Small bathrooms are often a determining factor that decides whether you purchase a house or apartment. Renovating a small bathroom can sometimes seem pointless as you might not be staying there for too long or you might just not have any ideas. But even so, there are plenty of tips to design your small bathroom to give an illusion of space.

There are many different bathroom designs that would best suit your and your family’s taste. Our small bathroom design tips have been curated based on advice from our in-house designers as well as the trend we have seen with Auckland home owners.

In this article about small bathroom renovations:

• 17 Tips to Design your small bathroom design
• Dos and Don’ts of Tilling Your small bathroom design
• Design mistakes to avoid for a small bathroom design
• 10 Small Powder Room Design Ideas

How to make the most out of your Small Bathroom Design

Found the perfect place? Is the bathroom too small for your liking?

No matter where you live, bathrooms are always lacking in square footage. You want a home that you love in every room including the bathroom. Just because the bathroom is small. It just means it gives you a little side project to redecorate and design a bathroom to your liking.

But there’s no reason why having a small bathroom should stop you from creating a space that you love and enjoy spending time in. All it takes to improve your small bathroom is the right type of storage space. Some carefully placed decorations and a bit of optimism and effort to make it happen. Down below are 17 tips that we think will help you design your small bathroom and ways you can make it feel more open and spacious.

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

17 Tips To Designing and Renovating your Small Bathroom

1. Don’t Block the Sunlight

Natural light is best proven to style your small bathroom to make it feel open and spacious. Dark bathroom can dampens your mood and doesn’t look as nice compared to natural sunlight and having a dark bathroom won’t help make your bathroom feel open and spacious.

The combination of white wall and an abundance of natural light can make a space look a lot bigger. I your bathroom has a window, consider blinds, and get rid of your curtains. Especially if you have a mirror in the bathroom. The natural light will reflect and provide your bathroom with a sense of peace and makes it feel more open and spacious.

Natural light from windows with blinds in Redvale

See the full bathroom renovation in Redvale.

2. Keep it Simple

Using larger tiles also helps make your small bathroom look more bigger. Especially with a simple design as well as using subway tiles and hardware. Keeping your bathroom simple also implies sticking with one or two colors as having too many colors won’t make your bathroom look more spacious. Here is an example of one of our renovated bathrooms keeping it simple with sticking with one or two colors.

Simple colors used in bathroom renovation

Simple bathroom tiles in Greenlane

See full bathroom renovation at Joanne and Steve’s in Greenlane.

3. Use Dark Accents

A style success that works well with designing a bathroom to make it look more spacious is using black and white with metallic hardware. When designing your bathroom, it’s good to keep dark accents in mind as they can help provide a pop of contrast in a white bathroom.

Dark accents used in bathroom renovation in Redvale

Design tip: This vanity set was custom built to fit within this small bathroom design which utilizes the space well and provides more storage space.

4. Try Something Different

If you’re going for a more modern style in your bathroom, you should try mixing it up with traditional elements which can help create a rich and colourful bathroom. If you’re styling a bathroom based on a budget, invest on wallpaper as they are a great way to play with pattern or add a fun little flair without having to spend a ton of money and can fit within your budget. Just because the bathroom is small, don’t limit yourself to how much you can really do with the style.

If you’re feeling bold, go ahead and arrange a gallery wall on your bathroom walls.

Spanish style mosaic tiles and brass gold sink

Mosaic tiles in Hillsborough

Read more…

Rustic style renovation in Stanmore Bay

Full home renovation in Hillsborough

5. Opt for a Monochromatic Palette.

Finding the perfect colour for your small bathroom may be the hardest part of designing your bathroom. It can often feel overwhelming and to help minimise your stress by picking just one colour, switch to choosing a monochromatic palette instead. That way you have different shades of colour which would also work well with bathroom sinks, tiles, shower, etc.

6. Swap your Shower Curtain for a Glass Door

Ever notice how lucite and acrylic furniture tends to disappear and make the space look much bigger? Glass shower doors have the same effect. To make the most out of your space in your small bathroom, considering swapping out your shower curtain for glass doors as this will help make your bathroom feel bigger.

Glass Shower Door in West Harbour

Read more

Glass shower door in a project in Westmere

Bathroom Renovation in Greenhithe

Black and White Bathroom Renovation in Rosedale, Albany

7. Even if there’s room for two, consider a single sink to increase counter space.

Although having two sinks are nice, realistically how often do you really use two sinks? Even if there is enough space for two sinks, consider only getting one as you’ll be able to have more counter space allowing you more storage space for your skincare/beauty products. Most people use counter space more than the sink when getting ready, therefore eliminating the need for two sinks. To make your small bathroom feel larger, consider only purchasing one sink. Storage space is important!

Single sink in contemporary design in Titirangi

See full contemporary bathroom renovation in Titirangi

8. Hang a medicine cabinet above the toilet.

Most medicine cabinets are always hung above the sink with a mirror at the front which eliminates you the chance of having a big, beautiful mirror above the sink which can also help reflect natural light and make your small bathroom feel bigger. To solve this problem, you should hang your medicine cabinet above the toilet as it keeps it out of your way and provides you with another option for storage space.

9. Use open shelving to store towels or other pretty essentials.

Using open storage is a perfect way to make your bathroom look bigger and more open. In a small bathroom there is plenty of space on the wall for open shelves compared to having cabinets which can make the space feel compact and small. They also give you an option to redecorate where you put your bathroom essentials whenever you feel like it.

10. Take your shower tile all the way to the ceiling.

Experts agree that you should always take you shower tile all the way to the ceiling as it adds a feeling of height and draws your attention away from how close the walls are. Doing this will also help make your small bathroom feel more modern and make the shower space look larger. If you’re designing your small bathroom on a budget, consider purchasing white subway tiles as they’re an affordable and classic option for this look.

Tiling to the ceiling in vintage bathroom renovation

Modern Vintage Bathroom Renovation in Greenhithe

11. Decorative Waste Baskets

Whilst creating an illusion to making your bathroom look bigger, there is only so much decorating you can do to keep up that illusion. One of the things you can decorate however you want is waste baskets. Waste baskets are nice and small and doesn’t take up space which is perfect for your small bathroom as every bathroom needs a waste basket.

There are several different ways to use a decorative waste basket in your bathroom. First, you can choose a beautiful leather waste basket which is an incredibly elegant option. Leather is very beautiful and quite versatile in terms of looks. Leather is mainly known to be a traditional brown or black colour. But those aren’t the only colours that can help decorate your bathroom. Colours like white, grey, pink, etc are also good in terms of boosting your design quality and there many other options for decorative waste baskets.

Another popular option that people have in their bathrooms for waste baskets is stainless steel waste baskets. Chrome is a great example of a stainless-steel waste basket as they are extremely versatile in bathroom design, due to their durability, reliability, and affordability. The shine of these metallic finishes is very attractive and can often serve as a small focal point of a smaller bathroom design.

12. Decorative Towel Hooks

Another decorating option for you when designing your small bathroom is towel hooks. Although they are some of the smallest bathroom accessories, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the most decorative towel hooks. For a bathroom that is mainly white, finding black towel hooks would give the bathroom more contrast and make it pop due to the dark accents. There are different styles that towel hooks come in like chrome, stainless-steel, matte black or white and many more. Each of these different designs will offer a unique yet traditional element to your small bathroom design.

Bathroom hooks have more than one purpose and there are many ways you can use them for. Since you are designing your bathroom, don’t limit yourself to different decorative ideas. Here are just a few examples on the different ways you can use bathrooms hooks. You can use bathroom hooks to hang shelves, mesh bags for storage, loofahs, and shower scrubs, hanging baskets, etc. Bathroom hooks are incredibly versatile and are worth using when decorating a small bathroom area so let your creativity shine through here!

13. Wall Mounted Bathroom Sinks

Wall mounted bathroom sinks are crucial to have when designing your small bathroom as you’d want to have as much storage space as you can and having a wall mounted bathroom sink opens up space underneath the sink for you to store bathroom essentials. Not only does having a wall mounted sink opens more space, but it also helps make your bathroom feel bigger which is what we want. There are plenty of various shapes and designs that can add a great level of sense to your small bathroom design.

Wall mounted sink in Papatoetoe bathroom renovation

14. Bathroom Vanity Accessory Sets

There’s only so much creativity input that you can put into designing your small bathroom. But what all bathroom needs are vanity accessory sets which includes soap dishes, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and other similar small accessories. Purchasing a bathroom vanity accessory set with increase the cohesiveness of your vanity area and is another thing you can decorate to your liking.

When purchasing bathroom vanity accessory sets, it’s important to find colours that best match your bathroom theme. It would be good to pick dark colours for your bathroom vanity accessory set if the theme of your bathroom is bright, as it will bring a bit of contrast and bring some colour to the room. Some common materials and finishes include ceramic, solid brass, chrome, brushed nickel, gold, and many more.

