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kitchens & bathrooms | feature This G950 kitchen by Porcelanosa Studio demonstrates both smart and beautiful design. The floating units expose flooring and therefore increase perceived living space, while the full-height stainless steel doors slide away to reveal a bank of appliances. Furthermore, an integrated seating area increases functionality while adding to the design aesthetic
Move with the times
Kitchen design can range from super-suave to, well, bad. Here, Luxury Home Design chats to the experts about smart and beautiful design — and the components that make it so aesthetically pleasing By Tatyana Leonov
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Above The kitchen by Minosa is clearly the hub of the home in this design. The breakfast bar extends into a table, amalgamating the two into one and simultaneously creating a larger, social space for eating and for interaction. minosa.com.au Above Rustic and tactile, this “brushed and scrubbed” benchtop from Porcelanosa Studio contrasts beautifully with the dark matt wood texture. Interplay between textures, colours and materials can modernise the kitchen space. porcelanosastudio.com.au
Left and below Taste Living’s Flybridge is a moveable stone benchtop that can be used as additional bench space or as a seating area. Appliances such as the cooktop and sink can be concealed below the benchtop so that when the kitchen is not in use, a completely integrated look is achieved. There are two types of Flybridge available: the forward-facing Flybridge, and also the side-opening double Flybridge. tasteliving.com.au
Left The table addition in this kitchen, designed by Minosa, illustrates the informality of a casual dining space. Due to the busy lives we lead today, we often find ourselves in a rush so kitchen trends are leaning towards spaces that incorporate eat-in kitchens. minosa.com.au
depths being introduced not only to create interesting designs, but also to focus on making kitchens more ergonomically practical. This was a feature introduced by German manufacturers years ago, but through the availability and popularity of various kitchen components is becoming more widely used. Colin Wright, Porcelanosa Studio
Beautiful design
The new Due Integrity by Cosentino Silestone integrated sink has been designed to simplify the installation process — so it can be fully integrated with Silestone benchtops. Like the highly resistant quartz surface, the Due sink is great for those who want both aesthetic and functional qualities. silestone.com/oceania
Smart design Smart kitchens are beginning to engage with us through automation. By touching a door or drawer they can open effortlessly, making use of space a lot simpler; inferred switches can control moving benches or appliance cabinets that “pop” out of tall cabinets; walls of joinery can conceal a kitchen, then when the kitchen is needed it can reveal itself for function (great for small spaces). Simona Castagna, co-founder of Minosa Geometry is also having an effect on kitchen design this year, with various heights and
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Design aesthetic should always be driven by the client and how they function within the space. Heights and depths depend on clients’ requirements; extra drawer depths are sometimes needed with varying heights, depending on the desired function. Preparation spaces and set-down spaces for groceries, or informal sitting areas for light meals or social interactions, are becoming very popular. Simona Castagna, co-founder of Minosa
Integration Integration is seen in the increased inclusion of open shelves within kitchen designs — where accessories can be dovetailed into adjoining areas and where social zones are defined. Subtle overhangs, bridges and open spaces are being incorporated into various looks this year. This is a clever design element that maintains benchtop space, yet also increases perceived floor space by allowing the flooring to run through and underneath — particularly useful in smaller open-plan areas. Colin Wright, Porcelanosa Studio Over the past few years we have started to
see integration of appliances becoming more and more common. Far from being a trend, integrating appliances is a must. In the past, these appliances have been expensive and out of reach for most people. At Taste we believe that European design is for all and we have exclusively sourced a collection of integrated appliances from our Slovenian partner, Gorenje. We have integrated fridges and dishwashers that are a perfect fit with our state-of-the-art German-manufactured kitchen cabinetry. The greatest benefit of integrated appliances is to the aesthetics of the kitchen. While fridges and appliances tend to dominate the space, with the introduction of integrated appliances, the kitchen immediately becomes a piece of joinery. This allows things such as texture and finishes to be the ‘heroes’ of the space rather than the appliances. Jenny O’Connell, Taste Living’s head of kitchen products and design Over the decades we have seen the emergence of the open-plan kitchen, where walls have come down to bring the kitchen into the home. We are now seeing the kitchen space as a place of meet, socialise and eat — a real centre stage in the modern home. In my opinion, breakfast bars are becoming less popular (unless you are a chef who cooks and talks) and these are being substituted for a more social integrated table or bench space where people can sit face to face and interact better. Darren Genner, co-founder of Minosa
