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.”
While the shower may reign supreme in your morning routine, having a showstopping bath as a centrepiece and place for relaxation will elevate your bathroom to sanctuary status. The Reece Bathrooms Annual Insight Report 2021/22 found the bath is the third most important bathroom feature (up 5% since 2019/20), but how do you know which one to choose? Daniela Santilli, bathrooms & kitchens merchandising leader at Reece Bathrooms, shares her thoughts.
Kado Lux Petite Freestanding Bath via Three Birds Renovations
The main consideration is selecting a bath that will stand up to the rigours of your household needs and how you use the space. And with a rise in new materials, shapes and colours, there are several considerations which will inform the bath type and look you choose.
Whether you’re catering to a family or designing your dream bathroom, here’s what you should consider when choosing the right bath for your space.
Why choose a freestanding bath?
Freestanding baths have a bold, luxe look, forming the absolute focal point of your bathroom. But when would you choose a freestanding bath, and what should you consider?
KADO Era bath
Freestanding baths work best for bathrooms with a little more wiggle room.
They don’t need wall support, so they can be placed anywhere in the room – under a window or skylight or even in the centre for dramatic impact.
One of the biggest considerations when looking at the placement of a freestanding bath is ensuring it’s far enough from the wall to allow for ease of cleaning behind the bath – we recommend at least 100mm.
If renovating, think about existing plumbing and keep to the footprint of your current bath to avoid unnecessary expense.
If practicality is a priority (hello young children) and space is scarce, inset baths are a great choice. Here’s what you need to know about choosing an inset bath.
They work well with a smaller floor plan, with a number of different sizes available – from 1200mm to 1900mm.
Inset baths are built into a hob — a tiled section that holds the bath. They’re often installed next to the shower enclosure or with shower over bath installation to fit both a shower and bath in the one room.
The surrounding ledge makes access easy for children and is particularly handy for parents when bathing youngsters. It can also make for some added storage space.
You can clean the space easily, as there are no nooks for dust and grime to hide behind.
The best of both worlds: back to wall and back to corner baths
Back to wall and back to corner baths are great for those who want the convenience of an inset bath, but still want the striking design of a freestanding bath.
Posh Domaine Back to Wall Freestanding Bath
Back to wall and back to corner baths are a hybrid solution, designed to sit against a wall and/or in the corner of a room, but are freestanding in that they don’t need to be fixed into a recess. They’re perfect if you don’t have the space, but still want the benefits of a freestanding bath.
Interiors Addict’s Jen Bishop chose a back to wall bath for her own reno
With an ever-growing focus on the bathroom as a sanctuary, we’re increasingly investing in products that elevate our daily routines through tactile materials and striking design.
Baths are available in a variety of materials, from pressed steel to the organic matte feel of a solid surface. The style of the bathroom and those using the bath can inform the right material and colour for you – think: sanitary grade acrylic and pressed steel for those with young children, or sleek matte black to make a statement.
The best way to get a sense of a bath is to experience it! Visit your nearest Bathroom Life showroom to find a bath of any type that will fit your space.
From ‘cottagecore’ to rustic vogue, cottage bathroom interiors are super trending in the design world. Seamlessly integrating traditional cottage elements with modern design features, this nostalgic style whisks people away to enjoy sentimental comforts in a modern abode.
Emma Joyce from luxury bathing brand Victoria + Albert Baths shares some of her favourite cottage bathroom designs from around the world.
The perfect blend
Designed by London interior designer Katrin Cargill, this country oasis is a cottagecore masterpiece. Elements such as the native floral Linwood Fabrics blind, raised panel wall, and round pendant lights, immerse the space into old cottage style.
Victoria + Albert’s Elwick bath is a dramatic feature | Credit: Katrin Cargill and Linwood Fabrics
The room’s dark features, including the midnight blue walls, are moody statement pieces that are offset by lighter, elegant finer details, including the timber floorboards and white crosshatch table. The bathroom is the perfect blend between cottage eclectic and modern marvel.
