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Bathrooms Designers RENO ADDICT Reno Products Shopping

Brass and marble still trending plus more of the latest bathroom looks

Perhaps proving their classic status, brass and marble continue to feature in the latest bathroom collections. From Greg Natale‘s statement marble creations to a brass range that features designed-to-match tapware, door hardware and bathroom accessories, there’s much to love about the latest in bathrooms.

Greg Natale X Teranova: Colour and pattern abounds in Greg Natale’s new ‘Largo’ collection for Teranova. Featuring nine marble floor tiles and six basins there’s plenty of statement geometric motifs (a Greg signature) and the collection draws on neo-classic European architecture and Art Deco design influences too. Designed to create drama – from the foyer to the bathroom or powder room, the basins partner beautifully with the tiles offering seductive curves, fluted edges and bold shapes. We love!

Greg Natale
Greg Natale X Teranova
Greg Natale
Greg Natale Teranova

CIBO Design for Bunnings: Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, CIBO Design has been making affordable bathroom wares for Bunnings for the past seven years and the latest collection offers a rather stylish look.

The new ‘Freshwater’ range is inspired by a coastal aesthetic with the vanities featuring v-groove doors, ceramic tops and oversized round timber handles in black, white or oak. The vanity is available in wall hung and full height versions in 600, 900 and 1200mm wide.

The new ‘Mornington’ wall hung vanity is available in 900 or 1200mm and in either white or oak veneer cabinetry with half round black or white handles. Each vanity has a quartz stone top and ceramic counter-top basin in a choice of four on-trend colours including white, matt pale pink, matte grey and white and matte black and white.

“We’ve been designing and making custom bathroom furniture in our Sydney workshop for more than 25 years and are delighted to be working with Bunnings to offer Australian-made bathroom products exclusively to their customers,” says Darrin Ingleton, CIBO Design managing director. 

Freshwater 900 vanity
Mornington 1200 vanity

Novas: One of Australia’s leading creators of design-led architectural products, Novas has just released its Frame range of designed-to-match tapware, door hardware and bathroom accessories. Taking the guess work out of finding fittings, fixtures and door hardware that match, the stylish range is available in chrome, matte black, satin nickel, gun metal, satin gold and satin bronze.

“Unity amongst fittings and fixtures like tap ware and door handles can give a home a truly premium feel, and Novas has taken the hassle out of this with its Frame collection,” says Melbourne interior stylist and Novas ambassador Aimee Tarulli of Archer Interiors.

The design takes inspiration from the elegance of a classic bag clasp and the mechanical detail of a timepiece and suits an array of interiors. “The flexibility of the Novas Frame collection’s hero bezel design allows it to look at home in limitless compositions, whether it be art deco, industrial, minimalist or modern,” says Novas Creative Director Nicholas Johnston, who designed the range.

Novas Frame

Methven: Methven has added to the Maku range of taps and mixers, with the new Maku2 series featuring a handset, hand shower and rail shower designed to create a cohesive look across basins, baths and shower units. There are three new shower designs created in chrome with graphite finishes.

The new Maku MK2 handset features Satinjet technology that uses twin-jet technology to create optimum water droplet size and pressure, with over 300,000 droplets per second. In addition, the handset is easily screwed into existing hoses, avoiding plumbing fees and time spent waiting for an appointment.

Maku MK2 Rail Shower
Methven shower head
Methven Maku MK2 shower head

Beaumont Tiles: Spacious Slabs is the new range of large-scale tiles from Beaumont Tiles and at 1200mm x 2700mm they sure are colossal. In fact, they form part of a select group of tiles known as ‘slab tiles’ due to their size. Made from high-quality 6mm thick glazed porcelain, the range comes in six stone designs, with matte or polished finishes. There’s Pietra Silver, Arabscato, Volkas, Pulpis, Statuario and Calcutta.

“Spacious Slabs are amongst the best priced in the market and a great option for renovators who are looking to take a luxe for less approach to their reno, and want to jump into the slab tile look,” says Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles’ strategic designer.