15. Magnifying Mirrors

You can never have too many mirrors, right? Magnifying mirrors are another small bathroom decoration that you can either put away or keep it on the counter. The mirror is perfect for the ladies when getting ready and applying their makeup. Since magnifying mirrors don’t take much space even if they were mounted on the wall. This is the preferred installation method for small bathrooms. To decorate the magnifying mirror some more, consider purchasing ones that have LED lighting which is useful for shaving, makeup, and similar things you may need it for.

Not only are the extremely useful, but they also come with a series of elegant design features that make a great addition of décor to your small bathroom. Main colours they come in are chrome, matte black, matte white. This is a great feature to consider as they’re highly likely to match well with your other bathroom accessories. This will create the perfect bathroom vanity area for yourself or a guest and receive compliments for your bathroom design. This magnifying mirror will be an additional with a wall mirror for better comfort as no bathroom is complete without a wall mirror.

16. Wall Décor

Wall décor is one of the best ways to decorate your small bathroom as there is limited space. Keeping your wall space empty eliminates potential storage space. Which limits you to how much decorating you can do for your bathroom. One of the most common wall décors in a small bathroom is wall art as they come in many different forms. Therefore, providing you with plenty of options to choose from. It’s important to choose a wall art that goes with the theme of your bathroom design to create a cohesive and comfortable space.

Featured tile wall in Westmere

Read more…

Green textured tiles used as an Accent wall for a Westmere bathroom renovation

18 Top trends in Bathroom Tile Design for 2021 in Auckland

17. Ceiling Décor

Nowadays plants and succulents are very popular in households. They give people more creativity when it comes to decorating their house and provides a touch of colour. So why stop there? Add some hanging plants that thrive in humidity from the steam in the shower. It provides a touch of colour and gives you more decorating opportunities. Some plants that thrive well are aloe vera and ferns which is the perfect ceiling décor that you could have in your bathroom as finishing touches.

Another ceiling décor is lighting as that is another creativity opportunity for you to find the perfect lights for your bathroom that goes with your design. LED lights are most known to be used for bathrooms, but they might not suit your bathroom design. Ceiling décor is usually the last thought, but they are the most useful and most needed. Take your time and explore your options and pick what works best for your bathroom theme or style.

Dos and Don’ts of Tiling a Small Bathroom Design

When designing your small bathroom, there are many of tiles to choose from and different ways you can install them into your small bathroom. But there are many mistakes that are often made. These tips will help make your small bathroom look more attractive and spacious.

Due to the abundance of design and colors in the market nowadays. Choosing the perfect tiles for you can help make your small bathroom look bigger. Picking correct tile for your small bathroom takes planning and deliberations. This may be the biggest task you’d need to do before you can decorate your bathroom and requires a huge amount of patience. Before you invest into any materials, consider the following guidelines to help avoid an expensive mistake or something you’ll regret.

Do Carefully Measure the Space

Before you start making any major changes in your small bathroom, it’s best to measure the space beforehand and write it down which would help you find the right tiles you need, etc. Especially with smaller bathrooms, you’d want to make sure that the numbers are right to make the most out of the space. When calculating the amount of tile needed for floors or walls, you need to multiply the lengths of the area you are covering by the width to find the square footage. Double check your numbers before ordering and always purchase more than you need in case it’s not enough.

Don’t Scrimp When Buying Tiles

Why should you buy extra tiles? It’s always good to purchase more than you need as you never know when you might run out of material, and it can be frustrating as you’d have to pause the task to purchase some more and if you’re after custom tiles then it could take the supplier a few weeks to get more before you can finish your tiling. Ordering extra tiles are always useful as you might’ve miscalculated, or some tiles broke and cutting them up to fit into spaces. There are many reasons as to why you should always have extra tiles for future purposes. Check to see if your retailers offer refunds or exchanges on unopened boxes of tiles.

Read more…

Emerging tile treads (2021) by tile depot (common mistakes to avoid)

Do Think Small-Scale

If large tiles aren’t your style, there are many small-scale tiles that are the perfect fit for you that can make your small bathroom feel bigger. Using mosaic tiles are a great way to visually expand your small bathroom as they come with a variety of colors and style. Consider using glass mosaics tiles as they help deepen the illusion of having a bigger bathroom with more reflected light.

Don’t Underestimate Large Tiles

You may think large tiles won’t look good in a small bathroom due to the lack of square footage. You should think about using large tiles when designing your small bathroom. Because it can actually make your bathroom look bigger. Since our brain associates big tiles with a larger space, it gives off an illusion that a room is bigger than it is. If you’re considering large tiles treatment to your floors, consider continuing them up the wall to the height of a chair rail.

Large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors

More examples…

Ellerslie bathroom renovation with large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors

Papatoetoe bathroom renovation with large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors

Greenlane bathroom renovation with large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors

Do Keep It Simple

Select a variety of soft-hued colors that are a few shades lighter or darker than each other when selecting tiles as this will keep the bathroom simple compared to having different colors and patterns as that will overwhelm the space and make it seem cramped which is not what we want. Keep it simple, consider smaller-scale design.

Don’t Skip the Preparation

This is an extremely important step that you shouldn’t skip when tiling a small bathroom. Before you start, ensure that the surface you’re working on is clean, smooth, and solid, otherwise it will cause tiles to crack of loosen and allows moisture to get behind tiles from uneven walls which can cause them to loosen and fall off. Which would be disappointing to see after completing this labor-intensive project. Also remember to remove any wallpaper from walls and sand the surface before applying tiles to prevent those things from happening.

Do Set Tiles in a Diagonal Pattern

Another way you can make your small bathroom be perceived as bigger is by tiling your tiles in a diagonal pattern which gives off an illusion that your bathroom is bigger than it actually is. Although doing diagonal tile patterns require more planning, precise measuring, and cutting and may seem easier to not diagonal patterns, this is something to think about as it would make your small bathroom feel larger.

Key tip before starting – Use a graph paper to lay out a scaled diagram of your floor.

Don’t Use Shiny Tiles for small floor tiles

When thinking about tiles for your bathroom, don’t consider glossy tiles or polished stone as they can be a hazard for you. Although they may look nice and luxurious in your bathroom, you will more likely injure yourself more in your bathroom than anywhere else in your house. Once those tiles get wet, they become slippery and when rushing in the morning you can forget that they get slippery. But if you are 100% sold on glossy tiles, there are tiles that have a low slip resistance which can help minimize risk of falls/injuries. Be sure to check with your retailer before purchasing.

7 Design mistakes to avoid in Renovating a Small Bathroom

Small bathrooms aren’t always ideal but we just have to make do. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve it the second you get in there. Our bathrooms are supposed to be a relaxing space to end our days.

Thinking of designing your small bathroom to your style and standard? Don’t let your lack of square footage discourage your creativity side. Design and organization experts explained the mistakes people make in their small bathroom design that aren’t doing any favors to make your small bathroom look more open and spacious.

Down below are 7 mistakes you should avoid when designing your small bathroom.

1. Thinking Everything Needs to Be White

Nowadays a lot of people are going for a more modern design for their bathroom regardless of the size which entails having white sinks. White counters. White bathtubs, and white walls. Although using white isn’t a bad thing but using dark colours and bold patterns in a small space can make a huge impact in a small room and bring colour into it. Don’t be afraid to use colours!

Although you have limited space, don’t hold your creativity back!

Use of colour on the floor and bathroom vanity

Spanish Style mosaic tiles in Stanmore Bay

Read more…

Mary Stuart’s Spanish style bathroom renovation

Modern Bathroom Renovation in Albany

Sarah’s Dark Accent Bathroom in Redvale

2. Keeping Everything Out in the Open

Storage is one of the most crucial things that you need in your small bathroom. Clutter has always been the enemy of small spaces. Without the proper storage space, you will end up having a cramped-up area eliminating your goal of making you small bathroom look bigger. This would be a good idea to purchase bathroom vanity accessories set that go with your colour theme as you can put your toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, etc. Minimizing the items on your bathroom counter, stick to 3 things which most of them include what you need in a bathroom vanity accessory set. Add a decorative item like a plant or succulent.

Often, we forgot to utilize our storage space under our sink as we tend to put our bathroom stuff on the sink counter. Have them on shelves that we have scatter around the bathroom. To avoid making this mistake, invest more into looking at storage spaces to hide your bathroom essentials to make the room look more organized and less cluttered. Remember to use the space under your sink.

3. Focusing on Décor Without a Purpose

Designing a small bathroom can be overwhelming as there’s only so much decorating you can do, and you can either have a bathroom that is overflowing with decorations or have a bathroom that barely has any decorations. Even if you don’t want to over decorate your bathroom with flowers, wall art or succulents you can purchase an open storage shelf and place functional items like towels. Gathering inspiration from Pinterest on how to decorate your small bathroom is also extremely helpful.

