PALETTE PERFECTION Compose your dream bathroom scheme

Palette perfection

CREATE A LOOK YOU’LL LOVE WITH OUR TIPS FOR PUTTING TOGETHER AN ON-TREND BATHROOM SCHEME 

Words KYLIE JACKES

Modern farmhouse

Background in Dulux Vivid White paint. Dulux paint swatch in Hog Bristle. Think Benchtops ‘Solid’ engineered stone swatch in Vena Cloud, $4.94, I/N: 0111458. Taubmans paint swatch in (from top) Extra Extra, Forever More and Mohawk Blue. Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint in French Green, $10.70/100ml, I/N: 0162900. Decor8 ‘Gabana’ 200mm x 200mm matt floor tile in Rubeli, $4.90, I/N: 0289545. Prestige 110mmm metal case handle in Black, $6.44, I/N: 4022604. Duratile ‘Marble’ 60cm x 60cm porcelain floor/wall tile in Black Gloss, $28.08/carton of 3, I/N: 0271134 (swatch shown). Kaboodle Kitchen A5 door and panel swatch in Spiced Oak, $1.98, I/N: 2668035, 64mm cup handle in Matt Black Finish, $7.30, I/N: 2667728, and A5 benchtop swatch in Mayonella, $1.98, I/N: 2669522. Taubmans paint swatch in Morning Fog. Kaboodle Kitchen A5 door and panel swatch in Danish Blue, $2.98, I/N: 0212590. Duratile ‘Subway’ 30cm x 10cm wall tile in White Gloss, $22.44/pack of 34, I/N: 0038766. Mondella ‘Resonance’ WELS 3-star 9L/min ceramic disc basin set in Matt Black, $148, I/N: 0299475. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

STYLE TIP

TIMBER INJECTS WARMTH INTO A SPACE – AS WELL AS A TOUCH OF RUSTIC NOSTALGIA

Selecting components for a new or renovated bathroom should be exciting – but may feel daunting. With the almost limitless options of tiles, tapware, colour, cabinetry and more, it can be hard to know where to start. However, a moodboard can help simplify the process.

According to designer Lynda MacDonald (thedesignchaperone.com.au), making a moodboard is the first step to developing your design scheme. “It creates a visual representation of ideas and can help narrow down the overall look and feel you want.”

For inspiration, browse through magazines and online, suggests Caroma industrial designer Luke Di Michiel. “When you find a bathroom that appeals, ask yourself, ‘What is it that I like? Is it the style, the colours, emotional connection?’ Understanding these responses can hone your preferences and understanding of complementary colours, textures and products,” he says.

With a bathroom style in mind, the next step is to collect tiles, paint, tapware, handle and benchtop samples. To help inspire your own palette, here are three top styles, with expert design tips on how to pull each look together.

Modern farmhouse

This fresh take on a traditional look blends rustic charm with contemporary clean lines and practicality (see previous page). “It’s favoured in kitchens, but translates well into bathrooms to create a cohesive look throughout the home,” says Luke. Think light natural timbers and stone selections, or monochromatic schemes, all punctuated with a pop of colour or pattern.

Interior designer Kelly Donougher (13interiors. com) likes to include one main tile and then a feature tile as a focal point, either across the floor or as a backdrop to the vanity. “Just ensure you keep scale and proportion in mind,” she warns. “The feature tile should be an accent within the space, not something that dominates the room.”

Bold black tapware and accessories can look striking and add a modern edge without detouring from the overall farmhouse vibe. “A great combination is matt black tapware in a contemporary profile, offset with traditional cup-style cabinetry handles,” suggests Kelly.

While neutral tones paired with black and timber elements is a classic combination, introducing blue is a wonderful way to inject personality. “My favourite blue at the moment is Dulux Chicory Flower,” says Lynda. “It adds character to your space, whether it’s on vanity cabinetry or a painted feature wall.”

