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23 July 2020
from reiwa.com.au

With the recent building grants announced by the State and Federal Government, you might be feeling inspired to build your dream home instead of buying an established property.  

If you are one of those people who took the plunge and bought a block of land, or maybe your bathroom just needs a facelift, then it’s time to start thinking about what the perfect bathroom means for you.  

We spoke with senior building designer for Summit Renovations, Ashley Tunley about the bathroom design trends that have gained momentum in 2020.  

“Bathrooms remain one of the most popular rooms in an Australian home to renovate. We spend so much time in them, so it’s important to make sure the design and layout works for everyone in the family,” Mr Tunley said. 

Top emerging bathroom trends 

Pop of colour  

Don’t be afraid to inject a little colour and fun into your bathroom.

The perfect addition to a neutral bathroom is an unexpected pop of colour which will create a focal point, either with your tiles, basins or hardware – the choice is yours! 

Tapware 

Brushed tapware seems to be increasing popular. Wall mixers and wall mounted tapware in this finish really stands out against the splashback.

One trend we’re seeing no signs of slowing down is the use of black tapware, which continues to gain momentum when it comes to bathroom renovations.   

Freestanding baths   

Freestanding baths instantly turn your bathroom into a resort-style sanctuary and are very popular amongst those renovating when adequate space is available.

With many different styles and sizes from oval or rectangle to D-shape and round, there’s plenty of options to choose from.   

Walk-in showers 

A walk-in shower provides a contemporary finish and with no door or minimal glass – it really is a showstopper when it comes to a bathroom renovation.  

Not only is a walk-in shower safer for children and the elderly, it’s also much easier to clean. With fewer nooks and crannies, that means less dirt and mould that can accumulate.   

It also allows for a shower with a floor-to-ceiling design which gives you more options for where you place the shower heads and tapware. 

What about materials and textures? 

Use quality, natural materials for surfaces such as stone benchtops which remain a popular choice in the bathroom due its durability.   

Textured wall tiles are a popular choice as not only do they add personality and life to a bathroom, but they also prevent condensation forming on your walls.   

When it comes to your bathroom vanity, a great way to add texture and warmth is by adding feature timber laminate. This continues to be a popular material due to its variation in colours and tones and it offers a timeless look.  

According to Mr Tunley, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all bathroom solution. 

“If the design of your bathroom is carefully considered, there’s nothing stopping you from having the bathroom of your dreams,” he said. 

Before you breathe life into your new bathroom, make sure you’ve read our ten tips for renovating your bathroom.  

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Story via @REIWA

 

14 September 2016
Author: Samantha Jones

Renovating a house is not for the fainthearted. It can be time consuming, effort intensive and often expensive, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

Before kick starting a renovation project, make sure you’ve addressed these questions.

1. What exactly do you plan to renovate?

This question sounds easy enough, but you might be surprised at the ripple effect renovating one room can have on the home.

You want any improvements you make to be seamless and fit in with the design of the original home. Modernising one area, like a kitchen or bathroom, may look out of place if it doesn’t blend well with the rest of the home.

You will also need to determine how involved the renovations will be. Are you planning a small upgrade to one or two rooms, or something more extensive like an extension? You’ll need to establish a rough timeline of how long the project will take and whether or not you can reside in the home for the entire duration. If not, you’ll need to figure out where you will stay during this time.

2. What is your budget for this project?

Establishing a budget from the outset and working to it is key. How much money are you willing (and able) to spend on this renovation? Does this money cover your wish list or do you need to readjust your expectations?

Over exerting yourself financially is risky. Be realistic and work to your budget. You can always stagger the project and get to some of the less crucial items on your list later down the track.

3. Will your renovations add value?

Improving a property’s capital value is often a driving factor behind the decision to renovate. If your plan is to renovate so you can sell your house at a better price, then you need to be strategic about what features and additions you choose.

A REIWA buyer’s agent can help you identify what renovations should be carried out. They will carry out due diligence on your behalf so you don’t overcapitalise and help ensure your renovations fit in well with the neighbourhood, street and original design of the home.

As well as being able to determine the end value and research sought after features in your area, they’ll also contact your local council on your behalf to make sure your renovations adhere to local regulations.

On the flipside, if you plan to live in the home long-term and your primary motivation is to improve your personal living experience then you have more freedom to make changes that suit your unique preferences.

4. Will you engage a professional or is this a DIY project?

Whether or not you engage a professional designer and builder to oversee this project is likely to depend on the size and scale of the renovation.

If it’s a small improvement, you might feel comfortable completing the project yourself, however if it’s a big job it’s probably smarter to use the services of a professional like a buyer’s agent to ensure the best people are on the job.