Bathroom Renovation and Design
The latest tips and advice on bathroom renovation and design by Kent Sneddon, Methven's Group Head of Design and Development, as published on Bathrooms Today in Your Home and Garden.
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Bathroom renovations
There is nothing better than the feeling of a fresh new bathroom in your existing home.
How you want to invest in this space will determine the extent of the renovation. Bathroom renovations do add value to existing homes just like kitchen improvements - they are key elements to potential buyers of property.
Bathroom renovations can be as simple as updating the tapware and shower products or giving the space the full make over.
New tapware will certainly give the bathroom a contemporary look and improve the actual functionality as new tapware have ceramic disc components to improve reliability and actuation.The shower space can again be improved by adding something as simple as a new handset. Shower handsets have come along way and new technologies like Satinjet by Methven mean that your ordinary shower can be transformed into a shower you want to get under every morning and be able to rinse that shampoo and conditioner out of your hair effectively - something I don't need to worry about!
If you are looking to undertake a major renovation then spend time in the planning - how do you want the space laid out to maximise the room dimensions, what type of materials will compliment the rest of the home and create that special sanctuary that you'll enjoy for years to come?
You may find you want something completely different from the rest of the theme of the home, that's fine as long as you have that feeling of calming and relaxing. Hey you can have a night club in there, if you want but long term you'll be redoing it in a year or two. It's a space to have longevity, a space that will last you for 10 years and at the end of the day a space for you.
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Bathroom - your getaway
Summer days, the beach... all things we have at this time of the year in New Zealand.
That summer feeling is something that we can also bring into our homes and bathrooms, creating a relaxed and laidback atmosphere that makes everyday seem like you are on holiday. So bring some sand, shells, pebbles or drift wood back from the beach and fill glass or ceramic vessels in layers or levels. Remember to allow items to be naturally random so it doesn't look too perfect. Think of some woven grass containers and mats over tiled or timber floors. Also look at large vases filled with dried branches, flax and grasses which work well in larger bathroom spaces. Don't however fill the room with items, as less is more.
Use colours on the walls that bring and keep the summer going even in the cooler months. Both Dulux and Resene have some great options, weather you look to the white and cream shades or a splash of colour. I personally tend to prefer the natural off-whites that work well with timber vanities and floors as well as natural tile tones and the white of the vitreous china. Don't forget framed black and white holiday images, hang more than one together on the wall and look forward to those summer days again.
In this spirit a Methven Infusion is a good idea. This ingenious system is easy to attach to your existing shower and allows aromas to be infused into the shower water. It creates an experience that is both relaxing and good for your wellbeing. For the list of stockists check http://www.methven.com/nz/support/stockists/
Yes, there are lots of ways to bring some relaxed luxury to your bathroom. Consider what makes you feel relaxed and in that holiday mood. Whether it is camping at the beach or the trip to Bali - these special memories can make the winters seem short and summers long.
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Introduction to bathroom renovations
Today bathrooms are an extension of the living environment whether it be contemporary and simple or luxurious and plush, the choice of materials and finishes is boundless the only restraint is our imagination.
Our bathrooms’ layout is evolving and clever use of space means even the smallest ensuite can be the perfect retreat after a days work. Our expectations have certainly lifted, the value of a great bathroom has increased the balance within the home and alterations to bathrooms are seen as a fairly simple and quick solution to a homes feel good factor.
The bathroom hardware has the same vastness of choice - styles and finishes combined with technologies and brands, this and our ability to be responsible for the environment is clearly becoming part of the choices we make here and around the world.
As part of a company working in the global market I see our sophistication for design awareness is continuing to grow – we are well connected and our architects and interior designers are incredibly globally aware.
We can all achieve spaces that reflect who we are, sanctuaries from our daily lives where we can be pampered and relax or just be beautifully practical.
The key to it all is making the most out of the space and of course the budget, a lot can be done and over the following months we will discuss some of this.
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Bathroom vanities
Baths, toilets and vanities, so many choices and options, the question is how do you want your bathroom to feel when you spend time there, today the move away from total minimalism to a warmer friendlier space where more of a theme or personality can be put in place.
As the bathroom trends allow for friendlier spaces so to does the forms and shapes of the baths and vanities – softer but still geometric forms of vanity basins give the space structure and interest, not to be confused with organic forms of the 80’s which tended to be more pebble like shapes, today designers are looking for confident geometry but not sterile and hard cornered.
Pure functionality and practicalities of life take precedent; aspects of touching and cleaning the basins, toilets and baths are a priority together with style.
Baths have that luxurious aspect of relaxation about them and can either be freestanding if space allows or built in, either can look great and gives that other option of bathing particularly if time isn’t to much of an issue.
Toilets again have various options wall or floor mounted, soft close seats, water saving flush systems and quiet flush technology, all features that can be sort after when looking for a toilet, think how these pieces work together, I personally like having a suite of vanity, bath and toilet, it gives a visual flow and continuity of style from space to space.
Some of the main brands for sale have a mixture of these types of products – Duravit, Caroma, Englefield, Fowler and Kohler all have a range of styles and options that would suit – there is some great product out there, have a look around and dream of your perfect space.
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Bathroom fittings
Last time I talked about the bathroom space – this month we look at bathroom fittings.
Like other aspects of the bathroom there is a huge range of choice and styles, if we look firstly at shower hardware which often gets relegated to the last thing to look at however it is the item that we most appreciate first thing in the morning, after work, after the gym or just to relax – a great shower makes a real difference. Today new technologies have enabled us to have a great shower and yet have the option to use less water and look after our environment – Methven has Satinjet, a technology that uses twin jets to break the water into thousands of smaller droplets allowing us to feel encompassed in water, Grohe and Hansgrohe utilise air to assist in water dispersion and give a feeling of softer water and finally the conventional showers which is purely water forced through a single aperture – however has limitations with pressure and overall experience – so within all these ranges there will a shower type and style that suits your needs – don’t forget your water pressures before purchase to make the most out of your shower choice.
Tapware is full of vast styles, brands and price – most brands range from upper to highend price bracket and with range of styles – brands like Grohe, Hansgrohe, Hansa, Dornbracht and Methven plus many more in the lower end cover the tapware market.
Style is what will dominate the decision making, for me longevity of style is priority, something that will stand the test of time – not so flamboyant that it will make you cringe in two years time – select something sophisticated yet interesting and that suits the style of your space – look at the minimalist ranges that the brands have as well as the more contemporary styles like Kiri from Methven.
Finishes in both shower and tapware products a predominantly chrome with some new satin black and white trickling into the ranges – when selecting look at how the range connects with the other items in the space and have fun choosing!