4. Limiting Yourself to Bathroom Specific Items

If other houses in your room have wall art, or flowers, consider purchasing some to put in your bathroom. Another design mistake to avoid is limiting yourself to ONLY bathroom decorations and let’s be honest here. Bathroom decorations aren’t always the best. Using decorations in the bathroom that you can find anywhere else in the house makes it feel homier.

Based on previous small bathroom designs. The best non bathroom decoration you could put in your bathroom are plants that thrive well with the humidity of the bathroom. Hanging plants are a most popular one.

5. Not Thinking Beyond the Vanity

Counter space is not the only storage space available! Skincare products, makeup tend to fill up counter space which creates more clutter and makes your small bathroom feel more cramped that it is. Although it’s easy to put most products near the vanity/counter because it’s easier for you to reach, they aren’t the most helpful. Consider getting a medicine cabinet with storage space or install some floating shelves to utilize that wall space.

6.Going Small Because the Room is Small

Go big or go home! Just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t purchase big items for your bathroom. In fact, only purchasing small items can make your small bathroom feel crowded and create clutter which is not what we want. Purchasing medium/big decorations can make a huge difference in a small space.

7. Letting the Room Flatter You

A key point to always remember is that you’re designing the bathroom towards your needs and your standards. Bathrooms are always a space that’s about taking a moment for yourself and self-care no matter the size. It’s a place where we go every night to relax.

Key tips – create good lighting using natural light. A dim bedroom may be nice, but a dim bathroom is not. A brighter space can brighten up your mood more so than a dark space.

10 Small Powder Room Design Ideas

Powder rooms only contain the essentials like a toilet, sink and a mirror. It’s mainly used for guests when they stay over or when you host get togethers. It’s a place where you and your guests can get ready. Touch up on their makeup or for people to recharge themselves. Powder rooms are a lot easier and cheaper to design as it’s a small space and won’t suffer from steam or humidity. Which opens a range of options when thinking about designing it. To gather inspiration for your powder room design, here are 10 small powder room ideas.

1. Eclectic

There are many ways you can decorate your powder room with the eclectic theme. Eclectic powder rooms mainly consist of vintage decorations. This would be a perfect chance for you to transform a period dresser into a washbasin. If you are very interested in vintage items, and vintage theme rooms, then this is the perfect design for you.

2. Metallic

Metallic finishes on your powder room gives it the perfect touch to bring the whole room together. These finishes are currently trendy, and these touches can be applied to any rooms in your house. Using gold, copper, and bronze with polished nickel and chrome metal will give the room warm. But for a more luxurious upscale look, use marble and dark wood accents to compliment your metallic powder room.

Example of metallic finishes | (Photo credit: Tile Depot)

3. Minimal

If you’re after a simpler design, then this minimal powder room idea is perfect for you. This design only requires a single colour to tie walls, fixtures and finishing touches together. Using a darker wall colour will create a dramatic and intimate atmosphere and a metal washbasin creates focus. When creating a minimal design, always opt for a light-colours floor as it bounces light around and will help keep the room from feeling small.

4. Oriental

After a more eastern décor? This oriental theme powder room design is the right fit for you. Create a custom vanity with a mosaic design and combine it with a patterned tile accent wall. Using a dark red wall colour will create a rich backdrop that invokes oriental designs and will help highlight the accent wall. Include an eastern-influenced vanity mirror and decorative lightning to complete the look.

Still stuck on ideas for your oriental design power room? Check out Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Red accent wall |(Photo credit: Tile Depot)

5. Rustic

Rustic powder room design has finishing touches that include wood and. You can create a more modern design to this rustic powder room look by using a natural wood vanity and a black metal mirror. To avoid a heavy cabin like feel to your powder room. Opt for lighter wood finishes, and white tiles to bring the room together.

6. Colourful

Be creative and have fun designing your powder room by making it colourful! Use bold colour wallpaper to create a theme and choose different colours for bath accessories that complement the wallpaper well to create a fun, simple, and colourful room. Go bold and have a different colour washbasin instead of sticking with the usual white colour ones. Contrast the room with simple white fixtures and finishes to keep it from overwhelming the room.

Example of adding colour to bathroom |(Photo credit: Tile Depot)

7. Playful

Create a playful powder room by using fun wallpaper with different patterns and colour that provides the room with a more playful feel. Using an interesting wallpaper will add colour and interest as well as character to your powder room without overwhelming it and making it look busy and cramped.

Playful wallpaper in bathroom | (Photo credit: Tile Depot)

8. Mid-Century Modern

Sick of the modern powder room design? With the mid-century modern design twist, you are sure to spruce up your powder room with this theme. Add a pop of colour to your walls, even your floors. Add in a nice rug to give it some colour. Make it interesting and include fun details like retro wallpaper, mid-century artwork and include some vintage vibes.

9. Organic

Love natural light? Love plants? This organic design is perfect for your powder room. Using light colour wood with earth-tone finishes and textures would make the room lighter. Include plants and river stone pebbles to tie the room together and make it more organic.

10. Urban

Make your powder room have characteristics of a city you love by using colours like black and white. Use dark walls and furnishings to visually expand the room. Also consider using large scale tiles to create a graphic pattern. To finish it off, use white in contrast to draw attention the key features in your powder room.

As you can see, there are many different creative ways to design your small bathroom and 17 design tips to design your small bathroom to make it more open and create the illusion of space. We have also included 7 mistakes that you should avoid when designing your small bathroom to help you avoid cluttering up the small space. If you’re on a budget and decided to DIY your own tiles in your small bathroom, we have also given a few dos and don’ts when it comes to tilling your small bathroom. Not only do we have tips for small bathrooms, but we also have 10 small powder room ideas to help make it more look more appealing and towards your liking.

With our helpful tips, you’ll be sure to design a beautiful bathroom and make your small bathroom look more open and spacious as the lack of square footage shouldn’t discourage you from designing a small bathroom towards your liking.

Read more

Bathrooms are often the smallest space in any home which means that they must find the right balance between functionality and aesthetics within any bathroom design. Even a decade ago, most bathrooms had a clinical look about them with white tiles or walls and standard shiny chrome fixtures. Bathrooms of today however are very different in terms of aesthetics as there are many more options to choose from.

One of the easiest ways to improve the look of your bathroom is to integrate statement taps within your bathroom design. Bathroom accessories are often overshadowed by bathtubs and vanity which means that they are often a secondary consideration when renovating. Most people don’t realise however that statement tapware can really elevate a bathroom design.

Statement tapware and basins can transform a bathroom whether you are doing minor upgrades or renovating your entire bathroom. In the last year or so we have seen an increasing number of our clients opting for designer tapware for their bathroom design.

Hence we decided to look for suppliers in Auckland that could fill this niche and hence our partnership with The Kitchen Hub was formed. The Kitchen Hub specialises in designer tapware for bathrooms and kitchens designed by leading designers in Australia, UK and the USA.

We met with Holly from The Kitchen Hub to understand a bit more about their company and the trends in tapware seen in Auckland.

This article will discuss the following:

• Q & A with Holly – The Kitchen Hub’s process on narrowing down the right tapware for clients
• Top 5 Tips on choosing the right type of bathroom accessories for different styled homes in Auckland

Meet Holly from The Kitchen Hub

“My role is to assist in promoting and advertising our bespoke collection of kitchen, bathroom and laundry products. My passion is to create brand awareness for our high-end boutique ranges that will assist our clients in discovering and selecting the right products for their homes. At The Kitchen Hub, we strive ourselves on offering unique brands that create luxury statements. Which is why I am always working closely alongside our clients to help provide innovative outcomes.”

Holly, Sales & Marketing Manager

We sat down with Holly from The Kitchen Hub to see how she helps clients with their tapware choice

Superior Renovations: How can clients narrow down their choices amidst such an overwhelming tapware selection?

Holly: I usually first ask what kind of budget they are working with and how much they are willing to allocate towards the products that they are after. If they are working with a tight budget then I will usually point them towards Meir and our other more cost effective brands, or if they have a larger budget then I will suggest Astra Walker or The Watermark Collection.

Understanding the client’s budget helps me identify the brands that are suited for them. Once I have identified the brand, then I dive a little deeper and start to understand the design a bit more. This is where I ask what kind of build it is (new build or renovation) and whether it is contemporary or traditional design. This helps me narrow down to specific product ranges which I can then show to the client.

Superior Renovations: How do people choose through the various finishes? How do you help them choose?

Holly: Selecting finishes will depend on various factors. First I need to understand what the setting is and who will be using the tapware. If it is for a family home, then clients will be wanting something that is durable and easy to clean. So I tend to recommend a stainless steel or brushed finish, something that won’t show finger prints and is low maintenance. Sometimes, if clients have young children, I do suggest not to use a matte black finish. While most of our matte black finishes are electroplated and are very durable, they still tend be easier to scratch if they are not handled carefully.

Superior Renovations: What is the difference between living finishes and Sealed finishes?

Holly: Living finishes are becoming more popular for their raw and organic appearance. They are designed to change and evolve, so they will develop a unique worn appearance over time. But the aged look is not for everyone.