Above In this G680 kitchen from Porcelanosa Studio, smart design is achieved through the use of integration and the incorporation of varying elements. Benchtop space, a casual eating table and storage all work together to increase functionality. porcelanosastudio.com.au Below Taste Living’s Emotion Nova is an award-winning kitchen shown at Eurocucina 2010. Its modular design, which includes curved surfaces, enables flexibility to “create your own kitchen”. tasteliving.com.au
Fluidity
Texture Texture continues to dominate the trends for 2012, and while high-gloss lacquers are still popular, we are now seeing an increased shift towards matt lacquers and a move away from the polyurethane doors that have been dominant for a number of years. Combine this matt texture with open-grain veneers and the result is a practical and luxuriously tactile combination. Colin Wright, Porcelanosa Studio The right texture can liven up a completely white kitchen and give movement to an otherwise static environment. Kitchens are functional spaces that also need to be warm and inviting and natural textural finishes are a great way to do this. Texture in door fronts can be created through using glass, matt and gloss finishes and combining these. My favourite way to add texture is through the use of timber or natural materials, either through timber veneers,
solid timber worktops or a new Matextextured laminate that mimics natural timbers extremely well. Following on from a European trend in recent years, 2012 is the year of textured natural and eco finishes, with an increase in products with earthy and natural elements that are ecologically sound. Many of Taste Living kitchen suppliers are PEFC certified, meaning all the timber used in the kitchens is sourced and manufactured in an environmentally stable way. New to our collection are vintage rough-cut doors. These door fronts have been rough cut and then painted to project the look of recycled finishes. For the budget-conscious client, we also have Matex textured laminate that mimics this look. Another great new finish in our range is the Hacker Ceramic Basalt kitchen, a 3mm ceramic door finish with a stainless-steel edge. Jenny O’Connell, Taste Living’s head of kitchen products and design
The best way to bring fluidity into the kitchen is by using the same or similar materials, finishes and colours across kitchen, living and dining areas. Hacker, one of our kitchen brands at Taste, has developed a range designed specifically for this purpose. Named Comfort Elements, these are beautifully designed entertainment and credenza units that can be ordered in the same finishes as the kitchen. Jenny O’Connell, Taste Living’s head of kitchen products and design
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Hacker Uno Kitchen “Pastels follow a retro theme that is emerging in areas such as graphics, kitchen appliances and homewares,” explains Jenny O’Connell, Taste Living’s head of kitchen products and design. tasteliving.com.au
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Pastels in the kitchen
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Loved the sugary sweet pastel shades that coated the spring/summer 2012 catwalks? The candy-colour trend is here to stay and looks super-suave in the kitchen space
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1 Set of six vintageinspired spice tins by Emerald and Ella. emeraldandella. com.au 2 Two-slice toaster, part of the new Kenwood kMix Boutique collection. kmixboutique.com.au 3 KitchenAid Artisan Mixer. petermcinnes. com.au 4 Gelato cups and spoon by SteadySticks. steadysticks.com 5 5 Karim Rashid built-in oven with designer strip. tasteliving.com.au 6 Smeg BLV1 freestanding retro design dishwasher. smeg.com.au 7 Salt & Pepper Paperdoll sandwich platter. saltandpepperhome.com 8 Dandi’s range of botanically inspired tea towels. dandi.com.au 9 Elveden tea set. laura-ashley.com.au 8
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he kitchen of celebrity chef Guy Grossi is a truly unique space with its clean lines, modern style and, of course, the exceptional EcoSmart Fire chosen by architect Nicholas Murray. The kitchen is both aesthetically pleasing and very functional, seeming to present an amalgamation of modern elements. The marble splashback gives the impression of water meandering and coursing along the back wall, while the flames of the unique fireplace offer an opposing force. The earthy browns used for the cupboard doors and floor complement the space that the high white ceiling promotes. All in all, the kitchen is a crisp, all-encompassing room that showcases variety in an exceptionally contemporary manner.
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If you feel inspired by this celebrity chef’s kitchen, here’s how you can get the look 1 Laminex Pumice cupboard doors by Formica. Available from Formica. formica.com.au 2 Glacier White benchtop by Dupon Corian. Available from CASF. casf.com.au 3 Suspended up/down Magazine louvre light by Mlight. mlight.com.au 4 329720 Café Kitchen Mixer from Rogerseller. Available from Rogerseller. rogerseller.com.au 5 TANDEMBOX intivo by Blum. Available from Blum. blum.com 6 Oak volcanic natural oil flooring by Mafi. Available from Mafi. mafi.com.au 7 Calacutta Luccicoso marble splashback by Quantum Quartz and WK Stone. Available from Quantum Quartz and WK Stone. wk.com.au 8 EBE5107BA refrigerator from the Ebony range. Available from Electrolux. electrolux.com.au 9 EcoSmart Firebox 900 SS by EcoSmart Fire. Available from EcoSmart Fire. ecosmartfire.com
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Coffee machines
The Oliveri TN2010 is ideal for a solid surface benchtop with its heavy duty, solid brass body and 180-degree swivel spout. Practical, elegant and stylish, it complements any Oliveri undermount sink. oliverisinks. com.au
The soothing sound of the coffee grinder, the warm steaming milk, the froth, the luscious aroma ... who doesn’t love a coffee in the morning?
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2 1 The newly released Nespresso Maestria and Grand Maestria machines by Delonghi enable anyone to create the perfect cup of coffee at home, just like a true barista. Both feature retro dials at the front to allow coffee lovers to adjust the volume of coffee poured, and the Grand Maestria (pictured) offers unsurpassed control by allowing users the option of cold milk, hot milk, and two hot milk froth options (for stiff or velvety froth) to create high-quality iced coffees, lattes and cappuccinos. What more do you need? nespresso.com.au 2 The ultimate machine for the home, the ILVE machine is designed to be built in to your kitchen space. Featuring a combined milk frother and hot-water spout, personalised coffee presets and removable drip tray and water tank, it also has a decaffeinated coffee function for those who want the coffee taste without the buzz. The stand-out features include the red LED display system and the machine’s ability to be quiet and let you know when it needs refilling and cleaning. ilve.com.au 3 Everyone needs to get impressed sometimes, and it’s inevitable with the Impressa Z7 coffee machine by Jura. This top-quality model excites even the most demanding coffee enthusiast. Make a macchiato, cappuccino, or any of the 11 options at the touch of a button, and enjoy. The machine also features a clever pre-heating capability for the first cup, while a height-adjustable cappuccino spout ensures no splashes and optimum milk foam quality. au.jura.com 4 There’s something about making coffee the real way — all you need is freshly ground beans and a willingness to learn — and the commercially inspired Infuser BES840 Espresso Machine from Breville is “the one”. Rather than starting with bursts of high pressure, a steady low-pressure pre-infusion gently expands the grinds before stepping up to high pressure for an even extraction, while the 1700W high power delivers fast heat up and high-pressure steam for improved milk texturing. The result is a full-bodied delight. breville.com.au 5 Cappuccino? Flat white? Latte? They all come out perfect with this Perfecta ESAM5600 machine by Delonghi. In fact, the system features four separate milk buttons so you can really have the coffee you love at home. A graphic display touch screen makes creating a coffee all the easier, and the milk container cleans itself. So sit back and enjoy the coffee — because with this machine that’s about all you’ll have to do. delonghi.com 6 Sometimes simplicity is divine. Wake up to a freshly brewed coffee every morning using the 24-hour programmability function in this KitchenAid KCM222 Coffee Maker. With a 14-cup capacity, it’s the ideal coffee maker to use when guests come around, while a one-to-four-cup brew cycle is ideal for smaller crowds (or just yourself ). The pause-and-serve feature allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the entire pot is complete, and a self-clean function makes cleaning a breeze — just how coffee should be. kitchenaid.com.au
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Tricklingtaps We use it throughout the day so it pays to get a kitchen sink mixer that fits in with your kitchen design and will work well for years to come Stephan Marshall, managing director of The English Tapware Company, shares his advice on purchasing a kitchen tap Choose a style of tap to suit your kitchen, for example, French Provincial, country, modern or industrial.
