Highgrove Bathrooms’ latest vanity range, Wave, features a contemporary design of curved corners with a matt white finish and soft-closing drawers.
Wave is available as both wall and floor-mounted and accommodates your choice of basin and tapware. It comes in sizes from 600mm to 1200mm wide to hold one or two basins in a sealed v-groove finish and your choice of single, double, or triple soft-closing drawers.
The corner unit with a single curved feature end is ideal for compact bathrooms, while the larger floor-mounted double vanity is the perfect choice for open-style bathrooms and ensuites. Prices start from a very affordable $569.
Always great at taking a trend and bringing it to the residential bathroom market at an affordable price while not compromising on quality, we’re really impressed with the latest new products at Highgrove Bathrooms.
We love the organic curves of the freestanding concrete bath at an unbeatable price
Concrete, like rattan perhaps, is one of those trends everyone said was a fad and years later is still going strong. Coloured concrete has become particularly popular and it appeals to many for its organic, imperfect feel. Highgrove’s CRETE range, inspired by the Mediterranean island of the same name, includes baths, basins and vanity tops.
You can get the latest in concrete style and technology without the weighty (pardon the pun!) price tag. Edges are soft and streamlined and meticulously designed to create a statement piece in a bathroom renovation. And we’re big fans of letting one or two pieces be the hero while paring back the rest, with simpler tiles for example.
Highgrove are also offering concrete as a vanity top option
Highgrove’s Wanda Duggan says: “We have developed, designed and manufactured the extremely high quality range at a price point that is unrivalled in market.” Basins start at just $299, vanity tops at $249 and the gorgeous freestanding 1500mm bath tub is under $3,500.
Whether you like sleek right angles or softer organic curves, there is a basin for you.
The oval/organic bench mount CRETE basins
The rectangle version still has an organic feel thanks to the material
It is recommended you seal the concrete every six months with flooring wax, and providing you do so, the material is surprisingly easy to maintain.
Also popular at Highgrove this season and while we’re talking about trends which have proven themselves and stood the test of time, the terrazzo products are also great statement pieces. The Fingal basins come in round or square (with rounded corners) and black or white. The round white version is our fave. Each basin is slightly different, featuring crushed stone, glass and quartz. From $399.
The terrazzo is also available as a 25mm thick vanity top from $349.
The brand’s range of Marri timber wall hung vanities continue to represent amazing value for money and there’s now a version featuring rattan fronts too, called the Seanna. It’s protected by a long-lasting lacquer to repel water. You can even just buy a Marri timber vanity top if you don’t want to go the whole hog.
The Seanna vanity combines Marri timber and rattan
Highgrove Bathrooms offer quality products making the brand a trusted choice amongst tradesmen and home renovators since 2004. Being at the forefront of bathroom design, Highgrove Bathrooms always offer the most on-trend fixtures and accessories to help customers turn the bathroom of their dreams into a reality.
Australia’s leading bathroom and accessories supplier, Highgrove Bathrooms, have added a couple of sleek new options to their range this month. Brushed nickel is the latest option in their most popular SPIN tapware collection and there’s a new European bath waste option too.
Gone are the days of all-chrome bathrooms with the myriad options now available making it even easier to make your bathroom unique and to your personal taste. The only downside is it may be harder than ever to finalise your accessory choices! Here at Interiors Addict we believe those finishing touches, the icing on the cake, make all the difference.
Brushed nickel is both timeless and elegant, adding a statement to any bathroom or kitchen without overpowering existing textures or surrounding patterns. Stylists love it for its ability to complement almost any coloured cabinet or bench. For those who aren’t into brass, brushed nickel is a more modern take on chrome for something a bit different but not too different!
“It was a natural extension for us to add brushed nickel to our most popular range, which will also have matching accessories including towel racks and robe hooks. The versatility of brushed nickel means it will continue to trend for years to come,” said Highgrove Bathrooms director, James Sinclair.
The SPIN collection features a rounded contemporary design that that can easily transform a tired bathroom without the need for a complete renovation. Like all Highgrove Bathroom tapware products, it’s WELS approved (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) ensuring water conservation and sustainability, and comes with a seven-year parts warranty.
Also new at Highgrove, and exclusive to them in Australia, is the Casa Lusso Turn-Down Bath Waste collection. Your bath waste is just one more finer detail which can make a big difference to the end look and feel of your room. Functionality, design and practicality are all important when it comes to your bath waste, and indeed your overall bathroom style.