Old country style
Kent-based interior designer Gabriel Holland’s signature friendly design is epitomised in this stunning cottage abode as the perfect mix of eclectic country style. Green and white wallpaper mixed with white walls merge light and movement in the space, with the wall light sconce and delicately framed mirror alluding to old country design.
Victoria + Albert’s Cheshire freestanding bath
This bathroom’s layout concentrates on the bathing experience, allowing lucky users to slip into the essence of countryside chic in sumptuous style.
Whisk away
Another design by Katrin Cargill, this modern take on cottage design oozes elegance. Seamlessly merging old with new, it epitomises the cottagecore trend.
Victoria + Albert’s Elwick freestanding bath. Designed by Katrin Cargill, photography by Chris Everard
Blending traditional elements such as the white scallop light pendant and elegant lace wallpaper with more modern features, the room slips between old cottage abode and luxurious modern bathroom retreat.
Modern simplicity
This stunning modern cottage bathroom by Minneapolis-based LiLu Interiors transports you to a luxurious countryside holiday home. In this compact space, a sense of depth is created through the striking half window wall, allowing a stunning view into the wilderness from the comfort of your perfectly warm bath.
Victoria + Albert’s York freestanding bath | Credit: LiLu Interiors & Susan Gilmore Photography
Personality and texture are layered throughout the room by vintage framing on the cabinetry and windows as well as the wall lights.
—Victoria + Albert Baths is a British company with a worldwide reputation for creating beautiful freestanding baths, basins, furniture and accessories. The ultimate statement in quality and sophisticated style, their award-winning collections are packed with inspirational designs. The company, headquartered in the UK, has offices in Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa.
Gold bathroom accents: there’s many ways to use them! – The Interiors Addict
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…
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,…
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,…
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.
Bathrooms are one of the most important and versatile rooms in your home and you can draw inspiration from all walks of life to create a space that is certain to turn heads. But designing a bathroom for your new or soon-to-be renovated home is a tough and time-consuming task. There are many elements to consider including size and shape of the space, theme, usage and costs, just to name a few! It’s important to not only design the right space but to also select the right fittings and fixtures to ensure that you enjoy your bathroom for years to come.
To make it easier, luxury freestanding bath brand Victoria + Albert’s marketing director, Jonathan Carter, has provided his top tips to help you find the perfect pairing.
Victoria + Albert Pembroke bath and Pembroke 52 basin
Know what your space is used for
Before you start planning your space, consider how your bathroom will be used and the style you’re aiming to create. Will it be a relaxing resort-like space for adults, a busy family bathroom, or a compact en suite? Understanding the bathroom’s purpose will help determine what products and materials to choose. For example, a busy family home could benefit from a double basin vanity unit to help minimise morning delays. If this is the case, opt for two identical basins that will streamline the look of your vanity space.
Consider coordinating
Consider matching your bath and basin for a married yet timeless look. Baths and basins that naturally complement each other exude a synergy that creates a clean and balanced space. The seamless connection between the two is ideal if you want to give your bathroom a classic vibe. You can choose to use monochromatic tones such as white, or minimalistic colour palettes like muted grey and pebble tones. Remember to also consider the view from the ground up — if you choose a traditional claw foot tub in classic white, consider metal feet finishes to match your basin tapware and fixtures.
Victoria + Albert ios bath complemented by ios 54 basin
Add personality by contrasting
In contrast, mismatched baths and basins are making a splash. Mixing and matching designs and styles gives personality and vibrancy to your bathroom, while varying textures and finishes add depth to your space.Consider making the bath and basin the visual centrepieces of the room by mixing different materials to create a personalised and eclectic look.Opt for designs with varying exterior paint finishes for luxurious yet striking statement pieces. Don’t be afraid to add some finesse to your basins with elegant tapware.
Be practical and make the most of your space
While aesthetics are important, you need to consider practicality and opt for purchases that maximise the room’s space. Contrary to popular belief, a freestanding bath opens up the wall and floor, creating a sense of light and space. The majority of homes feature built-in bath tubs, which can box off the space. Benchtop and storage space play a critical role in the practicality and design of basins and vanities. Try pairing a freestanding bath with a wall-mounted basin for a streamlined feel. Wall-mounted basins leave visible floor space, giving the illusion of more room.
