Skirting board

Summer is a very pretty time of the year filled with eye catching colours, and we have seen these colours attract the senses in new renovations and remodels. The idea of experimenting with colour may scare a few of you off especially if the first pallet that came to mind was the 1970s pastel pinks and greens, we don’t blame you there! We aren’t letting you down here though, there are light and bold colour schemes that come with longevity and style.

Allowing these colours to stand out is key, with vibrant colours it comes easy for them, but it is very important they don’t become over bearing. Seen with this beautiful mosaic aqua blue wall tile is paired with charcoal floor tile, even by this photo below you can see the splash of blue is not over powering, but it is the perfect stand out for this summer.

Light switches

Still seen as mostly functional and so often comes last on the priority in a renovation. While there is nothing wrong with standard white builder switches, more elaborate designs are welcome. With manufactures and designer pushing the boundaries creating sleek and stylish products. Antique-looking brass switches, as an example, are a wonderful addition to period homes.

Glass switches are increasingly popular, especially in contemporary homes. They come in different colours and finishes to match your interior.

Grout colour

Thoughtful consideration is often given to the choice of tiles, but there isn’t much thought given to the colour of the grout. This is commonly a decision left to the builder or tiler. Often, the grout should be selected to match the colour of the tiles, so it doesn’t stand out and visually break the continuity of tiling.

On other occasions, grout can be used to bring contrast and patterns to a tiled area. A dark grout against white subway tiles is a strong trend as a feature wall of the bathroom. Not only does it bring interest, but it is easier to maintain than white grout which can discolour over time.

On a multicoloured tiled area, too, grout can either match one of the colours or it can be a contrasting shade to better enhance the pattern created by the tiles.

Practicality of vanity top material

Dark colours were becoming taboo in a bathroom, possibly because family bathrooms began downsizing and more ensuites were being introduced. Now the trend is moving to larger bathrooms that can benefit from darker shades. Darker tones are beginning to be sourced through floor tiling, elegant cabinets, matte black fixtures and fittings and painted accent walls and we are loving that this style might just be here to feature as a new year trend.

I recall my parents having a black on black on black bathroom, as clearly as I remember that bathroom from my childhood, I don’t think that will make a comeback! We aren’t saying for you to order a stack of black tiles and a matte black bathtub, there are more creative ways to embrace the darker tones and that is not limited to blacks and greys; dark blue is probably the hottest colour this summer in our bathrooms and home interior designs.

We believe that there are so many options for your home and bathroom, and one idea we still can’t get enough of are the Zellige square tiles featured below, in the dark tones this can really be the hero piece of your bathroom.

Storage in entries or hallways

Entries are getting bigger and are more and more designed to make a strong visual statement. While it is important to feel good about your home as soon as you walk in, it is also crucial to think of your entrance as a functional space. When you enter your home, you might want to drop your handbag or coat, take your shoes off, leave your keys and sunglasses. Good entries are ones that address your needs in terms of both practicality and look.

Not all entries are rooms on their own. Often, they are limited spaces that are open to other areas. Maximise storage with narrow cabinets that can accommodate shoes, keys and other knick-knacks. Chose materials that are in line with the finishes of the adjacent rooms, and dress your space with relevant decorative items such as vases, artwork, a table lamp, mirror, etc.

A long narrow entry doesn’t leave much space for anything. However, when building, you might want to consider fitting in concealed floor-to-ceiling cupboards along it, as opposed to a standard wall. This trick will provide essential storage without any visual overload.

Contact us for a quote or check out our rates and payment plans now. 

Install easy-access storage

When a number of people are using a bathroom, there will inevitably be more things to accommodate. With children, there’s the added challenge of mixing safe, out-of-reach storage with some they can access easily.

Place open shelves or a cupboard at ground level, where kids can take out and tidy away toys or fresh towels. Combine this with higher-level storage for toiletries and medicines that could be unsafe for young children.

Consider your bathing options

If space isn’t an issue, it makes perfect sense to have a separate bath and shower enclosure. However, there isn’t always room for both, so many Adelaide homeowners choose to ditch the bath in favour of a shower.

Before you decide, though, it’s important to consider the pros and cons, and think about how your family uses the bathroom. For example, it’s often easier to wash smaller children in the bath, while older kids might prefer a shower.

Avoid bath-time arguments

If your children share bathtime, it’s worth considering a tub with a tap and plug positioned centrally. This should avoid any squabbles about whose turn it is to sit next to the plughole.

Tap into safety

When it comes to choosing taps, go for a single mixer design rather than separate hot and cold fittings. This will help prevent children scalding themselves by turning on a very hot tap.

Also think about whether your best option is to have a shower in this space, you should consider using a non slip flooring created by Roca specifically designed for your shower.

Make cleaning easy

In a busy household, the bathroom will probably see some wear and tear, so choose surfaces that are easy to keep clean and well maintained.

Go for flat-fronted, handless cabinets, so dust and grime don’t gather around small details, and opt for wipeable tiles on the walls. Grout tends to show up dirt, so large-scale tiles with minimal joints are a good option.

Include hanging space

If you want to avoid tripping over wet towels in your bathroom, ensure you have sufficient hanging space to dry them. The key to a tidy Adelaide family bathroom is to make it easy for children to hang up their bath linen, rather than leave it strewn at ground level.

Install hooks at a height they can reach, or go for a heated towel rail with bars at different levels.

Focus on flooring

Floors, too, should be simple to clean, so choose a surface that’s water-resistant and easy to mop. If you’re after a timber floor, for example, go for wood-effect porcelain tiles that won’t be ruined by damp.