The Turn-Down Bath Waste style is Italian by design and popular in Europe, but relatively new to Australian shores. European bath lovers can testify to its streamlined design which is it at home in both traditional and contemporary bathrooms.
The wastes simply pop up and down at a push, without the need for a chain, and have a flat, streamlined design.
“We are thrilled to be the sole distributor of the Casa Lusso Turn-Down Bath Wastes, and like all our products, can guarantee the best when it comes to quality manufacturing, design and pricepoint,” says James.
The Casa Lusso Turn-Down Bath wastes are made from solid brass and designed to suit the Highgrove Bathrooms range of bath tubs. They are available in four elegant finishes: chrome, gloss white, matte black and matte white and come with a five-year replacement warranty for products and parts.
Highgrove Bathrooms offer quality products making them a trusted choice amongst tradesmen and home renovators since 2004. Being at the forefront of bathroom design, Highgrove Bathrooms always offer the most on-trend fixtures and accessories to help customers turn the bathroom of their dreams into a reality.
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It’s been a while between bathroom trend round-ups, but I can assure you it was worth the wait. From Beaumont Tiles’ new complete bathroom packages to Fibonacci Stone’s stunning new terrazzo designs and Cultiver‘s brand new bathroom collection, there’s plenty to love in our latest edit.
Beaumont Tiles: Taking the guesswork out of renovating your bathroom, the latest release from Beaumont Tiles is a series of complete packages that include everything that a bathroom reno requires. Think tiles, taps, cabinetry, a shower screen, toilet and more; all packaged up in a range of styles from coastal to Scandinavian, traditional, contemporary, industrial and everything in between.
The Essentials package
Developed in response to many consumers feeling overwhelmed by the bathroom design process, yet inspired by looks they’d seen online and on TV shows like The Block, the packages are designed to simplify the experience for the consumer.
“We developed our complete bathroom packages to each be different, yet create turnkey on-point looks that include everything you’d need to perfectly execute a bathroom look with interior styling prowess. We’ve worked with some of Australia’s most respected stylists and renovators including Simon and Shannon Vos, and Kyal and Kara Demmrich to ensure that each styled bathroom is flawlessly curated and adaptable to each customers’ needs,” says Beaumont Tiles design specialist Christie Wood.
The Palm Beach package
Fibonacci Stone: When it comes to terrazzo, there’s few companies that create more beautiful designs than Fibonacci Stone and its latest release is no exception. ‘Ghosted’ and ‘Polarity’ are the brand’s latest creations and they’ve already been specified by some of Australia’s top interior designers prior to official release; Flack Studio and Doherty Design Studio to name just two.
Fibonacci Ghosted
Ghosted is a subtle mix of greys, black and white while tiny hints of pale clay and moss add complexity to this gorgeous design.
Fibonacci Ghosted
Polarity is the less subtle of the two; there’s bent and straight bits, cool and warm, light and dark, and the odd bit of red and green thrown in too. We love.
Fibonacci Polarity
Fibonacci Polarity
Cultiver Bathroom Collection: The cult linen label has just added a lovely line-up of 100 per cent pure linen towels and accessories to its range, in addition to a 100 per cent cotton bathmat.
Available in neutral tones, including ‘natural’ and black, like linen sheets, the towels will just get better with age. Sustainable and luxurious, the collection features a subtle fringe detail. From $25.
Highgrove Bathrooms Rotondo bath: Available in gloss or matte white, and matte black, this freestanding bath has a sleek, minimalist feel perfect creating a day spa vibe at home. From $1699.
Highgrove Bathrooms Rotondo bath
Schots Home Emporium Calissa collection: For anyone who has ever wanted to match their bedroom decor with their ensuite, this may be the range for you. Made from solid timber in natural oak and a dark walnut finishes, complete with natural limestone tops, the Calissa collection includes bed frames, bedside tables, a chest of drawers and wall hung vanities. Personally we think they work just as well as standalone pieces. From $1529.
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We’ve noticed some gorgeous new bathroom vanities on the scene lately so I’m here to share some of my favourites and some of the great customisation options available. The ability to customise is becoming much more common and affordable which is great news for renovators, especially those with tricky spaces or specific tastes.
Blossom by ISSY
First up, the latest ISSY by Zuster collection, exclusive to Reece Bathrooms, is called Blossom and it’s beautiful, as always. These showstopping vanities (as well as cabinets and mirrors) aren’t cheap but they’re stunning designs, built to last.
