Finding Sanctuary

Newcastle Herald

Thursday June 1, 2006

CHRIS WATSON

The time has come for the bathroom to step into the spotlight as a haven of relaxation, CHRIS WATSON discovers.

WHEN renovating a home it is important to

pay close attention to each and every room, and in

the past the bathroom has often been regarded as

an after-thought, getting little time, energy or slice

of the renovation dollar.

But recently the bathroom has stepped into the

spotlight, which is important considering it is one

of the busiest rooms of the home and more and

more these days is regarded as a sanctuary ? somewhere

to escape from our hectic lives.

Now more than ever, your bathroom design is an

expression of yourself where almost anything goes.

Bathroom fixtures, fittings and colour choices can

all have a striking impact depending on how they

are positioned and used.

The bathroom is no longer just a place to wash

off the day?s dirt. It has become a sanctuary; the

perfect haven to relax, rejuvenate and unwind.

Renovating a bathroom usually adds value to a

home, and you should start by examining your

needs and your budget.

It may help to ask yourself these

questions:

Am I displeased with my outdated

fixtures?

Are the cabinets unattractive and

obsolete?

Is the area too small? Or poorly

organized?

Are the floors in bad shape?

Are the surface areas in need of

repair?

Your answers will help you make

decisions about the materials, fixtures

and accessories you want in your new

bath space, and by identifying the

problems in your current bathroom

before you begin you may be able to save money

and long-term headaches.

As in a kitchen renovation, look for inspiration

in magazines, brochures, show rooms and display

homes, even your friends? houses, and get a feel for

what you want. It?s handy to keep notes and photographs

to show a renovator so they understand what

you are after.

Know your financial limits before you start and try

not to cut too many corners ? particularly on waterproofing

as it?s an essential element.

Costs to consider in bathroom renovations

include flooring, wall tiles, paint, waterproofing,

electrical, plumbing, bath tub or spa, shower,

heating, lighting, ventilation, toilet, cabinets and

fittings.

There are always improvements being made

in bathroom construction to keep in mind, for

instance ceramic tile has been a popular surface

material, but easily stained grout has always been a

disadvantage. New grout materials have practically

eliminated this age-old complaint.

More toilets are offered today than ever before

? one and two-piece models, improved flushing,

elongated toilets and seats with added length for

more comfort, and lowboy toilets with very low

tanks, while lavatory bowls are available in different

sizes, shapes and materials ? vitreous china, plated

brass, stainless steel, enameled steel, enameled cast

iron, cast composite and cultured marble models

among them.

A thermostatic valve in faucets is the ultimate

in comfort and control, giving desired water temperature

at the touch of a button. Water pressure

is automatically balanced and the system automatically

starts at a preset temperature then self-adjusts

to the user?s specific directions and holds it at that

temperature.

Bathroom colours, however, remain relatively

simple with the most popular still linen and white.

Abode approached Reece to discover the latest

trends and hints for bathroom renovations.

Basins

The trend is towards unique, stylish lines combining

both square and round characteristics.

For a small space-saving bathroom opt for an

above-counter basin rather than a semi- recessed.

Above counter basins are impressive features in

any bathroom.

For a spacious bathroom, look at waterplanes or

larger basins with sharp lines and soft curves.

Basins are now being manufactured from pressed

steel to offer greater durability, precise cornering

and a glamorous finish.

1. WHITESTONE OM ABOVE-COUNTER BASIN: RRP from

$597.36

2. ALAPE ABSOLUTE AB1 ABOVE-COUNTER BASIN: RRP

from $578.70

3. WHITESTONE AXA 50 COUNTER BASIN: RRP from

$544

4. ALAPE WATERPLANE WT1 WALL-MOUNTED WITH

SHROUD: RRP from $1767.70

Vanities and storage

Vanity units are the perfect storage solution for

any bathroom, particularly when they offer deep

drawers, generating a large amount of easy-to-access

storage space.

Vanity units with china tops are an elegant alternative

to the conventional acrylic tops.

Wall-hung vanity units with rectangular feature

basins appeal in modern bathroom design.

5. MIZU 8 900 WALL-HUNG VANITY: RRP from $1176.45

6. MIZU 8 SEMI-RECESSED 900 VANITY UNIT: RRP from

$1108.25

7. NMIZU 8 900 WALL-HUNG UNDER-COUNTER VANITY:

RRP from $1176.45

Bath tubs

When choosing a bath, consider the style of

the other bathroom products in the room. For

example, if the basin and toilet are streamlined

with sharp lines, then a rectangular bath may suit.

Alternatively a round or oval bath would match a

bathroom featuring soft, rounded sanitary ware.

Deep-soaker baths are popular, to maximize

small spaces, and modern free-standing baths with

smooth, inviting curves.

Free-standing baths are an ideal choice for a large

bathroom, especially when you want the bath as the

feature of the room.

Corner baths work brilliantly in an ensuite where

space is limited, and they also easily fit two people.

The latest bath trends have been designed to

satisfy the desire for revitalisation and indulgence,

such as the clever design of the Dolce Vita Isle bath

which can be fully fitted as a hydrotherapy spa,

making bathing a sensuous experience.

8. MIZU SOAKER BATH: RRP from $369.99

9. DOLCE VITA ISLE BATH: RRP from $2421.08

Shower units and heads

Here water-saving options should be considered.

AAA rated showers only use nine litres per minute

as opposed to the conventional 15-22 litres. This

can result in potential water savings of 65 litres for

every five-minute shower.

The shower is now being incorporated into the

entire bathroom design. Glass panels and floor-toceiling

windows with a garden or ocean view can

create a tranquil setting.

Easy to install shower systems with shower base,

glass screen and easy to clean acrylic walls offer a

great alternative for people with busy lifestyles and

limited space.

Ceiling-mounted showers are a hot trend.

10. NIKLES CEILING SHOWER ARM: RRP from $75,

11. NIKLES XL 180 SHOWER HEAD: RRP from $112

12. NIKLES XL 180 RAIL SHOWER: RRP from $275

13. NIKLES CUBIC 85 4S MASSAGE RAIL SHOWER: RRP

from $249

Toilets

Back-to-wall concealed toilet suites with no exposed

pipes combine sophistication and style to produce

a modest and tasteful suite that is easy to clean and

appealing to the eye.

Wall-hung and back-to-wall

pans with concealed cisterns

(such as Hideaway) are unobtrusive,

stylish and a fantastic

space saver in any bathroom.

Mainsflush combines technology

and minimalism that

has revolutionised the toilet

flush and eliminated the need

for a conventional cistern.

14. IDEAL STANDARD HIDEAWAY

PNEUMATIC WALL-HUNG PAN

KIT: RRP FROM $6739.49, IDEAL

STANDARD HIDEAWAY PNEUMATIC

CHROME BUTTON SET:

RRP FROM $129.25

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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