If our clients want a living finish then our go to would be either Astra Walker or Buddy. These brands offer of range of living finishes, including natural brass and aged brass, which are the most common finishes that our clients tend to go for.

If the client wants a finish that will remain the same over time then I would recommend our trending sealed finishes which are matte black, brushed brass, stainless steel, brushed nickel and gunmetal. These finishes are offered by various different brands which gives a bit more flexibility when it comes to product selection.

Sealed Finish

Living Finish

Superior Renovations: Are there any specific trends that you are seeing in bathroom tapware?

Holly: There are a couple of design trends that have started to emerge with bathroom tapware. I have noticed a lot of people are now going for coloured tapware, especially brass finishes, as opposed to standard chrome and matte black. Living finishes are also becoming increasingly popular for the more industrial and retro design look. Elevated tapware is coming back into fashion as well, with a lot of interest in our cross handle and lever options as opposed to standard wall mixers.

Top 5 tips on choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

Tip 1 – Design your bathroom which complements the rest of your home

Every person is unique which means that the style of every home is different from the other. However, the 5 broad categories that most homes fit into is contemporary, Traditional, Modern, Rustic, and Industrial. Most homes are not however designed to specific style and often contain a mix and match of various styles.

Modern or minimalistic Bathroom designs

Modern bathroom designs usually have tapware which are sleek and with straight lines. The overall look of a modern bathroom design often features a minimalistic look with a clean and uncluttered look. Most modern bathrooms used to feature shiny tapware, but a growing trend has seen a shift towards black matte tapware. Matte black look adds a certain sophistication to a bathroom design. It is versatile and works with most colour schemes in a bathroom. Even with smaller bathrooms where the colour scheme is often neutral, black matte taps can add a great design element to the bathroom.

Read: TOP 15 BATHROOM DESIGN TRENDS IN NZ FOR 2021 BY DESIGNERS IN AUCKLAND

If you are going for a Trendy and modern look for your bathroom then this range can be great to incorporate within your bathroom design.

Traditional Villas and Bungalows

Most bungalows and villas in Auckland feature traditional elements within their structure like hardwood floors, casement windows, and traditional chandeliers. The overall design of traditional homes can be carried on to bathrooms while still having modern luxurious like bathtubs and wet rooms. You can add a traditional element to your bathroom design by installing traditional tapware like the classic range from Aster walker. The classic range has taps and bathroom accessories are reminiscent of old Victorian and Edwardian times which come in over 23 textures and colours to suit most traditional bathroom tastes.

Matte Black Olde English 3 tap set up used from the Astra Walker range. This set up is perfect for Villas and Bungalows that want to retain the old world charm for their homes.

Rustic Style bathrooms

There has been a growing trend in rustic style bathrooms in Auckland. We recently renovated two rustic style bathrooms which featured brass sinks and antique gold finishes. Rustic style bathrooms often feature elements of nature such as wooden accents, warm colours and matte brown or golden fixtures with an antique finish. If you are looking at adding rustic elements to your bathroom then changing your tapware could be a great way to do so.

Elk Eco Brass is a great choice for a Rustic bathroom

Icon range can be used for a modern Rustic Style bathroom

Contemporary bathrooms

Contemporary styled bathrooms are one of the most popular in bathroom designs of today. The contemporary style borrows a bit of every style for a streamlined look. It is mostly a bit of old and a bit of new. There is a lot to choose from when you are designing your bathroom in a contemporary style. When choosing accessories for a contemporary bathroom, think about your colour scheme as well as your family situation.

Contemporary bathrooms often feature basins which are placed above the countertop with tapware attached on the wall (Metropolis Black matte tapware from The Kitchen Hub)

If you do have a young family then opt for tapware which is shiny and not matte. Matte finish tapware leaves fingerprints on them a lot easier which means you will have to wipe it more often. Hence, if you have a busy household with young children then we would recommend you to use a shiny finish for your tapware.

Industrial style bathrooms

The industrial look was first inspired by the typical New York style apartments. Most industrial design takes clues from old industrial pipes and old factories. This style works great for apartments and architectural homes. However, if you love the look then you can add a vanity, basin or tapware in an industrial design without changing the whole look of the bathroom.

Tip 2 – Choose the right type of shape for your bathroom fixtures

Not all types shapes are right for certain bathroom designs or even the layout. When choosing your tapware make sure that you are choosing something that looks great but also something that is functional for your family. Think about your family dynamics and who is going to be using that bathroom. Are your young children going to use the bathroom, are adults or the elderly members? If young children or someone who is elderly are using the bathroom then it would be best to install a basin and tapware that is easy to use. Perhaps a single leaver which can be used with one hand is more suitable but if there are adults using the bathroom then you can install a 2-leaver set up for your bathroom.

Also think about your overall bathroom design to make decisions on the tapware that you choose. If you have a traditional or vintage look in your bathroom then opt for 3 tap set up for your basin. Use a separate hot and cold-water knob fixture to re-create a traditional vibe. Do not use a very sleek or shiny tapware and basin. Opt for more traditional looking basins and tapware. If you have a more modern or contemporary like set-up then go for large square sinks with tall-curved tapware.

If you have a small bathroom design then think about a smaller and less cumbersome vanity set up. Always choose your bathroom fixtures in accordance with the size of your bathroom. A lot of people make the mistake of buying bulky fixtures for their small bathrooms which often ends up becoming an eyesore when the renovation is completed. A great advantage now is that there are a lot of options when it comes to smaller vanities in various design and style options.

Further inspiration for small bathrooms

15 BATHROOM IDEAS FOR SMALL BATHROOM DESIGNS IN AUCKLAND – 2021 EDITION

Tip 3 – The type of finish you choose should depends on your family situation

Our clients often find it hard to choose the right finish for their tapware due to the countless options available today. They often struggle with whether they should get chrome, matte black, or a brushed finish.

Choosing the right type of sheen or finish is important as they determine how your bathroom will look as well as how you will be maintaining it. So we decided to ask Holly for her expertise in choosing the right finish for bathroom tapware.

When asked how she helped clients using the right finish she said “Selecting finishes will depend on various factors. First, I need to understand what the setting is and who will be using the tapware. If it is for a family home, then clients will be wanting something that is durable and easy to clean. So, I tend to recommend a stainless steel or brushed finish, something that will not show fingerprints and is low maintenance. Sometimes, if clients have young children, I do suggest not to use a matte black finish. While most of our matte black finishes are electroplated and are very durable, they still tend be easier to scratch if they are not handled carefully.

BATHROOM RENOVATION PHOTOS FOR OUR TOP 17 RENOVATIONS IN AUCKLAND

Tip 4 – Size of your bathroom

It is important to choose the correct size of tapware for the size of your bathroom. Getting the size of your tapware wrong can disrupt the overall look and flow of your bathroom design. Before you choose your fittings, you should measure up the space of your bathroom. Measure the space for your vanity, shower, toilet and the height available between your vanity and mirror for the tapware.

If you have a small bathroom then perhaps you can opt for a shorter tapware set up or even wall mounted tapware. If you have plenty of space available, then you can choose a long-arched tapware. The same goes for your vanity. If you have a small bathroom then make sure you measure the space available for your vanity before you go shopping. This will help you choose a set up for your bathroom in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Tip 5 – Choose tapware that is compatible with your water pressure

If you are renovating your home, then chances are that you are going to be using your existing plumbing. Auckland homes that are built over 20 years ago often have low water pressure. Its always good to check the type of water pressure you are working with before you buy your tapware. You can get your water pressure checked by a professional or simply look at your water cylinder. If you have unequal or low water pressure, then your water cylinder will say ‘low pressure’. Unequal water pressure means that your cold water will have more pressure as compared to your hot water, hence unequal water pressure.

This porcelain basin and 3 tap set up is perfect for villas with low pressure water (Edwardian Nickel black porcelain basin and tapware from the Astra walker range)

Read: 18 TOP TILE TRENDS IN BATHROOM DESIGN FOR 2021 – NZ EDITION

Newer homes do not have unequal water pressure which means that your cylinder will say ‘main pressure’. The pressure for hot and cold water for newer homes however is equal. Most villas and bungalows in Auckland have low pressure which means that you will have to find tapware which is compatible for low pressure. Most single leaver tapware is only suited for main pressure cylinders . If you have a low pressure water system and are not ready to change it to main pressure then you have to ensure that you choose tapware which is compatible for low pressure water cylinders.

Our Featured renovation projects highlighting bathroom accessories

Rustic Bathroom Renovation in Westmere

This rustic bathroom has all the classic features of natural elements that make a space look warm and inviting. The use of green tiles as a feature wall adds depth to the wet area by making it a calm and serene space. Matte gold is often used in rustic design and was hence used in the design of this bathroom.