“The ISSY by Zuster Blossom range encapsulates a real opportunity to deliver luxurious, handcrafted Australian-made bathroom furniture that caters to the user’s every need,” says Reece bathroom and kitchen merchandising leader, Daniela Santilli.
Created by Zuster (sisters Wilhelmina McCarroll and Fleur Sibbel), this highly functional, feminine collection has been created primarily for women, featuring thoughtful conveniences that help create a truly seamless bathroom experience.
“I really enjoyed designing the Blossom range because I like to think about how we use the bathroom. Like us, many women are busy with family and work, and want to start and finish their day with an amazing experience at home,” says Wilhelmina.
With this in mind, the Blossom collection integrates a wealth of modern conveniences within each piece. Think concealed, soft-close vanity drawers that pop out with the tap of a finger and feature different compartments for all your personal grooming items. And mirror configurations that allow you to see your hair from every angle (a feature the designers were looking to experience in their own bathrooms).
Designed with flexibility and personalisation in mind, Blossom can be customised to fit with a diversity of bathroom spaces and styles, with an abundance of storage and customisable material and finish options. It comes in six American Oak finishes including light lime wash and a rich, dark slate stain. you can also choose from 12 handle finishes.
“Manufacturing locally means customers can customise their furniture while receiving their products within six-to-eight weeks, instead of up to 20 weeks’ wait time for overseas suppliers,” says Fleur.
“We appreciate the bathroom vanity for more than just its practical purposes. Rather, we see it as a beautiful and functional piece of furniture – a centrepiece for your bathroom retreat,” says Wilhelmina. “We have studied the beauty of flowers to create a collection that is both decorative and delicately organic.”
The popular Highgrove Bathrooms’ blackbutt timber vanity collection is now available with customisation options, so you can create a unique centrepiece in your bathroom. Whether you prefer natural stone, marble, or quartz top, you can personalise the new Jones & Jones wall hung vanities, adding a timeless and elegant look to your space.
The eco-friendly design of the Jones and Jones vanities uses water-resistant properties with an interior core of 23mm of marine ply, for minimal maintenance and to ensure they don’t expand and contract over time.
Designed with crisp lines and a large drawer format with modular dividers, the vanity not only adapts to any bathroom style, but provides the perfect storage solution to keep all your essentials organised. Featuring Blum soft-close drawers and a long lasting lacquer, so every surface is protected to repel water and remain durable for many years to come.
Available in five sizes from 750mm to 1800mm wide with a five-year warranty.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, I love the options at Vanity by Design, especially the Hayley, which you can buy with a Carrara marble top.
They have plenty of modern designs too though, like the Eadie. All in all, a great place to look for both classic and contemporary options.
Somewhere I’m loving for the sheer amount of customisation options available, all online, is The Blue Space. They have just about every style of traditional and contemporary vanity, in all manner of finishes and with countless options for tops, basins and handles. There are also a lot of floorstanding options, which aren’t as popular these days due to our love of wall-hung, so can be tricky to find. Sometimes floorstanding is still the best (or preferred) option though!
We recently shared the coloured concrete cylinder pedestal wash stands from Nood Co. Perfect for a powder room, totally unique and available in 14 colours!
And there are two navy options we’re pretty mad for at Early Settler at the moment, a brand whose vanities have, until now, been very much on the tractional end of the spectrum! This one’s the Nate.
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From unusual statement bath tubs to elegant Art Deco inspired tapware, March has seen a couple of exciting new ranges hit the bathroom scene. Plus, Kohler’s new DIY tap ware collection features interchangeable spouts and handles that let you become the designer!
Agape bathtubs: If statement bath tubs are your jam then you can’t go past the latest collection from Italy’s Agape. Available locally at Artedomus, there’s three new styles; the super original and organic inspired ‘DR’ (designed by Marcio Kogan), the beautifully curved and compact ‘Cuna’ and the unusual ‘Lariana.’
The highly original Agape ‘DR’ bathtub
Agape ‘Lariana’ bathtub
Agape ‘Cuna’ bathtub. Image: Derek Swalwell
I.B. Rubinetterie Belmondo tap ware collection: Designed by Italian architect and designer Maurizio Duranti, this elegant new range features unique angular and octagonal shapes inspired by the Art Deco period of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The clean lined range is available in three finishes; chrome, gold and rose gold. From $150.
Kohler Components tap ware: With a range of different spouts and handles that can be easily interchanged, the latest from Kohler lets you custom create your own individual bathroom look. The minimalist range has three spouts and four handles to choose from, and is currently available in polished chrome, with new finishes being added soon.
