Whether you’re renovating an existing bathroom or starting from scratch, the materials and finishes you choose can greatly affect the overall aesthetic, functionality and longevity of the space. To help, Jacqueline Maya speaks with Rex Hirst, the managing director of Let’s Talk Kitchens and Interiors, about the visual and practical benefits of the latest bathroom trends.
An essential area within the home, the bathroom has become more than just a place to carry out hygiene routines; it’s also a space in which to relax. With this in mind, tranquil bathroom designs are in demand now more than ever.
From the flooring to the vanity unit, all aspects of a bathroom should be carefully considered. Here, Melbourne Kitchen + Bathroom Design provides a guide to selecting complementary materials and finishes to create a perfectly balanced space that’s overflowing with visual appeal.
START SMART
Before embarking on your bathroom project, you’ll first need to analyse your space in the context of your home. “You need to consider the size of the space, its architecture, any structural issues, lighting, windows – if any – furniture and accessibility,” Rex Hirst says. “All of these things can affect the design and integration values of your new bathroom.”
Engaging the services of an industry expert is equally important for ensuring the construction of your bathroom runs smoothly. “A well-designed bathroom is one that looks like it’s always been there,” Hirst says. “Make sure your chosen builder or contractor is a Registered Building Practitioner [RBP], as they’ll be aware of the regulations that have to be adhered to in order to meet all building requirements.”
Deciding on which materials and finishes to use within your bathroom can be a difficult task. However, with assistance from a qualified professional, and a little forward planning, you’ll be one step closer to achieving the bathroom of your dreams.
GLASS WITH CLASS
Most commonly used in the manufacture of showerscreens, glass is an affordable and effortlessly sleek material that remains popular in many areas of the home. The shift towards spacious and streamlined interiors suggests that transparency is on trend.
If you’re after a subtle feature with plenty of visual interest, a frameless-glass showerscreen or a semi-enclosed glass brick wall are perfect options. “Blade showerscreens or open showers are very convenient to use, and are much easier to clean,” Hirst says. “Due to its transparency, clear glass can [also] dramatically enhance the feeling of space in a small or tight room.” While glass shelves and splash guards are minimalist in their design, when combined with other glass elements such as
tapware and basins, these small additions can significantly enhance your bathroom’s appeal. For a well-balanced space that’s unmistakably modern, chrome fixtures will look right at home alongside glass elements.
Regardless of where or how you use it, glass will almost always add a touch of luxury to your space. Just be mindful that water marks and fingerprints are highly visible on this surface, so it will require regular cleaning.
MARVELLOUS METAL
Your tapware forms an integral part of your bathroom. Not only do these small yet necessary fixtures supply the water, but they can tie your entire bathroom together.
Freestanding bathtub spouts and shower heads are popular choices among today’s homeowners, and square tap designs are now more in demand over their curved counterparts. “We are [also] seeing a surge in the use of copper, brass and matte-black tapware at the moment, and for all the right design reasons,” Hirst says.
Choosing a warm metallic finish for your tapware is an excellent way to add a touch of colour to an understated palette, while selecting matte black will ensure your bathroom exudes contemporary style. To ensure that your fixtures match your bathroom’s overall aesthetic, select one design that you absolutely love and implement it throughout the entire space.
“Linear drains or shower grates are [also] very popular as they remove the need to cut tiles to achieve a fall to the floor waste,” Hirst adds. “When the grate is positioned across the opening to the shower it can be used to define the shower space, while ensuring the water can’t escape the shower area.”
COOL AS CONCRETE
Known for its strength, durability and sustainability, concrete is a staple building material. It is becoming more popular in residential interiors for the functional and decorative finish it provides. The adaptable quality of concrete lends itself to endless uses and styles, whether you’re after a warm and tactile feel or an urban contemporary look.
Due to its resilient nature, concrete is gaining popularity as a flooring option for almost any room of the home. However, the floor isn’t the only place concrete can look fantastic in your bathroom. Statement-making concrete benchtops and feature walls are gaining popularity, as are other practical
bathroom furnishings such as concrete built-in chairs or benches, which can double as works of art.
The adaptable quality of concrete lends itself to endless uses and styles. “While concrete is always sealed during manufacturing, it can become very porous once penetrated, scratched or chipped, so you must look after it,” Hirst says. Regular cleaning is vital to ensure your concrete elements remain in pristine condition.
TERRIFIC TIMBER
While concrete is an exceptional material, it can make a space feel harsh or clinical if not styled appropriately. With the addition of a few timber elements, your bathroom will instantly appear more welcoming. Solid timbers such as mahogany, teak, cedar and bamboo are best to use in the bathroom as they’re less likely to be affected by moisture, warping or swelling.
If you’re pining for timber elements, a wooden or wood-look sink is a fantastic statement piece. Using timber veneer for both your bathroom and kitchen cabinetry doors is also a popular trend that will create a harmonious result.
Further, if space is an issue, selecting a lighter-coloured timber will make your bathroom appear more spacious, while rich, dark varieties will look incredible in a larger area. “As a general rule, dark colours will usually pull the walls in, while lighter colours will make the space feel larger,” Hirst says.
Whatever timber you decide to use and wherever you choose to use it, it needs to be treated with a high-quality sealer to ensure a long-lasting result.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
Lastly, Hirst provides some great insight into the upcoming bathroom material trends for the year ahead. Terrazzo tiles are strongly coming into fashion, especially within modern homes, while in-wall cisterns will soon become an industry norm. Similarly, as seen in many other areas of the home, advanced smart-home technologies will rapidly emerge in the bathroom as well.
While trends come and go, so long as you select the right materials and finishes for your space, your bathroom will not only stand the test of time, but will allow the stresses of everyday life to simply wash away.