A freestanding bathtub is designed to be the focal point of the room. “Freestanding tubs are all about making a statement,” says interior designer Jono Fleming. “They bring a sculptural, spa-like quality to a bathroom and offer more flexibility in placement since they don’t have to be built into a specific alcove.”

Freestanding tubs are an ode to tradition, nodding to a period of time before built-in bathtubs became the standard. “When you look at homes from an older period, baths were always freestanding. Historically, that’s where we’ve come from,” says Sarah from Sarah Yarrow Interiors. “Our housing is much smaller these days and so we’ve had to adapt the bathroom style to that, and that’s where the built-in ones have come from.”

Now, freestanding baths can fit any bathroom interior style. From Victorian-style homes to mid-century interiors, freestanding tubs will compliment your space, as long as your bathroom has capacity. “One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a tub that’s too big for the space, making it hard to move around,” says Jono.

To help you find the best freestanding bathtub for your home, we’ve curated a list of the best tubs on the market based on their materials, aesthetic, customer reviews and advice from the experts.

The best freestanding bathtubs in 2025

01

Caroma Urbane II freestanding bath

$1889 (usually $3072), The Blue Space

Best for: Simple luxury

While understated in form, the Urbane II freestanding bathtub doesn’t spare on luxury. Crafted from acrylic with a gloss finish, the bath is available in two sizes for any modern bathroom space.

Sizes: Available in 1600mm and 1800mm sizes

Materials: Acrylic

Key Features:

• Includes footlocker fittings to improve stability
• Rectangular Oval
• 310 L water capacity
• 10-year warranty

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02

Fontaine Industries Harper acrylic freestanding bath

From $849, Temple & Webster

Best for: Vintage charm

The new and old world combine for this freestanding bath, available in three sizes. Made of sanitary grade acrylic, the black high gloss finish offers a classic vintage touch for an elegant centrepiece.

Sizes: Available in 1500mm, 1600mm and 1700mm sizes

Materials: Acrylic, fibreglass

Key Features:

• 256 L water capacity
• Gloss finish
• Centre drain
• 7-year product warranty

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03

Fienza Elizabeth freestanding clawfoot bath

From $1539, Temple & Webster

Best for: Old worldly charm

With its classic slipper shape, this freestanding clawfoot bath adds timeless style to any eclectic or traditional home. Pair with vintage-style fixtures for a Hollywood regency style, or rustic interiors for a farmhouse escape.

Sizes: Available in 1500mm or 1700mm sizes

Materials: Acrylic

Key Features:

• Traditional slipper shape
• 180L water capacity for the 1500mm size
• 210L water capacity for the 1700mm size
• Available with chrome, black and white legs

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04

Indy 1700mm Oval Terrazzo Freestanding Bath with Overflow

From $5799, Temple & Webster

Best for: Unique feature piece

For that feeling of unparalleled elegance, this terrazzo freestanding bath by Madu Living is handcrafted from natural composite stone, while the soft matte texture brings a natural and calming appearance to any space for a spa-like indulgence.  

Sizes: 1700 mm

Materials: Terrazzo composite

Key Features:

• Timeless oval design
• 380 L water capacity
• Available in white, grey and black

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05

Marbella Acrylic Freestanding Bath

From $799, Mytopia

Best for: Easy installation

Made of acrylic and with a stylish gloss finish, this tub comes in a soft rectangular shape for a contemporary yet timeless appeal. Perfect for all modern bathrooms, the gentle curves offer a luxe European approach to a freestanding bath.

Sizes: 800 x 1750 x 633mm

Materials: Acrylic, internal stainless steel frame

Key Features:

• Gloss finish
• 10 Year structural warranty
• Generous 50cm depth for a deep soak

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06

Fienza Eleanor fluted freestanding bath

From $2079 (usually $2295), Temple & Webster

Best for: Adding texture to your space

The fluted design of this freestanding bathtub adds a textural element to your space, offering added interest to an already statement piece. Available in a gloss white finish, the smooth, non-fluted base perimeter simplifies cleaning ensuring that style doesn’t trump practicality.

Sizes: Available in 1500mm or 1700mm sizes

Materials: Acrylic, steel frame

Key Features:

• Gloss finish
• Smooth, non-fluted perimeter at the base for easy cleaning
• Centre drain
• Up to 10-year warranty

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What to look for in a freestanding bathtub?

To find the best freestanding bathtub for your home, you need to consider a few factors including aesthetic, materials and size as well as your practical needs.

Freestanding bathtubs suit a wide range of aesthetics, so long as you choose one that matches your interiors. “A clawfoot or pedestal tub leans traditional, a sleek, matte-finish tub suits modern or minimalist bathrooms, and a concrete or metal-finish tub gives a bit of edge to your design”, says Jono. “If your space is more relaxed and coastal, a soft, curved white tub pairs beautifully with natural textures. The key is making sure the tub doesn’t feel out of place with the rest of the design.”

As for materials, acrylic is the most popular option as its more affordable, lightweight and easy to maintain. Other options include metal tubs such as copper or zinc. However, according to Sarah, “from a functionality perspective, they lose heat very quickly.”

Both Jono and Sarah recommend a larger space to offer more breathing room for the freestanding tub to shine. “Larger bathrooms work best, especially if you can position it near a window for natural light and a view. But even in smaller spaces, a well-proportioned freestanding tub can work, it’s just about making sure it doesn’t feel squeezed in,” says Jono.

Sarah also recommends considering how the bathtub will be installed. “It’s all very well choosing a beautiful bath, but if you can’t get it up the stairwell or through the door, then you’re never going to get to enjoy it.” For further tips, Jono recommends to “consider the size, comfort, plumbing setup, and how easy it’ll be to clean. If chosen well, a freestanding tub can completely transform your bathroom into a space you actually want to soak away in for hours.”

What are the downsides of a freestanding bath?

While freestanding bathtubs can be a stylish option to your home, consider whether the bathtub you choose is practical for your space. “I feel like the biggest mistake is people trying to fit too big a bath into a small space, they’re wanting that freestanding look but don’t actually have the floor space to be able to do that,” says Sarah.

If you are bathing small children, consider if a freestanding bath will benefit or hinder your routine. As Sarah notes: “Yes, with a freestanding bathtub you can access 360° around the bath, but water is going everywhere, toys are going everywhere… so it’s about knowing where you’re at in life and the functionality around that.” If this is the case, then perhaps choosing a built-in wall bathtub will better suit your space.

Both Jono and Sarah also mentioned accessibility issues. A lower profile tub is better to step into as opposed to a high-walled tub. Jono also mentioned that “a non-slip surface and grab bars can add extra safety.”  

“Plumbing is also something people overlook, some freestanding tubs require floor-mounted taps, which can add extra costs,” adds Jono. “And then there’s cleaning, because freestanding tubs don’t sit against a wall, getting around them can be a hassle. A hand shower attachment can make this easier, especially in wet areas where you can essentially hose things down.”

Freestanding bathtubs are an elegant choice, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to your space. Make sure that the bathtub you choose is practical for your home, space and lifestyle.

The post A buyers guide to the best freestanding bathtubs for a touch of elevated luxury appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While this sounds like the ultimate fantasy (sorry to snap you out of it), rain shower heads are in fact a practical and accessible option for any home. Over the years, rain showers have been growing in popularity in many modern bathrooms. Not only do they aesthetically hit the mark, but they are functional too. Rain showers have a flatter surface and usually contain more nozzles than a traditional showerhead. They also come in a variety of sleek designs with different finishes to suit your bathroom needs.

If you’re ready to transform your shower experience, we’ve rounded up the best rain shower heads on the market based on water efficiency, pressure, style and customer reviews.

The best rain shower heads 2025

01

250mm round shower head

$119.90, Abi Interiors

Best for: Universal fitting

This round shower head from ABI Interiors is a sleek and simple design fit for your modern bathroom renovation. Designed to be sprayed downwards, this rain shower head features 180 rubberised outlets and is fully compatible with both a shower arm or shower dropper. Available in a range of finishes, one five-star reviewer said that the shower head “really added a wow-factor to our renovated bathroom.”

Sizes: 250 mm

Materials: Solid Brass/Chrome finish

Key Features:

• Universal fitting
• 180 rubberised outlets
• Solid brass
• WELS 3-star rating
• Flow rate 8.5L/m

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02

Byron short twin rain shower head

$239.99-$269.99, Temple & Webster

Best for: Luxury feel

For a luxury experience from the comfort of your own home, the Byron short twin rain shower head is a two-in-one option to get the most out of your shower time. Featuring a large overhead frame, you can adjust the angle with the 15° ball joint to suit your shower needs. Due to the nature of the material, it is advised to avoid strong liquid cleaners for optimal care and longevity.

“This shower head is incredible, so luxurious and has a great and even flow of water. If you want something more intense, you can easily switch to the handheld which has three modes,” recommended a reviewer who gave it five stars.

Sizes: 34.2 x 20 x 35.3 cm

Materials: Brass, 304 stainless steel, ABS plastic

Key Features:

• Easy twist to shift the pattern from rain shower head to handheld shower spray
• 15° tiltable ball joint adjustable to suit your need
• Reinforcing tube, durable & rust-proof
• WELS 3-star rating
• Flow rate 9.0L/m
• Water filter included

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03

Finley shower rail set

$599.90, Abi Interiors

Best for: Adjustable height

This shower head has an aura of sophistication to it. With seven colour options to choose from, the Finley shower rail set gives you the option of an immersive shower experience or a more concentrated handheld spray due to the built-in diverter. “The quality far exceeds the price. I am a 4th generation plumber and will be recommending ABI products to everyone I know. Brilliant and simple to install, and smart and stylish designs,” says a five-star reviewer.

Sizes: 101 x 40 x 150 cm

Materials: Brass, brushed nickel coating

Key Features:

• Two-in-one shower set
• Mixer sold seperately
• WELS 3-star rating
• Flow rate 8.5L/m

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04

Square ultrathin shower arm & head

$129.99-139.99, Temple & Webster

Best for: Longevity

Thin but mighty, this rain shower with a gooseneck shower arm has easy-to-clean rubber jets with improved hydrodynamic resistance, and a 360° swivel ball joint for easy cleaning and long lasting durability. Made of stainless steel, you have the option of a black or silver chrome finish that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.

Sizes: 32.5 x 30 x 45 cm

Materials: stainless steel

Key Features:

• 2mm gooseneck shower arm
• Easy cleaning rubber jets
• 360° swivel
• Free 6 month replacement warranty
• WELS 3-star rating
• Flow rate 9.0L/m

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05

Decaura WELS luxury 10” rain shower head

$39.94 (usually $46.99), Amazon

Best for: Complete rain shower experience

If your shower is your relaxation haven, then perhaps invest in a larger shower head for an all-round indulgence. This 10” rain shower head has 416 nozzles, which is triple the number of nozzles on a regular shower head for a wide, evenly distributed spray that feels incredibly soft on the skin. One five-star reviewer observed that “it’s like walking in warm rain,” while another five-star customer expressed that “if you like a shower head which has some pressure to it, then this might not be for you. But otherwise, it gives a lovely and luxurious feeling shower. Price wise, it’s value for money.”

Sizes: 26 x 26 x 1 cm

Materials: A‎BS plastic, chrome finish

Key Features:

• WELS 3 star rated
• Flow rate 9.0L/m
• Large Panel Shower Head
• 416 nozzles
• Ball joint for easy adjustment
• Available in a black colourway

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06

Decaura 9″ two-in-one rain shower head

$179.99 (usually $197.99), Amazon

Best for: Multi-purpose use

Featuring a nine-inch wide face plate and hand held shower head, you have the option of three water-flow settings for a personalised shower experience. The rail shower set also comes with a height slider fit for everyone to enjoy.

“Very nice shower and great value for money. Was very easy to install and looks great, would recommend,” said one five-star reviewer. Other customers described the contemporary structure as “elegant” and with “good water pressure” for an all-round enjoyable experience.

Sizes: ‎92 x 34 x 12.7 cm

Materials: ‎ Stainless Steel, brass, ABS plastic, chrome finish

Key Features:

• WELS 3 star rated
• Flow rate 9.0L/m
• 220mm large cover face
• Three water-flow settings
• Height adjustable
• 5-year warranty

Also available at:

• $197.99 from Big W

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07

Cefito 9” rain shower head set

$150.95, Myer

Best for: Luxury feel

With a built-in mesh filter, premium chrome finish and built in diverter to prevent leakage and rust, this round nine-inch rain shower head set is quality without negating style.

“Luxe on a budget,” said one happy customer who rated it five-stars. “Great showerhead! Easy to install ourselves, fantastic water pressure and the large size makes every shower feel very luxurious.” Most customers also noted how easy installation is, with one customer sharing that “it was easy to install to replace the existing shower head with no changes to the plumbing we had. Should have bought one years ago!”

Sizes: ‎22 x 12 x 1.5 cm

Materials: ‎Brass, stainless steel, ABS plastic

Key Features:

• WELS 3 star rated
• Flow rate 9.0L/m
• 9” Overhead shower head
• 3-spray pattern handheld shower head
• Easy assembly
• 5-year warranty for rail, 2-year warranty for heads

Also available at:

• $132.95 from Woolworths
• $132.95 from Big W

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08

ACA International 10” two-in-one rain shower head set

$126.64 (usually $148.99), Amazon

Best for: Rainfall-like soothing experience

Another option with a large diameter is this 10-inch rain shower head with a handheld head and 360° swivel ball joint for easy adjustment and a superior clean. Many customers found this rain shower head good value for money, and noted that it was easy to install. One customer did note that the product was quite heavy, so perhaps keep that in mind when considering your installation needs.

One five-star customer commented on the “good water pressure, with two different choice of a rain shower or a hand shower.” Another happy customer thought that “This was a great buy! Easy to install, the large rain shower head is great and relaxing. Hand held shower head has great power like a normal shower head, so good switching between both!”

Sizes: ‎ ‎30 x 34.5 x 12.7 cm

Materials: ‎ ABS plastic, stainless steel, brass ‎

Key Features:

• 10” shower head
• 255mm ABS round overhead design
• 360° swivel ball joint
• Water filter included
• 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

Also available at:

• $139.95 from Woolworths

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What to look for in a rain shower head?

There are a few things to consider before purchasing a rain shower head, depending on your space, aesthetics and needs.

Size: Rain shower heads come in many different sizes, usually lying around six to 10 inches. A larger diameter means larger coverage which will give you a more simulated rain shower experience. This means that the water is often softer on the body with a more gentle flow. If you are after a shower head with more water pressure, then a smaller sized rain shower head may work better for you.

Water pressure and flow rate: All shower heads contain a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating. The higher the rating, the more water-efficient the shower head. If you are concerned about water consumption, then look for shower head models with a lower flow rate.

Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted: Choosing a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted design is completely up to you. A ceiling-mounted design will simulate a rain-shower effect more than a wall mounted one, however a wall-mounted shower head can sometimes be easier to install. If you are after a detachable shower hose, some rain shower units come in a two-in-one option.

Material: Stainless steel and ABS plastic are the most commonly used materials in shower heads. Stainless steel shower heads are high quality, easy to clean and rust resistant. ABS plastic is also rust-resistant, but there may be less longevity than stainless steel options. Many shower heads also come with chrome, matte black or brushed nickel finishes to match your bathroom aesthetics.

Versatility: While you may think shower heads are there to just do one job, there are many versatile options that you should consider when purchasing. Look for models with a ball joint or angle adjustment feature so that you can pivot the stream to suit you. Handheld shower heads may also come with multi-stream options like mist, jets or massage for a customisable experience.

Installation: Make sure that the shower head is compatible with your plumbing system. While many shower heads are easy to install on your own, it is wise to seek professional help if you are unsure.

Cleaning: A rain shower head with silicone nozzles is easy to clean and can be resistant to build-up. Some newer models come with self-cleaning nozzles for a hassle-free cleaning experience.

Do rain shower heads use more water?

A rain shower head does not necessarily use more water than a regular shower head. Water usage depends on many factors such as flow rate, pressure and size. Always do your research and check the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating and flow rate. Flow rates are marked in litres per minute (L/min). For optimal water efficiency, look for shower heads that have a 4-star WELS rating, and a flow rate of 6 litres per minute or less.

The post The best rain shower heads for a spa-like shower experience in 2025 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Freestanding bath designs to inspire your bathroom renovation

A pretty pink freestanding bath

Earthy shades of clay are weaved throughout this beachy Gold Coast home—including in the bathroom, where the hero of the space is a luxurious free-standing ‘Valencia’ bath from Concrete Nation in Nude.

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A circular stone bath tub

This unique circular stone tub in Jacinta and Buddy Franklin’s Mediterranean-inspired home doesn’t only make an interesting design feature but also provides ample space for couples or the kids.

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A Hamptons-inspired freestanding tub

Exuding the charm of a luxury hotel, this ensuite showcases a Decina ‘Regent’ freestanding bath from The Blue Space, sitting atop marble-finish ceramic tiles from Tiles by Kate.

“We added more architraves and details at the top of the window to create a feeling of grandeur,” says home owner, Laura.