“With Components the client is the designer. They are part of the design process,” says Bruno Chenesseau, design studio director, Kohler Kitchen and Bath EMEA. From $79.
Create your own custom tap look with the collection’s interchangeable parts
This smart lever handle design is part of the Components collection
Highgrove Bathrooms matte white freestanding baths: This new lightweight acrylic bath collection features three designs, all finished with an on-trend, matte white finish. From straight to more rounded edges, the lightweight acrylic designs are ideal for spaces where weight constraints are an issue (the material is much lighter than solid surface and stone tubs).
Furthermore, acrylic provides excellent thermal insulation properties for increased heat retention, so you can sit back and relax for longer. The baths are available in 1500mm or 1700mm lengths and start from $1450.
From Australia’s first touchless toilet, to an affordable new Aussie tap ware range and gorgeous large format bleached concrete-look tile, the bathroom scene remains as interesting as ever as the decade draws to a close.
Beaumont Tiles Debris White tile: Ideal for bigger spaces, this large format tile is designed to emulate concrete but with a strong greige undertone. Available in both matte and textured finishes, we love its organic feel.
Benelli Blanche vanity collection: We love the clean, minimal lines of this new range from luxury bathroom importer Paco Jaanson. The vanities combines high-quality timber veneer with solid surface wash basins and, starting at just 600mm wide, they are ideal for smaller bathrooms. From $1,292.50
Highgrove Bathrooms SPIN Progressive Series: Available in chrome, matte black and brushed brass finishes, the latest tap ware collection from Highgrove Bathrooms is clean, minimal and very affordable. The simple design allows you to combine the hob or wall mixers with a wide range of spouts, enabling you to create your own unique bathroom look. From $102.
Rainparty shower rails: Priced from just $200, this new range offers a great affordable solution for a bathroom facelift. The hand shower combines the functionality of a fixed-point shower with the versatility of a moveable shower head (a convenient tool for cleaning the shower recess). The range comes in square or round shaped heads in matte black or polished chrome.
Kohler touchless toilet: In great news for germaphobes, Kohler has just released the ‘ModernLife Touchless’ toilet. The first hands-free toilet ever available in Australia, it’s activated by passing a hand over the top of a sensor that’s positioned beneath the lid of the cistern. Previously, the technology used a beam-based sensor that was often mistakenly activated by general movement around the toilet. While there’s an entry level model, the elite one features a battery operated deodoriser and LED night light too. From $999.
Seed & Sprout: The Aussie eco store has launched a new range of over 20 bath and beauty products, all of which are plastic-free and reusable. There’s everything from compostable floss to wooden hairbrushes, durable metal shaving razors, rose gold tongue scrapers and reusable bamboo face cloths. From $6.
Pantone’s much-anticipated 2020 Colour of the Year was revealed a few days ago, and I’ll admit to finding it a bit underwhelming at first – it certainly pales next to last year’s vibrant and inspiring shade. But while the colour does have an almost corporate feel, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of blue – what better hue is there to provide comfort through uncertain times?
“We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Color Institute.
Annie Sloan ‘Napoleonic Blue’ paint: Taking inspiration from Pantone’s Classic Blue, Annie Sloan’s ‘Napoleonic Blue’ is reminiscent of the ultramarine and cobalt blue pigments used in neoclassical interiors.
“Blue is one of my favourite colours, especially in interiors, because of its calming, recessive qualities. I’m so glad Pantone have chosen to highlight this blue for 2020, as I think we all need a little calm and tranquility for the coming year!” says Annie Sloan.
Artistudio ‘Botanicals 1’ limited edition print: Artist Arti Shah combines her background in graphic design, painting and photography to create her unique works. I love this gorgeous, moody blue floral. From $395 (unframed)
Adairs Home Republic Vespa denim blue pot: Useful as a place to store knick-knacks or your favourite plant, the textured finish is the best thing about this pot. $19.99.
Fenton & Fenton Lapis Lazuli tray: Made from Lapis Lazuli (which usually exhibits a varied but deep, celestial blue), this is one statement making tray. $310.
Globewest Theodore Louis occasional chair: Merging classic French style with Art Deco details, this velvet chair has a tufted back and brass-tipped tapered legs. It’s the perfect blue accent piece. $1605.
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, with why I chose the things I did and how those decisions have (thankfully!) worked out really well. Phew!