“A physical moodboard with samples gives you the opportunity to see the finishes together, before investing in the products”

Kelly Donougher, 13 Interiors

TOP Pattern and colour add vibrancy to a traditional farmhouse look, complete with VJ panelling

STYLE TIP

DRAW COLOUR AND MATERIAL CUES FROM OTHER SPACES IN THE HOME TO CREATE A COHESIVE LOOK

ABOVE Background in Dulux Dromedary paint. Kaboodle Kitchen A5 door and panel swatch in Berry Sorbet, $2.98, I/N: 0268883. Gayafores ‘Deco Sahara Blanco’ 625mm x 320mm porcelain wall and floor tile, $61/pack of 5, I/N: 0264118. Think Benchtops ‘Timber’ swatch in Beech, $4.94, I/N: 0215153. Gayafores 625mm x 320mm porcelain floor and wall tile in Calacatta Gold, $61/pack of 5, I/N: 0264140† (swatch shown). Zenith 135mm round robe hook in Brushed Nickel, $12.98, I/N: 3930543. Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint in Explorer Blue, $10.70/ 100ml, I/N: 0162898. Caroma ‘Luna’ bath/ shower mixer in Brushed Nickel, $157, I/N: 0327297. Taubmans paint swatch in Beige Chalk. British Paints paint swatch in New Arrival. Travertine 610mm x 406mm x 30mm natural stone paver, $22.54, I/N: 0131434 (fragment shown). Decor8 Tiles 318mm x 247mm x 6mm herringbone ceramic mosaic tile in White Gloss, $7.80, I/N: 0014279. Belite ‘Boulevard’ 306mm x 76mm ceramic subway wall tile in Breeze Gloss, $1.90, I/N: 0295837. Prestige 32mm x 32mm square mushroom knob in Brushed Nickel, $6.33, I/N: 4020627. Think Benchtops ‘Solid’ engineered stone swatch in Meringue, $4.94, I/N: 2669725. Caroma ‘Luna’ WELS 6-star 4.5L/min basin mixer in Brushed Nickel, $208, I/N: 0327287. All other products, stylist’s own.

“Don’t go overboard and choose too many different, competing materials. Instead, use one or two carefully considered statement elements”

Lynda MacDonald, The Design Chaperone ABOVE Cibo ‘Mornington’ 900mm wall hung vanity in Oak with countertop basin in Light Grey/White and handle in White, $1,742, I/N: 0294912 (tapware sold separately)†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Coastal chic

Light, bright, airy and relaxed are hallmarks of this style, which conjures feel-good seaside vibes. “Neutral colours like white and beige provide a great foundation for a spacious feel, and beautifully complement oceaninspired pale blues, greens and warmer sandy tones,” says Luke.

As neutral bathrooms may look a little plain, Kelly recommends adding wow factor with textural elements. “Travertine is a timeless finish, which adds subtle texture and warmth and feels great underfoot,” she says. “Lightertoned timber in a vanity, shelving or mirror frame can also enliven a white palette.”

The type of basin will influence your choice of tapware, so Luke advises selecting them together. “Also, keep the tapware style and finish consistent across your basin, shower and bath.” He suggests simple rounded forms and subtle metallic finishes like brushed nickel for a casual coastal look.

After you’ve decided on key materials and fixtures, contemplate the smaller details. “It’s the finishing touches that can give the coastal look a sense of luxe and ‘holiday at home’ feel,” explains Lynda. “Add privacy with plantation shutters or softly draping linen curtains, layer the benchtop with a marble tray for beauty products and use natural baskets to store fluffy white towels,” she suggests. 