The new electronic mixer in the Focus range by Hansgrohe recently won an iF Gold Award 2012 in the product design category and features a slender and gently rounded form. hansgrohe.com.au
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The Frattini Gaia sink mixer has been crafted with both functionality and style in mind. With its elongated trunk and smooth curvature, the sink mixer shows off a modern Italian design while remaining a classic piece. tasteliving.com.au
Buy the best quality you can afford — you will never regret it as your kitchen tap is the one appliance you use many times per day. Do your research: check material, valves and quality of finish — many taps look good initially but become troublesome within a year!
Right The beautiful Pegasi curved sink mixer is built in Australia and uses a two-stage valve for ease of operation and water saving. faucetstrommen.com.au Below This cleverly designed Culino sink mixer incorporates a drinking tap and an under-counter filter system for dual functionality. faucetstrommen.com.au
Billi has brought out a new range of kitchen mixers and a corresponding font after collaborating with architects, designers, consumers and staff. Clean, sophisticated and minimalist, the taps are safe and comply with mobility and access standards. billi.com.au
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feature | kitchens & bathrooms Right This Io bridge-style kitchen mixer model by Perrin & Rowe has a spray rinse and the option of crosshead or twin lever handles. englishtapware.com.au Far right This Perrin & Rowe contemporary filtered water tap with a filter system is available in either chrome or pewter. englishtapware.com.au
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Jo Newman, Taste Living’s creative director, shares her thoughts when looking for a kitchen tap “When looking for a kitchen tap, whether it’s for myself or a client, there are always three key qualities I look for: design, functionality and quality of materials. The design needs to be appealing on its own merits and also tie in with the ‘feel’ of the kitchen as a whole. “You should take into account how the kitchen mixer will be used most. For example, if you do a lot of cooking and entertaining, it’s ideal to have an extendable hose with a one-hand-operated flick mixer for ease of use when your hands are full or dirty. It should also go without saying that quality is of utmost importance. Buy it properly the first time and you need not worry about it again.”
Right Crafted from chrome and satin nickel to ensure neither style nor design has been sacrificed for durability, the Frattini Tolomeo sink mixer offers a combination of versatility and functionality. tasteliving.com.au Below The contemporary, functional design of the Oliveri IP2030 gooseneck-style mixer allows for maximum use of deep bowl sinks when filling large pots. The curvature of the Italian-made tap complements the round corner look sinks such as the Oliveri Monet or Petite sink ranges. oliverisinks.com.au
The Orbix Monobloc kitchen mixer with spray rinse is one of a suite of new contemporary kitchen taps by Perrin & Rowe. englishtapware. com.au
A sleek and smooth addition to the kitchen, the Modus sink mixer by Frattini features an elegant European design and chrome plating. tasteliving.com.au
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Above left The shallow, concave surface of the Scoop basin creates a modern look Left The Mimmee has a sharp, crisp, industrial appearance
Basin basics
perfectly adequate for performing daily bathing routines (as opposed to the industry average of 20L/min), meaning the water will actually conform to the shape of the bowl rather than repel against it.
