showers – The Interiors Addict

9 ways to make the most out of a small bathroom

By Samantha Magatelli

Most new builds have bathrooms that are designed to be much bigger than the bathrooms designed 20 or so years ago. So what do you do when you buy a beautiful character home that is perfect, apart from the pokey bathroom that comes with it?

Here are some tips to create the maximum space in a smaller than average bathroom:

http://www.blossomandbright.com/the-block-glasshouse-staircase-laundry-and-powder-room-reveals/ — Source: Blossom and Bright

Floating vanities can make the room appear larger as they give the illusion that the floor keeps on going.
Two basins are not needed in a bathroom in my opinion; they just take up extra space. Couples aren’t generally in there at the same time every day, so save room by putting the basin to one side. This way you maximise the amount of space on the bench for things like hairdryers, make-up etc. otherwise electrical items end up in the basin, and that can be dangerous!
If the wall where the vanity will be going is double bricked, you will have room in the cavity to recess the mirror cabinet creating extra hidden storage.
Source: Design Tribe
Hidden cisterns are the same idea as the recessed mirror. If the wall behind the toilet is double bricked (which more often that not it is) you will have room for a hidden cistern to be placed in-between the cavity. For homes that are timber-framed it is even easier. If these are not options in your home, you can create a half wall (around 1200mm in height) for the in-wall cistern to sit into, which will also act as a shelf for storing candles or decorative items. You can also use this as an opportunity to tile the half wall in a feature tile for a bit of interest in the room.
Recessed shelves/boxes in the shower are great for storing objects like shampoo and conditioner instead of having a shelf take up more room in the shower. Again, this will need to be on a double bricked wall or a timber-framed wall.
Source: Afamily
Larger tiles are a must for making a room appear larger as there aren’t as many grout lines closing the walls in. Also, laying them horizontally tricks the eye to follow the line across the wall, making the room feel larger. Choose a rectified tile so you can lay them close together and have minimal grout lines, which makes it easier for cleaning.
Tiling to the ceiling will also give that feeling of space so that the room appears larger than it is, as the light will reflect a lot better on a tile than on a painted wall.
Unless you have small children, I don’t think baths are necessary, especially in a small bathroom. They take up a lot of room unless you create a shower/bath combination, which isn’t always the most stylish option.
Source: Est Magazine
Lighting is another important factor to make a room appear larger. It is vital to use nice, bright lighting in a bathroom in the correct positions so there are no nasty dark shadows. I would suggest using LED down lights, or starlights, as they are more economical than a halogen, and come in a cool or warm tone to complement the colours used in the space.

– Samantha Magatelli is an interior designer at S&S Interiors.

Is this the bathroom of the future?

When Australia’s SJB Architects were invited to design the Bathroom of the Future for Kohler’s flagship store in Shanghai, China they envisaged a luxurious cocoon of new age materials equipped with the very latest innovations.

SJB was one of only four leading architectural firms from around the world invited by Kohler to design a bathroom showcasing one of five themes: Chinese, Contemporary, Classic, Transitional and Futuristic. The project was developed as a means of commemorating Kohler’s 140th anniversary as a global leader in the field of bathroom design and technology.

SJB architect Tristan Wong, who spearheaded the design, felt the bathroom of the future could be a global traveller’s retreat and as such located in the hull of a ship or fuselage of a jet. Wong’s vision is of a seamless, folding cocoon of new age materials – inspired by the highly sculpted, dynamic forms emerging in car and boat design – melding highly evolved technology with a tactile experience that imparts a feeling of invigoration and vitality to anyone entering the space.

Walls and ceiling fold and merge to conceal lighting, speakers and exhaust fan, transporting what is essentially a highly practical multi-disciplinary bathing space to an exciting and dynamic level. The yacht-style timber flooring provides warmth underfoot which complements the long, carbon fibre vanity that morphs into a daybed.

“We made an intentional shift away from the more traditional bathroom materials of tile and stone that often have a cold, utilitarian feel, to the highly versatile Kerlite which is a kind of ceramic porcelain. We chose a combination of white Kerlite for a clean, bright feeling and a bronze-champagne Kerlite to create warmth and contrast. Carbon fibre was the other material used extensively in the design. Chosen for its malleability, strength and waterproof qualities, it was the perfect choice for the vanity and daybed. It also has a great aesthetic, with the woven strands of filament visible through the resin,” said Tristan.

Kohler’s SOK overflowing bath was chosen for both its luxury and its ability for contained overflow, even in rough seas and occasional turbulence. Designed for two people, the Sok offers deep immersion and the option of chromatherapy and bubble massage.

The futuristic Numi toilet, a Bluetooth enabled ‘hub’ offering music, night light, warm air for the feet and automatically opening and closing lid and seat, is placed in the space as much for its sculptural effect as its versatility. It is perfectly complemented by a pair of low slung, rectangular Forefront basins.

“We chose the Karbon taps as they are an incredible piece of engineering and design, constructed in part from carbon fibre, one of the lightest and strongest materials available, and with a joystick control. This really IS a product of the future,” Tristan said.

To complete the look, is the multifunctional, electronically controlled shower area equipped with watertile overhead shower panels and wall mounted body sprays to create an all-enveloping, totally luxurious showering experience.

“Kohler’s ability to create new, varied and continually innovative products meant that when it came to designing a bathroom of the future Kohler already had a number of cutting edge products that were suitable. There was a seamless integration between our design and the existing Kohler products, almost as though they had been custom designed! From an architect’s perspective this is key to Kohler’s success – they invest heavily in design that challenges the norm and is cutting edge in both its aesthetic and engineering.

“Mirrored walls in the bathroom have integrated PC screens to enable the global nomad to reconnect with the world after having enjoyed a precious interlude of relaxation and rejuvenation courtesy of a space delivered in an altogether unique and futuristic way.”

Kohler bathroom products have been available in Australia since 1991 and are available nationally from E&S Trading (VIC), Galvin Design (WA) and Routleys Kitchens Bathrooms (SA). Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Founded in 1873, the Kohler brand is a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors.