We’ve definitely noticed a rise in the timber feature wall (or ceiling) and for something a little different, check out these cool wood mosaic tiles from Earp Bros. Playing with texture and hue, L’Antic Colonial have developed them from reclaimed wood, featuring a tesserae of geometric squares and 3D designs that will act as a standout in any space. Installed on a 108x297mm mesh, they contain a high design variation due to the nature of the material. Just gorgeous!
I’ve been swooning over this (rather expensive) chest of drawers for months but it came across my desk again this week. Just look at it! Navy (well, petrol blue), timber, brass: what’s NOT to like?! The Marius is available from ClickOn Furniture for $3,150 (I did warn you!). It’s also available in natural oak, grey and pink. To be honest, they’re all divine. That bottom curved drawer just knocks it out of the park for me. Better keep saving…
After all that copper and brass, could it be time for a return to good old cool silver tones soon? Zakkia think so, and here’s a sneak peek from their upcoming collection, which will be available from September. I really like it!
With the current natural food craze, we knew it was only a matter of time before we went organic with our houses too! Tile Mega Mart have released the next great statement product to spice up your wall: timber mosaics. The Geppetto collection captures the natural beauty of timber, making it easy to create striking geometric patterns and 3D profiles in your home.
The collection features six designs – available in a choice of hues, each one vastly different from the next. You’ll find finishes ranging from deep cocoa-black (Mos Nero Rigati) to a soft limewash effect (Bardot Mos Tropezzienne). Those loving the Scandinavian look will be happy with the pale hue of Scaletta! Environmentalists can rest easy as each mosaic is crafted from sustainably produced Pinus Teada trees and handmade by timber artisans.
Marita Blaschka, Tile Mega Mart’s design director, is proud to say that the collection is just as easy as it is beautiful! “The timber pieces have been precisely placed on a small panel, creating a mosaic sheet measuring about 280mm, which has a self-adhesive backing. So no glues or grouting are required.”
The unique pieces inspire a number of installation options – from full walls to feature areas, such as in place of a bedhead or adding an extra layer to a display shelf.
With designs that range from the stunning herringbone display of Mosaico Spina to the concave shape of Arco Acustico and the stacked effect of Mos Nero Rigati, the Geppetto collection is sure to be the centre of attention at your next gathering.
The Geppetto handmade timber mosaic collection is available exclusively from Tile Mega Mart. Find it here.
The old adage ‘less is more’ certainly comes to mind with Raymor’s fresh new range of bathroom wares that combine clean, modern lines with subtle curves and smart design solutions for compact bathing spaces.
And it was this simple, unfettered design that inspired an organic themed bathroom with timber-look tiles and a large, living green wall as its eye-catching feature.
The timber tiles and green feature wall called for simple bathroom fixtures and fittings so as not to overwhelm the space – exactly where Raymor’s new range fits in.
The wall hung Wentworth vanity features a crisp white ceramic top and gloss white polyurethane cabinetry. Minimal bevel grip finger pulls and soft close drawers complete the look and make it just as beautiful to use. And while it looks compact in size, the Jamaica bath has added depth for full body immersion – an indulgent design feature.
The Tanami collection of tap ware features gentle curves and is aptly named as it invokes the simplicity of Japanese design.
But when it comes to a fabulous design solution for a compact space, the Byron wall faced toilet suite really comes up trumps. The concealed cistern makes it the perfect choice for a tiny powder room or small bathroom.
They may have the look and feel of timber but Amber’s newest range of timber-looking tiles and pavers have the durability to last for years indoors and out.
Amareno Tile
With its intricate natural wood design, the new Amareno Tile Range has the resilience of glazed porcelain and is available in White, Birch, Grey, Walnut and Blackbutt. The range is the newest addition to Amber’s existing collection of popular timber-look products including the Italian Atelier tile, Doga Sandal tile and the Timberstone paver.
Affordable and suitable for all areas of the family home, the richness of details, knots and shades is evident within each tile. Easy to maintain and with a high slip resistance, they are the perfect solution to avoid aging wood surfaces and potential fire hazards in bushfire prone areas.
Timberstone Paver
The collection also translates to the outdoor area with the Timberstone paver proving a popular option in Australian homes. Perfectly recreating the intricate details of aged timber it can also withstand the harsh Australian weather.