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An outdoor tub

Whether its a quick bath for the kids in the summer or a more romantic soak under the stars, one of the benefits of freestanding tubs is that they’re well suited to outdoor spaces.

While these home owners found the bath was taking up too much space in the bathroom, it was perfectly suited to the deck

“Izzy still loves to have a bath we thought it would be fun to try something outside,” says homeowner Andy.

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A classic claw foot bath tub

A classic claw floor bathtub brings French provincial style into this Vancouver home.

“I coveted the gauzy drapes encircling the tub,” says homeowner Kimberly. “They provide privacy and soften the natural light.”

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A grand Hamptons style bathroom with a deep soaking tub

A deep soaking bathtub gives this Hamptons style bathroom a luxurious feel.

“I wanted the ensuite to feel luxurious and romantic with beautiful marble floors, elegant cabinetry and a big tub to soak in,” says the owner of this home on the Sunshine Coast.

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A modern freestanding bath with a view

This freestanding bath’s modern oval design brings a sleek finish to this contemporary bathroom in rural Victoria. Strategically placed under the window, also gives the bather views of the surrounding landscape.

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A spa-like freestanding bath

This relaxed Queensland cottage bathroom enjoys a serene, spa-like feel thanks to the stone bathtub from Pietra Bianca and its pared back, natural decor.

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A light-filled bathroom with an elegant freestanding tub

Flooded with natural light from the row of casement windows, the star of this bright bathroom is the Marietta’ freestanding bath from Schots Home Emporium.

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A period bathroom elevated by a claw foot bath

In this main bedroom ensuite, an elegant claw foot tub is carefully slotted in behind the black tiled shower wall and Florence Broadhurst ‘Egrets’ wallpaper.

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An impressive freestanding bath with tapware to match

This bathroom’s long nero tapware in a brass finish matches the grand proportions of the luxurious freestanding bath.

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The post 12 luxurious freestanding bath designs to elevate your nightly soak appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Cohesive design is the principle that guides Sarah Nolen, owner and founder of interior design studio Birdblack Design. “It’s about curating spaces to create cohesion but still injecting personality so that the homeowner feels like it’s a special space that relates to the user of that particular room,” shares Sarah. One area that she pays particular attention to when considering cohesive design is the bathroom.

The main types of bathrooms

Bathrooms have congruent yet also slightly varied uses. A powder room functions differently to an ensuite, which is different to the main bathroom. As such, the design of these rooms needs to stay true to their specific purpose, while still feeling like they fit together and flow. They’re like puzzle pieces, each unique but coming together to create a beautiful whole.

Read on as Sarah takes us on a tour through four bathrooms in two recently completed homes to share how she achieves cohesive design throughout.

Make the space functional

This bathroom in a family home in south-west Wollongong is shared by three teenage boys. “We always start with the floor plan, making sure it’s functional,” says Sarah, who then introduced features seen elsewhere in the home such as curves, timber joinery and kit kat tiles.

“We wanted it to be robust in materiality, easy to clean, easy to navigate,” shares Sarah. The circular Kaskade basin, bathtub and curved ledge around the bath soften the space, continue a motif seen in other bathrooms in this home and also ensure there are no hard-to-reach corners when wiping down surfaces. The custom vanity, made with solid blackbutt timber, introduces warmth to the room and repeats a pattern. “Cohesion can be as simple as the vanity design being similar,” says Sarah.

“The colour palette is more masculine but they’re teenage boys,” explains Sarah. “It still needed to last a lot longer once they move out.” Neutral, grey tones struck the perfect balance, in the X-Rock floor and wall tiles in White, plus kit kat tiles in Charcoal, both from Di Lorenzo Tiles.
A thick benchtop and shower ledge in terrazzo from Signorino Tile Gallery adds subtle patterning to the space.

Hero materials

Create motifs and repetition

Sarah introduced cohesion to a main bathroom, powder room and ensuite in this home in Berry, NSW. Arches and curved edges are a go-to motif. “The thread of curvature is tied throughout,” she says. “Your eye moves around the room and it gives you a continuous feel.” The arch at the top of the custom semi-recessed mirrors in each room appears to elongate the space. Robert Gordon basins are another curved fixture but contrast appears in colours, with Rose Quartz in the main bathroom and powder room but Moss Green in the ensuite.

The main bathroom and powder room in this home on the NSW South Coast physically fit together, creating a curvy yin and yang formation.
A vertical half-cylinder (opposite) appears in the powder room as a recess that the joinery and sink is placed within. In the main bathroom next door, this round section of wall juts out, providing privacy for the bathtub.

Clever floorplan

“I used zellige tiles for the consistency of texture and style but multiple colours to differentiate zones. They are so unique because they’re handmade. Every piece is telling its own story. When the light hits, you get almost a rippling, dancing effect. So, again, you’ve got this lovely variation, almost an undulation throughout the bathrooms.”

Sarah Nolen, interior designer

Choose similar (but not the same) tiles

Tiles are one of the easiest ways to introduce cohesion, but Sarah warns against simply picking the exact same one for each wet zone. After all, repetition is the aim, not duplication. “Look at them as a family of tiles,” suggests Sarah. “We used zellige tiles for the consistency of texture and style but different colours to differentiate each zone.” While the main bathroom and powder room both feature zellige tiles in Blush from Birdblack Design, the ensuite has zellige tiles in Spearmint.

Kit kat mosaic tiles in Kyoto White from Birdblack Design are another cohesive material choice throughout the rooms. They are functional, too; with their slim and narrow shape, they can be placed flush across the curved walls. On the floors, Paradigm White tiles from Blackbird Design set a neutral base, allowing the zellige tiles in all bathrooms to shine in the spotlight.

Tip one

Tapware can add consistency, with a little contrast if you wish. “You can always use the same range of tapware but switch out the finish,” says Sarah, who suggests a gunmetal grey finish for bathrooms with grey tones or a brushed brass option for more beige spaces. Industrie Tapware ‘Bondi Pin’ lever wall mixer set with curved spout in Brushed Nickel was the sink tapware of choice in the pink and green bathrooms.
Tip two

“Aim for a similar design but not matching exactly,” suggests Sarah. While the floor plans of the main bathroom, powder room and ensuite are all different, and perfectly suited to their unique purposes, the use of curves carries a thread of consistency through the designs of all three.
Tip three

Sometimes, even a small yet consistent design choice is enough to create cohesion. “It can be as simple as the joinery design being similar,” explains Sarah. Recycled timber in Victorian Ash was used across the joinery and mirrored cabinets in all three bathrooms in this home.

Sarah’s top tips for creating cohesive design

The post Go with the flow: How to create cohesive design in every bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.

After renovating 15 bathrooms herself and witnessing around 180 bathroom builds on The Block, television presenter, real estate agent and ABI Interiors ambassador Shelley Craft has learned a thing or two about making a bathroom beautiful. And the secret weapon she swears by to breathe new life into a bathroom on a budget? Tapware. “Once you start messing with tiles and layout, that’s when big bucks start racking up. But changing tapware can do wonders to lift a bathroom and make it feel fresh and loved,” she says.

Here, Shelley runs through her favourite tapware, the age-old conundrum of whether to select a mixer or a tap set and the best tapware to help you create a contemporary yet timeless bathroom you’ll love for years and years.

What is the best finish for bathroom tapware? 

Gone are the days of chrome, chrome, chrome – bathroom tapware is available in so many finishes these days, ranging from classic brass to contemporary matt black. But for Shelley, three finishes stand out from the rest for their versatility and beauty.

01

Brushed gunmetal

“I have used brushed gunmetal in many of my projects. I love the subtle sophistication of the finish,” she says. Shelley created this textured ensuite at her Byron Bay home and selected brushed gunmetal tapware to complement the room’s earthy materials palette.

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02

Brushed brass

“My next go-to would be brushed brass, as it allows me to bring some glamour and fun to a space,” says Shelley, who selected brushed brass to complete her girls’ Jack and Jill bathroom at her Pacifico House property.

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03

Brushed copper

“Brushed copper is so rich and unique and brings a lovely challenge to selecting the rest of your colour choices for the space,” says Shelley. One surprising shade that goes well with copper is blue, an example of which is on display in this luxurious space designed by Am Interior Studio.

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There are several advantages to selecting tapware with a ‘brushed’ finish. The first is that it doesn’t show fingerprints and watermarks as readily as polished metals. The second, is that it adds subtle bling to a bathroom without being too in-your-face. It’s also extremely versatile, and will look just at home in a modern bathroom as it would in a classic, Hamptons style bathroom.

Advantages of brushed tapware

What is the most popular bathroom tapware? 

There are no hard and fast statistics on the most popular tapware choice in Australia, but one of the most common tapware finishes is chrome. Chrome is so widespread because it hits the trifecta of durability, affordability and ease of maintenance. It’s also one of the most timeless tapware colour choices.

Want to take the style of your bathroom up a notch without having to revise your bathroom’s entire design scheme? Switch out basic chrome taps for those in a brushed nickel finish. Brushed nickel is like chrome’s subtle and sophisticated older brother. And the best part? Because of the colour similarity, it will fit right into a bathroom that previously had chrome tapware. 

What’s better, a mixer or tap set?

“I am a mixer fan,” says Shelley, but admits there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing between a mixer or tap set. The choice really boils down to personal preference, your budget, and the style of your bathroom. “Take into account the period of your home and the overall design you are going for. Sometimes the space will dictate the best option, so keep an open mind.”

Pros of a mixer tap

A mixer tap is perhaps the most convenient – in terms of both installation and everyday use – option for a modern bathroom. It’s simple for children to use, requires less effort to operate and makes the whole process of adjusting the water temperature so much easier. 

Pros of a tap set

There’s something undeniably beautiful about a stylish tap set. Maybe it’s the symmetry of the spindles and the spout, or the customisation and personality opportunities a pair of spindles presents? Either way, a tap set is simply another opportunity to add pizazz to a bathroom. The downsides: they may require more room and those that are designed to be wall-mounted can be expensive to add to a pre-existing bathroom. Some spindles can feel stiff and difficult for some people to operate.

“It really is important to speak with your plumber or builder in regards to layout and wall cavity space for what will work best,” says Shelley. “Be flexible, as sometimes your first choice might be impossible or double the cost of work.”

Keep it consistent 

Mixing metals may be a trend in the jewellery world, but in a bathroom, it can look jarring and awkward – which isn’t ideal when the goal is style and harmony. If you do decide to update your tapware, it’s a good idea to ensure all of the other metal hardware in the room matches.

Nowadays, most bathroom hardware (from shower screen hinges to towel rails and drawer pulls) is available in such a wide range of colours and finishes, that there’s really no longer any excuse for clashing chrome with brushed brass. 

Sample everything

To ensure the tapware you select fits right into your existing bathroom, be sure to get physical samples and study them in situ. Test them against the wall tiles, the floor tiles, the vanity, the benchtop and maybe even your towel set if you’re a stickler for absolutely everything looking good together. 

All in all, when updating a bathroom on a budget, swapping outdated tapware for something more contemporary is exactly the kind of simple but effective update that can make a marked difference to the way a room looks and feels. “It might be enough for you to feel like you’ve made big changes without sacrificing all the walls and floors,” says Shelley. 

Our top 5 bathroom tapware picks

01

Colour sample pack, ABI Interiors

$39

Samples are a designer’s best friend – and they can be yours too. This comprehensive colour pack from ABI Interiors showcases the brand’s extensive colour and finishes range and includes 10 samples including brushed nickel, brass and copper.

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02

Home Beautiful All Australian Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries Vol 1

$14.99

Start your bathroom makeover with a vision and be rewarded with a space that’s harmonious, stylish and calming. Home Beautiful’s special Dream Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries edition features 132 pages of design inspiration and floorplans to pore over.

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03

‘Milani’ extended basin mixer in brushed brass

$299.90

If you’re looking for an elegant and stylish mixer your can pretty much swap out yourself with minimal fuss or effort, then the ‘Milani’ mixer is for you. It’s sleek, modern and minimal – just the kind of qualities you want in bathroom tapware. This extended style is tall, which makes it perfect for a vessel sink. For an undermount sink, you may be better off with the standard ‘Milani’ basin mixer.

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04

‘Elysian’ minimal wall-mounted tap set in brushed gunmetal

$374.70

If you’re an interior design aficionado, then you’ll understand the allure of a sleek, well-designed tap set. The ‘Elysian’ range is the perfect all-rounder, whether you plan to create a classic bathroom or something more contemporary.

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05

‘Cross Assembly’ taps and spout set in brushed copper

$374.70

For the maximalist who wants to make a statement, you can’t go past this ‘Cross Assembly’ set in brushed copper. Pair it with duck-egg blue feature tiling or natural stone for a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind look.

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The post Why tapware is Shelley Craft’s go-to bathroom game-changer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether it is yours alone or shared, a bathroom that works for you and your home is a must. And while a retro bathroom can be charming, like all utility rooms, it will eventually show the wear and tear of daily use.

A brand new, fully renovated bathroom is undeniably appealing, but a full overhaul may not be essential if the plumbing is in the right spot and the tilework and waterproofing are intact. Updating an old bathroom can make it feel fresh and functional without starting from scratch. Here are some modern updates to bring a breath of fresh air into a retro bathroom.

1. Update your fixtures and hardware

Contemporary hardware with a hint of colour such as cool gunmetal, brushed brass or sophisticated matte black can make a design feature of these hardworking pieces.

Replacing outdated tapware and spouts with sleek, modern styles will give an instant lift. Swap a dated shower rosette with a luxurious rain showerhead featuring an optional handheld shower for a spa-like feel. Update your towel rails and toilet roll holders to match your new hardware finishes and choose fixtures from the same range to ensure a cohesive look.

2. Max your space and energy efficiency

A bath is an everyday luxury if you have the space for it. Swap a bulky inset bath for a back-to-wall design to get the freestanding look without any wasted space — or the hassle of having to clean behind it!

To conserve water, consider switching your toilet to a low-flow option, and choose tapware and showerheads with water saving features.

3. Choose a modern colour scheme

Colour can be the first thing to date a room, but it’s also one of the easiest things to fix with a fresh coat of paint.

Put together a mood board with colour swatches in modern neutral or earthy tones (e.g., greige, sage green, or soft blues). Consider whether you’re working in a warm or cool palette and choose your hardware tones to suit your colour scheme.

4. Refresh cabinetry and countertops

One of the hallmarks of modern design is hidden storage, which older bathrooms notoriously lacked. Update your bathroom’s storage options with floating shelves for a modern and airy look, and add baskets, open shelving, or decorative hooks for towels and toiletries.

Add modern hardware to your vanity in your chosen finish, such as sleek bar pulls or circular knobs. You can also swap outdated countertops for quartz or butchers’ block for a clean, durable surface.

5. Add contemporary finishing touches

Even if you can’t do a full overhaul of your retro bathroom, a few modern touches can easily bring it into the 21^st century.

Incorporate rugs and towels in complementary colours to distract from dated features or play them up with fun retro patterns. Finally, add a pop of lush greenery or decorative plants for a touch of life and create a sanctuary-style feeling you can immerse yourself in, every day.

The post 5 ideas to bring a retro bathroom into the 21st century appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Looks matter, but they’re not everything. When pondering flooring ideas for your wet zone, some are better than others. Here, we walk through what’s available (and suitable), plus how to select stunning floors that function well, too.

What type of floor tile is best for a bathroom?

Tiles are the top preference for most bathroom floors for a reason. “Marble, stone and porcelain tiles are popular in bathrooms because they’re water-resistant, durable and easy to clean,” explains Merian. “Each adds a high-end, stylish look, with porcelain being the most budget-friendly and low-maintenance.”

“Marble, on the other hand,” she continues, “does require more care. Thorough sealing is key to ensure nothing penetrates and discolours the tiles.” As for current trends, timber-look tiles are also having a moment. “To make them look chic, select tiles with a realistic grain and texture – those with subtle colour variation and a weathered effect are ideal.”

What is the best size tile for bathroom floors?

The proportions of your tiles will affect the price tag as much as the appearance. “Large-format tiles offer a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines, creating a sense of space and making cleaning a breeze,” explains Merian. “They’re quicker to install, which can save on labour costs. However, they can be heavy to handle, require a perfectly level subfloor and may limit intricate design options.”

Smaller mosaics, on the other hand, create a character-filled look thanks to the time-intensive and intricate nature of the job. “They allow for unique patterns and can easily adapt to irregular surfaces, making them perfect for showers,” says Merian. “The variety of colours and textures can help you create a truly customised look. However, the increased number of grout lines can mean more maintenance and it could be a time-consuming installation.”

What type of flooring is best for a bathroom?

“There are other bathroom flooring options, such as poured resin and polished concrete, for a seamless and modern look,” explains Merian. “If you’re after a sleek, minimalist or industrial vibe, microcement can help you achieve it.”

Solid timber floors are fraught with issues such as rot and warping and, for this reason, are highly regulated. “They require careful selection and maintenance due to moisture exposure. We generally wouldn’t recommend using timber flooring,” advises Merian.