TILES: In some ways, this is the starting point; the blank canvas! In the 2.5 years of saving up and waiting to do the bathroom, I was sure I’d go for a feature patterned floor, therefore keeping the walls simple. And feature floors certainly only got more popular during that time. But when it came to it, because we were knocking the WC and bathroom together and trying to get so much (i.e. separate shower and 1700mm bath) into a still quite small space, I decided it wouldn’t be the best idea. A simpler floor has, I’m sure, given the illusion of more space. And with the other choices I made, I was very conscious of not having too many heroes (hello gold tapware and hardware, solid timber vanity and big tub!).
In my last bathroom, we used subways but I wanted something a bit different as subways are definitely everywhere! I loved the smaller and uneven look of the tiles we chose and the size makes them a bit different to the more popular larger format wall tiles. So although we went for white tiles with white grout, I felt there was enough texture there for it to still look interesting. And I couldn’t love the end result more! Until the grout went in I was a little worried it was looking like a public toilet, and I did question and re-question the decision to have them stacked rather than laid in a brick pattern. But all’s well that ends well! I also almost went for a feature tile in the niche (probably a pastel coloured version of the same tile) but with the brass trim on those, I felt that was enough. Restraint is hard though, let me tell you!
I knew I wanted something matte and simple for the floor and I love these (they’re more greige than grey although the name of them is grey). So far, they’re hiding dirt and a variety of hair colours very well! They also dry quickly which is a consideration with an open shower.
TILE TRIM: Probably one of the cheapest things in the bathroom, but one that gets a heap of comments and compliments, is the brass tile trim, which I found online. It caused me a fair bit of angst because although chrome would never have worked, it was quite a brave choice and I knew it wouldn’t match perfectly with the tapware. But white wouldn’t have looked half as good! And without a feature tile in the niches, they needed this little je ne sais quoi!
I’m totally okay with the two golds not being exactly the same too!
BATH: I cannot rave enough about this bath! I have always been against squashing a freestanding bath into a small space because I don’t think it looks great visually, not to mention the issue of cleaning behind it. So when I started to see a few of these back-to-wall or D-shape baths on the market I knew straightaway this was my perfect solution! So while it is technically freestanding, it is right up against the wall on one side.
We had a hob bath in my last bathroom which we tiled up the side of and I didn’t like how many right angles there were! Here I love that we have the curve of a freestanding tub without it really being one. It definitely adds to the sense of space as well. And a curve is always a good thing in a room full of squares and rectangles, which a bathroom usually is by default.
So there’s technically still a gap at this end to clean around, but you can’t have it all when you’re working with a tight space!
Regular readers will know I love my baths and have a soak almost every single night, summer or winter! I really wanted to have a decent sized bath if we could manage to fit it. And this one is so deep and amazing! The good thing about a deep bath is that you can lie back against it, without your head being above the top of it. It’s like a bedhead in the bath, if that makes sense! We switched out the waste it came with for a tiger bronze one from Meir to match the taps and shower.
VANITY: After getting custom blackbutt solid timber vanities from Ingrain Designs in our last bathroom, I didn’t even consider getting the vanity for this room from anywhere else! But while blackbutt is quite a statement, knotty timber, I wanted something more subtle here so we went for reclaimed Tassie oak (more on this in a future blog post).
The clever and stunning handle-free design of the vanity was a very easy choice! And the matching shaving cabinet above is a larger version of what we had in the old place and has so much storage (seriously, we must have increased our storage ten-fold from the old bathroom) it makes me very happy! And yes, all our regular toiletries live in here while only the fancy stuff is allowed in the bath and shoer niches. We’ll see how long this rule lasts…
I knew the timber would warm up the all-white space and work beautifully with the warm tones of the tapware and other hardware. It’s a real showstopper!
TAPWARE & SHOWER: This was one of the easier choices because I’d already used a Meir tiger bronze tap in my kitchen and I love it! And as well as wanting to make the bathroom somewhat consistent with the kitchen, I was always going to choose gold! If you’ve seen the rest of our home, that will be obvious!
My selections:
Meir Tiger Bronze round wall mixers, round combination shower rail, round curved spouts, round toilet roll holder, bath popup waste, square floor grate and robe hooks (instead of towel rails).
TOILET: I’ve never cared much for fancy toilets or putting much thought into which one I’d like, but that changed with this bathroom. Bringing the WC and bathroom together meant, obviously, having a loo in the bathroom. and because space was tight it ended up right next to the bath and there was no space for a nib wall or anything like that to disguise it (although it is behind the door, so when the door’s open and you walk past, you don’t see the toilet).