Beaumont Tiles Spacious Slabs
Spacious Slabs Pietra Silver
Beaumont Tiles Spacious Slabs
Spacious Slabs Calcutta

Elio by IB Rubinetti: Available locally from Paco Jaanson, this new range uses shape and pattern to create a distinct look. Designed by renowned architecture studio Archea Associati, the collection features a variety of unique bathroom shapes including a softly curved square design that is sure to catch the eye.

Paco Jansen
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Bathrooms Reno Products Shopping

Brushed nickel taps and sleek bath wastes are new at Highgrove Bathrooms

Sponsored by Highgrove Bathrooms

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.

Check out the complete range of SPIN Brushed Nickel tapware and accessories

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.

Check out the complete range of Turn-Down Bath Wastes

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.

Find your nearest store or shop online

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Bathrooms Designers Shopping

Australian bathroom trends: June 2019 edition

From bold floral basins inspired by the 17th century Dutch Masters to a vibrant collection of Le Corbusier ceramic tiles and an Audrey Hepburn emblazoned bath, this month is all about making a statement in the bathroom.

Kohler Dutchmaster Collection: We’ve seen this look in wallpaper, bed linen and cushions but statement floral basins are an entirely different proposition! Inspired by the 17th century Dutch Masters, big and bold, moody florals adorn the surface of the basin’s interiors. Think large scale peonies, dahlias, ranunculus and hydrangeas in blush pink, ivory and darkest rose on an onyx background. There’s also a dainty butterfly in the mix too.

The Dutchmaster Blush Floral sink collection comes in a rectangle shape
The Dutchmaster Collection Blush Floral sink comes in a rectangle shape

The collection was created in collaboration with renowned floral photographer Ashley Woodson Bailey and and the basins are available in round and rectangular iterations. $1999.

The Dutchmaster Collection Blush Floral sink comes in a round shape too
The Dutchmaster Collection Blush Floral sink is available in a round shape too

VOLA Matt White tap ware: Bespoke Danish fixtures and fittings brand VOLA has a new addition to its range of 14 colours – ‘colour number 28’ is a pure matte white and the finish is inspired by the tactile forms found in nature. Months of testing and colour reviewing resulted in the true ‘bright white’ colour that is available as a basin mixer, wall mounted rain shower and floor mounted spout. From $1,522.40.

VOLA

VOLA

Le Corbusier LCS Ceramics: A giant of modern architecture, Le Corbusier’s range of ceramics is available in Australia through Artedomus and it’s brimming with as much vibrant colour as we’d expect from the Swiss-French design genius.

Le Corbusier ceramic tiles

Le Corbusier devised his first colour system in 1931 with 43 subdued shades but by 1959 had added 20 bolder hues. All 63 colours were inspired by nature which explains their timeless appeal – it’s truly incredible how modern they look even decades later.

Some of the Le Corbusier tile shades on offer
Some of the Le Corbusier tile shades available at Artedomus

Scarabeo veil sink: Available at Paco Jaanson in matte black and white, this basin was designed by Italian designer Massimiliano Braconi and features soft curves and an uber thin surface. Wall-mounted, the basin is unique in that it looks to be floating. $800.

Matte black
Matte black

White
White

Highgrove Bathrooms Jones & Jones concrete basins: Modern and minimalist, this new raw and textured range complements any bathroom look from industrial to luxe or rustic. The affordable basins are available in white and grey finishes in both round and oval shapes. From $308.

Highgrove Bathrooms’ oval shaped basin in grey concrete

The round white iteration is lovely too
The round white basin is lovely too

Victoria + Albert Audrey Hepburn bath: Referencing the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this bath is not for the faint-hearted! From $12,500.

