11 minute read
given an update while carefully retaining its hallmark features BUDGET TO LUXE A tale of three different bathroom scenarios
from Ksknsnsn
tale of 3 bathrooms BUDGET TO LUXE
Have a bathroom ready for a refresh and not sure how much to spend? Here’s how to do an affordable update, a mid-range makeover and an extensive redesign
Advertisement
budget renovation
Paint, accessories and smart styling touches are the go-tos if you have a tiny bathroom budget
Make a tight budget work by keeping what you can and focusing on affordable cosmetic changes. Even $1000 can go a long way with simple DIY updates such as painting, swapping out cabinetry handles, updating your splashback and adding floating shelves.
“Also high on the agenda is replacing a dated vanity, tapware, lighting or accessories such as towel rails,” says Ania Forster, creative director at Gold Coast design studio Zephyr + Stone. “To really make an impact, concentrate on changing whatever is letting your bathroom down the most, or updating larger surface areas.”
Paint will give you the biggest bang for your buck. “You can transform your bathroom for less than $600,” says Dulux brand manager Romy Nayagam. Look for specialist paints, such as the Dulux Renovation Range and White Knight Kitchen & Bathroom Range, which can be used to jazz up dated laminate, melamine and timber cabinetry doors as well as floor and wall tiles.
Consider adding a heated towel rail, something you’ll really appreciate in winter. “It can have a power outlet or be hardwired – the most cost-effective option is one you can plug into a power outlet,” says Daniela Santilli, bathrooms and kitchens merchandising lead at Reece.
Finally, banish clutter and create Zen-like calm with smart storage. “Look at freestanding shelving or trolley options, and maximise vanity storage with drawer inserts and storage containers,” says Amy Hare, an interior designer for Ikea Australia. “Also ensure there are enough towel rails for everyone – it seems obvious, but this is something people often forget.”
From there, aim to style like a pro. “Add indoors plants – they can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the space – and fluffy new towels, beautiful candles and soap dispensers,” says Frances Cosway, design director at Melbourne’s White Pebble Interiors. If your mirror is too small, consider swapping it for a larger style that bounces light around. “I prefer oval or round mirrors,” she says, “to break up all the straight edges that are traditionally in a bathroom.”
The bottom line is this – if you want to save some dollars, be prepared to do the legwork. “Shop around for fixtures and fittings and get three quotes from trades to ensure that you pay a fair price for any work that’s done,” says Ania.
1 2
3
17
16
13 14
12 11 4 6
5
COUNTERTOP STYLING
No budget to renovate? Create a new look for your vanity with fresh accessories, says Kaety Thompson of Sydney’s Oliver Thom: + Add some metal magic
Brass or gold accessories add instant elegance. + Keep a consistent theme
Create a cohesive look by pairing chrome tapware with accessories in a similar tone, such as pewter or brushed nickel, or brass with bronze accessories. + Explore the dark side
Accessorise with dark colours, such as dark grey, for a sophisticated feel. + Anchor accessories
Use trays to keep products such as your handwash, lotion and scent diffuser together. Have a separate area for hand towels.
7
10
9
1 Posh Domaine Twin Rail shower in Matte Black, $526, Reece. 2 Grohe ‘Essence New’ wall basin mixer tap set in Hard Graphite, $696, Reece. 3 Schönbuch ‘Beauty’ mirror in Dusky Rose, $499, Oliver Thom. 4 Fazeek ‘Wave’ soap dish in Dusty Pink, $45, and ‘Absolute Terrazzo’ soap, $16, both Oliver Thom. 5 Linea storage system in Silver & Sharkfin, $97.90, Made By Pen. 6 Gastone Carrara tile in White Gloss, $42.75 per sq m, Beaumont Tiles. 7 Thermorail 12V single bar heated towel rail in Matte Black, $179 each, Bathware Direct. 8 Artisan Cross baskets, $179.95 for two, Ozdesign Furniture. 9 Købn hand towel in Shell, $55, Designstuff. 10 Nissafors trolley in White, $39.99, Ikea. 11 Arcticwood Matt tile in Argent, $36.54 per sq m, National Tiles. 12 Penny Round tiles in Blush Honed Mosaic, $44.95 per sq m, National Tiles. 13 Bellazza 60cm x 60cm porcelain floor tile in Creama, $20.41 for box of three, Bunnings. 14 Brazilian slate tile in Oxford White Textured, $128.29 per sq m, Beaumont Tiles. 15 Norwegian Rose Picket honed marble mosaic tiles, $48 per 26.7cm x 31cm sheet, Marble & Ceramic Corp. 16 Living Textures towel collection in Ash, from $14.95 for face washer, Sheridan. 17 Ignite White Speckle Embossed Gloss tiles, $17.93 each, Beaumont Tiles.