Amber’s new timber-inspired products are available on special now in stores across Australia. For more information.
Following the first Block bathroom reveals a lot of you asked me if it was really practical to use timber in the bathroom or did it just look good? I asked Reece Bathrooms’ Belinda Geels for her expert advice.
Timber has been a big feature of many of The Block teams’ bathroom spaces this season. From the bespoke timber vanity tops in Brad and Dale’s bathrooms and feature paneling in Alisa and Lysandra’s main bathroom, to Steve and Chantelle’s parquetry ceiling feature and the stunning full timber wall in Kyal and Kara’s perfect score main bathroom, it’s been a winning element of many of the standout bathrooms from both the fans and favourites.
Image courtesy of Perini
We often get questions from customers about how to properly use this beautiful material in bathroom spaces, particularly when it comes to reducing the risks of swelling or warping of timber in damp spaces or close to wet areas. To help out those of you looking to recreate some of The Block’s best looks at home, we’ve compiled top tips from our experts and industry partners on using timber in everything from vanities to flooring and feature walls in your bathroom.
Timber choice is key
Whether you’re looking to use wood for your vanity, flooring, walls or furniture, your timber selection is crucial. As well considering the look and feel of your timber, it’s important to think about the tightness of the wood grain. According to Stephen Royce from Australian bathroom product manufacturer Formed, solid timbers with a tight grain are best for bathroom spaces as they’re less likely to be affected by moisture. Think mahogany, teak, cedar or even bamboo (preferably local plantation grown) for best results.
Image courtesy of Reece Bathrooms
Seal for success
One of the most common questions asked about timber in the bathroom is around the risk of expansion or warping. According to Stephen, regardless of the timber you choose for your bathroom space or how you plan to use it, you must ensure that it is properly sealed and waterproofed.
“It all comes down to using the correct seal. Sealing prevents moisture getting into the timber, and can reduce any issues with warping, staining or significant expansion or contraction,” he says.
Sealing is the most important factor in the process, as it helps make the timber more resistant to water and moisture. There are various water, oil and wax-based sealants available on the market, which are suitable for different timbers and applications. Be sure to speak to an expert to help select the best sealant for your timber and to ensure it is properly applied. To be doubly sure that your timber doesn’t stain or warp, make sure you wipe up any water that may pool on its surface as quickly as possible.
Image courtesy of Perini
Ventilation must-dos
Timber looks beautiful in the bathroom, however, as it’s a natural material, it pays to ensure you’ve got the right ventilation in place. A well-ventilated bathroom space will reduce the moisture in the air as quickly as possible, helping ensure the timber will respond well over time as the product ages.
Kyal and Kara’s winning bathroom from The Block
Fake it
If using natural timber is not for you, there are now plenty of great ‘timber look’ options available, particularly for flooring.
Kate Fuller from our tiling partner Perini Tiles says porcelain timber tiles are becoming increasingly popular. As well as looking and feeling like real timber, they’re perfect for wet areas like bathrooms as they’re water resistant, low maintenance and durable. They won’t warp or scratch and don’t require the sealing or oiling real timbers need in damp spaces.
“Timber tiles have become so popular there is now an abundant of colours and textures available — from oak, blackwood, spotted gum to recycled, raw and coloured options. Advancements in tile technology and digital ink printing ensure tiles perfectly simulate the look and feel of the real thing with no two tiles looking alike,” Kate says.
Reece Bathrooms provide the bathroom products and accessories you see on The Block each week. Check out www.reece.com.au for more bathroom inspiration and how to incorporate the timber look into your bathroom.
Bella Lujo has announced the release of Renaza, a range of mosaic timber tiles crafted from 100 year-old hardwood, sustainably sourced from decommissioned boats. I can’t tell you how much I love this concept!
The Renaza (Spanish for ‘reborn’) timber tile range offers an affordable and ecologically sound way to bring the warmth and spirit of timber to any interior. Seasoned by the elements after a lifetime at sea, the timber used in each tile is up to a century old, possessing an incredible resilience and rich character. This, combined with the finite quantity of reclaimed hardwood available, adds to the range’s exclusivity.