Some suppliers have stopped offering timber for bathroom floors due to the difficulties.

As an alternative, hybrid flooring (a vinyl and laminate blend) can create the look or cork, which is naturally resistant to moisture.

Hybrid

Pros: A vinyl/laminate blend that is waterproof and low-maintenance.
Cons: It may be off-putting to those opposed to faux.

Polished concrete

Pros: Durable, water-resistant and economical.
Cons: Seal properly if you don’t want it to stain. Concrete floors can be cold so you may want to add underfloor heating.

Timber

Pros: Real timber floorboards are visually warm and timeless.
Cons: Must be sealed with a water-resistant finish, but still prone to issues.

Brick

Pros: Add a textural element to any home style, from urban to country.
Cons: Must be properly sealed and maintained to retain a good condition.

Cork

Pros: An eco-friendly, water-resistant, soft and comfortable floor option.
Cons: Doesn’t suit some home aesthetics. Can scratch easily.

Microcement

Pros: Free of grout lines so easy to clean and visually expands a compact space.
Cons: Requires expert application to ensure it’s waterproof and to avoid future cracking.

What is the current trend for bathroom floors?

Pushing the design boundaries by playing with tile patterns and colours is huge in interiors right now. “I literally tell this to clients all the time!” says Georgia Ezra, interior designer at Studio Ezra. “You can do so much with basic shapes, you just have to have an eye for it.”

A simple square lay becomes a chequerboard if you alternate colours, subway tiles can be turned into trending stripes, and plain white squares can get an interesting twist when framed in bold choices. The possibilities are endless when you start to mix and match.

“Experiment with shapes and colours while leveraging the expertise of your tile installer to craft something truly unique and exclusive to you,” suggests Georgia.

Is it worth getting underfloor heating in a bathroom?

Helpful advice from The Classic Outfitter about underfloor heating.

• Underfloor heating adds a luxurious feeling to any bathroom. Installation and the power required to run it is relatively low-cost and could be worth it in a forever home.
• It’s good to know that underfloor heating is compatible with most floors, but tiles are especially suitable as they conduct and retain heat very effectively.
• Extend heating to the shower bed to help dry out the wet area for added comfort and practicality.

5 things to know before buying antique encaustic tiles

Tips from Sonya Marish, owner and director of Jatana Interiors.

1. They’re genuine antiques. “Ours have been salvaged from old buildings around Europe and carry with them years of history and layers of patina.” 
2. They hold heat beautifully. “I have underfloor heating and am often found lying on my bathroom floor on a winter day to warm up!”  
3. Sealing is a must. “The terracotta tiles need to be dip-sealed prior to installing in a wet area. They will also need a final seal once grouted. If sealed correctly, the terracotta tiles work very well in a wet area.”
4. They don’t like acids. “I always recommend a PH neutral cleaning agent for the maintenance of these tiles to avoid any etching of the surface.”
5. Antique tiles are more expensive than new tiles. “This is because they have been salvaged as carefully as possible. They are worn and imperfect which makes them more special and beautiful.”

The post The savvy renovator’s guide to bathroom flooring options appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“It was once the Old Bank of London, where I grew up, and then returned to in 2020 when my husband Grant and I bought the property from my parents,” she recalls of the historical 1891 building.

After embarking on a huge restoration and redecoration project, the bathroom was a priority. “It was leaking and very tired, so the aim was to improve the layout and freshen up the feel,” explains Sheila. “I wanted it to pay homage to the building’s era, yet I wanted it to be fun as well.”

“Balance is key when designing
a space. With colour and pattern,
I always think never too much
but never too little!”

Sheila Smith, Interior Designer

In keeping with the garden views, green was a natural choice for the scheme. Regional flooding and the old home’s quirks meant the bathroom took months rather than the anticipated weeks to complete. But the result was well worth the wait.

“We love that the bathroom is functional and beautiful,” enthuses Sheila. “It has plenty of personality.”

The right shade of green

Porter’s Paints Water Nymph offers a bright burst of green on the high ceiling, picture frames and custom vanity, which is topped with Carrara marble from K&K Marble. “I kept the palette quite calm and neutral, but ceilings don’t have to be boring,” says Sheila.

Green bathroom tiles

‘Amano White’ subway tiles from Tiento on the walls create a neutral setting, while ‘Juliette Tumbled Carrara’ floor tiles, featuring Peacock and Indian Green inserts from Teranova, are a nod to the home’s heritage. A Decina ‘Oxford’ bath takes pride of place

Designer: Missmith, missmith.com.au.

Joinery: Nabs Cabs, 0417 474 923.

Source book

Shop The Look

01

Poldina Pro Ceramic Lamp Cover

$110, Casa e Cucina

Best for: Lighting

These striped ceramic lamp covers are designed to fit over the popular Poldina Lamp — a fun combination that’s guaranteed to add character to almost any interior.

Sizes: 8.8cm

Colours: Green, Yellow, Blue, Red

Materials: Ceramic

Key features:

• Four colours available
• Fits over portable lamp
• Ceramic material

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02

Adventure Bath Mat

$48.98 (usually $89.95), Mayde

Best for: Bathroom accessories

Made from 100% natural cotton and featuring a fun check pattern, this Mayde bathmat will bring a hint of green into your bathroom.

Sizes: 90cm x 50cm

Colours: Green and White

Materials: 100% Natural Cotton Terry

Key features:

• 300g
• Check print
• Made in Turkey

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03

Anne Black Design Flowerpot With Saucer

$49.00, Elevate Design

Best for: House plants

In its soft shade of Jade Green, this flowerpot and saucer set makes experimenting with the colour green a breeze.

Sizes: Small/Medium

Colours: Jade Green, Pink, Beige, Grey

Materials: Glazed Ceramic

Key features:

• Drainage hole
• Four colour options
• Handmade

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04

Black Blaze Curl Curl Candle

$49.50, Black Blaze

Best for: Fragrance

In a soothing shade of Sage Green, this sculptural candle will bring a fresh scent and look into your bathroom.

Sizes: 11cm x 11.5cm

Colours: Sage Green. Blue, Brown

Materials: Refined Soy Wax

Key features:

• Sculptural design
• Soy Wax
• 20-25 hours burn time

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The post Peek inside an interior designer’s fresh green bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A small family bathroom design to inspire

This bathroom may be in a tight space, but it showcases a perfect blend of form and function, created by Interior Designer Carmel Wylie for GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens.

The original bathroom had an unusual layout – part walk-in robe, part dead space. As the only bathroom in the house, the brief was to make the most of the space without losing the linen cupboard and to put in a bath, shower and vanity.

True to the weatherboard house it inhabits, this bathroom features timeless subway tiles and brass tapware. The ‘Blue Sunflower’ floor tiles from Jatana Interiors, says Carmel, add personal style. “And they’re divine,” she adds. Look closer and see that all pink design elements here are accessories. The clever choice of base colours – including neutral timber, classic navy and grey in the floor and wall tiles – lend themselves to any colour palette, so they can be changed with the seasons and updated anytime in the future without needing an expensive makeover. Genius!

The best layout for a small bathroom

“To get the most out of the space I lined all the plumbing along one wall which gave us an open shower/freestanding bath space which just works so well” says Carmel. The handmade subway tiles are in two colour ways, white and charcoal from Sunlight Tiles. Colour is kept to the floor tiles and white subway tiles run along the longest wall section towards the window to capture the natural light. Matching grey tiles on the back wall create a subtle feature wall without interrupting the line.

“To get the most out of the space I lined all the plumbing along one wall”

Carmel Wylie for GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens

A wall-hung vanity is the perfect choice for a small family bathroom design. Ensuring enough space for storage, Carmel didn’t want the vanity to fall under 1000mm, “So I worked backwards from there,” she says. “I also put the large mirrored cabinet over the vanity and toilet, which as well as being storage helped to bring light into the darkest end of the bathroom.”

Storage in a small family bathroom

Integrated storage makes sense to avoid cabinetry encroaching on the limited floor space. Borrow from adjacent rooms or dig into actual wall cavities if possible. The timber of the linen cupboard matches the vanity and the door handles are brass, like the tapware and towel rails, for a streamlined look.

“It is and will be a family bathroom so it was important that there could be more than one person in there at a time”

Carmel Wylie for GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens

Add a shower niche in the wall

There’s a reason shower niches have become so popular in home renovations – particularly when considering small family bathroom design. They’re easy to clean, maximise available space and blend seamlessly into the wall structure. Limiting shelf space for bathroom products also avoids a buildup of clutter.

Shop pretty bathroom accessories

01

Leona Edmiston x Jayson Brunsdon ‘Bloom’ bath towel in Dusty Pink (set of 2)

$44.95 (ususally $49.95), Temple & Webster

Best for: Designer luxe in the bathroom

Born of the creative collaboration of longtime designers and friends, Leona Edmiston and Jayson Brunsdon, these sumptuous towels are plush and petalled for the most affordable statement of luxury homewares this season.

Colours: Peacock, Mulberry, Watermelon, Dusty Pink and White.

Materials: 100% cotton.

Key features:

• 650 GSM
• Soft, plush pile in a jacquard weave
• Dimensions: W70 x L140cm

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02

Caroma Contura II wall basin/bath mixer in Brushed Brass

$360, The Blue Space

Best for: Everyday elegance

With its compact design and gorgeous finish making it a delight to handle with each use, investing in this contemporary tapware ticks all our boxes – sexy metallic finish (in 5 choices of metal), streamlined form and robust function.

Colours: Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black and Chrome.

Materials: Lead-free brass.

Key features:

• 20-year warranty
• Australian designed and engineered
• Dimensions: H121mm

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03

Clay soap in Rose and Pink

$9.90, Kinfolk and Co

Best for: A fragrant handmade touch

Made by the lovely family at Church Farm General Store, these soap blocks bring old-school charm to everyday personal care for the whole family.

Colours: Lemon Myrtle and Macadamia Oil, Eucalyptus with Australian Black Clay.

Materials: Pink clay, rose geranium essential oil, sweet almond oil.

Key features:

• Rose geranium essential oil is known to reduce inflammation
• Handmade in Australia
• Tested on friends, not animals

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04

Timberline Swift wall-hung vanity with ceramic top

$397, The Blue Space

Best for: Tight spaces

This wall-hung vanity is perfect for a small family bathroom design, with an integrated basin and streamlined silhouette. Choose the best size for your space and whether you’d prefer a tap hole or wall-mounted mixer. The soft-close European steel drawer runners are built to withstand the rigours of a busy family.

Colours: Satin white painted exterior or timber look.

Sizes: 600mm, 750mm, 900mmm and 1200mm

Materials: Ceramic top.

Key features:

• Integrated ceramic basin top
• Australian made in Armidale, NSW
• Dimensions: H121mm
• Plug and waste sold separately

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05

Cocoon vase in Icy Pink

$29, Marmoset Found

Best for: A touch of pink

Small enough for a vanity or window sill, you can paint your own bathroom colour palette with this pretty vase. Snip stems from your garden or opt for faux for an everlasting flourish to soften the edges and create bathroom bliss.

Colours: Terracotta, Moss, Charcoal, Icy Pink, Dove Grey, Snow, Steel Blue, Chalk White, Light Blue.

Sizes: Small W8 x H12cm, Medium W8 x H22cm, Large W10 x H30cm

Materials: Ceramic

Key features:

• Hand cast ceramic
• Waterproof
• Soft, pastel colour palette

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06

Glinda arch wall mirror

$139 (usually $189.95), Temple & Webster

Best for: Introducing curves

What’s not to love about an arched mirror? A clever way to soften the corners of bathroom fixtures, the gentle curve of the arch is mounted flush to the wall to float gently atop a rectangular vanity.

Colours: Gold, Black.

Materials: Aluminium, iron, glass.

Key features:

• Australian made in Armidale, NSW
• Dimensions: H85.5 x W 80.5 x D2.5cm
• Weight 7.2kg, wall mounted

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The post This small family bathroom design packs a pretty punch appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The best quality bath towels in Australia 2025

01

European Sophia strawberry and candy pink Turkish cotton bath sheet

$54.99, Adairs

The sheet is the larger option, slightly larger than a towel at 80cm by 160cm. Generosity goes a long way when you’re aiming for either luxury or maintaining a little modesty post bathing. There are slightly different colour stripes on each side in what’s basically a reversible stripe colourway, so you can switch it around depending on the look you want when you hang them up. This bath towel range is available in plenty of styles and colours, but it’s hard to go past the strawberry on one side and candy on the other. It’s a kind of watermelon punch cocktail vibe for your bathroom.

Sizes: Hand Towel, Bath Towel, Bath Sheet

Colours: Green Tea & French Blue, Violet & Lemon Drop, Paprika & Nude

Materials: Turkish cotton

Key features:

• Made from Turkish cotton
• Tassel edge detailing
• Different stripe colours on each side.

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02

Cedar towel in Carbon

$49.99, Sheridan

Pair this playful check from Sheridan with complementary shades to give your bathroom a pop of interest and texture. The yarn-dye pattern brings a sophisticated edge to your colour scheme, and can either be lightened up with whites or made more moody with charcoal bath mats and face towels.

Sizes: Hand Towel, Bath Towel

Colours: Multi, Carbon

Materials: Cotton terry

Key features:

• Made in India
• Plush hand-feel

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03

Boston bath towel in silver grey

$15.95 (usually $26.95), Bed Bath N’ Table

Sometimes the most spa-like experience can be found with less going on around you. These simple, classic rib towels have no borders and then silver grey colour makes them a perfect addition to any bathroom design. This is the towel for a highly patterned bathroom, for a place where the bold terrazzo or mosaic tiles already do all the talking. The contemporary style is available in plenty of colours, should you like to be a little more daring. These pure combed cotton towels have a full appearance after washing and tumble drying, and the price point can’t be beaten.

Sizes: Bath Towel, Bath Sheet, Hand Towel, Face Washer, Bath Mat

Colours: Silver Grey, white, Granite, Eucalyptus, Ink, Blue Stone, Sage Green, Stillwater Blue

Materials: Cotton

Key features:

• Durable and absorbent
• Timeless borderless design

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04

Marimekko Piirto Unikko bath towel

$159, David Jones

The classic flower design of Marimekko should appear at least once in every style-loving person’s house, that’s just how it is. And for those who like a less bold print, the elegant Unikko flower print symbol has been handed an almost line-drawing look in ivory and black. This 100cm by 160cm bath towel is made of heavyweight organic cotton terry, and there’s a Marimekko label on the bottom edge, in case you could forget for a moment what this iconic label and print is.

Materials: Cotton

Key features:

• Made from 100% premium cotton

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05

Terre bath towel in Toffee

$34.95 (usually $49.95), Freedom

In a warm terracotta hue, the Terre bath towel from Freedom is a cosy and soft number to add to your towel rotation. Crafted from long-fibre Turkish cotton, it’s plush, resilient and luxurious. This one is 70cm by 140cm, a medium-to-large towel that looks beautiful with any decor.

Colours: Toffee, Mid Green, White

Materials: Turkish cotton

Key features:

• Made from 100% Turkish cotton
• Highly absorbent
• Machine-washable

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06

Sheridan Austyn bath towel

$29.97 (usually $49.95), Sheridan Outlet

If a terribly fluffy down is not your thing, these textured quality towels from Sheridan are a perfect option. They come in plenty of contemporary colours – we love this Coal look – and they wash extremely well. No pilling and pulling and generally looking shabby after a tumble in your laundry. There is a quality feel to the material, after all it’s 100 percent 600gsm cotton. There’s a whole range to match, making it the perfect option for a bathroom overhaul or as a gift for a loved one who likes the good things.

Colours: Coal, white, Storm, Midnight (navy), Silver, Passionflower, Bluebird, Sea Foam, Coral,

Size: Hand Towel, Face Washer, Bath Towel, Bath Sheet, Bath Mat

Materials: 100% cotton

Key features:

• Made from 100% cotton
• Unique texture and high absorbancy
• Made in China

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07

Rosewater and Sage check terry bath towel

$120 , Bed Threads

A towel so luxe and soft that you might wonder what you’ve been doing up until now. This towel is not the most robust in the linen cupboard – the flax linen is soft, but it needs to be treated well or it gets in a bit of a mood. These towels are large, they’re almost buttery in feel with their 500gsm terry weave, transporting you to holidays on the Amalfi whether you’ve had one or not. The colours are on point for any stylish bathroom, in a playful but chic way.

Sizes: 100cm x 170cm

Colours: Rosewater & Sage, Pink Clay & Hazelnut, Limoncello & Terracotta, Wildflower & White, White & Oatmeal

Materials: 100% French flax linen

Key features:

• Arrives packaged in a linen storage sack
• Quick drying
• 400gsm

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What is considered a good quality towel?

When looking for a good quality towel, there are few things to consider. The material in which it is made from and its thickness (GSM). The higher the GSM, the higher-quality and more durable it is. As mentioned, Egyptian cotton is generally known as the best quality of cotton, however, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference.

Other elements such as quality stitch-work (i.e. no loose ends) are also key indicators of the quality of your bath towel.

So, what should you look for when searching for high-quality towels? When talking about bath towels, investigating in the best fabric is a great place to start. 

Are expensive towels worth it?

Cheap gets cheap, they say. And often the more you spend on something the higher your expectations that you will get something for the extra dosh. Sadly that’s not always the case. Our list of quality bath towels are not all expensive, but all are good. Avoid polyester in your towels (and wherever you can in life if quality is what you are after). It’s not good on your skin, will shed microplastics, and natural will always feel better in the long term. If you’re looking for a towel that will last more than one season, go for the best quality you can afford.

What material is best for bath towels?

Most towels – bath towels especially – are made from cotton. However, the type of cotton you choose is crucial if you want plush spa-like towels. Below, are the main types of cotton normally found in bath towels that are worth familiarising yourself with.

Organic cotton towels

As the name suggests, organic cotton is made sans the use of any harmful chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers. Organic cotton is also very environmentally friendly in its production – plus, they are soft, strong and perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Egyptian cotton towels

Considered one of the highest qualities of cotton is Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton is handpicked in the sourcing process and boasts the longest and finest staples to produce the plushest towels one will touch. If you’re looking to wrap yourself in luxury, bath towels made from Egyptian cotton are a no-brainer. 

Turkish cotton towels

Turkish cotton towels are reliably good quality. Crafted from cotton sourced only from the Aegean region, Turkish cotton has extra-long fibres that are stronger and smoother than traditional cotton threads. Therefore, Turkish cotton towels will survive daily use and regular washing for years, and are incredibly plush.

Though, there’s no material that reigns supreme – as it is all up to personal preference – it is safe to say that Egyptian cotton is generally regarded as the highest quality of cotton. As a result, Egyptian cotton towels are a luxurious addition to any bathroom. However, opting for cotton towels is a great entry point and allrounder.

Read more here:

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The post 8 quality bath towels for an easy bathroom update appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Shower ledge

Sometimes less is more, which is precisely the view Monique Hemmingson took when designing the ledge in her own pared-back minimalist bathing space.

“For us, the shower ledge was a way to create a practical space that also limits clutter in the shower and bathroom,” she says.

Both niches and ledges can boast an almost seamless profile, especially when finished in matching tiles with mitred edges, trimmed at 45 degrees to meet at perfect right angles.

“Investing in a good tiler is key so you can have the edges mitred instead of capped, which can look busier,” explains Monique. “An adequate fall on your niche or ledge is also essential to avoid water pooling on its surface and prevent your tiles or stone from becoming mouldy or discoloured.”

“Aesthetically, a shower ledge provides both depth and interest.”

Katie Soineva, SMUB Studio

Shower niche

A contrasting shower niche makes a bold impression when set against a subdued backdrop, such as in the elegant bathroom designed by Parker Studio.

Paired with light tiles, the addition of dark marble has a luxurious appeal, and the tall, slender niche helps save space. “We were restricted in size, so we opted for a vertical niche, which draws the eye up and makes the most of the high ceilings,” says interior designer Caitlin Parker-Brown.

“When planned ahead of time, the framework inside the wall cavity can be adjusted to suit the exact niche location. Statement stone is a timeless option to make your niche, ledge or bench a standout, though finishes including microcement or tiles in contrasting designs work equally well.”

To determine the ideal dimensions of your niche, consider the size of your shower products. For placement, keep your niche away from the splash zone, on the opposite or adjacent wall, to safeguard against moisture build-up.

Shower bench

Designed with relaxation in mind, a shower bench is the perfect place to unwind, transforming any bathroom into a delightful day spa experience.

When designing the ensuite above, Todd Miller of Ziegler gave a floating bench seat pride of place and used a dramatic stone with earthy pinks that ties together the colours of the floor and wall tiles.

Tempted to add a bench to your bathing space? Take inspiration from the conveniently placed handheld shower in Brushed Nickel from ABI Interiors, which lets users take a seat while washing.

Above it, a linear niche runs perpendicular to the bench, creating a neat storage spot for toiletries. The neutral palette adds an elevated touch without overwhelming the eye for the ultimate bathroom bliss.

Experts’ best tips for designing a shower niche

For longevity, think about how your niche, ledge or bench seat will work with the style of your bathroom and home.

Sizing

“Typically, shower ledges are 1200 millimetres high from the tiled floor and 90 millimetres wide, to allow products to sit comfortably,” says Katie.

“Where possible, design the size of your niche around your tiles so you don’t have unnecessary or unsightly tile cuts,” suggests Caitlin.

Design

“Create a niche that’s less typical. Use materials that resonate with you and have personal meaning,” urges Tiffany Howell of Night Palm.

“If you have a few standout features, then you don’t need to overcomplicate things and can focus on the practicality of the layout and materials,” explains Holly Vaughan of Vaughan Design and Development.

Shape

“Your [builder] can frame out the niche to be any size or shape,” Tiffany explains. “Let your imagination go wild and have fun with shape.”

The post To niche, ledge or bench? Your guide to modern shower storage appeared first on Home Beautiful.

And by success, we mean incorporating sustainable practices and products into your bathroom. From sustainable swaps such as recycled toilet paper to sleek hand soaps and hand wash refills, turning your bathroom into one that promotes an eco-conscious, eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle is much easier than you may think.

To help you in your sustainable journey, we’ve rounded up the best sustainable bathroom products that will make you question why you didn’t do this sooner…

The best sustainable bathroom products to shop in Australia 2024

01

Essentials bundle

$149 (usually $198), Skipper

Everything you need to make an easy eco-friendly swap can be found in Skipper’s Essential bundle. Featuring zero-waste bathroom products such as handwash, surface spray, and more, just add water to concentrated tablets and watch the magic unfold. Plus, if you like to stock up on your supplies, these concentrated tablets take up less space in your storage cupboard, too, making them a great choice for smaller spaces.

Key features:

• Bundle includes: 1x Hand Wash Duo kit, 1x Laundry Detergent Sheets Starter kit, 1x Universal Cleaner kit, 1x Dishwasher Tablets starter kit, 3x dish cloths, 3x mesh produce bags, and 1x Skipper tote bag
• Free shipping for refills and orders over $75
• Fast dispatch

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02

Vine Creations amber glass soap dispenser (2-pack)

$59.53, Amazon

Not only does decanting your handwash into uniform bottles the key to giving your bathroom an elevated look, but opting for handwash refills instead of buying new bottles each time means you’re dealing with less packaging waste. Choose a glass bottle and a pump that matches your existing bathroom decor, and you’ll be on your way to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Key features:

• Waterproof labels
• Rustproof stainless steel pump
• Amber glass for UV protection

Shop Now

03

Surface + spray mop starter kit

$104.85 (usually $139.80), Koh

Looking for everything you need for a sparkling clean home – sans the nasties? Aussie-made brand, Koh, is here to help. Koh is all about providing the essentials you need to create a better clean for your home, family and our planet. This starter kit includes its award-winning Universal Cleaner that is suitable for an array of surfaces, meaning, no more multiple bottles of cleaning sprays piling up under your sink.

Key features:

• Kit includes 1x atomiser spray bottle, 1x Universal Cleaner, 4x Universal cloths, 1x spray mop, 3x green mop pads, and 2x blue mop pads
• Machine-washable mop pads

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04

Southampton cotton rope basket in natural

$20.99 (usually $34.99), Mocka

Perfect for storing extra bath towels for guests or extra toilet paper, this basket is a stylish addition to your bathroom. Made from sustainably sourced cotton, you could even use this as a pot cover for plants in your bathroom.

Key features:

• Made with cotton blend fabric
• Natural texture

Shop Now

05

Aus Natural Soap Co bamboo soap ladder

$15.95 at Nourished Life

Say goodbye to eyesore plastic soap dishes that have seen better days…this bamboo soap ladder will complement your natural soap bars beautifully. Plus, its ladder design keeps your soap dry to ensure it lasts a lot longer between uses. Crafted from sustainably-grown MOSO bamboo that is highly resistant to mould and mildew, there’s no sustainable swap that’s as easy as this humble soap ladder.

Key features:

• Made from sustainably grown MOSO bamboo
• Highly resistant to mould and mildew
• Australian owned

Shop Now

06

Resparkle foaming hand wash starter kit

$28.90 at Nourished Life

With a 400ml reusable glass bottle, a foaming pump, and a plastic-free concentrate hand wash refill sachet, cutting down on single-use plastic has never been easier. Simply pour the sachet into the bottle and add water for a bubbly mandarin and lavender-scented hand soap.

Key features:

• Contains 400ml reusable glass bottle with attachable hand pump
• 1x plastic-free concentrate refill sachet
• Mandarin and lavender scent

Shop Now

07

Leif Products Desert Lime body cleanser

$69, THE ICONIC

If you love bathroom products from Leif, then you’ll be happy to know that the gorgeous bottle that its body cleansers come in can be reused time and time again. Thanks to the brand’s one-litre body cleanser refills, you can wash your body with a hint of citrus and vanilla while knowing you’re doing your bit to reduce plastic waste.  

Key features:

• Desert Lime – high in Vitamin C
• 100% vegan and cruelty-free
• 1L refill size

Shop Now

08

Bamboo bath board

$49.95 (usually $69.95), Bed Bath N’ Table

Natural and stylish, this bamboo bath board is durable yet comfortable underfoot. Keep it close to your bathtub for spontaneous pamper nights at home. 

Key features:

• Made from bamboo
• 48 x 41 cm

Shop Now

09

Premium 100% bamboo toilet paper

$40, Who Gives A Crap

Not as glamorous but incredibly vital within any bathroom is toilet paper (and plenty of it). Who Gives A Crap’s 100 per cent bamboo toilet paper is super comfy, biodegradable, and is shipped to your door via carbon-neutral shipping. Choose from a one-time purchase or subscribe to have sustainable toilet paper shipped to your door whenever it’s time to renew your stock. 

Key features:

• Subscription service available
• 100% bamboo
• 3-ply
• Biodegradable
• Double-length rolls; 370 sheets

Shop Now

10

Heaven In Earth wooden toilet brush

$23.95 at Biome

Looking for a plastic-free cleaning tool for your toilet? This one is made from a mix of tough tampico and palmyra fibres on an untreated beechwood handle. An easy, eco-friendly alternative to your everyday plastic toilet cleaner.

Key features:

• Plastic free
• Made from a mix of tampico and palmyra fibres and an untreated beechwood handle

Shop Now

The post 10 product swaps that will make your bathing routine more sustainable appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Caesarstone Porcelain

Caesarstone Australia’s Product Manager, Allison Cupillari, says the colours and textures of the natural world inform much of interior design today, and this collection is a reflection of that. “From the warm, earthy neutrals that are so popular, to the materials we favour, such as timbers and natural stone,” she adds.  

So whether you are a passionate home cook, simply looking for a beautiful, high-performing, easy to care for surface, or more influenced by aesthetic considerations, the Caesarstone Porcelain range has you covered. Find your perfect shade here…

Silvax

The resurgence of travertine is the inspiration behind Silvax. Designers who have an interest in prehistory and archaeology look to showcase the beauty, colour and texture of nature. Silvax recreates the discernible banded structure of sedimentary limestone, with its tiny, oxidised markings of misty clays and silvery greys.

Its stone finish creates a natural and earthy feel, and is popular for outdoor spaces, living rooms, or rustic-themed interiors. To create the subtle nature-inspired look, mix Silvax benchtops with timber and stone features.

The superior functionality of Caesarstone Porcelain can be used for kitchen benchtops, islands, splashbacks and dropdown panels. Also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, extreme heat and any form of staining, Caesarstone Porcelain is a surface of exceptional functionality and beauty for outdoor kitchens.

Marbannova

Warmer hues are increasingly popular when choosing how to decorate the home. Featuring a warm white base with prominent veining, Marbannova is infused with striations of subtle gold, warm grey and muted copper.

Pair Marbannova with warm oatmeal, sand, raw linen and earthy browns shades to evoke a light, sunny feel to a room. Its silk finish creates a clean and contemporary look and works well in bathrooms and kitchens, particularly if the spaces catch the sunlight.

Lucillia

Combining the luxury and translucency of marble with the patina of weathered stone, Lucillia features a warm white base washed with fine, icy veins that crackle across the entire surface.

Timeless whites such as Lucillia instil elegance and style and allow for limitless aesthetic pairing options. If you’re looking to create further depth to the kitchen, implement homewares with subtle caramel accents, or soft, earthy toned furnishings for a subtle pop of colour.

Libretta

Libretta’s warm-white base, with light-grey undertones, is suffused with complex veining in soft feathery greys and darker, charcoal striations. The soft, matte surface creates a light-reflective visual focal point that is both elegant and unobtrusive.

Due to its detailed veining, pair with simple, neutral décor to deliver a sleek, sophisticated, and statement look for your kitchen.

Marenstone

Marenstone takes its inspiration from ancient, crushed seashells that, over time, have been reduced to fine particles of sand that metamorphose into limestone. Marenstone is a simple, timeless surface design with an ivory base and a granular patina in beige and deep bronze.

Dusty-pink, rose-gold and bronze shades complement a Marenstone surface and when paired, brings a beachside feel to a home. Consider adding extra features such as brass tapware and clay homewares to enhance the Hamptons style of coastal allure and upscale elegance.

Mosstone

The name says it all! Picture a beautifully weathered, milky white stone and envisage the adornment of a mottled layer of moss, in a combination of muted sage and deeper green, across its entire surface. Then, add the patina of iodised impurities and subtle rust veins – that’s Caesarstone Mosstone.

Mosstone’s woodland aesthetic blends perfectly with deeper shades of brown and lighter beige tones to create a natural finish to indoor and outdoor kitchens. To further elevate the space, add a dash of deep red – decorate the benchtop with a fruit bowl of pomegranates, apples and plums.

Auralux

Archaeology, ancient fossils and minerals were the inspiration behind Auralux. With a neutral earthy grey base, this porcelain comes alive with its complex composition of tiny shells, grains and aggregates, together with flecks of impurities in taupe, putty and weathered white.

Auralux brings a natural warmth to a kitchen or living room. It’s best to match the surface against wooden furnishings and other touches of oranges, browns and auburns. Suitable for a simple home interior, touches of nature – potted plants and flowers – create an inviting, homely ambience.

Smokestone

Smokestone is bold, striking and completely transforms a home. The contrast between its deep midnight-black base and chalk-white striations creates a powerful look for any interior. Though rough in its finish, the aesthetic of irregular calcite streaks and layers of earthy impurities creates a surface that exudes luxury and timeless elegance.

Smokestone is rich, intense and versatile in character, and can be combined with black cabinetry and flooring for an achromatic scheme or to introduce contrast, implement white or grey cabinetry and flooring. Consider more refined lighting options around a Smokestone surface to subtly brighten up the space.

Discover Caesarstone’s new Porcelain 2024 collection here.

The post The new porcelain colours transforming kitchen and bathroom benchtops appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While we know cleaning (especially the bathroom) is not an enjoyable task for many, we do love it when we come across bathroom cleaning products that work well and make the task at hand, dare we say, more enjoyable. After all, there is nothing worse than spending your precious time and effort to clean your bathroom, only to be left with stubborn stains that are overstaying their welcome.

So, to help you (and us) with the tedious chore of cleaning the bathroom, we took to the internet to find the best of the best bathroom cleaning products that you can buy in Australia that’ll keep your sanity in tact and your bathroom sparkling clean. You’re welcome.

The most viral bathroom cleaning products 2024

01

The Pink Stuff The Miracle bathroom foam cleaner

$5.49 (usually $7.50), Amazon

Best for: cleaning bathroom surfaces

Dubbed the “miracle cleaner” in Aussie homes, Pink Stuff’s Miracle bathroom foam cleaner is tough on bathroom stains but gentle on surfaces, leaving your bathroom sparkling clean – every time. Designed to easily (and effectively) remove dirt, grease, soap and grime, as well as remove and prevent limescale, this pink bottle of magic will sit permanently on our cleaning supplies cupboard for seasons to come. Further, all cleaning products within The Pink Stuff’s cleaning range are vegan and cruelty-free.

“I recently tried The Pink Stuff The Miracle Bathroom Foam Cleaner and I must say, it truly lives up to its name! This product is absolutely fantastic and has made cleaning my bathroom a breeze. The foam cleaner effortlessly tackles soap scum, grime, and water stains, leaving my bathroom sparkling clean and fresh. The results are truly impressive and I love the way it transforms my bathroom surfaces…” commented a five-star reviewer.

Key features:

• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Targets limescale

Shop Now

02

Glassguard Miracle mould removal gel

$29.99, Amazon

Best for: removing mould

Ah, our old friend – bathroom mould. Not only is mould never welcome in any part of the home, but they are notorious for creeping up in bathrooms – especially where ventilation is scarce. That’s why having an effective and reliable mould remover in your bathroom cleaning supplies is non-negotiable. This mould removal gel from Glassguard has been loved by many and has been praised for its potent formula and easy-to-use squeeze bottle. Designed to remove stubborn mould from tiles, grout, bathroom sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Did we mention there is no scrubbing involved?