Marketing director of Victoria + Albert Baths, Jonathon Carter, offers his advice on selecting the right clawfoot bath for your bathroom.
Shape
Clawfoot baths can come in a range of shapes from the traditional roll top tub and the single or double ended roll-top, to the slipper or double slipper designs. When selecting the right bath for you, practicality and theme is key. Slipper baths are a traditional option, fitted with a high back design, which offers shoulder support, making it more comfortable to sit up while bathing. If symmetry is important in the theme of your bathroom, the double slipper or double ended roll-top designs can be appealing additions.
Bath and space size
When choosing the right design for you, it is important to consider the space of your room. For small bathrooms, opt for the slipper design which allows you to see more of the floor, giving the illusion of space.Victoria + Albert’s QUARRYCAST® baths are much lighter in weight than traditional cast iron or pressed steel, and are a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter tub with all the appeal of a traditional design.
Fixtures
Clawfoot baths lend themselves toward both antique and modern fixtures. A classic option is to consider matching your faucet to the material of the feet for a complementary look. Wall-mounted faucets are a practical and space saving option for all bathroom sizes. Alternatively, floor mount faucets are a striking option with their exposed pipes which offer an immediate eye-catching visual.
By combining elegant, classical designs with luxury materials, clawfoot baths create a central focal point in any style bathroom, giving homeowners the opportunity to indulge in luxury in their own personal space. If you are renovating your bathroom, consider a freestanding bath that incorporates design elements of traditional clawfoot with a clean, elegant modern finish to add a touch of grandeur and sophistication to your design.
–All the baths pictured are by Victoria + Albert. Visit their website for more inspiration and information.
Caroma’s Aura back-to-wall bath combines innovative design with optimum functionality, offering the luxury of a freestanding bath with the practicalities of an island bath.
Designed to fit a small area whilst maintaining an elegant look, the Aura back-to-wall bath is both spacious and comfortable.
Sitting flush to the wall not only is the bath easy to clean, it’s a space saving solution that opens up the choice of tapware to wall bath mixers.
Available in three sizes (1400, 1600 & 1800mm), there is a one or two person bath ready for a relaxing soak. Prices start at $2,049.
View the Aura back-to-wall bath instore or online.
I have clients ask me on every bathroom renovation I do, if they should really have a freestanding bath? Although they look great and shows like The Block make it look like they’re the only bath worth having, the answer is not a simple one! It’s something that you need to consider carefully, paying specific attention to what you want from the bathroom space and your lifestyle.
Image: Aura Home
To help make this decision, check out my pros and cons:
Why freestanding bath tubs are amazing…
This one might be arguable, depending on your personal aesthetic, but freestanding tubs win hands down on most occasions for the striking visual impact they offer!
They don’t require additional framework to be built in which saves on time and costs. They also don’t require tiling of a hob around them like inset baths. This also minimises grout lines which can become dirty and stained and require more cleaning.
Because of their all-sided finish, freestanding tubs can be placed anywhere, even in the centre of the bathroom if desired, which can have an amazing impact.
Image: Duravit
If they become damaged or you want to replace yours, you rarely have to make structural changes or re-tile.
The drawbacks of the freestanding tub…
In many cases there is nowhere to store things like soap, shampoo and conditioner, unless you use a bath caddy or a freestanding stool beside the bath.
Freestanding baths (especially the amazing stone ones) can be very heavy and might require floor reinforcement or at least a check of the sub floor’s strength before installation.
When placed close to a wall, they can be very difficult to clean around, so ideally there would be enough of a gap between the wall and bath to allow you to get in and clean the floor and wall tiles well.
Many freestanding baths are expensive.
Freestanding baths can have quite high sides, hence making bathing children or getting in and out more difficult.
All things considered, the decision to go for a freestanding or inset hob bath is very dependent on the space you have, your lifestyle, who will use it your the needs.
When it comes to bathroom renovations, design choices are as endless as the amount of money you can spend. The big challenge is being shrewd enough to know where to splash your cash, and where to show a little more restraint. We’ve compiled the following tips to create a luxurious bathroom sanctuary, without the price tag to match.
“Anyone can inject luxury into their home. It’s about being clever with design, choosing accessories and tiles that complement each other and knowing what to splurge on and when to hold back,” sys Beaumont Tiles communications and design specialist, Christie Wood.
And while it can look like no expense has been spared, luxe bathrooms often rely on one key element for that elusive wow factor. From a feature wall to a freestanding bathtub or bespoke cabinetry, go big on one item while showing a more even hand with the rest of your choices. “You want to create a central point where your eye is drawn and simply doesn’t want to leave,” says Christie.
Choose a theme: As with anything design-related, choose a theme and remain steadfast in your vision. Black and white is a no-brainer for timeless appeal and it can always be updated with on-trend accessories – think coloured towels, potted plants, soap dispensers and the like.
Erase the lines: Reducing the number of lines in your bathroom has the overall effect of making the space feel larger. Even the smallest bathrooms can benefit from larger tiles – larger format tiles equal fewer grout lines which results in a more spacious feel. Floor to ceiling tiles are a must too, if the budget allows, as they really can open up a space. As can wall hung vanity units, in-wall system toilets and frameless shower screens.
Fake it: Digital printing has made the bathroom scene truly egalitarian. From timber to marble-look tiles, gone are the days where you have to fork out big dollars for the real thing. Floral print tiles can add a lot of visual interest to a wet area too – choose large-scale statement designs to avoid the granny factor. Hexagon shaped marble-look tiles are a current favourite but you can also create a new pattern by laying a cheaper tile in an unexpected way. Take regular subway tiles and lay them in a herringbone design or add coloured grout for more visual interest – both budget-friendly options.
Beaumont marble-look Carrara Bianco tiles laid in a herringbone pattern
Create one luxe focal point: Whether it’s a feature tile on a wall or a sumptuous vanity splashback, splash the cash on one bathroom feature while cost-cutting in other areas. Unique hardware, like antique gold or matte black taps, add instant interest – as does a freestanding bath. Pair your high-end purchase with simple, affordable tiles and there you have it – luxe for less.
Check out Beaumont’s Scan & Play design software, where tiles can be ‘trialled’ in virtual rooms. It’s found in-store and online.
From using epoxy grout to avoid mould, to not having a freestanding bath unless you really have space, to embracing shallow basins and making good use of lighting, Darren Genner knows a thing or two about creating stunning bathrooms, and he shares his tips with us today.
1. Find a designer you like/love, employee them to design and create a plan and then stick with it. It is not as expensive as you may think. Remember, designers have the experience as they do it day in, day out.
Freestanding baths, heated towel rails and customisable bathroom furniture are the top three Australian bathroom trends predicted by Reece for the year ahead.
Kado Lure Freestanding Oval Bath
Freestanding baths
This category has seen the most significant shift, tripling in popularity over the last three years. With so many captivating freestanding options available, this is fast becoming the must-have item for any modern bathroom. Designers and consumers alike have embraced the trend, with nearly every finalist in the annual Reece Beautiful Bathroom Competition showcasing a freestanding bath.
Luxury heated towel rails
Heated towel rails have more than doubled in growth over the last three years and are one of the most popular categories, especially in winter. “Australian homeowners enjoy the instant touch of luxury a heated towel rail offers,” says Reece Bathroom marketing manager Belinda Geels.
Customisable bathroom furniture
Studies show that Australians are making more considered decisions about the types of products they put into their bathroom space, including furniture and high quality items. Reece has seen significant growth in the ‘bathroom furniture’ category, with a wide variety of fully customisable options now readily available. The most popular ranges include unique options that cater to the trend of increased personalisation in the bathroom. “Many vanity units now incorporate hidden compartments and additional storage options,” says Geels. “There has been a distinct move from simple cabinetry to elegant pieces of furniture.”