Victoria+Albert Audrey bath

May 2019 Australian bathroom trends

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT Shopping

New affordable mix & match pastel bathroom tapware

Sponsored by Phoenix Tapware

Customisation has been a solid trend for some time but it’s not been that affordable within the bathroom tapware realm. But that looks set to change with the launch of the new Phoenix Zimi collection which features 27 colour and finishing combinations across a stylish range of mixer taps, shower mixers and outlets. And while the design’s razor sharp, thin profile is super chic, it’s the colours that got us most excited – there’s neutrals, metallics and fun pastel tones too!

Zimi blush pink handles
We love the new Zimi collection blush pink handles!

“Extensive colour research went into the final selection including European design trend forecasting. The Zimi range is perfect for consumers to inject their individual personality. The three themes of pastels, neutrals and metallics were selected so that they work within a large breadth of interiors. Modern or traditional, light or dark, fresh or moody – Zimi colours can seamlessly work with your colour scheme,” says Phoenix marketing manager Chantelle Malone.

The Zimi range
The Zimi range

In a savvy design move, the handles are easily interchangeable with the bases without needing a plumber (did we mention affordable?). And while the brand has released dual finishes previously, the ranges sat at a premium price point. Zimi has been designed to make coloured finishes accessible and by keeping the base and handle separate, the range starts from just $165.

The powder blue iteration is gorgeous too.
The powder blue iteration is gorgeous too.

“The mix and match nature make this unique range highly versatile. Zimi handles are easily interchangeable with the bases allowing you to complement your decor and accessories. Now you can switch the colour of your mixer handle as regularly as you change your towels!” says Chantelle.

The Zimi sage green range
The Zimi sage green option

The handle colours available are chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, matte white, cool grey, oatmeal, blush pink, sage green and powder blue, while the fixture bases are finished in chrome, brushed nickel or matte black.

Zimi: Creative Freedom from Phoenix Tapware on Vimeo.

“There was a lot of thought put into the exact colour toning. We’ve made sure that harmonious dual finish combinations can be achieved, especially with blush pink, sage green, powder blue and oatmeal. The pastels trend is making a strong mark within the interior design space. Pale pinks, greens and blues are being embraced as new colour staples,” says Chantelle.

Zimi

Gorgeous colours aside, the Zimi design hallmark is its thin, flat and minimal profile. “Square, but not sharp. Trim details and edging were refined to create the illusion of thin,” says the brand’s design lead, Ban Liu.

The Zimi cool grey handles

For more on the Phoenix Zimi range

Australian bathroom trends: May 2019 edition

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Bathrooms Design

Australian bathroom trends: January 2019 edition

From basins in pretty pastel gelato hues (and statement terrazzo!) to a Japanese inspired basin and wash stand combo, the year has kicked off with plenty of fabulous bathroom wares.

Remodern Bentu Hui basins: Available in a rainbow of gorgeous plain pastel shades and bold terrazzo finishes, these bathroom basins are certainly of the statement making kind. I see them as the centrepiece of the bathroom. From $975.

Remodern Bentu vanity basins
So many gorgeous shades

Remodern Bentu Hui terrazzo basins

Kohler Purist collection: The latest Kohler offering is a collection of stylish bathroom accessories in a range of precious metal finishes including rose gold, brushed bronze and brushed nickel. The five piece range includes a towel bar, towel ring, robe hook and vertical tissue holder and each metallic finish will not dull over time, due to a new technology developed by the brand. From $99.

Kohler Purist collection accessories

Kohler Purist collection accessories

Rogerseller Claybrook bath ware: Rogerseller has partnered with the esteemed British bath ware brand Claybrook to bring its baths and basins to Australian shores for the first time and the stylish designs have eco credentials too. The range is created by hand using eco-friendly natural stone and recycled materials in a low impact, emission-free manufacturing process that uses sustainable products, materials and processes wherever possible. Basins start from $799 and baths from $5699.

Claybrook bath

Scarabeo Fuji collection: Inspired by the simplicity and balance found in Japanese design, the new collection from Scarabeo (available locally through Paco Jaanson) features a curved ceramic wash basin (with hidden drain) and a simple industrial styled console (available in matte black and matte white) for an understated yet unique bathroom look. They’re available in both square and rectangular shapes. From $405.

