Tag: bathroom reno

Categories
Bathrooms Before & Afters DIY RENO ADDICT

How to: Beautify your bathroom on a budget

After

Your dream bathroom renovation can quickly turn into a budget nightmare which is why it is often left at the bottom of the to-do list. The good news is that even if your bathroom does look tired and out of date, it can likely be easily salvaged with a quick cosmetic enhancement you can do yourself.

Before
Before
After
After

White Knight and Cherie Barber from Renovating for Profit, share three simple ways to beautify your bathroom on a budget:

Update your 70s bathroom tiles: “When your budget doesn’t extend to replacing tiles or professional resurfacing, roll up your sleeves and do it yourself,” says Cherie. “Tile paint is designed to give dated ceramic tiles, especially those colourful, embellished tiles from the 60s and 70s, a new lease of life.

“Look for one that’s been developed specially to adhere to tiles, such as White Knight Tile Paint, which also has built-in antibacterial properties that keep out mould and mildew. The high gloss finish can be tinted to 1000s of colours, so you can create virtually any colour for your bathroom. Be sure to use White Knight Tile & Laminate Primer and read the preparation instructions carefully.”

Before
Before
After
After

Rejuvenate your bathroom cabinets: “Dealing with a vanity that’s seen better days? The easiest fix, if they’re structurally in sound condition, is to paint the existing cabinets with White Knight Laminate Paint. It’s an easy DIY job and a great way to update a look for less than $100 in paint and sandpaper. Just replace your old cabinet hardware with stylish new handles to complete the look,” says Cherie.

White Knight Laminate Paint is a specialist paint designed to give dated laminate and melamine surfaces a new lease of life. It can also be tinted to 1000s of colours.

Before
Before
After
After

Channel your inner stylist: Now for the fun part! Finish off your stunning new-look bathroom with some appropriate décor. Plants create an instant freshness and add a bit of colour. Candles create a warm, relaxing ambience. Here is your chance to add some further colour, and really personalise your bathroom.

Before
Before
After
After

More quick hints & tips

  • Have fun with the colour and pick one that suits your individual style.
  • If you are going for a statement, create one wall of colour and paint the rest of the tiles a crisp white.
  • Use strong colours to replicate the look of a border or feature tile.
  • Don’t skimp on your brushes as they can make a big difference to the quality of the finish.
  • Use a brush to cut in around corners and fittings then use a high quality micro fibre roller over the remainder of the tiles. It is easy to manoeuvre and will deliver a great result.
  • Don’t skip the prep. It is needed for the paint to adhere to the tiles.
  • Use masking tape and a drop sheet to prevent paint from going on areas you don’t want it to.
  • Have lots of rags handy for cleaning.
  • Use White Knight Grout Pen to re-create fresh new grout lines on painted tiles.
  • Dirty taps make the bathroom feel grubby so make them sparkle with some white vinegar and a micro cleaning cloth.

For loads of tips and advice on prepping and painting, click here

Categories
Bathrooms Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

How to: Let nature in with an outdoor shower

Australia’s temperate climate means we can live a beautiful life both outdoors and in. With the launch of the Milli Inox outdoor shower range from Reece, you can now create a stunning outdoor shower zone in your very own backyard.

social-media-1-1
Milli Inox Overhead Shower

The perfect way to relax, rejuvenate and get back in touch with nature, the Milli Inox Overhead Shower with a WELS 3 Star rating offers a luxurious, guilt-free rainshower sensation. The slimline hand shower and flexible shower hose is perfect for effortless focused washing.

“Outdoor showers are a fantastic way to make you feel grounded and connected to nature. This really helps to ground your energy and calm your mind,” said Lyndall Mitchell, founder of urban day spa Aurora Spa Retreat.

social-meda-2
Inox Freestanding Twin Rail shower

The Inox Freestanding Twin Rail shower is perfect for making a sensational statement. Or fit your shower to your space with Wall Mounted Twin Rail and single Rail Shower options. Add an optional Foot Wash tap for sandy feet and ankles.

Crafted from 316 marine-grade stainless steel, Inox outdoor showers are made to withstand the harshest of weather conditions, ensuring longevity in both looks and functionality.

social-media-4

When designing an outdoor shower zone for your home, landscaper Darren Franklin says there’s a few important things to consider. “It’s important to think about plant option — whether you want to include water features for additional zen, and where to position your bathroom zone in the garden. You also need to consider plumbing points, surrounding materials such as a decking or paving, and screening for privacy,” he said.

Find out more about the range here.

Categories
Bathrooms Decorating 101 RENO ADDICT

How long does a bathroom reno REALLY take and why?

By Sarah Nolen

I, like anyone, am a true fan of a great before & after makeover. And that’s exactly what reality TV has harnessed. The fact that you’re reading this article now assures me that you’ve been accustomed to fast-tracked renovation shows that are showcased every evening for our viewing pleasure.