This wall hung one not only adds to the sense of space, but it is so simple and compact, it just blends in. And you don’t really want to make a feature of your toilet! The white glass flush plate also adds to the streamlined and subtle look. I can’t believe how excited I got about this toilet with its in-wall cistern! Who knew?! And it’s a Philippe Starck collaboration. What more can I say?!
BASIN: I love a lot about this basin, from its generous size to its white ceramic waste (so sleek) to its beautiful and simple curved shape (see above under bath choice regarding curves!). I also learnt from my last bathroom reno that it would be best to right align rather than centre it, giving more useable space to the left side. It’s a large sink (600mm wide) but it works perfectly on the 1200mm vanity. You can’t go wrong with an established brand like Duravit and once I told the staff at Bathe what I was after, they helpfully shortlisted a few for me and it was love at first sight!
I have so much more to share about choosing and working with our builder, our electrical choices (mostly fancy lighting!), getting the floorplan right from the start, but I’ll leave it here for today! I hope you find this useful!
Whether you’re after a personalised tap (finished in marble, leather, wood or glass), a low-maintenance patterned porcelain tile made to look like a cement encaustic one, or a jewel-toned teal basin, this month’s crop of bathroom wares are a statement making bunch.
Nood Co: The clever folk at Nood Co have added another delectable colour to their fabulous line-up of concrete basins. Available in a variety of shapes including round, square, pill (oval) and rectangle, this rich teal shade is giving us all the feels.
Nood Co Pill basin in teal, $790
Nood Co Box Basin vanity set in teal, $1600
Kohler ModernLife toilet: This award-winning rimless toilet has just been released in a wall-faced configuration. It has nifty features such as an integrated deodoriser and night light too. From $648.
AXOR MyEdition tap ware: This clean, linear tap ware range offers a luxurious ‘PowderRain’ spray as well as great scope for personalisation. It comes chrome-plated or in one of 16 different finishes and the plate on top is available in a variety of materials including glass, metal, wood, marble and leather.
“Making a personal statement through customised interiors is the essence of luxury. With the AXOR MyEdition collection, we have set the stage for personal creativity – colours, materials and patterns create the point of departure for a unique and personalised tap,” says Andreas Diefenbach of Phoenix Design who created the concept. Prices start from $1,409.
The unique ‘PowderRain’ spray looks rather deluxe
The plate is available in a wood finish
Scarabeo Mizu Collection: Available locally at Paco Jaanson, this unusual Italian design consists of a basin and cap. The cap conceals the drain but it has a central cut down the middle that allows the water to drain through. The design is available in a variety of styles, sizes and colours from matte black to gold. Priced from $750.
The basin comes in many shades including this gorgeous gold
TileCloud latest: We featured this innovative tile business recently but we thought some of its newest patterned tiles were worth sharing. Inspired by encaustic cement tiles, these newbies are in fact made from hard-wearing, low-maintenance porcelain.
The TileCloud Austinmer porcelain tile is available in black (pictured) and grey
The TileCloud Palm Beach tile is available in sage green (pictured) and blue
The TileCloud Mollymook tile is available in navy (pictured) and grey
Highgrove Bathrooms Ollie tap ware: Available in classic chrome, matte black and a brushed nickel finish, this new tap ware range has sleek, rounded edges and is available as a basin mixer, in-wall mixer, wall basin mixer or wall spout. From $99.
Highgrove Bathrooms Ollie mixer tap
Cosentino Dekton Grip+: Maximising safety in wet environments, Dekton® Grip+ is a new anti-slip treatment for Dekton interior an exterior floors. Ideal for the bathroom (though it can be used anywhere inside or outside the home), the finish can be applied to 16 of the Dekton colours. Adhered to the surface in the manufacturing process, the easy to clean surface is resistant to scratches, cold, heat and UV rays.
Costentino Dekton collection in Arga
Cosentino Dekton as seen in ‘Dekton House’ by Alec Pappas Architects. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
From Reece’s new custom vanity range to pastel hued subway tiles and Eastern influenced baths and basins, this month’s bathroom trend round-up features a diverse mix of the latest bathroom looks.
Reece Bathrooms Posh Domaine range: Bespoke design without the hefty price tag, this new range offers 27 vanity finishes and 13 bench top options that allow for an endless combination of configurations to suit every bathroom requirement, budget and taste.
The new Posh Domaine vanity range includes a frameless, minimal round mirror
Available in sizes ranging from 600mm to 1800mm with myriad door and drawer combinations to choose from you can also select from open shelf options, a tallboy, shaving cabinet and on-trend round mirror too. Vanities start from $799.