Scarabeo Fuji collection

The pillowy basin sports a hidden drain

Methven industrial trend: In no surprise to anyone Methven predicts the industrial trend to continue for bathrooms in 2019. Think minimalism, matte black, wood, metals and mesh, with colour pops too. “Industrial aesthetics have made their way into the bathroom from other areas of the house in a fun way, with simple shapes and matte surfaces, taking centre stage,” says Andy Grigor, head of design and innovation at Methven.

Methven timber trend

“The use of reclaimed wood, gives a great rustic and worn in charm while creating warmth and softness in juxtaposition with the colder industrial materials such as metal and concrete. Also, matte black tap ware is very popular due to its ability to pair so well with other current design and style trends,” says Andy.

Methven black trend

Inspiring award winning bathrooms

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Bathrooms Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Australian bathroom trends: April 2018 edition

It’s that time again when we bring you our latest fabulous bathroom finds. From Hollywood Regency style vanities to chic vintage inspired tapware, this month has been a great one for bathrooms.

Kohler Artifact collection: Inspired by Edwardian tapware, this new range by Kohler has smart vintage lines (detailed turnings and finials, elegant spouts and swing-lever handles) and is available in oil-rubbed bronze, vibrant brushed bronze and polished chrome finishes. From $199.

Kohler Artifact three piece basin

Kohler Artifact shower bath mixer

Stegbar Grange black shower screen: Testament to the staying power of black as a legitimate bathroom finish, Stegbar has released a new range of slim black shower screen frames. “Not just an on-trend hue, black is also timeless and ever-sophisticated,” says Stegbar marketing director Christine Evans. Oui oui!

Stegbar grange shower screen

Vanity by Design vanities:  Jen came across this company recently and we’re pretty taken with their vanities that are organised into three classic collections – Hamptons, Hollywood Regency and Contemporary. Made from solid timber and natural marble or granite bench tops, these are pre-fab with flair. From $1400.

Vanity by Design navy basinVanity by design basin

apaiser SOKA bath and basin collection: Reminiscent of a Japanese bathhouse, I can’t think of a more minimal, linear, sharp-edged range. Both the bath and basin feature functional shallow trays too. $820 (basin) and $6195 (bath).

apaiser SOKA collection

Scarabeo Bucket basin: This basin looks much like a bucket with the chrome ‘handle’ working as a nifty hand towel rail. Available in nine designs including one emblazoned with a paint drip, another with a basketball hoop and another with a fish, these certainly are conversation starters. From $950.

Scarebo basin

Scarebo basin - blue paint

Ex.T Stand collection: We brought you this when it launched last year but the gorgeous range is now available in a brass finish too. From $2,429.

Stand collection by Ex.t

Four real bathrooms that showcase the latest trends

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Bathrooms Furniture Homewares

The latest bathroom wares we are loving!

With another bathroom renovation in Jen’s sights, it’s safe to say Interiors Addict has gone a little bathroom mad! Every day it seems something new is popping up, from metallic tapware to space-saving solutions and outdoor showers. Below are the latest products we’re loving. 

Brodware inFinium PVD Tapware: Made from an advanced hard coating technique, inFinium PVD, unlike typical powder coated, painted or plated tapware is highly resistant to scratching, tarnishing, abrasion, corrosion and discolouration. Coming in 13 coloured finishes, they are available in brushed, polished and rumbled textures. Available from Candana.

Brodware inFinium PVD Tapware

Sussex’s Monsoon Shower Range: Inspired by nature, the Monsoon shower range captures the spirit of summer. Designed for use both indoors and out, it looks equally in place on a beach house deck as in a sophisticated city bathroom. With options for vertical, horizontal or column shower installation, Monsoon is crafted from the very toughest brushed stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and guaranteed to last for years to come.