The reason why they show bathrooms completely stripped out and made afresh in only a few episodes is because there is no way on earth they’d maintain your attention if you were to sit through a real life renovation. For one, it takes a considerable amount of time and two, it would be boring. The real world of design and construction is a lot less drama filled, but hey that’s the power of reality TV, who are they going to fight with next?

Keep in mind too that they also have a huge workforce on TV shows to speed up the process: double the carpenters, plumbers and electricians. This economically would not work in a typical domestic setting due to substantial additional costs.

In my 11 years’ experience working as an interior designer, I’ve designed and project managed countless bathrooms, some small and some bigger and more complex than the average sized apartment. It’s fair to say the process is very similar whether you’re completing a simple facelift or recreating the Taj Mahal. All of the same trades are going to enter the bathroom area and essentially complete the same tasks.

In my first appointment with clients, I always give a clear indication of how long a project is due to take. And when I say ‘your bathroom from start to finish will take approximately six weeks’ I get a look of utter shock. If you’re a designer or builder, I know you’ll be nodding your head in agreement. Reality TV has completely thrown out any realistic expectations for how long renovations take.

The aim of this article is to break it down for you so that you can be fully prepared and understand exactly what it takes to get yourself a new bathroom. I’ve team up with Terence Otter from Seacliff Constructions who has just completed a stunning bathroom for me. We’ve both been doing this a long time so we like to think we know what we’re on about.

In a residential setting, there are generally two types of builders. The first type will work on one job at a time. Once that job is complete, they move on to their next project. This allows their tradespeople to be working on your bathroom full time, which means overall the project timeline will be shorter.

The second type of builder (which I find to be more common) will work on a number of projects at a time. They schedule their work so that their tradespeople are constantly working but going from one job to another throughout the week. In this instance, there may be a day or two where you don’t have anyone working on site. For any domestic builder, they are more often than not smaller working teams. This enables a shorter rein for the builder to be able to move and shuffle their tradespeople about.

Below, Terence and I have worked out the basic schedule of trades for a typical bathroom renovation. At the bottom, we’ve estimated the total weeks it would take dependant on which type of builder you engage.

TYPE 1 / One project at a time.

TYPE 2/ Multiple projects at a time

DEMOLITION

The first thing a builder is going to look at is the existing space and what materials it is built from. This will give an indication of the timing for the demolition stage. Timber studs and sheeted walls are much quicker to work with than solid brick walls. During the demolition stage, the installation of structural beams to support change of walls or new windows will also take place.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 2-3 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER-: 4-5 days

If asbestos is found, it will need to be professionally removed. Allow an additional 1-2 days’ work.

PLUMBERS  & ELECTRICIANS ‘ROUGH IN’

2. Basin plumbing

Once we have the bare structure, we then can get plumbers and electricians involved. They will begin their rough in of the plumbing points in the walls and floor and the wiring for the electrical work.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3-4 days

PREPARATION FOR TILING

Depending on the tiles you’ve selected, larger sizes will need straighter walls then smaller ones. Wall needs to be straightened and strengthened. At this time, the installation of new windows, doors and wall niches will take place. A cement slab (known as a tiling bed) will be installed, and must be completely dry before the waterproofing stage.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 2-3 days

SHEETING

Now we’re ready to sheet the walls and ceilings.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

WATERPROOFING

Once the sheets are installed, the waterproofer comes in and waterproofs the room as required. This ensures a tight water seal for years to come and no leaking showers! Waterproofing takes at least 24 hours to completely dry, this can be at least a 2-day process for 2-3 coats.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 2-3 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3-4 days

TILING

The tiler spends the morning setting out the tiles. This is an important part, ensuring that the tiles are cut where they need to be (fall to the shower grate etc) and balance throughout the room. Note, I generally tile floor to ceiling for the walls. Once the tiling is complete, the shower screen can be measured ready for manufacture.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 5 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 7 days

FINISHING OF TILES

Now that the tiles are in place on the floor and walls, it’s time for them to be grouted and siliconed at the critical joints.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 3 days

TRIMS & PAINTING

If you have new doors or windows, the timber architraves will now be installed. Once they are in place, the painter arrives to paint them along with the door and ceiling.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

PLUMBING FIT OFF

3. Bath getting installed

The items that require plumbing have already been roughed in, so now it’s time to install them and connect them all up. These items include the toilet, bath, basin, tapware and finishing the drainage underfloor.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

ELECTRICAL FIT OFF

As with the plumbing, the electrical items have already been roughed in. The electrician is now back to install the light fittings, switches, fans, and heated towel ladder.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days’

ACCESSORIES

4. After Shot

We’re now well and truly on the home stretch. The accessories like the toilet paper holder, hand towel rail, robe hooks etc can be put in place. The shower screen and mirror are also installed on this day. Once everything is in place, your bathroom is now ready for a final clean. Once it’s looking sparkly, it’s ready for use.

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 1 day

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 1-2 days

TOTAL APPROXIMATE TIMEFRAME:

TYPE 1 BUILDER: 3-4 WEEKS

TYPE 2 BUILDER: 6-7 WEEKS.

–Sarah Nolen is an interior designer with 13 years’ experience, founder of Birdblack Design in Wollongong.

Kitchen reno timeline: Exactly what to expect!

Unless you’ve undertaken a kitchen renovation, it can be difficult to understand just how many steps are involved, and just how long they take. But this is where the experts…

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,…
Categories
Bathrooms Design DIY RENO ADDICT

5 design tips for your bathroom renovation

Photo credit: Virtuel Reel

When it comes to renovating your bathroom there are many decisions to make. What is probably the biggest challenge is ensuring your design choices are both stylish and functional, and one of the best ways to guarantee you tick both these boxes is to get expert advice. Below I outline five design tips, with a particular focus on my expertise of tiling, to help make sure your bathroom makeover is a success!

1. Do it properly

Photo credit: Virtuel Reel
Photo credit: Virtuel Reel

My number one rule is if you’re going to renovate, do it properly. If you’re going to tile a bathroom, tile the whole room from floor to ceiling, to really give the space that wow factor.

2. Install a niche

Photo credit: DHD
Photo credit: DHD

Installing tiling features like niche shelving is a functional and aesthetic addition to your shower. A clever storage solution, a shower niche can eliminate the need to bend down to pick up your shampoo or have a grimy-looking shower tidy hanging by the shower head. Be sure to measure up your favourite bathroom products to be sure they’ll fit in any bespoke shelving. If you have a large space to work with in your bathroom, consider building a tiled niche wall to close off most of your shower. This will eliminate having any kind of shower screen.

3. Use feature tiling

Photo credit: Most Beautiful Things
Photo credit: Most Beautiful Things

Feature tiling in the bathroom is an absolute must and there are much more effective ways that just a little mosaic strip running up the wall. Consider these three options:

  • If you’re tiling around a bath area, have the floor tiling continue up the face of the bath to create a clean finish.
  • Tile the back wall (the first one you see as you walk into the room) with a different feature tile or continue the floor tile up the wall.
  • For a shower niche, tile the back with a feature mosaic, creating a distinct, stylish finish.

4. Install a stylish grate

Bounty Bermuda Smart Tile 1B
Photo credit: Sannine Bathrooms

Shower and floor drains are often overlooked. However, a modern grate is not only important for drainage but can add an architectural look to your bathroom. When selecting, be sure to look at your options and not just go with a standard square grate. Consider using ‘smart grates’, which are designed with a tile insert in the middle to blend into the flooring. These are designed to give the appearance of an invisible grate and are not only long-lasting and easy-to-clean, but can add a contemporary design element to your makeover.

5. Adopt creativity with your design

Photo credit: Homelife
Photo credit: Homelife

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to the layout of your bathroom tiles. Consider using timber texture tiles and instead of laying them in a square bond, a herringbone pattern can add an extra creative edge.

— Daniel Picariello is one of Australia’s best young wall and floor tilers, who will be representing Australia in the ultimate trades and skills showdown, the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Categories
Bathrooms House Rules Kitchens RENO ADDICT

House Rules’ best reveal yet, with two perfect scores of 10!

The teams struggled to transform Ben and Danielle’s tricky 70s split level home this week, with the house rules and the wild Queensland weather putting them to the test. The newlyweds left behind some interesting instructions such as “style our house preppy eclectic” and “retain a hint of ski chalet in the living room,” which led to some confusion amongst the teams (can’t say I’m surprised!).

But what did team Queensland and judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?

Cassie and Matt – 28/30

Before - Living Room
Before – Living Room

After - Living Room
After – Living Room

Tasmania had no trouble deciphering the house rules to finish first for the second time this competition. Receiving the highest combined score this series, judge Joe Snell gave them his first 10, lauding praise on their living room and bathroom. “I think the living room was the best example of meeting Ben and Danielle’s wish for a preppy eclectic home. The team had a great collection of pieces, filled with personality and history.”

Ryan and Marlee – 26/30

Before - Dressing Room
Before – Dressing Room

After - Dressing Room
After – Dressing Room

Judge Wendy Moore also handed out her first 10 to South Australia’s Ryan and Marlee. Their ensuite, dining room and particularly their dressing room were a massive hit. “The dressing room made me go weak at the knees,” said Wendy. “Such a luxury of space and the amazing way you utilized that roof cavity was just inspired. You guys completely blew me away.”

Karina and Brian – 20/30

Before - Kitchen
Before – Kitchen

After - Kitchen
After – Kitchen

WA’s Karina and Brian were scored down by both the judges and homeowners for the size of the kitchen, with Wendy saying they should have fought harder for more space: “It was simply too small to be the true heart of the home.” While Danielle loved the art studio they’d designed for her, it was criticised for its lack of functionality. “There is no desk, no sink and no working space,” said Joe.

Bronik and Corrine – 19/30

Before - Guest Bedroom
Before – Guest Bedroom

After - Guest Bedroom
After – Guest Bedroom

Victoria’s Bronik and Corrine struggled this week and it showed in their zone. Their guest bedroom, laundry and entry underwhelmed with Wendy saying: “There were too many directions and that made the rooms feel a bit confused.” While the homeowners liked the rooms, they thought the finishes let them down.

Steve and Tiana – 18/30

MASTER BED BEFORE (NSW ZONE)
Before – Master Bedroom

After - Master Bedroom
After – Master Bedroom

NSW came last for the second time, with their lack of time management seeing their butler’s pantry left incomplete. “I just loved the space and the storage but it’s sad it wasn’t finished,” said Danielle. The judges liked the master bedroom and thought it was clean and inviting but that it didn’t hit the brief.

This week the teams are off to Tasmania to transform Cassie and Matt’s original 60s house in Hobart. House Rules airs Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm with a new house reveal each week on Sunday at 7:00pm.

For more on House Rules.

Categories
Bathrooms Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT Styling

Shaynna Blaze shares her top kitchen and bathroom renovation tips

When renovating a home we often look to the experts to gather tips and inspiration to ensure the best possible results. And with Shaynna Blaze, of The Block and Selling Houses Australia, having just renovated her new studio’s kitchen and bathroom, she is the perfect person to share her tips.

Caption Design with Colour and Style by Shaynna Blaze published by Vikin...
Photo credit: Design with Colour and Style by Shaynna Blaze, published by Viking, rrp $39.99

Small budget, huge inspiration!

Collect everything and anything that inspires you and create your own lookbook or mood board to capture it all. In the kitchen, I was inspired by the heritage of the 1880 building while still making if feel and work as a kitchen of the 21st century. Whereas the bathroom was complete fantasy, referencing Versailles.

Usage – who is using the space and how? 

It’s important to think about who is going to be in the area and how the area is going to be used on a daily basis. Keeping these things in mind helps to create your layout, the appliances and fittings you need, right down to the colour palette you will select.

Screen Shot 2015-04-16 at 4.19.43 pm

Define your must-haves.

Both the bathroom and kitchen are frequently used spaces and therefore it’s critical the fittings are both functional and practical but also visually appealing. Ensure you have accounted for those items you can’t live without and build from there. These are areas that are not just for me so I wanted whoever walks in the rooms to be transported somewhere.

Make the most of the spaces footprint.

Limited space often restricts the layout of a kitchen or bathroom. Ensure every space is well thought out and planned. With only one wall for tall items, in the kitchen my main priority was to make sure I would be able to fit as much bench, drawer and cupboard space as possible.

Screen Shot 2015-04-16 at 4.20.00 pm

Add colour, texture and patterns.

Colour, texture and patterns are stylistic building blocks of any decorating palette. These key elements help to create the style, mood and the feel of each room. The kitchen has subtle features with panel details in the island bench and glass overhead cabinets with a modern twist on the herringbone pattern in the custom subway mirror splashback tiles. The bathroom takes it to a more extreme level of a period style with detail in every form from tiles and light fittings to the furniture which was a signature of the Victorian era, even though all the details aren’t of a Victorian nature.

Screen Shot 2015-04-16 at 4.20.54 pm

Shaynna renovated her studio with the help of Granite Transformations.

Categories
Bathrooms

6 budget-friendly bathroom updates

By Laney Clancy

If you want to give your bathroom a new look but don’t know where to start, focus on these 6 essentials and you’ll soon have a washroom wake-up that won’t wreck the budget.

1. Fixtures as a foundation

New fixtures (vanity/sink, toilet, shower, bathtub) can completely transform a bathroom; everything from the shape to the colour of a fixture can set the look of the whole room. Use fixtures as a foundation for your style. You can then embellish with other touches and accessories.

Budget tip: Save on labour costs by using the existing plumbing infrastructure; install your new toilet, shower and/or basin in the same position as the original fixtures.

2. Turn it on with taps

Taps make great style accents and changing your taps can be an affordable way to update the look of your bathroom. The change needs to be like for like, for example if you have a mixer (hot and cold through one outlet) it’s easier to replace it with another mixer, or 2 outlets for 2 outlets, (starting from $40 for a set of handles).

Continue reading “6 budget-friendly bathroom updates”