Read – Full project details for this bathroom renovation

Tracey’s Artisan Style Contemporary Bathroom renovation in Titirangi, Auckland

This small bathroom was renovated in a black and white theme using designer tiles on the floors and white subway tiles on the walls. We also used a floating wooden vanity to add some warmth in the bathroom along with matte black tapware and shower fixtures keeping the theme in mind.

Read – Full project specifications for this bathroom renovation.

Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. Her inspiration came from the arched hallways when she first bought her home. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more

Further Resources for your house interior design

1. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
2. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
4. Real client stories from Auckland

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Still have questions unanswered?

Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

Olivia – Grafton, Auckland

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

This article has been updated with further content to reflect bathroom tile trends for 2023

Nowadays, picking out the best tile for bathroom renovation is an overwhelming task because of a variety of factors you need to consider, such as texture, color, shape, and design. In the past, it was easy to choose the best tile for remodeling purposes since functional benefits such as low maintenance, durability, and water resistance were the only things considered. However, this is the opposite of this era. Today, the tile’s aesthetic impact has the same weight as its functions. As a result, manufacturers have made several changes on their selections to provide unique tiles to the homeowners. From the current research, we have come out with the top trends in bathroom tiles in 2019 that every homeowner should consider when deciding to renovate their home. These tile trends essentially covers the tiles’ patterns, finishes, shapes, and colors.

Superior Renovations

Most people prefer statement tiles for their bathroom renovations, but it’s not such easy to choose the best brand as per their desires because of the variety of colors and shapes available in the market. Worry no more! With the currents trends, it will become easy to choose the best bathroom tile for your renovation task.

However, you should note that choosing a riotous pattern or brash color is the best way the best option for making a statement with your bathroom tiles. Considering also variation, shape, and the texture of your bathroom tile is essential in selecting the one capable of creating a stimulating effect. Here, you need to go for things like the quirky arrangement or a single color.

A featured wall, tiled floor, or splashback is not an option if you want to invest less but create a statement look that has a significant impact. Considering the effect the tile will bring is essential for anyone who’s after tiling the entire room. Check the image the tiles are likely to bring. Will they make the space to look larger and lighter or they’ll make it moodier and more intimate? Are the tiles eye-attractive? Do they create a sense of height?

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

What are the different types of Tiles available?

There’s actually a lot to choose from that not many people are aware of, we’ve come up with a list of 20 different types.

1. Ceramic Tiles
2. Terracotta Tiles
3. Vinyl Tiles
4. Stone Tiles
5. Marble Tile
6. Granite Tiles
7. Limestone Tiles
8. Wood Floor
9. Linoleum Floor Tiles
10. Cork Tiles
11. Glass Tiles (including Mosaic)
12. Metal Tile
13. Cement-Bodied Tile
14. Slate Tiles
15. Porcelain Tiles
16. Pebble Tile
17. Vibrant Tiles featuring a Casablanca collection
18. Large Slab tiles
19. Textured Tiles
20. Artistic Statement

What is the most common/popular tile type?

1. Porcelain Tile (most popular)
2. Ceramic Tile
3. Marble

Later in the article we will also discuss 6 common tilling mistakes that you should avoid for renovated bathrooms.

Below are the top 20 tile trends in bathroom design that every Auckland homeowner should consider.

Tile Trend #1: Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are the best option if you want to get a clean neutral look for your bathrooms. They’re rectangular, brick-like tiles coming with a wide range of colors. They are the most preferred tiles because they can fit any style, be it, the traditional or the contemporary one.

Other than this, subway tiles are the best option because they’re fashionable. It should be an alternative if you want to create an excellent look for your bathroom and keep the value of its decoration for several years.

A growing trend has also been to use colourful subway tiles as a feature wall to add some colour and character to an otherwise neutral space. We sat with Tile depot’s Ruth and Kitty who shared top tile trends for 2021 and colourful tiles was big part of trends for coming years.

Now everyone can come up with a delightful wall mosaic for their bathrooms by coupling different colors of a subway tile either in horizontal or vertical bands or incorporating various patterned tiles. Nowadays, it’s common to come across homeowners installing patterns or textures of tiles that don’t match to get a unique bathroom as per their desires. Therefore, subway tiles give rise to a wide range of possibilities since you can mix and match them with many sorts of interesting variations.

Read more…

Top Tile trends for 2021 – a Q and A with Tile Depot Albany

Ellerslie Bathroom renovation with Subway Tiles

Tile Trend #2. Vibrant Tiles

As mentioned above, Vibrant tiles have become a growing trend in bathrooms as well as kitchens. People do not want contemporary bathrooms with a neutral palette. More and more people are opting to add a splash of colour to their otherwise neutral bathrooms.

The best way to add a bit of colour is accented tiles or feature walls with a pop of colour. Tile Depot’s Casablanca collection has become very popular with our clients to add colour to their bathrooms. Add a pop of dull red to a neutral bathroom to achieve a rustic bathroom.

Tile Trend #3. Hexagonal Tiles

Hexagonal tiles are the best option for the creation of a honeycomb effect, which can create a lasting statement. They work best as the feature walls, and you can customize them to suit any home by varying their patterns, size, and even tone.

You can take hexagonal tiles to another level by adding texture as well as a 3D effect to give it an interesting illusion. These type of tiles can give your bathroom an industrial or New York style bathroom look. To complement the tiles, you can have your bathroom fixtures a monochromatic black and white look. This would add to the overall feel of an industrial style bathroom.

Read more…

Lynette and Henry’s use of hexagonal tiles in their renovation

Tile Trend #4. Large slabs of tiles for the bathroom floors

Using larger tiles on bathroom floors is not so much as a trend than it is a practical solution for tiling smaller bathroom spaces. Contrary to popular belief, using large tiles in a small bathroom can in fact make your bathroom appear larger. This fact was revealed to us by Kitty and Ruth from Tile Depot. Using larger tiles means that there will be lesser grout lines which means there be fewer ‘breaks’ on the bathroom floor. Fewer ‘breaks’ means more continuity which would make your bathroom look more spacious.

Kitty says that people should not be afraid to use large slabs of tiles and could use 600 by 600 or even 600 by 1200 in their bathrooms.

Read more…

Avondale Bathroom renovation with Large Slabs of tiles

Tile Trend #5. Geometric Tiles

There are high chances to create a real statement using your tiles if you keep repeating the dramatic angles and sharp corners. Now you can pull your bathroom space together to add interest and depth by using the geometric tiles.

Geometric tiles are the best option for setting the tone for your entire flooring or all your bathroom walls. Other than this, they work best on an accent wall, and you can use them to create a definite pivot from the rest of your bathroom.

You can use geometric tiles in small bathrooms to improve the perception of that place by matching them with neutral colors. For the large bathrooms, these tiles are the best option for forming artful accents in different areas such as the makeup station or spa area.

Tile Trend #6. Dark And Stormy Tiles

A dark bathroom is the best option for an area that receives little natural light. Blacks and dark grays are the best options for enhancing a moody look filled with a luxury feeling. However, if you do have a small bathroom then refrain from using dark tiles on your floors and walls. This can make the space looked closed in. Dark tiles are mostly suited for large bathrooms which have plenty of space.

If you have a small bathroom and want the same dark and luxurious feel then use more greys as opposed to black tiles. Light greys can give you a similar luxurious feel when accented by black fixtures.

Read more…

Ellerslie Bathroom renovation with dark tiles in a small space

Tile Trend #7. Spanish And Moroccan Tiles

This style is the best option for any tile referencing the traditional geometric patterns but expressing them out in a modern way. Using a neutral color palette is the best option if you are going for a subtle Moroccan feel for your bathroom.

Moroccan tiles are often used as a feature wall or as accent tiles to add character to a bathroom. If you are not afraid of colour and are going for a moorish look for your bathroom then you can use a colourful palette for your Mosaic Moroccan tiles.

The bathroom below was renovated by us as the client wanted a Spanish Villa type feel for her bathroom. She was not afraid of colour and hence her bathroom features blue walls, Moorish colourful tiles and brass fixtures to add a Spanish Villa charm to her home.

Read more about our client Mary Stuart from Stanmore Bay about her renovation details and experience while renovating her bathroom and Kitchen to add a Spanish Villa charm to her home.

Read more…

Mary Stuart’s renovation using Spanish and Mosaic Tiles in Stanmore Bay

Tile Trend #8. Mosaics Tiles

Mosaics are the sheets featured by small, glass tiles. They’re the best for attracting attention because of their reflections. For the best experience, you can mosaic one feature wall or your entire bathroom for glitter and texture addition.

Tile Trend #9. Brick Tiles

Yes, we’re used to several types of tiles featuring brick shapes, but now there is a new design that works best when used as a wall tile. Now you can get these tiles in a wide range of colors, with the District Track Brick being the best brand.

Tile Trend #10. Baltimore Natural Tiles

Do you want a contemporary home? If yes, then Baltimore natural must be your best option in this case. However, you should go to the Newport and newcomers Rhin options if you’re after a more random design with an aged appearance.