Key features:

• No-scrub solution
• Safe on multiple surfaces
• Potent formula

Shop Now

03

Holikme drill power scrubber cleaning brush attachment (set of 4)

$35.35, Amazon

Best for: heavy duty cleaning

Look, this isn’t the most glamorous cleaning tool we’ve ever come across, but when it has over 50-thousand ratings on Amazon, with an average star rating of 4.3, that’ll have most of us wondering…is this the cleaning tool of the moment? It’s important to note that this set doesn’t come with the power drill, but if you already own a power drill for your everyday DIY projects, adding a brush attachment will turn it into the multipurpose tool you never knew it could achieve. This set of four comes with three brush attachments and one extended reach attachment to help you get into hard-to-reach spaces in your bathroom.

Key features:

• 4-pack set includes 3x brushes and 1x extender tool
• Compatible with most cordless drills
• Nylon bristles

Shop Now

04

Universal Cleaner single kit

$39, Skipper

Best for: an all-purpose cleaner

Not only are Skipper cleaning products eco-conscious, its Universal Cleaner is the perfect everyday surface spray that you’ll want on display. The kit comes equipped with three Universal Cleaner refills (three tablets = three 500mL bottles of Universal Cleaner), one reusable spray bottle, one glass cleaning microfibre cloth (perfect for shower screens), two general cleaning microfibre cloths (perfect for sinks), and a storage tin. The great thing about this cleaner is that you can use it in the bathroom on surfaces like the sink, benchtop, toilet seats, bathtubs, and shower screens, but you can also use it in a spray mop to keep tiles sparkling clean. It’s called a ‘universal’ cleaner for a reason.

Want to know more? You can read Homes To Love’s full review on Skipper’s cleaning products, here.

Key features:

• Single kit includes: 1x reusable spray bottle, 1x glass cleaning microfibre cloth, 2x general cleaning microfibre cloths, 1x storage tin, 3x Universal Cleaner refills
• Perfect for the bathroom and beyond

Shop Now

05

OXO Good Grips deep clean brush set

$8.99 (usually $17.95), Amazon

Best for: cleaning grout

This brush set from OXO features one large brush and one small brush with a wiper blade for all your bathroom cleaning needs. The large brush is ideal for targeting grout and shower door tracks, while the smaller brush is your saviour when it comes to tight spaces and fixtures. Plus, the wiper blade cleans built-up dirt from drains and other crevices easily, too.

Key features:

• Set of 2 brushes
• Small brush includes wiper blade

Shop Now

06

Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds biodegradable cleaner

$4.95, Adore Beauty

Best for: a concentrated yet gentle cleaner

Looking for a hard surface all-purpose cleaner? Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds is a biodegradable concentrated solution that is made with plant-based surfactants and natural fir needle and spruce essential oils. No synthetic dyes, fragrances or preservatives can be found here. So, if you’re looking for a bathroom cleaner that is easy on the planet and gentle on your skin, this is the cleaner for you.

Key features:

• 100% cruelty-free
• Biodegradable
• Concentrated solution

Shop Now

What is the best thing to clean your bathroom with?

We’re flooded with cleaning products – in supermarket aisles and online. That’s why finding the perfect bathroom cleaning product seems harder than normal. All products recommended in this round-up are great for tackling cleaning jobs within the bathroom. Finding one that suits your preferences and needs is crucial, as well as finding cleaning products that actually do what they promise. Our tip is to always look at real customer reviews as well as recommendations from cleaning experts (like us!).

Read more:

Previous

The secret to cleaning your stone benchtops

10 product swaps that will make your bathing routine more sustainable

Keep your carpets fresher for longer with these top-rated carpet cleaners for the home

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The post These viral cleaning products are set to give you your precious time back appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Getting started

If you want to begin your day on a positive note, then creating an ensuite you truly love is a great place to start. After all, bathrooms are usually the first room we step into each morning, so it makes sense that they can help set the tone of our day. “An ensuite should be designed to engender a sense of wellbeing, peace and calmness,” says Kate. And, as always, preparation is key to a delightful design.

Ensuite planning and preparation

1. Get the right layout placement

Identifying the right position in your home’s floor plan can make a world of difference for your ensuite, especially when it comes to letting in extra light. “Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, we always try to position an ensuite bathroom facing east to capture the morning light,” explains Kate. Not only does an abundance of natural light help with make-up application in the morning, it’s also a strong mood booster. “There’s something so special about capturing the natural light when you’re getting ready to face the day,” adds Kate. If an eastern orientation isn’t possible, consider adding a skylight or strategically placing mirrors to reflect the sunshine.

2. Identify sightlines

Clever ensuite design doesn’t just make for a better-looking bathroom – it also allows for flexibility and functionality so multiple people can use the space simultaneously. Shared bathrooms are intimate, so including some privacy helps keep the peace. “Sightlines are so important,” says Kate, who believes hiding the toilet from view of adjoining bedrooms or walk-in robes is a must. “If space allows, we always recommend a toilet and shower separated by fluted glass to allow natural light to filter in while maintaining privacy,” she suggests.

3. Think about functionality

“Organisation is definitely key to a feeling of wellbeing,” says Kate. Instead of rushing through the planning stage, stop and think about every step of your household’s daily bathroom use, then ask yourself what you need to create an intrinsic sense of ease during those moments. “Create a considered space for everything, so the rush of the bathroom routine in the morning is intuitive and automatic,” says Kate. Oft forgotten – but important – design details include rubbish bins and laundry hampers incorporated into your joinery to maintain a seamless and uncluttered look, while also increasing functionality.

Ensuite decoration and styling

No matter how clever the design of your ensuite, the space is never going to feel quite right if your bathroom is visually lacklustre. And how disappointing would it be to spend so much time on this room, only to fall at the final hurdle. Decoration and styling constitute more than a simple cherry on top of a well-organised zone; they are essential ingredients to create an ensuite that is perfect for you and your family.

4. Make it cosy

“An ensuite bathroom should feel anything but sterile,” warns Kate. “There’s no need for reflective, cold surfaces.” These bathrooms are extensions of the bedroom, so they should reflect all the comforts, textures and tones found within it. There are many ways to incorporate stylistic elements from your bedroom and home into your ensuite. You could adopt the same colour palette, repeat lighting featured elsewhere in your interior or use the same materials in other rooms for your vanity top and joinery. The key is to extend your style into the ensuite for a warm and welcoming environment.

5. Use wallpaper and panelling

While tiles and stone are popular, they are not the only option available. “Consider different wall treatments like panelling or wallpaper,” suggests Kate. “As long as the shower is separate and waterproof, you can be creative with materials to create a joyful space.” A well-considered scheme can also complement other features in your home. If you have a Queenslander, VJ panelling will speak to the architectural style of its design. And don’t forget wallpaper – it’s a simple but effective way to introduce colour, pattern and personality. Looking to decorate your walls with artwork but concerned about humidity? Simply ensure your shower is well-ventilated.

6. Invest in high-quality fixtures

Where possible, indulge in the best of the best. After all, your ensuite is your personal sanctuary. Kate recommends beautiful tapware in a finish that will patina over time for that prized mix of aesthetics and hardy functionality. “Natural materials such as stone feel beautiful underfoot,” she adds. “In an ensuite, which is usually only used by the parents in a household, it’s wonderful to have a feature bath in front of full-height windows. Having a view to look out on adds to the appeal.” Lightweight curtains achieve privacy and add romance.

Functional ensuite features

Once you’ve planned the location and layout of your ensuite, you need to knuckle down and focus on functionality. Since the ultimate aim is a relaxing and effortless space that can withstand busy mornings with high traffic, there’s no design detail that’s too small to be considered. Every feature can aid convenience. From ample storage to cleverly positioned power points, practicality is the backbone of this space.

7. Carefully consider storage

The importance of storage in an ensuite cannot be overstated. But it’s not just the amount of storage that matters, it’s the type and placement that make all the difference, too. “Think carefully about how you use the space to ensure everything is at your fingertips and out of sight where possible,” says Kate. “Eye-height storage is an excellent choice so you can avoid having to bend.” She also cautions against open shelving. “Bathrooms can get dirty and no matter how conscientious you are, shelves need to be cleaned and will fill with things you don’t want to see.” And don’t forget a place to store your bath towels! Although they can be stored in a linen cupboard, it’s much easier to have them close at hand in the bathroom.

8. Get a bathroom electrician

Knowledge is power, so consult a qualified electrician before you start planning lighting and power points. You’ll also need different types of lighting in your ensuite – task lighting is important for make-up application and shaving, while feature lighting in the form of wall sconces or pendants adds a sense of luxury and makes a style statement. When it comes to power points, the more the merrier, but consider installing some in a drawer or inside your cupboards. “You can keep appliances plugged in but hidden from view,” explains Kate. Heated towel rails are another practical electrical inclusion.

9. Connect with the outdoors

What could be better than a bathroom with a view? “Seeing Mother Nature in the morning always brings joy,” shares Kate. “A window with vistas to a garden adds a sense of wellbeing.” As well as providing natural light and making the space feel bigger, windows improve ventilation and help prevent mould. If this isn’t feasible for you, consider installing an operable skylight. Other options include extractor fans, ceiling fans and dehumidifiers.

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More bathroom renovation ideas

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10 low-cost ways to update your bathroom

Before and after: Small bathroom to stunning sanctuary for under $10k

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The post An expert’s guide on how to design a luxurious ensuite appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Depending on the shape, size and design of your chosen tile, there are myriad patterns you can use when you lay them. Choose to make the maximum impact on your finished surface, or have your tiles completely disappear from view.

If you’re looking to use a tile pattern other than a conventional “stretcher bond” or “brick wall” lay, consider it at length before you buy your tiles as this may impact the size and style you buy. Combining more than one shape or size will yield some interesting pattern options and introducing a blend of coloured tiles can multiply the possibilities even further.

More complicated patterns might benefit from being laid by a professional, otherwise, there are plenty of tutorials online to show you how it’s done. Help is also at hand with clever apps now available to download that will take necessary measurements, calculate your pattern and estimate the number of tiles (and grout!) you’ll need to use.

Think outside the square by using traditional designs with modern colours or patterned tiles, starting with these classic tile patterns.

Types of tile patterns

1. Straight lay (grid) – a classic use of square tiles and simple to install yourself.

2. Pinwheel (or Hopscotch) – similar to the French pattern, this uses 3 tile sizes: large square, small square and rectangle.

3. Stretcher or Running Bond/Brick wall – rows of tiles offset by exactly half the width of the next row. Easy to install, economical and flexible with little wastage. Can be done with square or rectangular tiles.

4. Herringbone – rectangular tiles are laid at 45 degrees to the wall to produce a v-shaped pattern resembling wood parquet flooring.

5. Chevron – similar to Herringbone pattern but uses parallelogram shaped tiles.

6. Cobblestone – uses 2 tile sizes laid in a grid of 9 to resemble heritage cobblestone paving.

7. Basketweave – pairs of rectangular tiles laid at 90 degrees to one another. Simple to achieve and a step on from a basic pattern. Looks completely different when two or three colours are used.

8. Harlequin – usually uses square tiles in a straight grid pattern but tiles are laid at a 45-degree angle to the wall.

9. Windmill – classic pattern using a combination of rectangular brick tiles around a central square tile. Looks great with contrasting colours. Often supplied ready-made onto mesh.

10. Tessellation – uses more than one shape to create a three-dimensional pattern.

All of these patterns will look different when used with coloured tiles – any number of combinations are possible and it’s fun to play around on an app or design software if you’re looking to step away from a basic pattern to get an idea how it will look. 

Tips for buying tiles

A plain pattern will be straightforward when calculating how many tiles you need to cover your wall or floor space. A more complicated design may require the help of a professional, however, so once you’ve measured up and have an idea of what you need to buy, take your room measurements into the showroom and enlist the help of your supplier to double-check your measurements. Always buy extra tiles to allow for breakages and keep an eye out for sales throughout the year to help stretch your renovating budget. For example, right now Beaumonts has an early Tax Break with up to 50% off all tiles across their entire range.

Take other design elements to the showroom such as tapware, paint colours and flooring samples. You can then build your visual story right there and see how it will all look together. Always ask the experts for their input – both in the design and the practical considerations of your choices – tap into their knowledge of new product releases, specialty treatments and design inspiration.

The post 10 tile patterns you need to know about appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The most luxurious bath robes, however, are made from natural fibres that keep you toasty and warm but allow air to circulate to prevent overheating. Cotton, wool, linen, silk and tencel are among some of the best materials to look for when purchasing a robe. But the best choice for you really boils down to personal taste. Robes made from terry cotton – the material soft, fluffy towels are made from – can make you feel like you’re at a day spa, while a robe made from jersey cotton can feel just like a big hug. 

Ready to say goodbye to your beloved, albeit worn-out, bathrobe? Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best luxury bathrobes worth adding to your loungewear collection.

The best luxury bathrobes to shop in 2024

01

Calo Australian cotton bathrobe in pale grey

$159, Country Road

Best for: Cult-favourite design with personalisation options

Want to feel like royalty every time you step into your bathrobe? Then personalise Country Road’s best-selling 100% Australian cotton ‘Calo’ bathrobe with your choice of embroidery. It’s ideal for gifting or just treating yourself. Size up if you want that extra cosy feeling.

Sizes: Small, medium and large.

Colours: Pale grey, charcoal, rose, faded moss, white and charcoal marle.

Materials: 100% Australian cotton in a rice-grain weave.

Key features:

• Option to personalise with embroidery for extra $10
• Made from 100% Australian cotton
• Available in a range of colours and sizes

Shop Now

02

Robe in matcha stripes

$149, Hommey

Best for: The all-rounder

Hommey’s signature robe in matcha stripes is the ideal all-rounder. It’s perfect for cuddling up on the lounge after a long day, or popping on after a dip in the pool. Made from 100% cotton, it’s soft, absorbent and breathable. One reviewer says “This robe is amazing! Feels like I’m at a 5-star hotel in my own home. Such great quality and has a great weight to it. Colour is gorgeous.” 

Sizes: Small/medium, Large/extra large

Colours: Available in 19 colours including milkshake, charcoal, picnic stripes, blueberry stripes, sky and bubblegum.

Materials: 100% cotton.

Key features:

• Mid-length robe perfect for the pool or cold winter evenings
• Relaxed fit with extra-large belt
• Breathable and absorbent cotton construction

Shop Now

03

Kip&Co bath robe in houndstooth blue

$159, The Memo

Best for: Classic blue pattern

Snuggle up in style with Kip&Co’s plush 100% terry cotton bathrobe in a fabulous houndstooth print. Perfect for recreating a day-spa experience at home or just for lounging around the house on a cold evening.

Sizes: One size

Colours: Houndstooth blue, Bush daisy

Materials: 100% cotton terry.

Key features:

• Classic houndstooth pattern
• Soft, cotton construction
• Thick and cosy

Shop Now

04

Miller jersey quilted robe in oatmeal marle

$180, Sheet Society

Best for: That ‘still in bed’ feeling

You know the kind of mornings that are so cold you just want to wrap yourself up in your doona and stay in bed, but you can’t because well, life? This robe allows you to get on with your morning routine while staying all rugged up. The quilted cotton jersey fabric and relaxed fit gives you that ‘I’m still in bed feeling’, even though you’re actually up and about. 

Sizes: Small/medium, Large/extra large

Colours: Oatmeal marle

Materials: 100% cotton jersey.

Key features:

• OEKO-TEX Certified 100% natural fabric
• Relaxed fit
• Quilted construction for extra cosiness

Shop Now

05

Fine-Day mellow knit robe

$300, David Jones

Best for: Chic loungewear style

This robe, made from a blend of nylon, wool and alpaca is soft, cosy and oh-so-chic, especially in the mocha colourway. It features a classic, long-line silhouette with fine ribbing on the cuffs and hem. Pair it with your favourite fluffy slippers and you’ve got the ultimate loungewear ensemble. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL

Colours: Mocha and natural

Materials: 40% nylon, 30% wool, 30% alpaca

Key features:

• Relaxed fit in a longline cut
• Chic neutral colourway
• Ribbed cuff detailing

Shop Now

06

Aven Australian cotton robe in white

$169.99, Sheridan

Best for: The classic white robe

Sheridan’s Australian cotton bath robe features a unique weave that makes you feel like “you’ve wrapped yourself in a cloud”. Hygro technology and zero twist cotton give the fabric a luxuriously soft feeling, meaning you’ll reach for this robe time and time again. It features extra-wide finishes, including a thick shawl collar, waist tie and wide cuffs. 

Sizes: Small/medium, Large/extra large

Colours: White and indigo.

Materials: 100% Australian cotton.

Key features:

• Exaggerated finishes including collar, waist tie and wide sleeves
• Super soft terry material made using Hygro technology and zero twist
• Patch pockets

Shop Now

07

Ultimate luxe robe in blush

$149.95, Homebodii

Best for: Cosiness without the bulk

Are you the type that tends to do housework in your bathrobe? Then you’ll know how important it is to find a robe that’s comfy, stretchy, lightweight and with sleeves that don’t get away when you’re stacking the dishwasher. This luxe bathrobe made from an easy-care and totally touchable fabric fits the bill. Also available in charcoal and white. Personalisation available.