Sussex’s Monsoon Shower Range

Kohler’s Ove Wall Mount Toilet: A huge space-saver this wall mount toilet with concealed in-wall cistern offers complete comfort and convenience, protruding just 540mm from the wall (instead of the usual 600mm), it also has a soft close seat and lid.

Meir’s Tiger Bronze Tapware: You know Meir for their sleek black tapware but soon you’ll know them for a lot more! Having recently introduced a range of limited-edition colour ways, our favourite Tiger Bronze is warm, inviting and just that little bit different. Utilising the natural charm of bronze and copper, Tiger Bronze adds unique character through a brushed black undercoating and a clear lacquer finish. Jen just installed the mixer in her new (gold) kitchen sink and she’s loving it!

Meir’s Tiger Bronze Tapware

More bathroom inspo.

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Kitchens

Black tapware leader, Meir, launches stunning new metallics

Sponsored by Meir Australia

Not satisfied with having the largest range of black tapware in the world, thriving Australian business Meir has branched into mixed metals. And they’re gorgeous! I’m earmarking them for my future bathroom renos right now!

Tiger Bronze

Those in the know will confirm that the trend for black taps is most definitely here to stay but other colours (basically, anything but been-there-done-that chrome) are emerging as future classics too. And this was clear at all the big international design trade fairs this year.

The Melbourne family business have spent the last 12 months behind the scenes working on the new additions to their premium matte black tapware. Tiger Bronze and Champagne are the first of four upcoming colour finishes to be released in as many months and here at Interiors Addict, we are in love! Tiger Bronze is a unique combination of bronze and copper and Champagne is a beautiful cool gold. 

Bath, shower and kitchen mixers, shower heads, toilet roll holders, towel rails, wall and basin mixers are all available.

Champagne

Today’s bathrooms are so much more than utilitarian spaces; they’re sanctuaries. And consumers are keener than ever to add a little luxury and personality to this space. We think tapware is the jewellery of the modern bathroom. And even if you’re reluctant to be too ‘out there’ with your bathroom choices, statement tapware on a simple and classic subway tile backdrop for example, can make a huge impact.

Equally, in kitchens, that mixer tap can be the crowning glory.

“We’ve been working with leading Australian architects to create a range that’s the very essence of luxury tapware. This product also fulfils consumer demand on modern colour trends,” says CEO Rick Bazerghi. “By limiting the Tiger Bronze selection to a small portion of our overall range of products, it offers customers an exclusive and bespoke product.”

Tiger Bronze

Handcrafted and made with European parts, this premium range is priced higher than its traditional chrome or matte black counterparts. It’s available to the general public through any of the company’s stockists (including Reece and Harvey Norman Commercial) or online at The Block Shop.

Meir is showcasing Australia as a leader in bathroom trends, expanding internationally this year with a London office and distributors in Amsterdam, Cape Town and Auckland. They have plans to open up offices and distribution in Dubai, Singapore, Denmark and Japan.

Tiger Bronze

Customers benefit from a no-questions-asked returns policy and excellent customer service, with a receptionist available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For more information.
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The Block

All the details from Sunday’s Block en suite bathrooms

Sunday night saw three of the five couples present en suites as well as guest bedrooms; quite the achievement! So we thought we’d take a closer look and tell you exactly which products and tiles they chose, in case you saw something which inspired you. I liked that they were all very different. Which was your favourite?

Josh and Elyse

Oh, how I loved this one, especially the tile and tap choices. Just classic and gorgeous, but with a modern twist. I like how their patterned floor was quite subtle.

