There’s no doubt a beautiful bathroom adds value to your home. From above counter basins to floor to ceiling tiles, this is one room where the right design elements can really take it to the next level.
To create a space that looks stunning and functions well, taking the time to consider your requirements is a must. For example, who will be using it (single, couple or family), what type of home will it be located in (your permanent residence, holiday home or an investment property) and how many bathrooms will you have, are all important questions to answer before you start.
So, to help you clarify your vision and bring your dream bathroom to life, in this article we share our winning design tips.
Defining your style
Your bathroom style should tie in to the overall theme of your home, creating a sense of consistency and cohesion throughout the space. For example, Scandi, coastal and hamptons styles are always popular, as the neutral organic tones are easy to style and never go out of fashion. A gorgeous example of a Scandi-style bathroom can be seen above from a recent project in Rye, where our clients have blended timber elements with bright whites for a stunning effect.
For a more traditional look, you can incorporate antique-style plumbing fixtures finished in brushed brass, gold and chrome. You can further accentuate this style through your choice of classic-look tiles (such as herringbone, chevron or mosaic), classical light fixtures and antique-looking mirrors. Our clients in Patonga Beach utilised these elements to create their show-stopping traditional bathroom shown above.
Another popular style can be seen in this recent project in Apollo Bay, which is a fantastic example of a modern design executed to perfection. Monochrome tones, crisp lines, matte black fixtures, large tiles, floor to ceiling lay, wall hung vanity, above counter basin and single glass shower panel, all telltale elements of a modern bathroom, are on display here and work wonderfully well together.
Expert tip: While modern design has long been defined by clean lines, we’re now seeing strong interest in curves. This 2023 trend encourages a look that focuses on comfort, ergonomics and organic shapes.
Selecting colours and materials
Your chosen theme will dictate your colour scheme to a certain degree, but you can always add a pop of colour to a tiled feature wall, as shown in our Shoreham 14 display home above. When choosing colours for tiles keep in mind that darker shades equal less maintenance, but if you prefer lighter tones, you can offset the maintenance by opting for darker grout colours. Porcelain slabs are another on-trend option which not only look clean and crisp, but are also very low maintenance.
When selecting your tiles, always be sure to check if they are recommended for floors, walls or both. For floor tiles, P3-P5 is recommended for its textured finish and higher level of slip resistance.
Expert tip: Pebbles, stone and terrazzo textured tiles are on-trend choices that give your bathroom a unique look and feel.
Choosing bathroom elements
Selecting the practical elements that will match your style and do their job effectively is essential to creating a harmonious space. Your shower must suit your needs in terms of space, ease of access and functionality, and the showerhead and screen are key considerations here too. A freestanding bath is on-trend and ideal for a luxury modern look (as shown in our Buxton project above), but you do need a bathroom that is large enough to accommodate it.
Above counter vanities are also in high demand, and they can be a feature of the room, particularly when you choose contrasting tones. A mirror shaving cabinet recessed into the wall provides streamlined storage space, while in-wall mixers give you more bench space and are easier to clean.
Expert tip: Back to wall freestanding baths are a popular hack, as they are easier to clean and can be installed in tight spaces.
Finishing touches and best upgrades
There are some amazing options and upgrades available to elevate your new bathroom, including pendant lights in a wide array of styles. Finger pulls (rather than handles) on your drawers and cupboards deliver a flush, modern look that’s a breeze to clean. Some of our most popular upgrades include a stone bench, back to wall freestanding bath, floor to ceiling tiles, above counter basins, speciality tiles (e.g. mosaic) and tapware and fixtures, especially in matte black, as shown in the Berridale project above.
Expert tip: If your home includes more than one bathroom, keeping the design elements consistent throughout not only looks great, it is also cost-effective.
Talk to us about your ideas today
If you’d like to discuss your design ideas and discover what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you! Post a comment below or contact our team for friendly advice.