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 1+, 2+

Colours: Blush, charcoal and white.

Materials: Polyester.

Key features:

• Personalisation available
• Wide range of sizes available
• Easy-care polyester material

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08

Ralph Lauren Home ‘Inez’ tartan bath robe

$359, David Jones

Best for: Understated luxury

The phrase ‘sophisticated bathrobe’ may sound like an oxymoron, but Ralph Lauren Home’s navy bathroom with tartan stripe detailing combines understated luxury with total comfort. Made from 100% cotton, this robe is a classic you’ll love for years and years to come. 

Sizes: Small, medium and large

Colours: Navy.

Materials: 100% cotton.

Key features:

• Deep navy colourway with understated tartan trim
• Weighty, 380gsm.
• Embroidered Ralph Lauren logo

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09

Skims soft lounge long robe in onyx 

$100, Skims

Best for: Elongated silhouette

Not a soft and fluffy robe kind of person? If you’re after a robe made from lightweight, soft and stretchy fabric that drapes beautifully, look no further than Skims’ viral soft lounge robe. It’s floor-length, made from 90% breathable modal fabric and is great for year-round comfort. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3X, 4X

Colours: Onyx and cherry blossom (limited edition).

Materials: Ribbed modal.

Key features:

• Floor-length bathrobe
• Drapes beautifully
• Side pockets

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10

Redondo towelling robe in turmeric

$199, Sage x Clare

Best for: Retro cool

Over floral robes in pastel shades? Opt for something bold and a little bit retro with Sage x Clare’s Redondo robe in a geometric blue and turmeric colourway. It’s made from cotton towelling, so it’s soft and absorbent and is available in four sizes, so you can find one that fits you perfectly. 

Sizes: Extra small/small, Small/medium, Medium/Large, Large/Extra Large

Colours: Freesia, turmeric, cantaloupe and milk.

Materials: Cotton terry.

Key features:

• Retro-inspired geometric print
• Four sizes available
• Longline cut

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The post 10 luxury bathrobes so soft you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a cloud appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Pare it back

Start with a thorough declutter. “Pull everything out of one small space at a time and sort into three piles – remove forever, remove for now and stay in there,” says decluttering coach Rebecca Mezzino.

Anything old, expired or damaged goes in the bin. “Remove things you don’t want your guests to see, such as medications, wart cream, prescriptions,” adds Rebecca. These go in a temporary bathroom storage box along with half-used packets and the bathroom scales (no need for those at holiday time!).

2. Make a clean start

It’s now time to make the space sparkle. “Start by dusting and vacuuming the whole bathroom, including inside the drawers and cupboards,” says Cathy Littlejohn of Platinum Staffing Agency, a Sydney-based provider of premier cleaners. Next, she recommends putting product on your grout so it has at least half an hour to work its magic. “Once you’ve cleaned each area, wipe it with a damp cloth followed by a dry microfibre cloth for a streak-free look,” says Cathy.

• 9 cleaning mistakes everybody makes in their bathroom
• How to maintain your shower, according to a plumber
• How to master the art of keeping shower glass clean

Bathroom cleaning tips

3. Get sorted

After you’ve tidied and cleaned the guest bathroom, you can begin to look at some new storage options. “If you only have one shelf in your vanity, try stacking tubs with lids,” says Rebecca. “If you’ve got two shelves, then open baskets are the best.”

In your drawers, perspex or bamboo dividers are great choices. “The bamboo looks a bit trendy and the perspex looks clean, clear and smart,” says Rebecca. “Clear perspex containers also work really well if you have a mirrored bathroom vanity cabinet.”

4. Buy luxe products

Spoil your guests with top-of-the-line accessories. “Beautiful hand soap and matching hand lotion in stylish bottles can help to transform a space to feel extra luxurious,” says interior stylist Fiona Gould. “Aēsop or Jo Malone are my go-tos.”

Fiona recommends grouping items on a marble or brass tray on the vanity. “A ceramic tumbler makes a gorgeous toothbrush holder,” she adds. Also supply guests with a hairdryer, toilet paper, a pretty box of tissues and items they may forget, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Guest bathroom decor essentials

Previous

‘Cocon de Serenite’ relaxing candle, L’Occitane

$45

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Aesop ‘Arrival’ kit, Adore Beauty

$50.

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Natural bath salts (200g), Nontre

$30

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Speckle bath towel bundle, Cultiver

$250

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‘Calo’ Australian cotton bath robe in faded moss, Country Road

$159

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Jo Malone lime & basil room spray, Myer

$91

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Next

Check in on the guest bathroom regularly. “Do a daily clean of the toilet and wipe down the sink area and mirror,” says Cathy of Platinum Staffing Agency. “Every couple of days, refresh the towels and give the floor a mop with really hot water.

Expert tip

5. Splash out on towels

Switch out any old towels for fresh smelling new ones. “I always select a plush towel in Egyptian cotton as they’re extra soft,” says stylist Fiona. “Look for options with a textured pattern or a detail like tassels.”

Once you’ve chosen your towels, it’s time to style them. “Folded neatly over the bath or towel rail so that tassels are showing at the bottom will give that straight-out-of-a-magazine look,” remarks Fiona.

6. Create chic vignettes

Now it’s time to use guest bathroom decor ideas to recreate the look of a hotel bathroom. “Presentation is really important because that creates the ‘Oh, wow!’ reaction in a guest,” says Susy Soria, housekeeping manager at Park Hyatt Sydney. “For example, in our bathrooms the bath mat is folded and sits on a small tray beside the bathtub and in the centre of the tray are the amenities, like it’s a picture frame.”

Replicate this kind of precision at home by aligning items on your vanity exactly and arranging by size.

For tough grout mould, try toilet cleaner with bleach in it. “If you leave it on there for about half an hour you hardly even need to use the tile scrub at all – it just comes away,” says Cathy of Platinum Staffing Agency.

Expert tip

7. Bring the outside in

Lift your bathroom to another level by adding indoor plants. “A pop of greenery is a must for a burst of freshness sitting on the vanity or in a medium pot on the floor if you have enough space,” says Fiona.

Be sure to select plants that are lovers of humidity, such as a phalaenopsis orchid or a maidenhair fern.

8. Have a spa zone

Think beyond the functional to create a luxe spa feel. “Start with an incredible scented candle, bring in decorative accessories and art to style the space with love like you would the rest of your home, and always include a relaxation ‘me’ zone by the bath with a stool for bath salts, a book and a glass of wine,” says Fiona.

Ensure all items can handle humidity and the occasional splash.

Use a larger space outside the bathroom for the decluttering process to make things easier. “Our bathroom is near our dining table so I pull the contents of the drawer out and put it on there,” says Rebecca.

Expert tip

9. Add scent

A pretty fragrance will make the bathroom feel extra special. “My secret to ensuring the space always smells beautiful is to hide a reed diffuser above or below a cabinet,” says Fiona. A posy of sweetly perfumed flowers is also a nice touch. However, select subtle perfumes as some people can be sensitive to strong smells and let your guests know that they can be removed if the fragrances are too much for them.

“Some people will feel like they can’t change what’s in there because it’s not their house,” remarks Rebecca.

10. Give a five-star welcome

Just before your guests arrive, do a last sweep of the bathroom. Make sure it’s spotless, empty the bin and add a quick spritz of essential oil.

Then leave a small welcome gift for them to discover – a little collection of reusable bottles filled with shampoo and conditioner set out on the vanity usually does the trick.

“Materials like marble, timber, brass and ceramic really help to add a sense of luxury to the space,” says Fiona.

Expert tip

The post 10 guest bathroom decor ideas that create a luxe, welcoming ambience appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Depending on your water quality and where you live, mineral deposits can build up over time with normal use, leaving unsightly marks and clogging your shower head. We’re here to help with our latest bathroom cleaning tip, and the best part is you can avoid harsh chemicals and use things you already have at home!

What’s the best thing to clean your shower head with?

• White vinegar
• 1 x sturdy plastic bag
• 1 x sturdy rubber band
• 1 x old toothbrush
• 1 x clean cloth

How to clean a shower head

Prepare your materials and, if possible, remove your shower head from the pipe attachment by unscrewing the thread. If you cannot separate the shower head from the pipe, grab a sturdy step stool and reach up to clean the shower head in place.

Soak the shower head before cleaning for the best results, by simply filling your plastic bag with enough vinegar to submerge and completely cover the shower head and securing it with the rubber band. Leave overnight or for at least one hour to break down any mineral deposits.

Scrub the surface after soaking, by removing the bag with vinegar and rinsing the shower head. Then use an old toothbrush to scrub the surface of your showerhead, getting into the tiny holes (use a toothpick if necessary!), nooks and crannies to remove grimy residue.

Replace the shower head onto the pipe and fix it securely in place. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Repeat this process every six months to keep your shower head clean.

Remove hard-to-budge grime by rubbing marks with a paste made from a mixture of bicarb soda and a small amount of water, or try lemon juice for added grunt.

Stubborn stains?

The post This clever hack shows how to clean a shower head appeared first on Home Beautiful.

We’ve rounded up a bunch of inspirational examples from Pinterest for you to ponder.

1. All white and tight

This is a tiny space but painting it all white makes it look bigger. The choice of built-in cabinetry for the above-mount basin takes up as little room as possible, doesn’t encroach on the limited circulation space and maximises storage underneath. Herringbone marble mosaics echo a larger version in the main bathroom and the circular mirror avoids the space looking too boxed in. Black detailing in the mirror frame, tapware and door handles punctuate throughout.

2. Dark and moody

The most ingenious powder room ideas are born of necessity like the wall-hung vanity in this powder room that cleverly uses the space with an inset moulded basin. A tall arched mirror reflects light into the space and goes right to the tiled skirting, giving the illusion of space. The real masterstroke, however, is that it provides a backdrop for the wall-mounted tapware and waste trap underneath, so it doubles their design impact without taking up extra space. Mottled grey terrazzo floor tiles add just enough interest to offset the moody tones of the chic, navy-painted walls.

3. Sophisticated monochrome

Black tells the story here in Shaynna Blaze’s rescued country house in the tiles, mirror and tapware, but it’s the elegant black pedestal that takes centre stage. The round mirror takes advantage of smaller wall space and centres the focus above the round basin. At the same time, a tiny shelf holds the necessities, whilst a statement-making pendant light swirls overhead.

4. Wallpaper wonder

In a tight space, nothing makes a bigger impact than floor-to-ceiling wallpaper and your powder room is just the place to let loose your design dreams. The powder room ideas brought to life in this Sydney beachside new build give guests a moment of design appreciation in the moment of contemplation and counting the keys in the pattern make for a fun conversation starter over dinner.

5. Hamptons haven

The careful layout makes this powder room work beautifully. Usually, situating a wall sconce so close to a mirror would seem cramped, but a powder room is just the space to embrace intimacy. VJ panelling beneath heavily patterned wallpaper add interest with minimal interruption but there’s some careful design at play here – the moulding of the tapware mount echoes the mirror frame and both speak to the dado rail, while all of the metals are brushed chrome for a cohesive look.

6. Gallery goals

A visual feast, this powder room is just one of the many rooms in this Federation restoration that are awash with colour and pattern. Flipping conventional powder room ideas on their head, patterned tiles are used as wallpaper would usually be seen, leaving the walls free to act as a gallery space for collected artworks. A neatly framed, tiny basin shows there’s no need to compromise functionality for show-stopping decorating ideas. A round rattan mirror forms part of the gallery arrangement.

The post 6 sneaky powder room ideas so good you’ll rethink yours appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Picture this: you have a shiny new bathroom with carefully chosen tapware, tiles and joinery. It’s everything you ever wanted in a wet space. You could soak all day in your deep new tub or double shower. Then, you wake up in the middle of the night for a toilet trip and turn on the light – the glare is blinding.

Or you go to put on make-up in front of the mirror and realise the shine from overhead casts shadows on your face, making it impossible to see what you’re doing. Your new bathroom might be beautiful but, without the right bathroom lighting in place, it’s not so practical or functional.

Taking the time to think ahead in the planning stages of your bathroom lights (especially if you have separate bathrooms like Zoe and Benji Marshall) will make a major difference to your day-to-day life. Not to mention speeding up the approvals process if you’re doing a new build – one wrong pendant position and your move-in date might be set back.

We speak to several industry experts who share the most common bathroom lighting mistakes people make, the best positions to place lights, electrician lingo and what’s trending right now. Whether you’re enlisting the help of an interior designer or managing a reno yourself, being equipped with this knowledge will help you make informed decisions now so you don’t wake up with glaring regrets later.

What kind of lighting is best in a bathroom?

There’s one type of light that changes the game in any bathroom. “Wall lights! You can never have enough wall lights when it comes to a bathroom,” says Mandi Kontos, architectural lighting designer at South Melbourne Beacon Design Studio. “When lighting is placed either side of the mirror at face level it’s more even, whereas using a downlight above the mirror is harsh and allows shadowing, which makes it harder to apply make-up or shave.”

Recently, Mandi has also seen an uptick in people including softer ambient lighting options such as strip LEDs in niches or around the perimeter of mirrors, as well as single lights spaced along the base of a wall.

“Using small step lights beside the toilet or some strip lighting underneath the vanity attached to a sensor allows for those trips in the middle of the night without being assaulted with bright light that wakes you up,” says Mandi. “I love Beacon Lighting’s ‘Gala’ step light in the arch shape as it has an in-built switch that allows clients to switch between cool white, warm white and night light options. It’s perfect for the middle-of-the-night wake-ups but also highlights gorgeous floor tiles during the day.”

Some wall lights also come with dimmer functions, like Beacon Lighting’s MFL by Masson Artisan range. Avoiding the startling glare of bright lights in the middle of the night sounds good to us!

“A bathroom needs to be both functional and ambient”

Mandi Kontos, Beacon Design Studio

Do you need special lights in a bathroom?

Bathroom wall lights are not only functional, they elevate the look of your space. “Decorative wall lights are a must. They are not only aesthetic but create ambience,” says Bianca Fraser, director at The Unlisted Collective. “We often work with suppliers such as Apparatus and Articolo Studios for those pieces.” As for globe colours, Bianca’s preference is warmer whites over cool white for a more inviting atmosphere.

When you work with an interior designer, they’re usually able to develop a lighting plan as part of the project. “Most of the time, we do the lighting plans. On the odd occasion a client may appoint a lighting designer to collaborate with us,” says Bianca.

She explains that the electrician usually comes on board after all the specifics have been signed off. “Once he has commenced rough-in (the stage of a construction project when electrical lines are laid out but not connected yet), we would visit the site to ensure everything has been installed as per the drawings and we are happy with the positioning.”

One of Bianca’s favourite bathroom lighting looks was in a recent Surry Hills powder room. “The brass wall lights are the same material we chose for the custom mirror, emphasising a material that’s used throughout the house,” she says. Another light she loves is the Kelly Wearstler ‘Utopia’ double bath sconce the team included in a recent Mosman powder room. “It adds a sense of luxury and drama.”

What is the best ceiling lighting for a bathroom?

Water and power are a volatile combination, so your electrician needs to follow strict rules when installing lights in a wet space. “If it’s above the bath or shower, it has to be mounted to the ceiling. If it’s within the environment of the glass screen, you would most likely put downlights in there,” says Bradley. “You can’t have pendants hanging over a bath. Lights need to be 2.25 metres over these zones, which is a standard ceiling height.”

Lights can be hung or mounted elsewhere in the bathroom, as long as they’re 0.6 metres out from the bath, shower and sink – to the side of the basin is a popular and safe bet. The potential consequences of not following these rules closely are severe. “You need to tick all these boxes,” says Bradley. “An inspector on a new house that’s been freshly built would come out and check all things electrical. If they walk in and see there’s something within those areas that shouldn’t be, they won’t pass it and you won’t get your occupation certificate.”

What lighting is required in bathrooms?

Every bulb and light fixture has an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that explains the level of protection it has against water. Lights with the highest IP ratings are required in areas closest to water (the top level is safe to submerge in water), while lower IP ratings can be used as you move progressively out from wet zones. The same goes for voltages. “You can’t have 240 volts hanging in an environment where you can grab it near a wet area,” says electrician Bradley Thomason from Visual Effects Electrical. “If you fell and grabbed the light near the bath, it’d be dangerous.” A 12-volt converted pendant would be better.

The good news is that you don’t really need to stress about any of this – that’s your electrician’s job. “If there’s a light you want to use in a wet environment, any good sparky can have it converted to a low voltage,” says Bradley, who reassures that converting it to a lower voltage doesn’t change the brightness of the light, it simply makes it safer. Not sure how to broach the conversation? One thing you can do in the early stages is ask your electrician if your lighting plan is aligned with the current safety requirements or if anything needs to be adjusted.

Ingress Protection (IP ratings) explained

A guide to bathroom lighting laws and IP ratings (a bulb’s level of protection against water) in Australia.