Bathrooms are inevitable high-traffic areas so it makes sense to choose a wash basin that balances form with function. We chat to designer Darren Genner, co-founder of Minosa, about how to choose the right one Q Where do I start? A There are a number of collective factors to weigh up before selecting a basin that will suit your space. Some of these include hygienic qualities, maintenance needs, durability, environmental impact, size, mounting, appearance, feel, colour choice and the material the basin is made from. Q What size wash basin will suit my space? A Wash basins come in an array of sizes, shapes and forms. Each Minosa wash basin offers the flexibility of being wall- or abovecounter mounted. Wall mounting will evoke a sense of floating, with less intrusion on a space, while above-counter mounting can be integrated with storage. Chunkier-style basins, such as Mimmee, are better suited to medium and larger-size bathrooms where their bold sculptural form can be fully appreciated.
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current trend of integrating bench and bowl, ScoopED creates a very clean look which can be accentuated with tiles or mirror behind. The industrial, trough-style Mimmee has a sharp and crisp appearance and is most at home in more hard-edge bathrooms or where a design statement piece is sought. For those looking for a curved surface, the Puddle’s slight curvaceous organic shape will suit their space, while the Kava basin balances classic style with minimalist, timeless design. The attractive contradiction of classic organic form, combined with a striking hard edge in Minosa’s Ovo, caters to many bathroom styles, however its sensual aesthetic and shallow, simple outline favours contemporary settings.
The clean lines and simplicity of the integrated bench-mounted ScoopED will evoke a minimalist ambience. The Puddle, which has free-flowing waste, is an ideal solution for powder rooms or bathroom situations, where damming of water isn’t required. Q How can the shape of a wash basin change the look and feel of a bathroom? A Today’s bathroom provides a tranquil escape from everyday bustle and stress. A beautifully refined wash basin can be a sculptural centrepiece or a discreet wall-mounted element. Different forms can change the mood of a bathroom. Scoop is designed to blend with its surroundings. It juxtaposes modern design with its shallow, subtle concaved surface while exuding a slickness that also caters for classic modern to edgy modern. Consistent with the
Above left The Mimmee sits well in a larger bathroom Above right The minimalist-style ScoopEd basin features clean lines Above The Puddle basin is ideal when damming of water is not required
Q How do I know the wash basin I select won’t cause annoying splash? A It makes no difference whether a bowl is shallow, flat, deep or large. Preventing splash is all about having a tap with reduced water flow. Extensive research undertaken by Minosa has established that a water flow rate of 4-6L/min is
Q Do I need a single or double basin? A To help decide whether you need a single or double basin, consider how many times you actually need to use a basin at the same time as someone else. If it’s the mirror space that’s more keenly contested for use, Minosa’s ScoopED single basin with a larger mirror above or Hung Lift storage cabinet could be an option. Think about how much space you like to have as a work zone or a set-down space. ScoopED offers a choice of locations for the bowl within the bench, allowing one person to shave and the other to apply makeup either side. If a double bowl is a must, Double ScoopED has two lengths: 1600mm or 1800mm. Q What’s the most environmentally responsible choice? A Minosa basins in category two Corian® by Du Pont™ contain 13 per cent recycled content. The shallow nature of Minosa basins are designed to work in conjunction with Minosa’s water-reduction device, potentially cutting 28,000L of water per basin per year. For more information, visit minosa.com.au
Top The Ovo features a shallow simple outline that favours contemporary settings Middle The mirror behind this double-vanity ScoopEd accentuates the clean look Above Double-vanity units, like this Ovo, allow two people to get ready simultaneously
Minosa basins are made from Corian® by Du Pont™. This non-porous, stain-, chip-, crack-, mildewresistant and low-maintenance material simply needs wiping over with a damp cloth and is also repairable if scratched.
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ffering the perfect balance of nature and design, Taste Living’s Llum bathroom creates a unique atmosphere of modernity, functionality and sensitivity that is flexible enough to fit your lifestyle. The use of natural colours and spherical edges enhances a sense of pure relaxation, clearing the mind. The Llum mirror is a new generation in reflection, with an innovative design featuring an in-built light and circular magnified mirror that ensures no element is overlooked. The vanity and wall-mounted cabinets offer a style that is both contemporary and succinct, with touches of cyclical shapes contrasted with clean lines. A fresh take on the traditional rectangular bath is the oval-shaped bathing tub — moulding itself around the natural curves of the human body for superior comfort. As all the pieces of the Llum bathroom are brought together, you will see a convergence of innovation and trend in its most pure state.
