Luxury Inclusions every Bathroom Renovation Needs in 2019

There’s a lot to love about a high end bathroom retreat, but what’s worth spending up on? These are my must-have splurge items for your bathroom renovation!

Bathrooms renovations are getting bigger and better than ever with creative new materials and innovations to create both functional and beautiful experiences for homeowners. As a designer, I’m fully on board. There are few places in your home that gets as much use as the bathroom, and for that very reason it’s design should be carefully considered to suit your needs and bring you joy every day.

Though space often dictates the practicality of our dream wish lists (freeststanding bathtubs! double showers!) there are some key items that regardless of size limitations, you’ll thank yourself for including for years to come. Here’s my list of must haves for a timeless space.

Quality Lighting

Absolutely nothing impacts a bathroom experience more than appropriately considered lighting.
It’s hard to forget those shock moment at a vanity mirror under a hideously located downlight! I always opt for soft lighting selections at face height, reflecting directly at you instead of above. Wall sconces are perfect for this task, or a pair of pendants, hung low. Challenge yourself to think beyond the downlight with appropriately rated wall lights and wall washers to suit all bathroom tasks. A favourite choice from a recent design of mine is this hand blown glass pendant by Melbourne designer Mark Douglass.

Custom Tapware

There are so many exciting options in tapware right now; many of the luxury tapware houses in Australia are offering a wide range of metal finishes from brass, brushed nickel and bronze to custom coloured powdercoat finishes. The options are truly only limited by your imagination! Choose a natural or “living” finishes for a ever evolving and organic look or a laquered choice that will maintain it’s good looks for years to come. I recommend Astra Walker and Brodware for some exciting new options. Brodware Yokato range in Brushed Europlate

Storage

It may not be the sexiest choice to be made, but form must always follow function. Including adequate storage should be a starting point for any bathroom design, and is truly individual to every home. An interior designer will access what you currently store in the bathroom and work with you to future proof your storage needs within the design. Face height storage rarely looks chicer than this customised Issy by Zuster mirrored cabinet, available from Reece.

Materiality

It’s hard to beat natural stone for it’s classic good looks and enduring popularity. When budget allows, I always suggest marble as a luxurious and timeless choice for vanity tops, feature shower walls and flooring. Whether in slab form or as a detailed mosaic, there are so many options for including stone in your bathroom design.
Terrazzos are also having a resurgence with a range of colourways to suit bold statement spaces as well as those prefering the serenity of neutrals. In this bathroom design, we chose Corian benchtops and splashbacks throughout the home for it’s uniformity, easy to clean aspects and the opportunity to include an integrated basin in the home’s’ ensuite, a real treat for the home owners.