• ZONE 0: In the bath or base of the shower. Any lighting here must have a minimum rating of IP67 (safe to be immersed in water).
• ZONE 1: The area over the bath and shower to a height of 2.25m. Lights with a minimum rating of IP44 are required here.
• ZONE 2: The area extending to 0.6m outside the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IP44 is required here.
• OUTSIDE ZONE: Anywhere outside the previous wet zones. General electrical safety standards apply here.

The post Everything you need to know about bathroom lighting appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Planning a bathroom is a delicate balance at the best of times – with everything ultimately fixed into position so there’s no going back. Maximising the use of available space for all the necessary fittings and getting the layout right first time takes careful planning and often the help of a professional.

Designing a small bathroom or an ensuite is no different – that battle of the lust-have vs the must-have items can be overwhelming.

Here are seven ensuites and small bathroom styles that work beautifully.

01

High end luxury

Complete with curves

The owners of this Palm Springs-inspired home in Brisbane were determined to create a high-end luxury hotel feel in their main ensuite bathroom. “I’d seen the curved wall in a project recently and absolutely loved it, so wanted to do something similar,” says owner Rebecca. 

02

Wallpaper wow

Bursting with personality

When it came to renovating the ensuite of her Sunshine Coast cottage, owner Sue couldn’t resist applying Catherine Martin ‘La Palma’ wallpaper. “I loved the brave, dynamic, tropical design,” she says. To complete the look is a vanity from Early Settler and tapware from ABI Interiors. 

03

Timber tones

Instant warmth in a white bathroom

Wondering how to make a white bathroom feel warm and inviting? Add timber. At this sustainable home in Melbourne, the owners opted for a crisp white colour palette punctuated by oak veneer joinery by Skyline Kitchens. Texture has also been added to the room via Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co ‘Kayoborder’ splashback tiles from Academy Tiles. 

04

Spa-like sanctuary

With weathered touches

The main ensuite bathroom of this renovated workers cottage is blessed with a bounty of natural light, but to create a sense of softness, the owners stuck to a restrained colour palette and lightly textured walls. All-new finishes are complemented by weathered mirrors and a collection of handmade ceramics by Brisbane artist Jess Sellinger.

05

Classic Hamptons ensuite

Decorated in seaside hues

Seaside hues decorate every corner of this home on Sydney’s northern beaches. “Living by the beach we are fortunate to be surrounded by the blues of the sea and greens from the coastal shrubs and grasses,” says Janette. The ensuite bathroom is no exception. A shaker-style vanity in Porter’s Paints Newport Blue Half pops against the honed Carrara marble floor tiles.

06

A bathtub with a view

The perfect spot for ‘me time’

Think about the way you want to use your ensuite bathroom. If long, luxuriating baths are your idea of self-care heaven, design the room so you want to spend plenty of time there. It’s what the owner of this stone homestead in central Victoria did, and the ensuite bathroom is one of her favourite rooms in the house. “Our ensuite with the freestanding bath that looks out to the view. It’s absolute heaven having a bath with a glass of wine and a little stand so that I can watch Netflix!”

07

Pared back perfection

Refresh with accessories

Choosing timeless foundational elements will allow your ensuite bathroom to change with the seasons, your mood or current trends. The owners of this heritage home in Melbourne opted for a neutral colour palette in their main ensuite bathroom for just this reason. The vanity is painted in Dulux Silkwort and topped with Volkas from Apex Stone. A freestanding bath (not pictured) is positioned by a window, so you can lie back while bathing and enjoy views out over the valley.

The post 7 of the best ensuites to inspire your next renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While ensuites are often the ultimate pamper zone, these family bathroom ideas will ensure the space caters to all ages – from bath-loving tiny tots to teens who preen. Think durable, easy-care surfaces, savvy storage and accessible zones for multiple users. With a swathe of practical, chic finishes and fixtures to choose from, it’s also the perfect space to splash out and have a little fun.

Bathroom design ideas for making the most of your space

1. Use mirrors

To reduce conflict during morning rush hour, look to incorporate large mirrors. “They create the illusion of more space and accommodate multiple people getting ready at once,” explains brand specialist Wesley Sinclair of Highgrove Bathrooms.

2. Double vanities

Opt for double basins and, for children, choose easy-to-use tapware with levers. Double vanities allow more than one person to get ready in the bathroom at a time, a complete lifesaver when everyone’s rushing to get out of the house in the morning.

3. Wall mounting fixtures

“Wall-mounted vanities that free up floor space and offer generous internal storage work well in family bathrooms,” says Reece Marketing Lead Daniela Santilli.

4. Consistent finishes

Use the same tile on the floor and walls to create a spacious and cohesive feel. Just ensure you choose non-slip for safety reasons.

5. The layout

When mapping out the layout of a family bathroom, consider size and the number of people who’ll be using it. “If it’s for multiple users, zone the bathroom with the wet area at one end and the vanity at the other,” says interior designer Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design.

Functional family bathroom ideas

6. Add a seat

Whether it’s for cleaning teeth, brushing hair or supervising kids at bath time, keeping a stool handy in the bathroom will be your saving grace (for you and your back) in a family bathroom.

7. Use plenty of mirrors

If you already have teenagers in your house, then you’ll know there aren’t enough mirrors in the world to keep them satisfied.

8. Easy clean surfaces

Family life is busy enough without adding excessive cleaning into the mix, so choose surfaces that require little upkeep. To avoid water splashing on plaster walls, tiling should extend reasonably high.

9. Incorporate a freestanding bath

“A freestanding model with stylish curves may have more longevity when kids get older,” suggests brand specialist Wesley. A recessed shelf can also help with storage.

Luxurious family bathroom ideas

10. Add feature tiles

To create a stylish space that excites the whole family, founder Jenefer Gordon of Eat Bathe Live suggests going for a bold feature tile, such as some beautiful mosaics. They’re also great for disguising any dust and mess.

11. Glam tapware

Gone are the days of the boring family bathroom. Make it stand out with tapware and accessories in on-trend finishes such as brushed nickel, chrome or gunmetal, which also conveniently minimise the appearance of fingerprints.

12. Install a shower seat

“If you only have room for a shower, make it comfortable and functional with a seat,” says Sarah. Add a touch of luxe with under-tile heating.

13. Pamper zone

Space permitting, consider breaking up the vanity for an extra pampering zone. “Teens may appreciate a sit-down dressing area and divider drawers for their own beauty products,” says interior designer Sarah.

Bathroom design ideas for great storage

14. Use baskets

Keep a laundry basket in the bathroom and accessible to all family members so dirty clothes aren’t left in the corner. A woven hamper can give the room texture, adding some pretty to your practical.

15. Use hidden storage

In family zones, there is no such thing as having too much storage. “Mirror cabinets are a great multi-functional unit,” says Sarah. “They can be recessed and used to cleverly conceal power-points.”

16. Integrate a niche

Niches are another sleek storage option. Sarah suggests asking your builder to incorporate one within your shower or above the bath, with extra depth and height to allow for family-sized product bottles.

The post 16 bathroom design ideas that work for a busy family appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Zoe and Benji also have separate bedrooms, citing snoring, different bedtimes and Benji’s lack of cushion styling nous as the reason for their ‘sleep divorce’.

While entirely separate bathrooms aren’t overly common, “his and hers” vanities are a growing trend, says Evalyn Nicholas, interior design director at DS407. Evalyn recently helped Zoe, Benji and their two children transform their beautiful new family home on Sydney’s lower north shore. “This design concept adds a touch of personalisation and convenience, allowing each individual to have their own dedicated space for grooming,” explains Evalyn. “The demand for additional make-up or ‘get-ready’ zones has also been on the rise.”

Having his and her bathrooms allowed Zoe and Benji to create very different spaces, aesthetically. With Benji having few opinions about interiors, the bathroom design process was easy to navigate. “Benji just wanted enough space in his vanity and drawers for his manscaping needs, but apart from that, he’s very low maintenance,” reveals Zoe.

Looking for bathroom ideas for your own sanctuary (or, sanctuaries)? The Marshalls’ dual bathrooms are sure to inspire you.

Separate bathroom ideas

What’s more fun than a bathroom renovation? Two bathroom renovations. If you have the space and budget to design separate bathrooms, don’t take a cookie-cutter approach, advises Evalyn. Make it personal.

“This is your personal space, where you’ll unwind, get ready and start your day,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Be brave with your choices, whether it’s bold colours, unique fixtures or playful patterns.” If colour isn’t your modus operandi, you can still create an original yet timeless look by playing with textures, tapware and tile formats, suggests Evalyn. This, of course, applies to separate bathroom vanities too if space — or plumbing facilities — is at a premium.  

Zoe and Benji definitely tapped into their individual personalities and needs when finessing their bathroom designs. Benji’s bathroom is “masculine” while Zoe’s is a light-filled retreat. “He’s got a black toilet, and the tiles are dark. It’s moody and sexy,” describes Zoe. “Whereas mine feels almost like a tropical vacation bathroom. It’s all Venetian plaster with no seams or tiles and is so light and airy. It’s a very different luxe aesthetic.”

Yes, its heavenly pastel vibe is Pinterest-worthy, but Zoe’s bathroom is also practical. Being a TV presenter and content creator, Zoe requires good natural light for makeup and hair. And as host of the no-holds-barred podcast The Deep — in which she interviews everyone from nude yogis to ex-criminals — Zoe probably needs some time to decompress. So, a freestanding bath was a must (not that she gets to soak in it often… or, ever). “I’ve never used the bath and if that’s not the most mother-esque thing to say, I don’t know what is! That must change, starting now.” Zoe and Benji are quickly becoming seasoned renovators. Take a peek at the couple’s former home in Sydney’s Canada Bay.

Zoe Marshall’s bathroom renovation tips

Look for easy-to-clean bathroom materials

“Venetian plaster is the easiest thing ever to keep clean,” offers Zoe. “I love that our bathrooms are not overly covered in glass, as well.”

Have a clear vision

“Make your inspiration boards super clear, because you otherwise might bring in many different concepts that don’t make sense,” explains Zoe. “For example, you could say, ‘I want something masculine, but then I want a lot of florals.’ Having them all on a board helps you or your designer navigate your bathroom design ideas.”

Trust the professionals

“We had some communication issues with some of the team and had to waterproof my bathroom twice,” reveals Zoe. “Because Venetian plaster is such a new thing, you need a whole team that understands it. So, I should have probably gone with the Venetian plasterers’ choice of plumbers.”

Zoe Marshall’s bathrooms: shop the look

01

Bao fluted 1700mm freestanding bath, The Blue Space

$2051 (usually $2413)

With a matte white fluted V-groove finish, this bath will add quiet luxury to your bathroom design.

Shop Now

02

Assouline ‘Marrakech Flair’ Travel From Home candle, David Jones

$140

Created by renowned perfumer Jérome Epinette, the Assouline range of home candles transports you to exotic destinations.

Shop Now

03

Aelbix Bally 20cm pendant light in antique gold, The Blue Space

$100 (usually $115)

A bit glam, a bit traditional and a serious mood-setter, this pendant shines… literally and figuratively.

Shop Now

04

Saardé Vintage Wash towel in nutmeg, The Iconic

$79

Designed in Australia and made of Turkish cotton, Saardé towels look equally gorgeous draped over a bath or a body.

Shop Now

05

Nood Co Funl Basin in charcoal, The Blue Space

$795

Handcrafted in Western Australia, Nood Co’s concrete surface-mount basins add gravitas and texture to any bathroom vanity.

Shop Now

06

Leif Boronia hand wash 500ml, Aura Home

$39

Handcrafted in Western Australia, Nood Co’s concrete surface-mount basins add gravitas and texture to any bathroom vanity.

Shop Now

07

Lifestyle Traders Libo magnesium oxide vase, Temple & Webster

from $219 (usually $299)

Magnesium oxide is durable enough for a kids’ bathroom or even outdoor use, but this stunning vessel doesn’t skimp on style.

Shop Now

08

Inka Arthouse Black Nude by Henri Matisse print, The Iconic

from $60

Surprise guests and give yourself a daily pop of inspiration by incorporating art into your bathroom design.

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The post Here’s why Zoe and Benji Marshall have separate bedrooms AND bathrooms appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Here are nine cleaning mistakes everybody makes in the bathroom…

1. Mixing too many chemicals

Bathrooms tend to be quite small with limited ventilation, so it’s best to avoid using too many different chemicals at once. Limit yourself to a few key cleaning products to achieve a spotless bathroom without the toxic fumes. Vinegar, for example, is great for busting through soap scum and killing mould spores, but it should never ever be mixed with chlorine bleach. Dishwashing liquid is a fantastic all-rounder for cleaning shower screens and making surfaces sparkle again, and bicarb soda is great for scrubbing away stubborn grime. 

2. Not cleaning hair and toothbrushes

Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t stop at wiping down all the shiny surfaces. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, but should be thoroughly cleaned once every one to two weeks by soaking them in vinegar and rinsing them off, this will remove bacteria. Toothbrushes should be kept out of direct light and away from the toilet. Don’t forget to remove hair and build-up from hairbrushes too, as skin and other bacteria accumulate in them.

3. Inadequate ventilation

Everybody knows that working with harsh chemicals in an enclosed space is bad for our health, yet when it comes to bathrooms, we seem to overlook this rule. These days, many bathrooms, such as apartments and small houses, aren’t very big and don’t have enough ventilation. If this applies to your home, try to choose mild or natural cleaners, and avoid using chemical cleaners with strong smells, or bleach, unless the situation truly requires it.

If you can, keep windows and doors open and turn on the exhaust fan.

4. Not drying the shower

Want to know the secret to a shower screen you rarely have to scrub? Drying it down after every use. You can either place a squeegee in the shower or keep a stack of microfibre cloths handy to wipe things down every time. Keeping the shower dry prevents water marks, soap scum build up and prevents the kind of moisture that allows mould to thrive. It’s a little bit of effort for a big payoff. 

Have a shower curtain? Regularly pop it in the washing machine with some old towels and a bit of bleach, with hot water on a delicate cycle. To extend the shelf life of your liner, pull the curtain closed after you shower, as an open and squished-up liner will quickly attract mould and mildew.

5. Not cleaning the toilet brush

The toilet brush is the home to many unhealthy bacteria. Clean yours by filling a bucket with hot water and adding two-three capsules of bleach (see the bottle label for advice on this) or disinfectant solution. Put your toilet brush in the bucket and leave for an hour, then take the brush out and rinse under hot water. Leave to dry then replace in holder.

6. Not giving the products enough time to work

We’re all guilty of trying to rush through the cleaning chores, but you need to allow enough time for products to do their job once they’re applied to your floor, shower, vanity or toilet. Always follow the instructions on the packaging for optimum results.

7. Not cleaning the pipes

Martha Stewart recommends cleaning your bathroom pipes every month or two to prevent grease, oil, and hair buildup. She suggests pouring a ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by a ½ cup of white vinegar. Let the foamy mixture settle for a few minutes while it dissolves the fatty acids, then pour boiling water down the drain.

8. Ignoring worn-out grout and silicone

There’s a big difference between discoloured grout and grout that’s well and truly had it. If your grout is becoming mouldy and discoloured no matter how many times you clean it, and no matter how many times you try to bleach it, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace it. Same goes with discoloured, crumbling or peeling silicone. Replacing both can instantly improve your bathroom and will prevent water egress and leaks down the track. 

9. Not cleaning regularly enough

Bathrooms should be cleaned once a week. It may sound like overkill, but keeping up with regular bathroom cleans will ensure the task never gets the point where you need to dedicate half a day to getting things back in order. If the thought of cleaning your entire bathroom once a week makes you feel overwhelmed – try breaking the task up into a series of smaller jobs you can tackle daily (e.g. wiping down surfaces on Monday, scrubbing the shower and bath on a Tuesday, vacuuming, cleaning the toilet on a Saturday and vacuuming and mopping floors on a Sunday). 

The post 9 cleaning mistakes everybody makes in their bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“A bathroom renovation does not come cheap, but there are certainly some updates you can make without breaking the bank.” All you need to do is get purposeful with accessories, and investing in coastal bathroom decor is a small, budget-friendly update you can make that will have a big impact. And making these updates is worth the effort, because the coastal look is timeless, says Kathryn. “Coastal bathrooms evoke a sense of calmness and tranquility, which people love.” Here she shares five of the most impactful ways you can use coastal bathroom decor to create a glorious, bathroom oasis.

1. Introduce colour

One of the distinguishing features of a coastal bathroom is the colour palette. But you don’t need to whip out a paintbrush or install feature tiles to bring calming seaside hues indoors. “When designing a coastal style bathroom, I gravitate toward neutral tones such as white and grey for hard surfaces,” says Kathryn. “I don’t like to incorporate too much colour, and prefer to keep more of a neutral base so the bathroom ages with the times.” 

That’s good news if you currently have an all-white bathroom in desperate need of personality. “I like to bring colour in through manchester,” says Kathryn.

2. Towels

Towels are an easy, affordable way to introduce a coastal colour palette into your bathroom. Kathryn says the trick is to select towels that look luxurious and feel high quality. “To start, try building a ‘summer set’ for the warmer seasons and a ‘winter set’ for the cooler seasons,” says Kathryn. “I tend to gravitate toward soft blues and greens to mimic the ocean and create a cohesive, calming look.”