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njel OBryant has seen her fair share of design and colour. She has worked as an artist in varied fields including advertising, television, beauty, children’s clothing design and interior design. It wasn’t until she attended the International Conference on Colour in Buenos Aires, however, that she truly discovered the key to the kaleidoscope world of colour vibration. She is passionate about helping her clients design with colours that will humanise environments and complement their energy needs and lifestyles. “Every human being has a relationship with colour, whether they know it or not,” says Anjel. In her book Colour My Home, Anjel likens colours to people — there are some you want to spend a lot of time with because it feels good to be with them, and others that you can’t wait to get away from! Colour Response Technology (CRT) is the science of colour methodology and can help to enhance physical, mental and emotional energy. It’s this idea that Anjel preaches to her clients. “You need to use positive and supportive colours in your environment to activate the right energies,” she says.
How it works The nervous system responds to any colour it comes into contact with. Black, white and grey are the only hues that have no electromagnetic energy, leaving the rest of the world’s palette open game for your mind, body and soul to feast on. When the brain processes information from the body’s sensory system, it triggers physical, emotional and psychological responses. In her book, Anjel notes that colour response is such a powerful reaction that scientists have detected changes in test subjects’ blood pressure, body temperature, changes in appetite, muscle tone and mood.
Where to start What happens where? You need to analyse every area of your home and understand what
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is happening in that zone before you introduce colours. The day begins in the bathroom so the hues here should be refreshing and energising, and the right tones to awaken your body. Always try colour samples on site — it’s the number-one tip Anjel suggests to all her clients. “I can guarantee the light in your home will be different to that in the paint shop, so only make your final decision in the rooms where the colours will be used,” she says. Place samples in their exact locations — each sample needs to touch every other colour it is reacting with, for example, wall colour samples should touch the ceiling colour where they will meet; in the bathroom, floor tiles should be tested up against the wall.
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get the look
Concrete flooring by Hymix concrete. Available from Hymix. hymix.com.au
Want to re-create the clean, modern and stylish look? It’s easy with these finds
AD # Above Olivia bath from Taste Living. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au Left Llum mirror with light. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au
Above Lillo single-suspension light in clear glass. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au Right Llum one-door unit, right and left, by Taste Living. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au
Above Krohe tapware. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au Right Luxury Egyptian cotton queen towel in silver. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au Left Llum two-drawer vanity unit by Taste Living. Available from Taste Living. tasteliving.com.au
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Shower types Looking for a shower solution? It’s not as simple as one, two, three. Tim Dawson, brand manager at Raymor, shares his knowledge and advice about the various options The Hansgrohe Radiance Connect EcoSmart shower system provides both overhead and hand shower options in one unit for ease of use. hansgrohe.com.au
Rail shower — offers adjustable height by virtue of a rail attached to the wall. All these models have handsets that can be lifted and used as a hand shower as well — useful for rinsing off children and cleaning the shower cubicle. Hand shower — is a fixed-point shower with a moveable hand-held showerhead that can take the water to exactly where it’s required. Also useful for children and for cleaning the shower cubicle.
Hi-rise shower — a showerhead affixed to a height-adjustable arm from the wall — convenient and easy to clean. Overhead shower — is a compact and sturdy showerhead that can either come from the wall or the ceiling, depending on the plumbing installation. There is a variety of arm options to ensure suitable shower height. Other ceiling-mounted designs include water tiles such as the Kohler WaterTile that are installed directly into the ceiling (best suited to standard ceiling heights).
