LUXE FOR LESS

PLAN IT BATHROOM REFRESH Luxe for less TRANSFORM YOUR WASH ZONE WITHOUT BLOWING THE BUDGET

Words CAROLINE BOTTING

Combining careful planning with just a few big-ticket items can result in a beautiful bathroom that is still kind to your back pocket. Follow our tips to make it work for you.

Alejandro Sosa 3D. Paint colours may vary on application. †Available to order at

Image rendering

the Special Orders Desk. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Mondella ‘Rococo’ 1200mm vitreous china vanity basin with 1 tap hole, $168, I/N: 0199628, and WELS 4-star 4.5/3L rimless back-to-wall toilet suite, $297, I/N: 0126030. Caroma ‘Cupid’ freestanding bath, $1,999, I/N: 0306415†. Wall painted in Dulux Happy Valley paint. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Talk to your tradies

Have a clear budget in mind and discuss it with your tradies. “Engaging early with a plumber will allow you to explore options and associated costs and timing upfront, better preparing you for decision making and to achieve the best possible outcome,” says Luke Di Michiel of Caroma.

Good planning also means having tradies in line and on time when needed, to help prevent delays and extra cost.

Keep the layout

When renovating, retaining the same bathroom footprint and layout can save big bucks. Keep load-bearing walls where they are, and avoid moving the location of plumbing or electrical fixtures. If you can keep all the plumbing to one wall, even better. Your tradies can give you a real idea of what your proposed changes might cost, and if there might be workable alternatives.

Double vanities mean you’ll never wait for basin access again

FAST FIXES

Replace tapware This is a quick price-friendly fix with big impact. Select the basin mixer first, then the shower and bathroom accessories with complementary shapes to create a cohesive look.

Tackle old grout and silicone

If the tiles are in good condition, removing and replacing the grout will help to give the whole room a fresh, clean look. Power of paint From the floors to the ceiling, vanity to the bathtub, paint can make a big change. Choose coatings suitable for a wet space and appropriate for the surface.

If your existing vanity is structurally sound, it can be revamped inexpensively with specialist paint and new drawer pulls

Plush towels and potted greenery help enhance the space

Spend and save

Trim costs on big-ticket items, without compromising on style. Vanity If your vanity can’t be revived, this is an item to invest in. Not only is it used frequently, but it is also often the bathroom’s focal point, so a new one will have major impact on the way the whole space looks and feels. Tiles Replace chipped and cracked tiles and, if they’re in good nick but the pattern is dated, consider painting them. If new ones are needed, you could tile just the wet zones, such as the shower, around the bath and behind the vanity, and paint the remaining areas.

Keep in mind...

n Plumbing and electrical works must be done by a licensed tradie. Ensure you do your research. n Check with your local council for waterproofing guidelines and regulations.

Electricals Focus on the necessities. Prioritise lighting options for daily tasks, such as shaving. Invest in good ventilation, to help prevent mildew, mould and odours. If possible, add a heated towel rail for warmth. Toilet A quality loo will pay dividends in good looks, ease of living and water usage (view the WELS rating; the more stars, the more water efficient it is). Flooring Ceramic tiles are hardy and can imitate expensive stone. Hybrid flooring (laminate with a waterproof core) gives the visual warmth of timber floorboards in areas that normally wouldn’t allow it. Vinyl can mimic highend materials from timber to tiles.

Smooth move

Make your home relocation a success with products and room-by-room planning tips from Wrap & Move

1. BEDROOMS

Start on guest bedrooms, and leave the kids’ bedrooms until last. Items used least should be packed first. Shift your whole wardrobe with a Wrap & Move

257Lt Heavy Duty Porta Robe Moving

Carton, which includes a handy hanging rail and an easy access closing door to protect clothing from dust and dirt. Clothes, stuffed toys, manchester, pillows and more can all fit into Wrap & Move 105Lt Moving Bags. Protect your mattress from the elements with Wrap & Move Mattress Protectors, available from single to king sizes.

2. LANDING

Often a treasure trove of knick-knacks, artwork, stands and consoles, landings and hallways need a packing plan.

Wrap & Move Light Duty Bubble Wrap

is ideal for protecting mirrors, pictures and other slim items, while Wrap &

Move 38Lt Light Duty Moving Cartons

are perfect for medium-weight items. Use Wrap & Move Honeycomb Paper Wrap to cushion fragiles.

3. OFFICE/STUDY

Once you’ve purged those papers and sorted your books and magazines, it’s time to pack. Store documents, folders, stationery and other small items in Wrap & Move 26Lt Light Duty Moving Cartons – the lid even has a handy labelling area. Protect your desk and shelving units (and walls) with Wrap & Move Corner Protectors. Use the Wrap & Move Mini Shrink Wrap (apply with the Dispenser) to secure pen holders, stationery trays, and even the desk to keep drawers closed.

4. KITCHEN

The heart of the home is also the epicentre of all things breakable! The Wrap & Move Glass Divider Insert ensures your wine glasses stay safe in transit, while the Wrap & Move Plate Packing Kit has several sizes of foam plate pouches to keep them protected. Wrap & Move Foam Socks snugly slide over wine and olive oil bottles and glassware. Wrap & Move

52Lt Light Duty Rectangle Moving

Cartons are great for extra crockery, appliances and pots and pans.

5. LOUNGE & DINING ROOM

Large living and dining room furniture items need protection, but can be cumbersome. The Wrap & Move Dining Chair Protector slips seamlessly over chairs. Protect your dining table, coffee table and other large pieces with Wrap & Move Foam Edge Protector, to prevent knocks and scratches. Large rugs and mats can be simply rolled up and sealed in a Wrap & Move Rug Storage Bag. Take care of the heavy lifting using the Wrap & Move Square Moving Trolley Kit.

6. GARAGE

This is likely to be the loading zone on moving day, so stash Wrap & Move Premium Moving Blankets here to protect your whitegoods and other furniture items. Large, heavy items – think garden equipment, paints, sports gear, and so on – require sturdy boxes;

Wrap & Move 104Lt Heavy Duty Tea

Chest Moving Cartons should be your go-to here.

7. WHOLE HOUSE

An organised move is a successful move, and colour-coding rooms with the Wrap & Move Set of Four Coloured Room Tapes makes a massive difference when it comes to unpacking. Finally, have Wrap & Move 50 Pack Fragile Labels on hand to make it very clear which precious items need extra care.

1 Wrap & Move 257Lt heavy duty porta robe moving carton, $19.95, I/N: 2583462, 105Lt moving bag, $5.65, I/N: 2610100, single mattress protector cover, $6.88, I/N: 2610088, double/queen mattress protector cover, $9.48, I/N: 2610091, and king mattress protector cover, $9.88, I/N: 2610092. 2 Wrap & Move 375mm light duty bubble wrap in Blue, $26.65/25m, I/N: 6650210, 38Lt light duty flat rectangle moving carton, $3.45, I/N: 2583000, and 300mm honeycomb paper wrap, $9/5m, I/N: 0254425. 3 Wrap & Move 340mm x 307mm x 250mm 26Lt light duty moving carton, $2.15, I/N: 2582999, foam corner protectors, pack of 4, $10.95, I/N: 0204123, and 100mm clear handheld mini shrink wrap, $16.65/250m, I/N: 2610114. 4 Wrap & Move 430mm x 400mm x 300mm 24 glass divider insert, $19.95, I/N: 0074020, 310mm x 300mm x 230mm plate packing kit, $11.95, I/N: 0204119, 200mm x 80mm foam socks, $10.95/pack of 12, I/N: 0074009, and 52Lt light duty rectangle moving carton, $3.68, I/N: 2583466. 5 Wrap & Move dining chair protector cover, $3.88, I/N: 2610093, foam edge protector, $10.95/4m, I/N: 0074010, 366mm x 274mm clear rug storage bag, $8.95, I/N: 0220412, and square moving trolley kit, $19.95, I/N: 0204127. 6 Wrap & Move 3.2m x 1.8m premium moving blanket, $49.95, I/N: 2610107, and 104Lt heavy duty tea chest moving carton, $6.35, I/N: 2583381. 7 Wrap & Move 48mm x 66m coloured room label tape, $14.95/pack of 4, I/N: 0204122, and fragile labels, $5.85/pack of 50, I/N: 0074013.