Posh Domaine vanity shaving cabinet with shelf in classic oak
Posh Domaine vanity unit in washed knotty ash timber with graphite internals
Beaumont Tiles’ Union range: We brought you 12 different ways to lay subway tiles recently and what better to do that with than the new Beaumont Tiles 2019 subway collection. Available in 10 pastel shades, two sizes and two finishes (satin and gloss), the chameleonic subway tile looks right at home in anything from a Scandinavian to a coastal or chic country interior.
Agape bathware: Available in Australia exclusively through Artedomus, the latest bath ware from iconic Italian brand Agape includes items inspired by the East as well as a rather enviable slimline bathtub.
Neri&Hu’s Immersion bath and Immersion basin address smaller living space constraints and are both inspired by the traditional timber bathing vessels used in Japan and China. The Neb collection, designed by Benedini Associati, includes a sleek bathtub and basin with an extremely thin and elegant profile.
Agape latest: Neri&Hu’s Eastern inspired Immersion Basin (left) and the Neb collection bathtub (right)
IB Rubinetti TAAAC collection: Designed with versatility in mind by Italian designer Federico Castelli, this new tap ware collection is available at Paco Jaanson. Sleek without being too futuristic, the range is available in chrome brass, glossy white, glossy black and brushed nickel finishes in everything from wash basin mixers to shower heads. From $200.
Highgrove Bathrooms Jones & Jones wall mount blackbutt timber vanity: The timber vanity has been a popular bathroom look for a while now and this latest version proves the trend continues to have legs. Transforming what can be a clinical space into one with warmth is what makes the timber vanity an enduring look.
To create the look and feel of a full-timber grain, a thin layer of blackbutt timber is fused to a solid vanity core in this eco-friendly design. From $980.
From concrete to brass and statement colour and mirrors, there’s a super luxe to feel to bathrooms at the minute and it’s something that Wesley Sinclair from Highgrove Bathrooms confirmed recently when he gave us the skinny on the hottest bathroom trends for summer 2019.
“Changing seasons bring along new trends in design and this summer Highgrove Bathrooms is seeing the rise of bold colours, remarkable mirrors, brushed brass finishes and concrete textures,” he says.
“With these emerging trends dominating the home scene in late 2018, now is the perfect time to give your bathroom the facelift you’ve been yearning for. Whether you’re looking to undertake a minor bathroom refresh or enact a full transformation, keep in mind your home’s overall colour palette and how to best utilise the framework of your space in terms of layout and design impact.”
Brushed brass “The embodiment of modern elegance, brushed brass finishes are undoubtedly making a comeback this year and will continue well into 2019. Suited to most colour schemes, but especially darker palettes, the warm, burnished tones and earthy industrial sheen of brushed brass gives a luxe appeal to your bathroom, instantly adding value and a no expense spared look and feel to your home,” says Wesley.
“It is a classic, timeless finish that will stand the test of time and the addition of matching brushed brass elements like a shower head, tap ware, robe hooks or vanity handles in your bathroom introduces subtle touches of luxury,” says Wesley.
Dark, bold colour “Pastels and neutrals may have been all the rage in 2017, but for those looking to move with the times and make a bold statement, darker colours are an emerging trend not to be missed. In particular, bathroomware and accessories in a deep forest green and striking navy are on the rise and will soon dominate new bathroom interiors,” says Wesley.
I love that forest green
“Whether you’re looking to splash some vivid colour in the form of a vanity, plush towels, cabinetry or statement wall, bold colours will deliver the atmosphere you’ve been craving for in your bathroom,” says Wesley.
Concrete textures
“Introducing a new and unique texture to your bathroom will transform the look and feel of the space dramatically. A concrete finish has a bespoke look and is fast becoming an interior design favourite. This summer, the raw and industrial look of concrete is making its way into the bathroom. Consider bringing concrete textures into your bathroom by pairing a concrete basin with a timber vanity top or matte black tap ware for a contemporary look,” says Wesley.
LED mirrors
“Bringing that five star feel to your home bathroom is a must, and what better way to do that than with LED mirrors. The streamlined look of an integrated LED mirror oozes a sense of luxury while significantly brightening up your bathroom with dedicated task lighting and creating the illusion of more space. Available in so many different shapes and sizes, there will be a variant to complement your style and decor,” says Wesley.