Showerheads Showerheads are available in the conventional, single-function style or the more popular multifunction showerhead, offering different spray patterns such as light shower, more powerful massaging spray, invigorating deluge etc. It should be noted that the highest WELS rating for a shower is 3-star WELS (9L/min) — and even those showers offering a “deluge” water pattern can, depending on the brand, deliver this within the 3-star WELS rating. For more information, visit raymor.com.au
Nicholas Matten, Hansgrohe sales director Oceania, India and Japan, shares his advice on shower types and how to incorporate the best design into your home
Above The Raymor Kohler Flipside hand shower has a 3-star WELS rating and is a multifunctioning shower with four spray patterns accessed by flipping the head. raymor.com.au
Showers on rails are easily heightadjustable to accommodate all the family and make cleaning the shower cubicle simple. Think about water usage and opt for a water-saving shower. Wall-mounted showers have the flexibility of an overhead showering experience and can have the variety of different spray patterns, such as a massage spray. As wallmounted showers are fixed in position, the user has to adjust their body position under the spray to achieve the desired result, rather than in a shower on rail where the hand shower can be adjusted to the position needed. Ceiling-mounted showers are fixed in height and only give an overhead showering experience. They do not have massage sprays. We have noticed a trend developing where people are installing both an overhead ceiling shower and a shower on rail in the shower cubical to provide flexibility for the whole family. Another option is to install a shower system which provides both the overhead and hand shower options in one unit (see image above left). For more information, visit hansgrohe.com.au
Below Designed to be mounted on the ceiling, the Raymor Tranquility round shower rose has a bright chrome finish. raymor.com.au
The Raymor Tapac singlefunction hand shower comes with Rub Clean Technology and has a 3-star WELS rating. raymor.com.au
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Shower units
kitchens & bathrooms | feature
Featuring sharp and intense lines combined with smooth edges, the Dorf Jovian Rail Shower with Overhead has a distinctive and striking appearance. dorf.com.au
Above left and right These two shower caddy designs by Daya Desgin offer both style and functionality
The shower is a place you go to to relax and unwind (and to wash, we know), so a shower caddy — one that looks GOOD and has the ability to hold a number of items — is a useful option. Lainey Richardson, founder of Daya Design, helps us find the right one There are three points to consider when choosing your caddy: size, material and style. Some people like to have a lot of products in their shower, some may have just a few, so choose a caddy that suits your “bottle” needs. Caddies are available in a variety of materials, from chrome plate to stainless steel, bamboo, coated plastic and acrylic. Plated and coated products will rust — maybe not immediately, but soon enough. If you choose these materials you will need to replace your caddy frequently. More robust materials will last longer under wet conditions but will be more expensive. Quality is important; you get what you pay for. Finally, consider what the caddy looks like and where it will fit. A shower caddy can hang from your shower head, be hung over your shower screen, it can be fixed to the wall, set up with a tension pole or suctioned to the wall with suction cups. Find the right place and then find a caddy that will suit your look. Good shower caddies come in a range of styles, from classic to fun, decorative to funky. Express yourself and have fun with it. For more information, visit dayadesign.com.au
Above The revolutionary design of this Hansa Clear Lux uses transparent materials to make the water flow in the showerhead visible. The shower is also illuminated from within, the light colour selected at the push of a button. hansaaust.com.au Right The Hansa Viva rail features a sophisticated and ergonomic design. This includes a thermocool hand shower, which prevents the handle from overheating, as the water is directed through a separate channel within the handle. hansa.com.au
The Caroma Flow shower offers the ultimate shower experience, delivering a comfortable flow rate of just 6.5L/min. caroma. com.au
The Caroma Track Shower System features smooth lines and a striking aesthetic to offer a contemporary European design. caroma.com.au
The Dorf Minko Overhead Rain Shower will transform the feel of any bathroom with its sleek lines and chic, oriental-influenced design. dorf.com.au
Right Featuring a double-wound metal hose, the Raymor Boston triple-function HI Rise Shower features Rub Clean Technology and has a 3-star WELS rating. raymor.com.au
Far right Featuring brass rail and twist slider, the Raymor Academy single-function rail shower comes with Rub Clean Technology and is 3-star WELS rated. raymor.com.au
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