If you have small children, it’s worth opting for a softer surface to avoid any injuries if they fall. A vinyl floor is ideal, as it’s cushioned and has the added bonus of being easy to clean.

Squeeze in a seat

When it comes to choosing taps, go for a single mixer design rather than separate hot and cold fittings. This will help prevent children scalding themselves by turning on a very hot tap.

Contact us for a quote or check out our rates and payment plans now. 

Vibrant Greens

From all perspectives of interior design vibrant greens will be favoured in the 2020/21 cycle. Found in office furniture, on tabletops, khaki textiles and softer olive fabrics – vibrant greens were forecasted a year or so ago to be the next colour we use as a big part of design in all areas.

From pastel greens to a darker, vibrant palette we see the influence of a new organic aesthetic drawn in by earthy colours to signal the start of “21st century morality” in our designs as there is a powerful and respect being shown to our planet.

Our Planet

We see this time as an opportunity for designers and architects to act towards nature and critically preserve and reverence in their designs. Through products that are re-purposed purely on how the individual views the world around them. Although many of them are being globally tried and tested, they are all truly revolutionary.

The unique patterns created by the lace grown by roots are being used as a design piece. Pushing the realms of design and engineering as seaweed is being used as architectural sheaths and newspaper pulp turned into cocooning seating and designer lamps.

Brown isn’t all we can see

Of course, no trend becomes absolute and while the brown/green line will be in the foreground of design, there are more hues and subtle colour progressions in the mix.

For the coming seasons, we’re tracking a wave of new colour including a full range of murky pastels.

Colour is just one of the aspects the top trend forecasters consider. Other emerging trend streams include stronger use of certain materials, ceramic shapes and fabric finishes. There will be tactility in almost everything we find in our homes and that starts now with chunkier ceramics, unruly glass and concrete, textured fabrics and plastics (recycled or recyclable).

How it will shape in our home

We talk about these movements in design just to help on the decision what colour to paint a room but more so to find the perfect balance of how we occupy our homes. As the future of house layouts take shape, we see the kitchen and bathroom growing in their continued evolution.

Kitchens are even more the epicentre of households, with the world realising the culture of food brings us closer than rarely anything else. Therefore, our kitchens will become larger with more sophisticated finishes, chef-quality appliances and highly aesthetic accessories.

Adelaide bathrooms will become ever more spa-like. With selfcare and personal growth becoming a part of morning regimes, the bathroom is where you should feel your most calm before taking on the day or turning in for the night.

Contact us for a quote or check out our rates and payment plans now. 

Add colour

Summer is a very pretty time of the year filled with eye catching colours, and we have seen these colours attract the senses in new renovations and remodels. The idea of experimenting with colour may scare a few of you off especially if the first pallet that came to mind was the 1970s pastel pinks and greens, we don’t blame you there! We aren’t letting you down here though, there are light and bold colour schemes that come with longevity and style.

Allowing these colours to stand out is key, with vibrant colours it comes easy for them, but it is very important they don’t become over bearing. Seen with this beautiful mosaic aqua blue wall tile is paired with charcoal floor tile, even by this photo below you can see the splash of blue is not over powering, but it is the perfect stand out for this summer.

Step into the jungle

Much like the scenic Japanese Zen rain forest we are inspired by the greenery of our summer months; creating a fresh new look with natural styling. We said at the beginning of the year that our bathrooms will feature more natural raw materials such as timber, the greenery is no exception.

We personally have seen some of our clients start with small house plants on a shelf or vanity space, even such a small feature can bring life to your bathroom. While braver choices feature large tropical plants in a master bathroom, we were lucky to have noticed a beautiful set of flowing plants all around the bath. It may not be everyone’s first choice but wow its mesmerizing. 

Thank you to Lisa Moyneur for this awsome photo.

Find your zen

Our perspective on the use of bathrooms have been among the biggest changes in bathroom trends. Adelaide bathrooms have altered from a clinical space used to check off morning and night time routines into luxury spaces used to indulge the senses and separate ourselves from the outside world. Whether you feel this way in a breathtaking bathtub soaked in warm water or standing under a steamy rainfall shower leaving you to feel like your best self. For these reasons we see a new style of relaxation finding its way into your designs.

Finding your Zen takes us to Japanese inspired culture where calming, meditative environments are so profound. A renovated bathroom is the perfect place for a Zen-inspired journey as you enjoy your long, warm bath. A Zen bathroom doesn’t just stop inside, having access to nature is a major feature of the Zen aesthetic as it lets the outside environment in through large windows.

Darker tones are earning respect

Dark colours were becoming taboo in a bathroom, possibly because family bathrooms began downsizing and more ensuites were being introduced. Now the trend is moving to larger bathrooms that can benefit from darker shades. Darker tones are beginning to be sourced through floor tiling, elegant cabinets, matte black fixtures and fittings and painted accent walls and we are loving that this style might just be here to feature as a new year trend.

I recall my parents having a black on black on black bathroom, as clearly as I remember that bathroom from my childhood, I don’t think that will make a comeback! We aren’t saying for you to order a stack of black tiles and a matte black bathtub, there are more creative ways to embrace the darker tones and that is not limited to blacks and greys; dark blue is probably the hottest colour this summer in our bathrooms and home interior designs.

We believe that there are so many options for your Adelaide home and bathroom, and one idea we still can’t get enough of are the Zellige square tiles featured below, in the dark tones this can really be the hero piece of your bathroom.

Contact us for a quote or check out our rates and payment plans now.