Whether you’re renovating an existing bathroom or starting from scratch, the materials and finishes you choose can greatly affect the overall aesthetic, functionality and longevity of the space. To help, Jacqueline Maya investigates the visual and practical benefits of the latest bathroom trends.
An essential area within the home, the bathroom has become more than just a place to carry out hygiene routines; it’s also a space in which to relax. With this in mind, tranquil bathroom designs are in demand now more than ever.
From the flooring to the vanity unit, all aspects of a bathroom should be carefully considered. Here, Queensland Kitchen + Bathroom provides a guide to selecting complementary materials and finishes to create a perfectly balanced space that’s overflowing with visual appeal.
GLASS WITH CLASS
Most commonly used in the manufacture of showerscreens, glass is an effortlessly sleek material that remains popular in many areas of the home. The shift towards spacious and streamlined interiors suggests that transparency is on trend, but what does this style have in store for the bathroom?
If you’re after a stylish and unique feature, a glass bathtub will perfectly complement modern bathrooms. Glass tubs can be fully customised and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes to ensure you soak in style. If you’d prefer to incorporate something that’s more subtle but still has plenty of visual interest, a frosted-glass showerscreen or a semi-enclosed glass brick wall are perfect alternatives. Sophisticated glass benchtops are also popular at the moment.
Stone is a highly durable material
that comes in a wide variety of styles,
hues and textures to suit your space.
While glass shelves and splash guards are minimalist in their design, when combined with other glass elements such as tapware and basins, these small additions can significantly enhance your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. For a well-balanced space that’s unmistakably modern, chrome fixtures will look right at home alongside glass elements.
Regardless of where or how you use it, glass will almost always add a touch of luxury to your space. Just be mindful that water marks and fingerprints are highly visible on this surface, so it will require regular cleaning. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance bathroom material, glass may not be the best option for you. Further, glass can be easily damaged, so it needs to be fitted by an experienced professional.
SHOW-STOPPING STONE
A firm favourite among homeowners, natural stone is paving the way in contemporary bathroom design. From luxurious marble and limestone to trendy travertine and brick, stone is a highly durable material that comes in a wide variety of styles, hues and textures to suit your space.
While stone flooring is undeniably timeless, a striking stone bathtub will provide your bathroom with instant ‘wow’ factor. Similarly, a stackstone feature wall in the shower is another simple way to add interest to your space, while an impressive granite countertop is sure to draw the eye. If you think marble is magnificent, opt for a simple black and white colour palette to highlight this precious material and create the ultimate luxe look.
Beyond its beauty, stone is a naturally porous material, which can affect its strength and stain resistance, so it’s important to do your research and consider whether it is the right choice for you. For the bathroom, opt for a hard, non-absorbent material like granite or slate, as more permeable stones will require regular sealing and cleaning to prevent stains.
COOL AS CONCRETE
Known for its strength, durability and sustainability, concrete is a staple building material. It is becoming more popular in residential interiors for the functional and decorative finish it provides. The adaptable quality of concrete lends itself to endless uses and styles, whether you’re after a warm and tactile feel or an urban contemporary look.
Due to its resilient nature, concrete is gaining popularity as a flooring option for almost any room of the home. However, the floor isn’t the only place concrete can look fantastic in your bathroom. “Concrete benchtops can set the tone for the entire room,” says Ben McCauley, the director of Align Cabinets. “Concrete feature walls in the shower are [also] very popular.” Similarly, a built-in concrete chair or bench are practical bathroom features that can double as works of art.
While concrete is typically used to achieve an industrial or modern aesthetic, it can be styled in a number of ways. “Concrete walls and ceilings aren’t for everyone, but you can dictate the minimalist style by [choosing whether to] continue it in other features and furnishings,” McCauley says. “You can [even] stain concrete flooring if you want to incorporate a particular colour or theme into the room.”
For all its visual appeal, concrete flooring can feel quite cold underfoot. To ensure that your toes stay toasty, McCauley recommends installing an in-floor heating system beneath the concrete during construction.
TERRIFIC TIMBER
Stone and concrete are exceptional materials, however they can make a space feel harsh or clinical if not styled appropriately. With the addition of a few timber elements, your bathroom will instantly appear more welcoming. Solid timbers such as mahogany, teak, cedar
and bamboo are best to use in the bathroom as they’re less likely to be affected by moisture, warping or swelling. When deciding which timber to use, it’s important to consider the tightness of the grain, as well as the overall look and feel of the wood.
With the addition of a few timber
elements, your bathroom will instantly
appear more welcoming.
If you’re pining for timber elements, a wooden sink is a fantastic statement piece, but be sure to speak with a qualified professional about its installation, as special plumbing may be required. Matching your vanity unit to your kitchen cabinetry is also another popular trend that will create a harmonious result.
Further, decorative wooden wall panelling is a charming alternative to tiles that will not only enhance your bathroom’s style but also add depth. If space is an issue, selecting a lighter-coloured timber will make your bathroom appear more spacious, while rich, dark varieties will look incredible in a larger area.
Whatever timber you decide to use and wherever you choose to use it, it needs to be treated with a high-quality sealer to ensure a long-lasting result.
MARVELLOUS METAL
Last but not least, your tapware forms an integral part of your bathroom. Not only do these small yet necessary fixtures supply the water, but they can tie your entire bathroom together. Freestanding bathtub spouts and shower heads are a popular choice among today’s homeowners, and square tap designs are now in demand over their curved counterparts.
The resurgence of industrial materials within the home extends to the bathroom as well, particularly where fixtures are concerned. Incorporating brass, bronze or copper tapware is an excellent way to add a touch of colour to an understated palette. For a bathroom that exudes opulence, matte black or polished-gold finishes make excellent options.
While it’s broadly encouraged in the interior design world to combine various textures and patterns, it’s considered almost blasphemous to select fixtures of different shapes. To ensure that your fixtures match your bathroom’s overall style, select one design that you absolutely love and implement it throughout the entire space.
Whether you envision your new bathroom as a divine relaxation space or a highly practical haven, or a bit of both, selecting the right materials and finishes will ensure the space stands the test of time, and will help the stresses of everyday life to simply wash away.