3. Focus on the focal point

Next, create a focal point by chanelling your efforts towards the bathroom vanity and mirror. 

For the vanity, this can be as simple as investing in new cabinet handles or getting handy with a paintbrush, says Kathryn. “Updating the handles is a visually impactful, low-cost trick to updating the look and feel of your bathroom’s decor.”

Then, make sure the mirror matches the updated vanity. “One of my favourite updates is to upgrade the mirror to a more striking or larger design, says Kathryn. By doing this you turn a hum-drum item in the bathroom into a feature in its own right. “Bonus points if you can upgrade to a mirror with hidden storage to house toiletries and keep counter space tidy.”

4. Fragrance

Don’t forget to harness the power of scent to truly transform your bathroom into a calm oasis. Fragrances with a base of coconut, lemon, ylang ylang, cedarwood and sandalwood are all great choices.

5. Finishing touches

You can have the most beautifully styled bathroom in the world, but if the store-bought products you use have garish labels that clash with the aesthetic you’re going for, it will bring the look of the entire room down. “It’s all about the finishing touches,” says Kathryn, adding “I have always had a pet peeve with ugly toiletry packaging.” 

There are a few ways to fix this problem. The first is to keep items with less-than-ideal packaging hidden from view, tucked away in the vanity or shaving cabinet. The second is to select products with beautiful (and preferably reusable) packaging. Another option is to invest in a matching bathroom set that you can top up as required, which is what Kathryn prefers to do.

“I like to think about every detail, including toiletries and accessories. Instead of using a generic branded soap dispenser, I love to display soap in a uniformed soap set, toothbrush holder and tray.”

Our top coastal bathroom decor picks

01

Cotton waffle bath sheet in seaspray, Dri-Glo

$39.99

Kathryn says her go-to bathroom manchester brand is Dri-Glo, and she especially loves their cotton waffle towel range. “Their towels look luxurious and feel high quality but are also incredibly affordable.” 

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02

Castella ‘Madera’ European beech handle, Temple & Webster

From $44.95

Replace dated vanity handles with something modern, understated and classic coastal. This handle is made from European beech wood and is available in finishes including: brushed gold, matte black, polished chrome, polished gold and satin chrome. 

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03

Greg Natale ‘Avalon’ soap pump in navy, The Iconic

$75

One of Kathryn’s favourite coastal style bathroom sets is the ‘Avalon’ range by Greg Natale. “The entire range is divine, with a distinctive arch silhouette and smooth matte finish. I love to use a complete set to give a bathroom a finished, tailored look,” she says. 

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04

Red cedarwood & suede handwash refill, ZeroCo

$19.99

Clean your hands and care for the planet at the same time. ZeroCo’s red cedarwood and suede-scented hand soap smells divine, won’t strip your hands and you can purchase it on a subscription so you never run out of soap again. The refillable pouch is made from 40% recycled materials, and you can send the pouch back to ZeroCo to get refilled. 

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05

ADP ‘Glacier lite’ shelf vanity, The Blue Space

$1559

A touch of timber will add warmth and texture to a coastal bathroom. This Australian-made wall-hung design is sleek, modern and available in configurations ranging from 600mm width to 1800mm width. The elegant oak finish is durable and easy to keep clean. 

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06

Dri-Glo ‘Byron’ Australian cotton bath mat in linen, Harris Scarfe

$39.99

Soft, absorbent and in a shade that subtly references the sand, this plush bath mat is the perfect addition to any coastal style bathroom.

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07

‘Oceania’ room spray, Peppermint Grove

$29.95

Scent is an important finishing touch, especially in the bathroom. This delicate, ocean-inspired spray by Peppermint Grove features top notes of peppermint, coriander and lavender to create a calming bathroom retreat. 

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08

Abbotson linen ticking stripe robe, Sheridan

$249.99

No luxurious bathroom is complete without a comfy robe to wrap yourself in at the end of a long soak in the tub. This robe features a classic, coastal stripe and is made from 100% Belgian linen flax which has been pre-washed for extra softness.

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09

Momo handles ‘New Hampton’ cup pulls, The Blue Space

$21

In a classic, coastal Hamptons style bathroom, you can’t go wrong with polished nickel cup drawer handles. This style of handle is best suited to shaker style cabinet fronts but can work equally well with farmhouse, vintage and traditional cabinetry too.

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10

‘Aberdeen’ round travertine bathroom tray, Adairs

$69.99

Made from travertine stone, this tray will corrale bathroom toiletries together and add texture as well as a soft, sandy hue to your counter.

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The post 5 ways to create a chic coastal bathroom with decor appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A modern powder room is a smaller, second bathroom, usually situated adjacent to your living area and without a shower or bath included in the space – essentially a toilet and vanity for quick visits and touch-ups – as you would use it at the theatre or a restaurant.

Perfect for avoiding loo queues in a busy household, a small powder room handy to areas where you entertain means guests can also use a bathroom without trekking through your entire home – which means it pays dividends to have it looking lovely at all times, and to give it a little decorating love. In the same way you can tell a lot about a restaurant from its rest rooms, your powder room decor should dress to impress as it’s likely to make an impact – good or bad.

Powder room designs vary widely – from small and simple to great and grand. If you’re up for a fun decorating project and some added convenience for the whole family, use these tips and modern powder room ideas as your starting point.

Pimp your powder room

Previous

Paros rib hand towel in Sage

$29.95

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Bordeaux Basin Set in Chrome

$309

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Turner Hastings Stafford Basin plus Console

$3660

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Inca Towel in Natural

$9.95

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Timberline Church Mirror – 800mm x 400mm

$459

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Conran Australian cotton waffle hand towel

$19.95

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Zanda Mayfair Chrome Plate Cabinet Handle

$25

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4 tips for a perfect powder room

1. Have fun with it

Go all out with your decorating by choosing a show-stopping powder room wallpaper, statement tapware, generous mirrors and a fabulous light fitting. In this small space you can afford to splash out a little.

2. Add personal touches

Give your powder room meaning with decorative details such as a pot plant, candle and a pretty dish to pop rings in whilst washing your hands. Here is the place your very best handtowels are all essential elements to add a little luxury and make your powder room vanity shine.

3. Give it constant attention

Keep a stash of cleaning cloths and products handy (yet out of sight) to see your powder room mirror, fittings and surfaces always at their best. Guests to your home will almost certainly visit it, so a quick brush, flush and wipe down is all it takes in this small space to make a lovely lasting impression.

4. Keep it simple

The post Why you need a powder room appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The key feature that distinguishes a Jack and Jill bathroom from a regular bathroom is that it has two points of entry. So if you have a bathroom located between two bedrooms, it can be a great way to create an ensuite for both rooms – without having to build two separate bathrooms (and pay for all of the plumbing and tiling costs, twice). Thinking about designing a Jack and Jill bathroom in your own home? Here are three design points to consider.

1. The doors

Unless you have plenty of space to swing two doors, sliding doors or pocket doors are usually the best option for a Jack and Jill bathroom. Sliding doors will allow you to maximise the available floor space and still fit in everything you need. It goes without saying but lockable doors are also an absolute must in a bathroom with two entry points. 

2. The layout

Nailing the layout of a Jack and Jill bathroom is essential to ensure both functionality and privacy.

In a small shared bathroom, ensuring that the doors open onto the vanity (rather than the toilet, shower or bath tub) will reduce the severity of any potential awkward encounters should someone forget to lock both doors. 

But, if you have the space, consider creating a segmented Jack and Jill bathroom (also known as a Hollywood bathroom), where the vanity area is separated from the bathing and toilet zones by walls. By doing this, the room can be easily used by two people at the same time without compromising privacy.

Studio McGee created a Jack and Jill bathroom (or in this case, a Jill and Jill bathroom) for their clients’ daughters as part of their ‘Home on the Ranch‘ project. A Hollywood style layout allows both girls to use the vanity area simultaneously, while the bathing area and toilet have been separated by walls.

3. The fixtures

Because a Jack and Jill bathroom is designed to be used by at least two people, it’s a good idea to double up on functionality where you can. A double vanity is an excellent option, as it allows two people to use the bathroom simultaneously.

What are the downsides to a Jack and Jill bathroom?

• You’ll need to lock two doors before you can get down to business. Not exactly a deal breaker, but kind of annoying if the door is located all the way on the other side of the room (i.e. the standard configuration) or if you’re just really busting.
• Ever noticed how bathrooms echo? Imagine having a noisy echo chamber located smack bang between two bedrooms, so everything your neighbour does in the bathroom is amplified for all to hear. 
• When you’re finished in the bathroom, you’ll need to unlock both sides so the person in the other room still has access. If the person sharing the bathroom forgets to unlock your side, you’ll need to a) figure out whether the bathroom is actually occupied before b) walking all the way around into the other room to unlock your own side again.

The post How to create a stylish, space-saving Jack and Jill bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Here are seven gorgeous homes that show how best to use kit kat tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.

1. 1920s bungalow bathroom walls

When the owners of this 1920s bungalow on the Northern Beaches decided to renovate, it was a matter of blending old and new with a revamp incorporating its Art Deco features with modern functionality for the young family. Particularly in the bathroom, a swathe of emerald kit kat tiles makes for a handsome feature wall paired with chrome hardware, keeping a sense of 1920s elegance.

“I wanted Hollywood and specified these taps in chrome,” says the interior designer, Alanna. “I love old-style tapware in modern finishes.”

2. Art Deco kitchen island bench

Texture was crucial to the renovation of this Art Deco home in Melbourne. Before, the kitchen had an awkward layout with a bulky island hindering access that transformed into a U-shaped design with a curved navy island topped with smooth quartz. While the island adds a bold pop of colour referencing its Art Deco past, white kit kat tiles wrap around the support column for a subtle but dramatic finish.

“I loved the idea of creating an interesting space using multiple textures, such as stone, timber and tiles, as well as smooth finishes,” says the owner, Christine.

Kit kat tiles are the perfect accent for small spaces and are available in sheets that can be trimmed down with a tile cutter so you can use them almost anywhere.

3. Minimalist bathroom feature wall

For this post-war Brisbane home, a complete rebuild was in order to create a low-maintenance contemporary style that fit the family of four.

“We designed the home so it had a relaxing modern vibe, centred around lifestyle – so weekends are spent enjoying it rather than maintaining it,” says owner Christal.

This included influences from Scandi minimalism and modern Mediterranean styles that prioritise light and functionality. In the main family bathroom, an all-white colour scheme with thin fluted tiles ensures the bath and vanity are the hero features without overwhelming the space. At the same time, a skylight overhead drenches the bathroom in light in this modern minimalist scheme.

4. Modernised family ensuite

For this Federation era bungalow on Sydney’s North Shore, a renovation included an ensuite for the children with white kit kat tiles a cohesive but contrasted choice.

“Flat finger white gloss tiles frame the vanity and break up the larger format marble-look Mamo Grigio patterned tiles used below and across the floor,” says owner Erica.

5. Tropical Hamptons ensuite

For this coastal Hamptons home in Perth, evoking a laid-back “island feel” was key to the bright colour scape that extends throughout the house and into the ensuite where white kit kat mosaic tiles are flipped horizontally to create the illusion of space. While vertical tiles create the illusion of height, small spaces can benefit from the width and depth of horizontal tile placement, especially in white colour schemes, for an uninterrupted view of the space.

As the backdrop to the ensuite mirror, the tiles have a visual but tactile presence that ties into the ‘Fusion Blue India’ floor tiles from Myaree Ceramics.

“This tile is my favourite tile ever and also features on the edge of the pool,” says owner Kristie. “All the surfaces are tactile, so it’s earthy and not clinical.”

6. Classic coastal kitchen

While kit kat tiles lend themselves to wet areas due to their water resistance, more and more the tiles are featuring in unlikely places, such as the kitchen cabinets in this classic coastal abode. A crisp white palette from floor to ceiling brightens the space, with white kit kat tiles on the overhead kitchen cabinetry, adding texture and depth to avoid the area feeling flat. For cohesion, the same tiles adorn the kitchen island with a timber bench top for a natural contrast.

7. All-white powder room

Decorating a powder room is always tricky, given the lack of square footage. Still, this contemporary duplex in Sydney used its small footprint to its advantage, using even smaller kit kat tiles to add height to the all-white powder room. The white matte ceramic tiles from Thynk Group are laid in a vertical pattern and match the rest of the home’s modern minimalist aesthetic, letting the natural landscape take front and centre.

“Being in such a beautiful part of Sydney and having a wonderful ocean outlook, we wanted to create a minimalist home that didn’t take away from the landscape,” says owner, Gamze. “Internally, our duplex feels so spacious and, with clever design and a heap of storage, we have created a great space for the kids.”

The post 7 homes that prove kit kat tiles are here to stay appeared first on Home Beautiful.

When planning an update, start by creating a floor plan to determine the dimensions you have to work with and what will fit in. Here are seven key design ideas to stretch your space and inject plenty of style.

1. Take stock

Consider who will be using the room, how often and what you need. “If it is a second family bathroom, storage and more durable finishes will be a top priority,” says Darren James of Interiors By Darren James. “If it’s a guest bathroom or powder room, it’s likely to be used less and therefore the focus can shift to creating a more luxurious feel.”

Where space is limited, you’ll need to consider all the angles. “Ensure you allow adequate clearance for bathroom and shower doors and don’t forget vanity unit doors, too,” advises Belinda Geels of Reece. Sliding doors aren’t intrusive and can be pushed back when not in use.

2. Add little luxuries

Smaller proportions can offer big benefits. With less space your budget will stretch further, opening up possibilities for bespoke finishes, designer tiles and bathroom tapware. Luxuries aren’t lost either. Heated towel rails, beautiful accessories and fragrant candles work wonderfully together to create a mini pamper zone. 

If it’s a bathroom just for two, the sense of intimacy can be further accentuated with double shower heads and basins, furniture for bath-side conversations and vanities with personalised features such as smart speakers and LED lighting.

3. Measure up

For a bathroom to be user-friendly and comfortable, factor in sufficient spacing between fittings and fixtures. Use these guidelines as a rule of thumb:

• The standard size of a powder room with a toilet and small vanity is 2m x 1m
• The average size of a small bathroom is 3m x 2m, a standard bathroom 3.5m x 2.5m and a large one 4m x 5m
• At a squeeze, you can fit a shower recess into a 900mm x 900mm space, but 900mm x 1200mm is far more comfortable
• The dimensions of an average bath are 1500mm x 720mm x 400mm deep
• For comfort and ease of cleaning, allow 450mm either side of the toilet
• Ideally, leave one metre between the front of the basin and the nearest wall or other objects
• The minimum distance between the back wall of the toilet and the opposite wall is generally 1500mm however, spacing requirements are influenced by the location of the doorway and position of the toilet.

4. Stylish storage

Investing in good storage will reduce visual clutter, instantly making your room feel bigger, recommends Suzie Dyson of Omvivo. “There is a move towards mini vanities, which hold the essentials without taking over the bathroom,” she says. With everything in its place the space will feel less cluttered and more conducive to relaxing. Mirrors are another great way to create the illusion of more space and brighten smaller bathrooms. 

“In tight spots you always want to ensure accessories offer maximum functionality, and mirror-fronted cabinetry is ideal,” says Belinda Geels of Reece. Full-length mirrors offer real wow-factor, while mirrored tiles are a subtle way to boost reflections, bouncing natural light around the room.

5. Show off the floor

“The more floor you can see, the larger the room will feel, so opt for floating cabinetry and vanities and wall-mounted basins and accessories,” suggests Lee Hardcastle of Enigma Interiors. “If you only have room for a shower, ensure it’s as spacious as possible by creating a wet area with a frameless screen.”

If you have room for a bath, freestanding styles with feet create a feeling of space. When it comes to toilets, in-wall cisterns are the least obtrusive on a floorplan.

6. Choose lighter colours

Choosing tiles in a light neutral palette is a simple design trick to allow walls to recede into the background and enhance the sense of space. “In small areas, keep the majority of the walls and floor neutral so the tiles are not too overwhelming,” advises Berrick Wagstaff of Ceramica Senio. “Stone is always popular, and one of the latest looks is ceramic tiles which look like timber, perfect for floors.”

“If you want a splash of colour, introduce it with feature tiles set behind the splashback or within an alcove in the shower.” Larger format rectangular tiles – either 300mm x 600mm or 400mm x 800mm – are a good choice to enhance the sense of scale. Laid in a brick pattern, they will elongate the room, while they’ll give the illusion of more height if placed vertically.

7. Let there be light

Make the most of natural light with cleverly positioned glazing and skylights, and showcase focal points with a mix of ambient and task lighting. Back-light shelves and vanities with recessed LEDs to add a sense of depth, illuminate the surrounds of mirrors to draw the eye around the room and, in powder rooms, create a striking statement with a feature light.

“Pendant lights can look great but work best with a ceiling height between 2700mm and 3000mm,” advises Darren James of Interiors By Darren James.

The post 7 ways to make the most of a small bathroom appeared first on Home Beautiful.