Tile Trend #11. Plant Ash Tiles

Venis Ferroker is the most preferred floor tile that works great with everything. Most people love it because of its ability to make a remarkable statement look for your bathroom floor. For those who want an aged look, Plant is the best option. You can get it in a variety of colors that works best in the New Zealand market.

Tile Trend #12. Deck Day Tiles

Almost everyone has indeed come across a wood looking tile. These are the most popular tiles that keep attracting the attention of most people from time to time. However, their quality depends on the designer and your budget. If you want a natural, modern look, Deck is the best option for shorter lengths while Montana is the best for longer stretches.

Tile Trend #13. Petra Pacific Grey Tiles

In the past, everyone loved the natural stone for the floor and wall covering because of the luxurious feel it bestowed. As a result, several manufacturers have been at the forefront in adjusting the texture and appearance of the natural stone to create a more welcoming look from the porcelain tiles.

Tile Trend #14. Matte Finish Tiles

Matte finish tiles have always been recording an impressive record for several years now. They’re the most preferred option because of their soft and sturdy beauty-style. If you compare these tiles with the glossy ones, you’ll realize that it’s rare for them to show water marks and smudges. As a result, matte finish tiles are the best option for busy bathrooms.

Also, most people prefer matte finish tiles because the low sheen makes it easier to maintain them. It is always essential to ensure that there is enough lighting whenever installing these tiles since they’re not the best for reflecting light.

For a dramatic effect, Glossy tiles are the best option to install in your bathroom. These are the most preferred because of their ability to create a highly polished look. They work best for the small bathrooms since they reflect much light, and they create a perception of a larger space. Mostly, these tiles work best whenever installed in a bathroom with low traffic or on the walls because they require more maintenance.

Matte finish tiles are the best option for those who’re after an understated elegance. They work best for those who want to create an earth style on their bathrooms. However, you should consider going for the glossy finish tiles if you’re after an attention-grabbing and more dramatic look.

Tile Trend #15. Neutral Bathroom Tiles

Neutrals colors are the popular features for a contemporary design. It’s rare to come across a homeowner installing bright colors such as yellow, blue, and red in their bathrooms. Instead, you’ll find most homeowners installing neutrals such as creams and grey. Nowadays, grey and beige are the most popular colors used as complementary neutrals.

White is the best option if you want your bathroom to be more bright. Since a bathroom is one of the relaxing places, you should install neutral since they play an essential role in reinforcing this atmosphere. Natural color is the best option for any bathroom since it keeps the mind calm and relaxing, hence creating a sanctuary in this atmosphere. For the best experience, consider using these colors from the bathroom floors up to the ceiling.

Also, layering in various shades of neutral finishes, colors, shapes, or textures is essential to create a more active bathroom since these installations give a new and lovely look to everything.

Read more…

Bathroom renovation in Avondale using neutral tiles

Albany Bathroom renovation using neutral tiles

Neutral Tiles in Milford Bathroom renovation

Tile Trend #16. Flooring Using Wooden Planks

Woods planks are other trends emerging in the tiles’ market. Most people go for these tiles whenever customizing the size of their bathrooms. Also, wood grained tiles are the most preferred option because they enhance the creation of ornate patterns like herringbone. Most of the wood-grained tiles have their widths measuring 6 inches as their lengths vary from 12 inches to 48 inches. However, wood grained tiles can become distressed, whitewashed, and even weathered because of the effects other finishes in the market.

Porcelain wood grain tiles work best for any bathroom because of their ability to provide significant water resistance and stain without the cases of sacrificing the design aesthetics. Make a step of using the wood grain tiles if you’re after improving the organic feel required in every bathroom space. Also, consider matching natural stone planks with other materials in the market such as wooden grains and concrete, if you’re after a compelling look. By doing this, you’ll add an unexpected and welcoming style to your bathroom flooring.

Tile Trend #17. Textural Finished Tiles

Now it’s easy to add surface interest, color depth, and variation to your bathroom. You only need to incorporate a textured field tile and create that compelling look you want. But you should note that textures can appear in two forms depending on the color you want, the finishes applied, and the material used. They either appear subtle or pronounced.

3D dimensional tiles are the best option in this case because of their ability to inspire everything from an object or place up to a feeling. You can get these pieces of art in a wide range of shapes, styles, and sizes. Other than this, these tiles are the best option if you’re after creating new focal points in your home. They make this possible by using distinctive pieces of tiles. Also, they’re the most preferred because they work best in different areas within the house, including in the wall in your dining room.

Tile Trend #18. Metallic Finishes

Metallic is also another thing that has attracted the attention of most people. Most prefer it because of the shining effect it creates on their bathrooms. It is a shiny and reflective material that gives any bathroom a gorgeous look for everyone’s desires. It’s amongst the modern look for bathrooms, that’s expected to pop up more and more for the next few years.

Tile Trend #19. Textured Tiles

Tile trends have been shifting towards more irregular and textured surfaces in recent years, and this trend is particularly popular in bathroom tile ideas. Bathroom tiles with textured finihses that mimic the natural beauty of wood are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. One example of this trend is the new organic range of panels offered by our supplier Melteca, which can be used to create a textured look in any bathroom space. These bathroom tile ideas and tile trends allow homeowners to add a unique and individual touch to their bathroom decor, and can be used to create a textured look in any bathroom space.

Tile Trend #20. Artistic Statement

Tile trends for bathroom tile ideas are indicating that bold colours and patterns will continue to be popular among homeowners this year as they look to incorporate their own personal style into their home. Instead of sticking with neutral or subdued colour schemes, many are opting for more vibrant and bold colour palettes in their tiled bathroom ideas. One example of this trend is using patterned tile backsplashes to add unique character and flair to the space. The use od tile trends for bathroom tile ideas and tiled bathroom ideas homeowners to add a touch of individuality and personality to their homes.

What Determines The Cost Of A Tile?

It’s evident that most people don’t know the difference between a designer tile and a budget-friendly tile. For the budget-friendly tiles, they go at around $50 per square meter as the designer tiles go at approximately $100 per square meter. However, there are cases where the designer tiles go up to $150 per square meter. But they can also cost more than this depending on the size and finish you want.

Quality, depth, and colors are the main things that dictate the price of a tile. You’ll realize that a cheaper one usually looks flat, features fewer colors, and sometimes has a lower pixel on its printed image, resulting in a blurred look. Also, a tile that costs less features a noticeable pattern that keeps repeating across it. For an expensive tile, you’ll realise that it features a fresh design, has a more realistic look, and better color depth.

6 Mistakes to Avoid when Tiling a shower

Not water proofing your shower well or having minor leakage in your tiled bathrooms can cause major damage to the structure of your walls and floors. Doing a DIY job might seem simple after you have watched a few YouTube videos but in reality a small mistake can prove to be detrimental.

There are quite a few tenchicalities that you might not be aware of while tiling your shower and bathroom. Our first advice would be to get a professional tiler to tile your bathroom. We had a conversation with our tiler and put together a list of top 6 mistakes you should look out for when tiling your bathroom.

Mistake 1 – choosing the wrong tile for your shower

Not all type of tiles can be used in your shower. Shower tiles have different ratings to the ones that you can use on your walls or floors. There are some tiles that can be used for both your shower wall and floor. Make sure you check with your tiler as well as tile manufacturer before purchasing the tiles.

Select a shower tile is rated for wet applications as some tiles are not rated for wet applications.

It would also be a good idea to reapply sealant to the tiles and grouts regularly to your renovated bathroom.

Mistake 2 – Tiles, sealers and Grout are not enough for waterproofing a shower

Tiles and grouts are water resistant but that does not mean that it is enough to keep the water out. You need to properly prepare the shower properly and correct installation is key to have a water proofed shower.

It is good to stick to the same manufacturer for all the components such as waterproofing, shower pan etc as the different components might not be compatible with one another.

Also ensure that the person tiling and waterproofing your shower is certified and has the skill set to carry the task out.

Mistake 3: Inaccurate calculation of drainage slope

The correct slope for your shower floor will enable the water to drain properly without causing any future leaks or pooling of water.

Install pea gravel or spacers around the drain with weep holes to enable drainage. Use a professional renovation company to measure the drainage slope to avoid any future issues.

Mistake 4 – Not doing a flood test before installing the tiles

Once you have prepared the shower space, carry out a flood test before you install the tiles. Most holes that would lead to future leakage cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Carry out a flood test for 24 hours by filling up your shower pan with water and plugging all drainage spaces and weep holes. Periodically check the water level for the next 24 hours. If the water level decreases then you have a leak.

Fix any leaks before you install the tiles.

Mistake 5 – Breaching the water proofing membrane

As mentioned above, waterproofing your shower is an important and technical step to avoid future leaking disasters. Set out a strict waterproofing zone and do not breach the waterproofing zone when tiling your shower. Do not use nails, screws or cement boards when tiling the shower wall.

