

While monochrome may be your first thought when you think bathroom design, embracing colour with bright centrepieces, elegant accents and subtle tones is a great way to get the designer look and stand out from the crowd. And Reece’s latest products are just the place to start!

Retro cool: Kado Retro Vanity 

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This ’60s inspired Retro Vanity from Kado brings fresh, funky style to the modern-day bathroom. Available in a choice of colours, Kado Retro injects instant personality.

Magic metallic: Milli Glance 

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Add a little – or a lot – with Milli Glance’s range of tapware and accessories. Select from five stunning tapware colour options and bold matte black accessories. Milli Glance brings automatic style and sophistication and we absolutely adore the rose gold option!

Lure with stunning red: Kado Lure Petite 

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Conjure hotel inspired living with a splash of stunning red. The petite length and soft curves of the Kado Lure make it a perfect centrepiece for the smaller bathroom.

Impress with elegant black: Mizu tapwareMizu Drift Gooseneck Sink Mixer BlackMizu taps into the matte black trend with four major mixer ranges: Mizu Bloc, Mizu Soothe, Mizu Drift and Mizu Bliss, sophisticated and swish.

Pantone paradise: Aio Aurajet

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Partnering up with global colour experts Pantone, global tapware and shower designer, Methven, launches its Aio Aurajet range in tones of Marsala, Midnight and Classic Blue, as well as chrome and white. Methven’s minimalist look is offset by a luxuriously wide, fan-like spray produced using exclusive Aurajet technology. A shower experience that is sure to cause a sensation.

Layers of delicious colour: Kartell by Laufen 

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Bringing together iconic Italian furniture maker Kartell, with Swiss bathroom aficionados Laufen, the Kartell by Laufen collection moves away from primary colours. Playing with tangerine orange, fume (smoke) and transparent crystal, the glassy transparency of the latest-generation polycarbonate allows you to layer form with colour in a visionary new approach to bathroom style.

For more information.

Categories
Bathrooms Expert Tips Homewares Styling The Block

Blockhead Carlene Duffy’s 5 tips for updating your bathroom

By Carlene Duffy

With so many home renovation shows on television and with ready access to design imagery by way of blogs, Instagram and Pinterest, there’s little doubt your head is swimming with information and ideas.

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Carlene

So, to make it easier for you, here are my five top tips for injecting some luxe to your bathroom this summer.

1. Marble

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This year has been all about marble, and your bathroom should be no exception. Marble is an age-old material that adds an element of elegance and style to your interior. Its timelessness as a material also means it is set to have longevity as a design trend.

Whether it’s rectangular floor to ceiling marble tiles, or mosaic marble feature tiles, your bathroom will exude instant luxury. But if changing up the tiles isn’t an option, opt for a smaller scale marble feature, such as a trinket bowl, soap dish or pendant light.

2. Matte black and white tapware

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While white on white bathrooms are a safe no-fail design choice, which is unlikely to date, recently we have seen a big shift in bathroom colour palettes. We are seeing more bold choices such as black, navy and grey tones, creating drama, richness and a bit of sass.

If you’re bold enough and looking for an alternative to traditional chrome or stainless steel tapware, add a spunky matte black or matte white mixer, basin or vanity to create a sophisticated but edgy bathroom.

3. Light it up

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While down lights are a popular and practical way to light up any space, adding varying types of lighting is the ideal way to create mood, interest and ambience. This is especially true in bathrooms. For me, bathing or showering is not just about getting clean but about unwinding from the day. You should have the option here to switch off the down lights and flick on a staggered cluster of pendants hanging over one side of your vanity or a couple of wall lights hanging either side of your mirror.

You may also include an LED strip in your shower nook and under your vanity, which combined with your pendants or wall lights, will create the perfect type of light for shower/bath time. Decorative lights such as pendants are also effective at adding another dimension to your bathroom and breaking up all the hard surfaces.

4. Bright coloured towels

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Creating a fresh look in your bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank. You can achieve a new look by making small changes like displaying a new set of good quality, coloured towels. Personally, I only use dri.glo bath towels, which are made with premium Australian cotton, which means higher absorbency and a softer touch, and come in a huge range of colours.

5. Add a little greenery

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With backyards becoming smaller and in many cases, non-existent, we are seeing indoor plants becoming increasingly popular. Greenery is an essential ingredient to the success of any interior space, including the bathroom. It is the final touch that makes a space feel complete. Whether you choose to create a high-impact green wall, place single potted plants on the vanity, or hang a group of ferns from the ceiling, plants are a simple and inexpensive way to add colour, life and vitality to your bathroom.

— Carlene is an interior stylist and dri.glo ambassador, and was a contestant on The Block Glasshouse.