ABOVE Background in Taubmans Silver Leaf paint. Think Benchtops ‘Timber’ swatch in European Cherry, $4.94, I/N: 2669732. Duratile ‘Terrazzo Classic’ 60cm x 60cm porcelain floor/wall tile, $29.16/carton of 3, I/N: 0271126 (swatch shown). Lane 50mm round cabinet knob in Brushed Brass, $12, I/N: 0364727. Decor8 Tiles ‘Boulevard Fan’ 334mm x 221mm ceramic mosaic tile in Shadow Gloss, $8, I/N: 0302855. Kaboodle Kitchen A5 door and panel swatch in Sour Cream, $1.98, I/N: 2669916, and Cardamom, $2.98, I/N: 0212581. Lane 32mm cabinet pull in Brushed Brass, $8.50, I/N: 0364738. Dulux paint swatch in Pale Eucalypt. Porter’s Paints paint swatch in (from top) Old Stone Wall, French Green, Timberline and Bay Leaf. Kaboodle Kitchen A5 benchtop swatch in Hickory Maple, $1.98, I/N: 2666152. British Paints paint swatch in Green Bottle. Think Benchtops ‘Solid’ engineered stone swatch in Vena Cloud, $4.94, I/N: 0111458. Decor8 Tiles ‘Oxford’ 152mm x 76mm ceramic wall tile in Meadow Gloss, $1.20, I/N: 0295848. Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint in Timberline, $10.70/100ml, I/N: 0162923. Mondella ‘Maestro’ WELS 4-star 7.5L/min lever handle basin set in Brass, $124, I/N: 5004208. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Caroma ‘Contura’ 1700mm freestanding bath, $3,631, I/N: 0302914† If you want to create an ensuite that channels day-spa serenity, Lynda MacDonald suggests turning to nature for colour and material inspiration. “This look is about evoking a feeling of calm and tranquillity, which many of us experience outdoors,” she says. “Bring the sensory experience inside with tactile timber and stone and soothing gentle green tones.”

Luke Di Michiel’s advice is to not be afraid of using darker colours and textures. “This helps create a calm, relaxing backdrop and pairs well with brass and gold-accent tapware,” he says. “Complement the look with fluid, organic shapes.” These could be softly curved basins in a matt finish or a sculptural, freestanding bath teamed with a timber stool.

While this style is often associated with pared-back minimalism, it’s also about creating a sense of escapism and indulgence. “Gone are the days of the boring white laminate cabinet. Now it’s about individuality,” says interior designer Kelly Donougher. “Consider vanity designs with fluted doors, slatted woodgrain, curved benchtops, oversized handles and comforting elements like plants and candles, which all make it feel like a room where you can truly unwind.”

“Green tones can work with light or dark timbers, greys, browns or neutral tones. It’s a complementary colour in so many schemes”

Kelly Donougher, 13 Interiors

Uplift your bathroom with stylish accessories

Gina Ciancio of Style Curator shows the four simple steps to fit bathroom accessories without tools – or damage – thanks to the innovative range by tesa

Gina Ciancio (@stylecuratorau) shows there’s no risk of cracking tiles with tesa’s innovative adhesive accessory design

Step 1

Step 2

1 tesa ‘Loxx’ toilet roll holder, $27, I/N: 0126741. 2 tesa ‘Loxx’ bathrobe hook, $20, I/N: 0126744. 3 tesa ‘Loxx’ double bath towel rail, $60, I/N: 0126747. 4 tesa ‘Loxx’ bath towel rail, $46, I/N: 0126746. 5 tesa ‘Loxx’ towel ring, $30, I/N: 0126748. 6 tesa ‘Loxx’ towel hook, $16, I/N: 0126742.

Step 3

Step 4

If you’re looking for ideas to refresh your bathroom, let me share with you tesa’s range of bathroom accessories to help you add style and function to your space. From robe hooks and towel rails to toilet-roll holders and shower shelves, there’s a whole range of sleek accessories to choose from.

Best of all, you won’t need any tools or risk cracking tiles thanks to the innovative adhesive design, which is reliable and damage-free. So whether you’re renting or simply want to avoid drilling into tiles, read on to find out how easy it is to use these German-designed products.

STEP 1

Prepare the surface by cleaning the tile with an alcohol-based cleaner.

STEP 2

Attach the mounting plate onto the wall by removing the sticker backing and pressing firmly onto the tile.

It’s a good idea to hold your accessory onto the wall to check the height and position beforehand. This will help you avoid obstacles (such as taps) and ensure there is enough clearance space around (such as for your towel to hang).

STEP 3

Fill behind the mounting plate with the adhesive by inserting the tip through the larger hole and gently squeezing. Allow to dry for 12 hours.

STEP 4

Finally, attach your bathroom accessory onto the mounting plate and use the hex key to secure it.

And you’re done! It’s that easy to add contemporary bathroom accessories to your space. Finish your mini bathroom makeover with towels to suit your colour scheme, fresh flowers or plants, bathroom products and more!

If you ever decide to remove the bathroom accessory, simply use a wrench or jaw pliers to rotate the mounting plate clockwise. Find the complete tesa range in the bathroom aisle of your nearest Bunnings.