Bathroom basics
Whether building or renovating, there are some key things to think about when it comes to planning your bathroom
A well-designed bathroom has a huge impact on your household’s routine and harmony: eliminating those arguments that arise over use of the space – whose turn it is, and whose things go where – and offering a whole new level of comfort and relaxation.
After the kitchen, the bathroom is the most expensive area of the home when you are building or renovating. And the benefits of having a designer involved will far outweigh the expense. Not only will a designer ensure you are getting the right fixtures and fittings for your space, they can work with you to put together a bathroom that enhances your home.
Surfaces
In wet areas what is underneath is just as important as your surfaces. It is paramount to prevent your walls and floors from swelling and rotting as a result of moisture ingress. However, don’t scrimp on the floor and wall surfaces. Although the bulk of the effort and cost goes into completing the work underneath, the surfaces are what you will be looking at day in, day out. If you invest in tiling, opt for a good quality porcelain tile, and make sure you are working with a reputable tiler.
Ventilation
Ventilation is vital in the bathroom because moisture in the air can lead to condensation and mould, not just in the room itself but throughout the house. Like the rangehood in the kitchen, ventilation systems in the bathroom, toilet and laundry remove steam and smells in seconds. The most powerful extraction system in New Zealand, the Schweigen BR500 Silent Bathroom Exhaust System, extracts air at 650m3/hr – keeping your bathroom fresh by hygienically removing steam, odours and airborne bacteria to eliminate the build up of mould without the need for harmful chemicals.
Laundry insights - Our top tips when it comes to laundry design
1. What’s Behind The Door?
For this room of the house, you really want to maximise every inch of space – even that hard-to-reach spot behind the door. Capitalise on the storage possibilities by incorporating cupboards in this space for items you don’t use often, cleaning products, the mop, or even linen.
2. Keep It Light
Don’t forget that this utility space needs to be well-lit and easy to work in. Consider how much natural light you have coming into the room. You will want your benchtops well lit so that they are functional work areas, and not simply dark dumping grounds for dirty clothes.
3. Style It Up
Just because this is a work area, doesn’t mean it can’t be aesthetically pleasing. Inject colour, personality and texture into the space through your fittings and furnishings. While bold coloured washing baskets, plants and artwork are simple, cost-effective ways to do this, consider also your wall coverings and flooring.