Round and oblong mirrors
“If the bright lights aren’t quite calling your name, opt for round or oblong mirrors instead. Unlike traditional square or rectangular mirrors with harsh and sharp edges, the curved profile of a round mirror can soften the overall look of your bathroom. With an elongated oblong mirror above the vanity, you’ll also be able to create the illusion of a higher ceiling, ultimately making your bathroom feel more spacious too,” says Wesley.
With the average bathroom renovation costing anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, it’s not a task to be taken lightly, which is why we looked to Wesley Sinclair from Highgrove Bathrooms recently for his best bathroom budgeting advice. “Before the renovating even takes place, it’s important to make a plan and set a budget. The costs of fixtures, tiling, plumbing and electricals can really add up if you don’t plan ahead. Always allow for a 10 percent buffer for any unexpected costs that may come up along the way,” says Wesley.
“For a full bathroom renovation, a rough guide would be to spend 40 percent of your budget on fixtures, 35 per cent on tiling, 20 percent on plumbing and the last five percent on electricals.”
Fixtures
“Accounting for nearly half of your renovation budget, the fixtures and fittings you choose can make or break the look and feel of your bathroom,” says Wesley who advises splurging on fixtures such as your cabinetry, toilet and bathtub if you are having one. “Ample storage space is a must for every bathroom, so choosing the right vanity and shelving for all your bathroom essentials is vital. Opting for a wall hung vanity will free up floor space and give you the illusion of a bigger bathroom too.”
When it comes to toilets, Wesley says that it’s important to think about WELS water efficiency ratings as well as how easy they are to clean. “Wall face toilets eliminate the need to reach around and clean behind your toilet, and rimless toilets provide a more hygienic flushing experience,” says Wesley.
When it comes to saving on fixtures, he warns against blowing your budget on expensive mirrors, robe hooks, tapware, basins and towel racks given there are so many attractive, affordable options on the market. “Quality, affordable accessories that can coordinate your whole bathroom look are readily available and can be updated later when you’re ready for a refresh.”
And when it comes to your bath tub, Wesley is a fan of the freestanding options for that high-end finish. “They add that extra touch of luxury while maximising available space.”
Tiling “The amount of your budget spent on tiling will be determined by the size of your space and how high you want your wall tiling to go. Floor to ceiling wall tiles are a luxury bathroom trend we’ve seen emerge over the last five years and they can instantly add value to your home,” says Wesley.
And with tile prices ranging anywhere from $30 to $200 per square metre, your tile spend depends largely on how luxe you go. “Complex designs like mosaics and herringbone patterns are more expensive and can cost more to lay too. On top of the price of your tiles, the actual installation can set you back around $40 per square metre when you consider things like site preparation, labour, glue and grout,” says Wesley. One area in which no shortcuts can be taken is waterproofing. “Make sure you professionally waterproof the areas around your toilet, vanity, shower and bathtub to protect the integrity of your floors and walls.”
And sometimes a bathroom renovation doesn’t require new tiles at all. “If your tiles are still in good condition, you could consider re-grouting instead of completely replacing them. Opting for a bit of facelift rather than a complete overhaul will save you lot of money, and in some cases, that fresh white grout is all that’s needed for a brand new look!”
Plumbing
There are plenty of ways to save money when renovating your bathroom, however, plumbing isn’t one of them. “Don’t skimp when professionally fitting your basin, toilet, shower and bathtub, as poor plumbing can lead to many problems later down the track. A leaking tap or busted pipe will cost you so much more to fix than the initial installation fee,” says Wesley. It’s also worth noting that some products are only covered by warranty if they’re professionally fitted.
Plumbers charge an average of $80 per hour, though some will charge per task. “To completely renovate and rearrange the space, your plumber will need more time to extend and change the current layout to suit your new bathroom plan. Always get a quote and avoid changing your original plans if possible!” says Wesley.
Electricals
“The electrical elements in a bathroom can sometimes be overlooked when planning a renovation – think exhaust fans, downlights, LED Mirrors, heated towel rails, power points and light switches. Always plan your electrical layout before doing any tiling as it’s much easier to run the necessary wires and cables that way,” says Wesley.
Task lighting is key in a bathroom too and he recommends wall sconces or an LED mirror to help illuminate the area. “You want your lighting to be effective enough to carry out daily activities like shaving, applying make-up and brushing your teeth.”
Heated towel rails are another consideration, just make sure to select a timed eco wall switch as an energy efficient option. “Talk to your electrician about having the wiring run before you install your tiles though as these need to be hardwired and professionally installed,” says Wesley who advises selecting a good quality exhaust fan also, toeliminate moisture build up.