From Reece

  • MILLI Pure Shower Head 180mm in Brushed Gunmetal
  • MILLI Pure Horizontal Shower Arm 350mm in Brushed Gunmetal
  • MILLI Pure Wall Basin 200mm Outlet in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Roca Inspira Soft Vessel Basin
  • ADP Universale Mushroom Waste 32/40 in Gloss White
  • Posh Solus Back to Wall Toilet Suite
  • Posh Solus Wall Top Assembly in Chrome (was then plated to Brushed Gunmetal)
  • Sussex Scala Straight Toilet Roll Holder in Brushed Gunmetal
  • MILLI Pure Vanity Shelf in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Sussex Scala Guest Towel Ring in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Sussex Scala 900mm Double Towel Rail in Brushed Gunmetal
  • Square Grate-Suit 80mm Leak

From Beaumont Tiles:

(Walls) Devonshire White Matt 300 x 75mm.

(Floor) Cherie Black Rectangle 198 x 198mm.

 

Sticks and Wombat

This bathroom isn’t really my style, and I agreed it didn’t necessarily suit the bedroom or the rest of the house but still, it was a really spacious, light-filled, impressively finished space.

From Beaumont Tiles:

(Walls and floor) Plus Statuario GL-Porc Rectangle 600 x 600mm

(Niche) Lantern Black Satin Mosaic 76 x 80mm

From Reece:

  • Phoenix Nostalgia Gooseneck Shower Arm & Rose in Chrome
  • Caroma Forma Back to Wall Toilet Suite
  • Sonia Tecno Spare Toilet Roll Holder
  • Sonia Tecno Double 900mm Towel Bar

 

Jason and Sarah

This was probably my favourite. I’m a sucker for the gold tapware; it’s just stunning. Keeping everything else quite simple was a great move, letting the hardware do the talking! But those black basins provided some great contrast too.

From Reece:

  • Geberit Sigma 8 Wall Hung Cistern with Frame
  • Geberit Sigma 70 Buttons in Matte Black and Chrome
  • Axa Uno Wall Hung Toilet Pan
  • Sussex Scala Shower/Bath Mixer in Brushed Gold
  • Sussex Scala Rail Shower in Brushed Gold
  • MILLI Pure Shower Rose in Brushed Gold
  • MILLI Pure Vertical Shower 600mm Arm in Brushed Gold
  • MILLI Pure Robe Hooks in Brushed Gold (x2)
  • Pure Toilet Roll Holder in Brushed Gold
  • Alape Unisono 375 Counter Basin in Matte Black
  • ADP Universal Mushroom Waste 32/40 in Matte Black
  • MILLI Pure 300mm Guest Towel Rail in Brushed Gold
  • MIILI Pure Wall Basin Hostess System Right Hand 200mm Outlet in Brushed Gold

From Beaumont Tiles:

(Floor) Cretement Vintage Grey Taco

(Walls) Spatial White Satin Rectangle 198 x 600mm

 

Did you miss the guest bedroom reveals? Catch up here.

All our Block coverage.

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT Shopping

The lowdown on titanium for your bathroom

Researching different types of finishes for your bathroom reno? Have you thought about titanium?

The lowdown on titanium for your bathroom

Titanium, renowned for its strength and lightness, is the hot new finish for the bathroom – and tipped to be the favourite alternative to polished chrome. With deeper, richer tones than polished chrome it retains the shine and reflection of chrome while providing the perfect foil for other favourite finishes for the bathing space such as timber, stone and ceramics.

The lowdown on titanium for your bathroom

Typical of the look is the bathroom pictured, showing Kohler’s new- release Titanium Composed tapware teamed with pared-back stone benchtop, timeless penny round ceramic wall tiles and convincingly realistic timber ceramic tiles. The result is timeless, covetable style!

 

Composed is Kohler’s award-winning basin and showering tapware in the new Titanium PVD finish (International Red Dot Design Award). PVD technology – Physical Vapour Deposition – enables luxury metal finishes to be applied to solid brass tapware by vapourising the finish and then molecularly bonding it to the chrome surface. The result is a tarnish, scratch and corrosion resistant finish that exceeds industry standards and carries a 15-year warranty.

For more information, visit www.kohler.com.au

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

3 Pinterest-worthy Australian bathrooms

Bathrooms have come a long way since the damp, dark ages of outhouses and washbasins. They now form an enormously significant part of the home, doubling as miniature health spas where people seek sanctuary after a long day’s work.