14 15 1 2
6
12 13 7
9
11
10
1 Round wall shower rose in Tiger Bronze, $449, Meir. 2 Tbk1151219 grey marble random chip tiles, $325 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 3 Paddington terrazzo-look tile in Terracotta, $59 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 4 Tbk23207 Terrazzo Chunky porcelain tile, $155 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 5 Paddington terrazzo-look tile in Charcoal, $59 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 6 Slate baskets, $59 for set of three (one big; two little), Mustard Made. 7 Tbk80014 finger tiles in White, $135 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 8 Newport subway tiles in Baby Pink Gloss, $69 per sq m, Tile Cloud. 9 Tbk185124 Marble Weave mosaic tiles, $330 per sq m, Tiles By Kate. 10 Eccentric Vertical heated towel rail in Gold Brushed, $1215, Rogerseller. 11 Issy ‘Halo’ vanity unit with offset basin, $4080, Reece. 12 Tbk20140 Black Cockatoo tiles (90cm x 90cm), $340 per set of four tiles, Tiles By Kate. 13 Kado Lussi ‘Cast’ solid-surface freestanding bath (1700mm), $3740, Reece. 14 Square standalone bathroom shelf in Matte Black, $249, Meir. 15 Round cross-handle jumper-valve wall-top assemby taps in Tiger Bronze, $299, Meir.
mid-range renovation
Off-the-shelf cabinetry and minimal layout changes will get the most from a moderate budget
Unless you’re doing all the work yourself, a budget of $10,000 probably won’t be enough for a new bathroom, so consider what will most improve the look and function of the one you have.
“Upgrading your showerhead and tapware should be a priority, and replacing your vanity, basin, tapware, mirror and light fittings will also have a huge impact,” says Ania Forster. “You might also look at swapping a dated shower screen for a new, frameless version. If replacing a tired window isn’t in your budget, hide it behind new plantation shutters.
Not touching the tiles is another way to keep the budget in check. “Taking out tiles can become a costly exercise – have them professionally painted instead,” says Anoushka Allum, interior designer at Sydney’s Anoushka Allum Design. Ania,concurs, adding, “Tiles can really push up the cost of a bathroom. Consider using VJ panels or painting some walls to keep costs down, so you can invest in a quality tile for wet areas.”
If you do want new tiles, opt for porcelain. “It’s generally cheaper than natural stone, doesn’t require sealing and comes in amazing ranges that replicate natural stone,” says Ania.
A great-looking vanity can give your bathroom a serious lift. “Replacing a vanity that’s fixed to the floor with a floating style is a wise move,” says Frances Cosway. “It has a more sophisticated and contemporary look and, as you can see the floor underneath it, will make your bathroom appear bigger.”
What if your vanity is in decent condition? Update it with new handles and a stylish new surface. Laminex laminate for benchtops comes in a vast range of fashionable colours and finishes that start from about $96 per square metre. “Or, if you have a small vanity, approach a stonemason to see if they have offcuts they can fit for a more competitive price than you’d pay to buy a whole slab,” says Ania.
Consider upgrading your bath, too, if your budget can stretch to it. “A freestanding bath will give you a more luxe look than an inset style,” says Anoushka. “While the bath itself may be more expensive, the labour is less, so it ends up cheaper.” But don’t even think about specifying a concealed cistern at this budget, she warns. “They are double the price of a standard toilet – both the toilet itself and the installation costs.”
ANIA FORSTER, INTERIOR DESIGNER
BUDGET SMARTS
Interior designer Ania Forster of Zephyr + Stone shares her top tips: + Plan ahead Work out your budget and order as much as you can before you start renovating.
Onsite changes due to lack of planning and communication can cost thousands of dollars. + Don’t change plumbing and electrics Changing their positions can really add to the cost. + Get three quotes for trades Always a good idea, but remember: the cheapest quote isn’t always the best one. It could mean a cheap finish, or cost you more to fix mistakes. Good trades are usually busy so they will charge a premium.
luxe renovation
A generous budget gives you options such as custom joinery, select finishes and spa-like style
So what does a top-range bathroom really cost? “For an averagesize design with a double vanity and shower, you’re looking at $35,000-plus,” says Ania Forster. “This includes demolition, re-screeding floors, retiling, cabinetry and plumbing fit-off.”
A good-size budget like this gives you the freedom to design a space tailored to the room’s dimensions and your personal style. Top of the list is custom joinery: think solid timber cabinetry, marble benchtops, luxurious engineered-quartz surfaces such as Caesarstone or Dekton by Cosentino, and personalised storage.
Complete the look with a next-level mirror cabinet. “Invest more in a mirror cabinet and expect a larger-than-average size, with shelves, internal lighting and power points,” says Daniela Santilli. Some also feature LED lighting and automatic de-foggers.
Adds Anoushka Allam: “I upgrade tapware when I have a good budget – it gives the bathroom such a luxe look.” Daniela reveals that sensor tapware and statement aged finishes are trending. “Think tumbled brass, brushed nickel, gunmetal and a textured bronze such as Sussex Taps’ Living Rustic Bronze.”
Thermostatic showers and easy-to-clean rimless toilets are other popular additions to high-end bathrooms. “Thermostatic technology allows you to set your preferred shower temperature at the push of the button,” says Daniela. “It removes temperature fluctuations, too, so you’ll never fear a toilet flush again.”
A generous budget means you can think outside the box when it comes to bath and basin materials. “A solid stone or solid-surface bath and basin feels much more luxurious than standard porcelain and acrylic,” says Anoushka. Or you can add an artisanal touch with a handcrafted concrete basin or a bath from a brand such as Concrete Nation.
For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, specify underfloor heating. “The product I like to use costs about $1000 (installed),” says Anoushka. Ania explains that some styles can be installed in a shower area, which is great for reducing damp build-up. “Make sure you apply it to your whole floor or you’ll end up with cold spots,” she adds. “For extra convenience, get your electrician to automate it with a timer so it switches on in the early morning and late evening.”
A skylight can be a great solution if your bathroom is enclosed or low on light. “It’s also fantastic for dumping hot air and boosting ventilation,” says Frances Cosway. You can expect to pay between $500 and $2000 to have one installed, depending on your specifications.
GLAM INCLUSIONS
If you have a decent budget, these must-have inclusions can really elevate the look and feel of your bathroom, advises interior designer Anoushka Allum: + Underfloor heating + Custom joinery for the vanity, mirrored cabinetry and sometimes additional joinery, such as a dedicated make-up area or extra storage cabinets. + Wall ledges, niches and built-in shelves + Luxurious tapware + Extra illumination such as lights on either side of the mirror, and niche lighting.
1 2 4
3
17
16
ANOUSHKA ALLUM, INTERIOR DESIGNER
15
8
14 12 11 10
13 9
1 Sussex Taps ‘Calibre’ wall bath mixer outlet system in Living Tumbled Brass, $1060.96, The Blue Space. 2 Sussex Taps ‘Calibre’ wall-top assembly tap set in Living Tumbled Brass, $570.90, The Blue Space. 3 Colorisvea wall-hung bidet in Matt Black, $880, and toilet pan in Matt Black, $990, both Paco Jaanson. 4 Pavimento ‘Amalfi’ tiles by Greg Natale, $189 per sq m, Perini. 5 Piccolo Fan Carrara tiles, $349 per sq m, Perini. 6 Marquis Oxford wall-hung vanity with
Dekton Orix benchtop, Marquis Regio basin and Brushed Brass top pull handles, from $1990, The Blue Space. 7 Fern Flora ceramic mosaic tiles, $245 per sq m, Perini. 8 Zellij tiles in Mint Gloss, $142.89 per sq m, Skheme. 9 Valencia bath in Greenstone, $6355, Concrete Nation. 10 Lithos Design ‘Opus Anemone’ marble tile in Muschio, POA, Artedomus. 11 I Cocci Spaccatto tile in Calce, $99.95 per sq m, National Tiles. 12 Empira Black 5101 marble surface, POA, Caesarstone. 13 Stone Concave Laurel tiles, $328.79 per piece, Skheme. 14 Calacatta Maximus 5114 marble surface, POA, Caesarstone. 15 Aura Pod concrete basin in
Grey Mist, $1430, Concrete Nation. 16 Adonis Triangle ceramic tile in Sage, $235 per sq m, Perini. 17 Mette Ditmer ‘Grid’ bath towel, $69, Designstuff.
