The Block: Glasshouse co-winner and interior architect Shannon Vos is at voscreative. com.au
PROJECT LAUNCH
Take a considered approach to renovating and you could
where you can shut the door and forget about adulting for a few minutes. It’s usually the only room with a lock, making it a more private and personal place, with an added bonus: the power to thoroughly relax and refresh you. Traditionally utilitarian spaces, bathrooms used to be all about function and cleanliness, but, these days, aesthetics are also high on the list of must-haves. Most are after a day-spa feel, complete with organic materials and natural light, reflected in the ‘spaces of scrub’ gracing magazine covers and flooding Pinterest feeds. But beauty is more than just skin deep. The devil is in the detail when it comes to a wet area, and planning is key. Know what you’re doing well before the tools are picked up, and have all your rubber duckies in a row.
planning It seems like fun to plan the ultimate bathroom, but you must wade through a plethora of planning before booking a plumber. The first item is budget. If ya don’t know, don’t go. Always set a limit on the amount you’re willing to spend, as things can
quickly get out of hand once you start picking tiles and fittings. On average, Australians spend just a smidge under $20,000 on a bathroom renovation. That seems like a lot, but once the trades start working, the bills add up. Spend time in front of a calculator and assess how much you will be able to spend. Then comes the plan. What you allow for in your bathroom is entwined with your budget. Generally, the more you want to do, the more you pay. You will need floor plans, elevations, ventilation plans and specific selections to determine those costs. Think of who will use the space and for what. If that’s children, you may need a bath, plenty of storage and non-slip floors. However, if the kids have flown the nest, you may want a double shower, stone finishes and a more minimalistic aesthetic. It’s all about balancing what you want with what you can afford. Third on the checklist is a permit. Again, generally speaking, you will need strata permission and a by-law passed if you want to renovate a bathroom in an apartment or unit. With a house, you may need council approval to move forward with your renovation. Local laws vary as much as the weather, so check with your local council before booking any trades.
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIGID ARNOTT
T
he bathroom is that one space of solace in the home