The trends, décor and materials available for modern bathrooms are forever changing. Here are 3 drool-worthy bathroom designs to add to your Pinterest board.

Contemporary flair

Photography: Brent Lukey, Builder: Rycon Building Group, Designer: Kate Walker Design

This property, located in Melbourne, delivers a unique blend of warm timber flooring, intricate feature tiles and designer matte-black tapware. The herringbone pattern offers a refreshing use of white subway tiles on the wall, while the use of a round mirror, basin and shower head contrasts nicely against them.

Regal sentiments

Photography: Joe Brosnan, Builder: Shaw Group, Designer: Shaw Group

A royal infusion of gold accents, marble tiling and an alluring freestanding tub – this Queensland property offers a truly indulgent bathroom design. The monochrome colour palette is broken up with an opulent gold pendant light suspended from the ceiling, while the gold recessed wall above the bathtub offers a practical storage solution for all your luxurious bathroom products.

Industrial beginnings

Photography: Nic Granleese, Builder: Novo Homes, Designer: Novo Homes

Stripping it back to a raw and edgy material crush look, this Melbourne property rocks simplicity with bold material highlights. In the ensuite and main bathroom, large tiles exude an unpolished concrete look. The impressive black hexagonal mosaic feature walls add depth to the dark, moody palette.

Meanwhile, the powder room is a stark contrast, featuring all white everything. The vertical brick wall has been painted over in white to maintain the industrial feel.

Photography: Nic Granleese, Builder: Novo Homes, Designer: Novo Homes

These bathrooms all use products from Reece and were curated for us by their experts.

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Bathrooms Expert Tips

Bathroom trends: What’s new in tapware?

By Rob Sinclair

When it comes to predicting what’s hot in interiors, it usually pays to look to the northern hemisphere, two seasons ahead of us, for inspiration and what is set to hit Australian shores.

Image: Martina Gemmola for e&s

I saw these trends first-hand this season after attending the ISH bathroom fair in Frankfurt, with all the powerhouse brands from around the world under the one roof. Overall when it comes to the bathroom, we’re seeing people wanting to create luxurious spaces for relaxation and escapism. Bathrooms are becoming a spa and wellness retreat in their own right, with people investing in things like rain showers and tapware with beautiful finishes that are not only functional but create a sense of luxe in the bathroom.

A standout at ISH was the sheer amount of tapware in different colours, finishes and textures. And with tapware being an easy way to update your bathroom without necessarily undergoing a complete renovation, I thought I’d share some of the biggest trends to come out of ISH.

Colours

Tapware has come a long way in recent years, with so many options available when it comes to colours. Matte black is popular, and I can’t see that trend going anywhere, as well as copper, brass, rose gold and bronze. I think we are also going to see more of white tapware as it creates a crisp and fresh look.


Finishes 

The trend is growing towards natural, matte finishes on fixtures and fittings offering a raw, industrial and old-world look. PVD, or physical vapour deposition, is a method of producing thin films and coatings for your tapware, guaranteed to provide durability and sustainability. Layers of colour are usually deposited onto stainless steel to replicate copper and brass looks. Gessi offered more than 20 different types of these finishes to choose from at ISH, and Hansgrohe had 16, which demonstrates this look will be here to stay.

Image: Brodware


Texture

We will see tapware – both the base and spouts – treated with a kind of three-dimensional effect or structure on its surface. Think dimples (like a golf ball), ‘pimples’ and other 3D shapes. Brodware is another one of my favourite tapware brands, and their new Yokato series has a knurled surface that adds to the vintage textured look.