Mistake 6 – Poor Mortar coverage

Mortar is made of cement, silica sand and moisture retaining agents. Tiles require atleast 95% mortar coverage to work effectively in wet applications. If there are any empty spaces behind the tiles then there is a risk of water getting through.

Recommended tile suppliers in Auckland

• Bath and Tile – https://www.bathandtile.co.nz/
• Tile Depot – https://www.tiledepot.co.nz
• Tile Space – https://www.tiles.co.nz/
• Tile Trends – https://tiletrends.co.nz/
• Tile Warehouse – https://www.tilewarehouse.co.nz/

Final Thoughts

The wide range of tiles in the market makes it almost impossible or hard to choose the right brand for your bathroom. The best way to handle this challenge is to consider the material, color, shape, and finish you want. Also, by putting the above trends into practice whenever purchasing a tile for your bathroom, it’ll become easier to land on the best brand as per your desires and needs.

Featured Projects

Gary Flemming’s home renovation in Ellerslie (subway wall tiles + dark tiles on floor)

Gary’s home in Ellerslie boasted a separate bathroom and toilet. We demolished the wall between the bathroom and toilet to create an ensuite. The ensuite now boasts a shower, bathtub, toilet, a her and his wash basin, subway tiles and dark stormy tiled floors see full project specifications

Mary Stuart’s Spanish style bathroom with Mosaic tiles

Mary’s kitchen and bathroom in Stanmore Bay was renovated by keeping the design of Spanish Villa’s in mind. The bathroom was painted Blue with Mosaic tiles as feature on the walls. A brass sink and tap-ware added to the feel of a Spanish rustic villa see project specifications.

Todd Chandler’s Bathroom renovation in St Heliers (wooden looking tiles used)

We renovated Todd’s 3 leaky bathrooms in a contemporary style with wooden looking tiles and cabinets. The wooden looking tiles against the white fixtures made the bathroom look spacious and modern. See project specifications

Further Resources for your house interior design

1. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
2. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery for bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
4. Real client stories from Auckland

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Still have questions unanswered?

Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

Bathroom renovation photos can be a great way for you to envision what your space looks like. Not everyone is a bathroom designer which makes it harder for us to imagine what a bathroom would look like after it has been upgraded. Bathroom and Kitchen renovations are the most popular type of home renovations in Auckland.

You can get bathroom design ideas on Pinterest or Instagram but replicating the exact bathroom is often not feasible. It is also good to remember that bathroom renovation photos on social media website are often tweaked and have a filter on them.

In this article we have put together a portfolio of bathrooms that we have renovated in Auckland.

We will discuss the following three things:

• Bathroom renovation photos for renovated bathrooms in Auckland
• Case studies of real client stories in Auckland and links to their bathroom specification pages
• Importance of renovating bathrooms in old homes of Auckland
• Before and After bathroom renovation photos

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

Featured Bathroom renovation Photos

We have renovated over 400 bathrooms in Auckland in just the last 3 years. This does not include just minor alterations but full bathroom renovations. We have included few bathroom renovation projects in this article. We provide a full bathroom renovation service for all our bathroom renovations. This would include a full design process, consent process if required, demolition, supplying of all fixtures & flooring from our supplier showrooms, installation, project manager to oversee the renovation and manage all trades like plumbers, electricians etc which we provide. The bathroom renovation photos below of are from some of our featured projects.

#1 Bathroom renovation photos from Epsom, Auckland

Our clients renovated their historic Epsom Bungalow to add some modern features to add comfort and convenience. The bathroom has a wet area, bathtub, modern vanity and LED touch mirror.

Read – full bathroom renovation specifications

#2 Bathroom Renovation in West Harbour

We fully renovated a toilet and a separate bathroom for our clients in West Harbour. The old bathroom and toilet had started looking shabby and needed a fresh look. As the space was relatively small, we decided to use white fixtures to make it look more spacious. Our clients did want an artistic flair so we included darker tiles for contrast.

Read – See full specifications for our project in West Harbour

#3 Bathroom Renovation photos from Todd Chandler’s home

Todd bought a property in St Heliers in order to renovate before selling. Todd’s priority was for us to renovate and repair 3 leaky and shabby bathrooms to give them a contemporary look.

Read – See Todd Chandler’s bathroom renovations’ project specifications

#4 Tracey’s Contemporary bathroom renovation in Titirangi

Tracey initially wanted to renovate her bathroom as it was old and had started leaking. She wanted to transform her small bathroom into something that was functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The real star of her bathroom was the tiles that she chose for her floors which perfectly complemented her fixtures.

Read – Tracey’s full project specifications + product list

#5 Rustic Style Bathroom renovation in Westmere

This rustic style bathroom was designed for comfort as well as luxurious aesthetics. The bathroom was under the roof which meant that it had an awkward space which was converted into a large wet area. This wet area also includes a textured green accent wall which complements well with the large 600 by 600 floor tiles. The matte gold fittings used along with a wooden looking custom built vanity add a touch of rustic charm to the bathroom.

Read – Full project specifications for this Rustic style bathroom in Westmere

#6 Bathroom Renovation in Parnell

This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell village. The space within the townhouse however was not used well to maximise functionality. Hence we carried out a full townhouse renovation including two bathrooms on the second floor. The theme that the client wanted was modern urban luxury.

Read – Full bathroom renovation specs for this Parnell townhouse

#7 Bathroom renovation photos from Avondale

This was a 2 storey old house in Avondale which we fully renovated to accommodate a 3 generational family. We renovated two bathrooms and created a bathroom in an empty space. This renovation required consent which we handled along with the renovation.

Read – Full bathroom specifications for this project in Avondale

#8 Linda’s Bathroom Renovation in Cockle Bay

Linda is one of our finance specialists who helps our clients with finance options. Linda has been working with our clients more about 2 years and renovated her 2 decks along with a bathroom with us.

Read – Full bathroom details and specifications for Linda’s renovation

#9 Mary Stuart’s Bathroom renovation in Stanmore Bay

This was a real fun renovation for us as it was very unique as compare to other bathroom we had renovated. We used bold colours, mosaic tiles, brass fixtures and a Spanish style to renovate the bathroom.

Read – See full details of Mary’s Spanish style bathroom

#10 Bathroom Renovation in West Harbour

This was a big renovation project that we carried out in West Harbour. This family of 8 moved out during the renovation process as the entire house was renovated internally and externally.

#11 Gary’s Bathroom renovation photos from Ellerslie

Gary and his partner renovated the entire house to make it more functional and to their taste. Their separate toilet and bathroom were combined together to make an ensuite. They wanted a spa like feel for their bathroom and hence went for a standalone bathtub and bowl shaped sinks.

Read – Full details of Gary’s bathroom renovation

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#12 Bathroom renovation in Papatoetoe

Our clients have two young children and had only one en-suite between them. This was becoming very inconvenient for the family, so they decided to build another toilet with the space that they had. The design and materials used during this renovation were chosen keeping easy maintenance and convenience in mind.

Read – A modern bathroom upgrade for a young family see specifications

The importance of bathroom renovations in Older homes

When you buy an old home or when you have been living in a home for a long time, bathrooms can often be an issue. There could be two issues when dealing with old home bathrooms. One of the biggest issues with older bathrooms is leakage. Leaks in bathrooms can develop over time without it becoming obvious for years.

Leaky bathrooms can damage the structural integrity of your home and can pose a health and safety hazard. Mould will also become an issue in leaky bathrooms which can become an unhealthy environment. The second problem with older bathrooms is that they can start looking very shabby. Yellowing toilets and plastic shower boxes can lower the value of your overall home.

It is always good to fix the damages and renovate bathrooms in older homes. Renovating an old bathroom does not have to be an expense but it is an investment for your home’s future.

How much would it cost to renovate a bathroom?

Did you know renovating a bathroom is the most complex renovation of them all? it may sound like a small project considering the space involved but reason why it’s the most complex is because it involves the most people to get it done. Communication and coordination with a skilled team is key to renovating a bathroom successfully. It involves a high level of coordination/communication with a number of suppliers, waterpoofer, electrician, tilers, installers, painters/plasterers, plumbers, demolition team, and Auckland Council.

There are several factors that can affect the budget of your bathroom renovation. The top 5 things that affect the cost of a bathroom are as follows:

1. Size of your bathroom
2. Repairing of any damage
3. Structural change and council related works
4. Materials and supplies used
5. Labour and Project Management.

As a company we provide a full renovation service for bathrooms which means that your proposal would include all materials, fixtures, labour, project management, repair work and council fees.

On an average a bathroom renovation without any council related work will start from $19,000. This type of bathroom renovation would use our mid-range products while more luxury bathrooms would cost anywhere above $27,000.

Read more..

Top 18 Bathroom Tile Trends for 2021

Comprehensive cost guide for bathroom renovations in Auckland for 2020

Before and After Bathroom renovation photos

13.Bathroom Renovation in Stanmore Bay

Mary Stuart had a clear vision for her kitchen and bathroom renovation when she contacted us. She wanted her house to resemble a Spanish Villa complete with bright warm colours, mosaic tiles, brass sinks and tapware.

