Thinking of bathroom renovation? Are you bombarded with bathroom inspiration, choices, ideas and images all telling you what you need to create your perfect bathroom? When planning for a bathroom renovation, it is important to keep in mind both the aesthetics and the function of the space.

At Bathrooms Renovations Melbourne we strive to create a beautiful bathroom space without losing sight of the basics of bathroom renovation. A bathroom renovation is a significant investment. You want your bathroom to keep looking good and serve its basic function for many years to come.

Design

There are many tools available to help you create your bathroom design. Don’t underestimate the role of an experienced professional who will quickly determine the kind of space you have to work with, what it is you want to fit into this room, and also whether or not it will work effectively. A modern well-designed bathroom creates a feeling of space, openness and relaxation.

Function

Design needs to match function. Who is going to use the bathroom? What are their needs? What do they prefer? Minimalism is a strong design trend in bathrooms right now. Yet, in practical terms, a single basin mounted on a sleek bench top – with no cabinet or drawers underneath – cannot satisfy real-world bathroom storage needs.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Using larger tiles, tiling floor to ceiling, choice of toilet suite, inclusion of built-in shower niches, type of benchtop and cabinetry can all help to reduce the time spent cleaning and maintaining your new bathroom.

Tiling

The tiles you choose for your bathroom are a pivotal part of your overall look and can have a significant impact on your bathroom budget, too. With many people now choosing to tile from floor to ceiling, the cost and impact of tiling is even greater. It is important to employ a tiling expert to achieve the perfect result.

Plumbing

The plumber completes a rough in of plumbing and relocates pipes and fixtures if required.  Plumbing can be relocated, however, it presents additional challenges if you are renovating in a solid brick or concrete slab house. All plumbing work needs to be completed by a licensed plumber, who is required to issue a Certificate of Compliance.

Waterproofing

This is a vital aspect of wet area renovation in order to reduce the risk of structural damage occurring as a result of dampness, water leaks, or condensation. All waterproofing needs to comply with Australian Standards (AS 3740 – 2010).

Fittings and Fixtures

The choice for your bathroom fittings and fixtures is huge. You don’t have to choose the most expensive, however, purchasing from a bathroom specialist will assist with product warranty and back up. All plumbing products need to comply with Australian standards.

A well-designed and built bathroom will serve the needs of you and your household for many years to come. Getting the basics in a bathroom right will guarantee that your bathroom experience will be continue to be hassle-free and blissful.

Tiles have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom and so it’s important to choose wisely. But walk into any tile showroom and the choice can be overwhelming, so what do you need to know to help you make the right decision?

Sizes

For larger bathrooms we would normally recommend choosing 600mm x 600mm tiles for the floor. This requires less grout and is easier to keep clean. Choosing 300mm x 600mm tiles for the walls creates a contrast with the size of the floor tile. There is less wastage with smaller tiles.

Colours

Contrasting colours might appeal, but keeping the wall and floor tiles matching will create a more seamless look. You can add some punches of colour with tapware or bathroom accessories.

This ultimately makes a tiny space look proportionally larger. Choose lighter colours and watch your space visually expand.

White on White

‘White on white’ is one thing that has never gone out of fashion.  Colour will always date, instead, incorporate colours around your mirrors and cabinetry, or choose some brightly coloured towels.

 

Grout

After you have selected your perfect tile, it is time for grout selection. Choosing a contrasting grout colour to your tile will create emphasis on the grout lines and therefore make the space feel choppy and confined. If the grout and tiles are of similar or the same tone it will enhance the spacious impression you are looking for.

Patterns

Tiles can be laid in a variety of patterns, however, the simplest and most common is the straight lay pattern.

Types of Tiles

Handmade tiles are usually a lot more expensive, however, they’ll give you texture and make a statement. Natural stone and concrete tiles are harder to maintain whereas porcelain and ceramic bathroom tiles are low maintenance. When choosing tiles, we recommend a timeless, classic approach. Choose a tiling aesthetic that you will be happy with for at least the next 10 years.

 

Suppliers

BRM Bathrooms choose to partner with Elegance Tiles, 690 Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham. We pass on trade prices for all tiles purchased through Elegance Tiles.

A bathroom vanity is the combination of the bathroom basin and the storage that surrounds it. It holds the sink and usually conceals the associated plumbing. The vanity provides much needed storage space.

The vanity can be the focal point of the bathroom. Alternately the vanity can subtly complement your chosen fittings and fixtures.

The size of the vanity will generally depend on the size of the bathroom itself as it is important that the vanity is in proportion.  Double vanities are a common choice if there is available space. With double vanities, two people can use the bathroom at the same time.

Basins

– Above Counter

Above counter basins sit on top of a vanity or bench and can be a striking focal point in your bathroom.

– Wall Mounted

A wall-mounted basin is great for small spaces.

– Semi inset

Semi inset basins are partially inset into the top of a vanity. They are very practical because they make maximum use of space above and below the counter.

– Inset or Vanity

Inset or vanity basins are deep or shallow basins that are set either flush with your vanity or have an inset edge. They are a practical, discreet and open design.

Benchtop

The benchtop is an element that your eye gravitates towards first. Draw attention to your vanity with your choice of top. Caesarstone has become a popular choice for bathroom benchtops. It is ideal for wet areas, resistant to stains and common household chemicals. Caesarstone maintains its lustre. Other popular choices are Laminex and solid timber.

Doors and Drawers

The vanity design needs to suit your needs. A combination of shelves and drawers is usually required. Most people need plenty of storage for toiletries, cosmetics, hairdryers, hair straighteners, cleaning products, medications, and anything else that you want to have easy access to.  You may also want to keep one set of fresh towels in your vanity, for easy access, and for aesthetic purposes.

Today, having cabinets and drawers without handles is becoming a popular option. Instead of a handle the cabinetmaker creates a fingerbox. This is a space behind the door or drawer, allowing you to open it with your fingers.