Image: Gessi

Trending colours:
Copper
Bronze
Brass
Matte black
Rose gold
White
 
Finishes:
Raw
Industrial
Vintage
3D

Brands to look for:
Gessi
Astra Walker
Brodware
Hansgrohe

–Rob Sinclair is joint managing director of e&s

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

Add a touch of luxury to your loo with titanium

When the words ‘bespoke’, ‘luxe’ and ‘on trend’ sum up exactly how you want your new bathroom to look, Kohler tapware should be one of your first ports of call. After being recognised at the prestigious International Red Dot Design Awards for their ‘Composed’ tapware, Kohler has released the design in in a lustrous Titanium finish.

Kohler has developed a method by which luxury metal finishes can be applied to its solid brass tapware by virtue of PVD or Physical Vapour Deposition technology. This is a customised system that vaporises the finish and molecularly bonds it to the chrome surface. This produces a finish that is tarnish, scratch and corrosion resistant – a finish that exceeds industry standards and carries a 15-year warranty.

Add a touch of luxury to your loo with titaniumThe Titanium finish offers a stylish and durable alternative to standard materials, mixing a modern finish with classic proportions. The titanium finish also provides a stronger surface that is easy to clean and will last without fading, tarnishing or scratching, meaning a long lasting, stylish finish.

Add a touch of luxury to your loo with titaniumImage source: Kohler

The Composed tapware collection features a single lever basin mixer, in both regular and Super Tall, plus a three-piece basin set with the choice of either lever or cross handles. Shower/bath mixers, with and without diverter, plus 3-piece bath sets with matching lever or cross handles complete the range. The hero single lever basin mixer is truly timeless in its design – its geometric shape, with long spout and side-mounted control create visual balance and true refinement. Its striking Titanium finish has the acclaimed Kohler resistance to tarnishing and corrosion. The Kohler Composed basin mixer has a 5 Star WELS rating using six litres of water a minute.

For more information on the Composed range, visit www.kohler.com.au

 

Categories
Homewares

Jen’s lust list: 04.04.17

The latest addition to SMEG’s small appliances range is this beautiful coffee machine. It would look very nice indeed on the kitchen bench and it takes both coffee grounds and the paper pods available from several supermarkets. Available in four colours, from $499.

There’s no doubt about it: terrazzo is making a comeback. Add a touch of it to your home with this set of four trivets/coasters from Sly. $69.95.

You know my feelings on cleaning products with good packaging, especially of the eco-friendly variety! Well, just check out this new brand, Koala Eco. The labels are beyond! They’re all-natural, eco-friendly, cruelty-free and made in Australia. From $10.90.

This week I’ve been in bathroom planning mode and I’m lusting after Brodware’s new Industrica collection, available exclusively at Candana Bathroom Ware in Sydney.

It includes basin sets, mixers, bath sets, shower sets, soap dishes, toilet roll holders, towel rails, and robe hooks and maintains the company’s reputation as an elite Australian bathware product designer and manufacturer.

Heatherly Design Bedheads make it into my lust list again this week with their new range of bedroom accessories to complement their famous bedheads. They include cushions, bedside tables and these gorgeous footstools ($1,570 in velvet).

I’ll be back with more fave finds next Tuesday!

Categories
Bathrooms

Kohler release award-winning Avid tapware

Kohler’s new tapware design has scored an international Red Dot Design Award, delivering luxurious simplicity to the everyday bathroom.

 

Reminiscent of liquid metal, its fluid form rises from the benchtop and is stretched to a slender, tapered spout. The lever control is an extension of the body of the tap – no harsh edges, sharp angles or unnecessary embellishment.

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The collection includes Standard, Tall and Super Tall basin mixers as well as a three-piece widespread model, a wall mount basin mixer and shower mixers. The Avid range features a 5-star WELS rating, using just six litres of water per minute, and is finished in a corrosion and tarnish-resistant polished chrome.

Click here to find stockists.

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.

Categories
RENO ADDICT

Warm up your bathroom with some Scandi-cool this winter

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

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

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

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

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

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Reece basin with slim edges

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

See here for more.

 

Categories
Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Why the trend for black tapware is here to stay

By Rick Bazerghi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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