Read – Mary Stuart’s bathroom renovation specifications

Before Renovation

After Renovation

After Renovation

After Renovation

14.Bathroom Renovation in Hillsborough

Our client bought this investment property to generate additional weekly income. The house however was fetching minimal rent as it was old and shabby. Our client fully renovated the house in order to increase their rental yield.

Read – Full bathroom renovation specification for this Investment property in Hillsborough

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

15. Amber and Craig’s Bathroom Renovation in Hillsborough

Amber and Craig were deciding whether they should sell and buy a new house or renovate the existing house. They decided to renovate the existing house. Below are the pictures of their 3 bathrooms that we renovated.

Read – Amber and Craig’s bathroom renovation specs

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

16.Bathroom renovation in West Harbour

This full home renovation included a renovation of 4 bathrooms suited for different members of the family.

Before Renovation

After Renovation

17. Joanna and Steve’s bathroom renovation in Greenlane

Joanna and Steve renovated their Greenlane property to make it more modern as all their previous homes. We put a toilet in their existing bathroom and renovated the entire thing. We also renovated their standalone toilet.

Read – Full specifications for Joanna and Steve’s bathroom renovation in Greenlane

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Further Resources

1. Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
2. Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
3. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
4. Real client stories from Auckland

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

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Still have questions unanswered?

Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

We sat down with Linda from Loan Market to talk about options for financing renovations through home loans and the upside to using a mortgage broker. Click here for our full guide to Financing your renovation.

Interested in having a no-obligation chat with Linda?

Fill in the form below to get in touch, and she will organise a time/day that suits you to have a sit down and chat.

Maria Chubb

Showroom Consultant at Reece

Meet Maria Chubb (Showroom Consultant) from Reece – Our Trusted Local Supplier – we’ve put together a video featuring their showroom in Albany, Auckland.

When you’re renovating your home, you will no doubt be working with a variety of suppliers; we’ve forged valuable relationships with a range of reputable experts in their respective fields with a great attitude towards the end result and who also share the same values as Superior Renovations – putting client experience first.

After confirming your project with Superior Renovations, you will be personally taken to our supplier showrooms (dependant on your requirements) like Reece to feel and choose the materials you want/need for your renovation – you’ll also receive advice from our project manager along the way to ensure you’re choosing the correct fittings/products that fits your space.

For more information about Reece, visit https://www.reece.co.nz/

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

When it comes to renovating your bathroom, most people cannot make up their mind on whether they want a walk in shower or a bathtub. A bathtub is great for a nice relaxing bath but a shower is a blessing when you are getting late for work in the morning.

Choosing between a walk-in shower renovation and bathtub installation could be a daunting task when it comes to getting a bathroom renovation. Weighing features, pros, and cons can make things complicated. We’ve put together a guide on how to choose between bathtub and walk-in showers, and how one of them can be a value adding element to have a renovated bathroom.

Do You Have an existing Bathtub?

Walk-in showers are trendy and look beautiful but ripping out tubs will isolate couples having small children. So if you want to sell your home, you need to consider this factor. It’s important to know that houses with one fully equipped bathroom are the best for having multiple combination shower/tub bathrooms in your home.

Superior Renovations

Remember:

If you have a tub installed in the small guest room’s bathroom, then you should replace it with a walk-in shower so that one can have enough space to change.

But if you have a bathtub in your master suite, then you can keep it or update it for resale purpose. Moreover, if it is in your forever lovely home, and you never use it, then maybe you can replace it with a luxury sauna.

Who Is Going To Use This Bathroom The Most?

Bathroom renovation in Auckland is costly. So it is always best to go for a bathroom renovation option which is budget-friendly but also serves a purpose/function. Which is why the best way to start a bathroom renovation is to determine how you’re going to use it. Like, if someone elderly or disabled person in your home will use it, then it is better to go with walk-in shower. The benefit is it is convenient for them to take a shower. It is super-easy, fast, and efficient. Many mothers with young kids prefer tubs so that they can give a proper bath.

Are You Selling The House?

According to various real estate agents, it’s always recommended to have one bathroom with attached bathtub. Sellers show interest in those houses who have at least one bathroom with a beautiful bathtub. So if you have a plan of selling your house, then it is recommended to consider this option. Check out our article when we sat down with Linda from Loan market – If you’re looking at financing your renovation through a home loan.

Always check your budget before making a crucial decision

Yes, this is very important. Always check if your needs and requirements are aligned with your specified budget, or you need to hold off on your bathroom renovation.

Does Your Bathroom Have Enough Space?

How much space does your bathroom have? Will it be easy to install a bathtub? If your bathroom has enough space, then it’s fine to go with the tub option. But if it is not, then it’s advisable not to make your space weighty.

Do You Need to Make an Eco-Friendly Choice?

Nowadays, people are concerned about the eco-friendly environment. They are opting for every possible option that could support the eco-friendly environment. Below are some benefits of installing walk-in showers.

• It saves electricity and water bills.
• A bathtub is not an energy-efficient solution, and it doubles the water wastage ratio.
• In an average estimate, the walk-in the shower takes 20 gallons water while tubs demand 30 gallons.

Quick and Convenient Access

A walk-in shower is super convenient and super easy to use, especially if you don’t have enough time for taking a tub bath. You can have instant hot and cold water.

Other than this, bathtubs are not convenient. Firstly, you need to wait for it to fill up; you need to sit in and rinse off yourself. But if you are a person with a busy schedule, then surely this option is not for you.

Is Relaxation High On Your Priority List?

Having a bathtubs can be a blessing for many people, it’s a nice option to relax, and destress. It gives a spiritual experience and study also shows tha warm water bath relaxes your muscles and softens your skin. So yes, if relaxation is high on your priority list, then we recommend you to have a bathtub.

New Bathroom Renovation and Design

Pros & Cons of Having A Walk-In Shower

Undoubtedly, walk-in showers are the symbol of class and trendy. But it comes with pros and cons. Many times, unique designs can compromise the functionality of a bathroom. So now have a look on the pros and cons and then decide.

Pros

• Walk-in showers are made with glass, and so the continuous design without moving parts eliminates the chances for anything to break.
• These showers are easy to clean. These don’t get rushed. Moreover, you even don’t need to clean them all the time expect the corners where water can gather.
• It adds to the beauty of bathroom décor. As these are purely made of glass, without rails, so no element will distract others intention from your bathroom décor.

Cons

• A #1 disadvantage of having a walk-in shower is a slip hazard. Yes, when water comes out and gathers, it can make floor slippers, and anyone can get hurt when getting out of a shower.
• It is an open shower, so hot air is free to circulate into your bathroom, which however makes the environment less relaxing while taking a bath. It can create humidity in the whole bathroom.
• Walk-in showers are more expensive than regular ones due to needing for tiling and custom shower glass.

When Is The Last Time You Actually Took A Bath?

If you are a one who rarely takes a bath in a tub, then this option is not a worthy option for you. According to 2014, Houzz Poll indicates 39% of people aged 23-34 years skip tub bath anywhere in the house.

However, if you are going to sell your home, then tubs removal can affect the worth of it.

Bathtub Guidelines:

• If your home has multiple bathrooms, then any of them should have one tub installed in it.
• If you have cute little kids, then it’s a must to have a tub.
• If you like soaking up yourself in the water, then a tub is a must.

The resale value of a house can be affected with tub-less bathroom. Because usually, buyers like to have a bathroom with a tub. But it is up to you. It’s better not to consider future predictions and trends, and should never compromise on your comfort and preferences.

Walk-in Shower Cost

A normal walk-in shower costs $750 to $6850, and it mostly depends on the style, material, size, and features you look for. You can pay $750 for a simple stall with new faucets.

What Are Average Bathtub Prices?

A new bathtub can cost between $300, for fiberglass tubs, to almost $3,000 for marble tubs. However, the cost depends on the style, type, and size you choose; however, material like steel, acrylic, cast iron, all these costs differently.

We hope this guide has somewhat helped you with your decision between bath tub or walk-in shower. There isn’t really a wrong or right decision and it all comes down to personal preference and circumstance. It is not always necessary to follow trends which make you feel uncomfortable or which can be heavy on your pocket; so think about it carefully and make an informed decision that you won’t regret later on.

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Still have questions unanswered?

Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

Colin White

Full Bathroom Renovation

“These guys are very very professional, every single one of them. They came around, they’re courteous, they put down drop sheets on the vinyl floor and put down sticky carpet covering through to the bathroom to make sure there was no mess and they’re just hard-working.

When you have people working in the house, that can be kind of annoying you know but with these guys it wasn’t annoying because you really didn’t know they were there, there was no upheaval, there was no chaos for weeks, it was just so smooth and that’s the bit that impressed me…”

Glen Eden, Auckland

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations