The bathroom is a commonly used and renovated area of the home, but with an array of stylish faucets, tubs and vanities, keeping your bathroom trendy can be a constant battle between the new and outdated. If you are planning to refurbish or redecorate your bathroom space, consider these enduring bathroom designs that will add a classic touch that will never grow old.
1. Natural beauty
Embracing eco-friendly designs and natural materials in your bathroom space is a lasting trend that will remain a popular option for the way it transforms a sterile space into a refreshing refuge.
Natural materials such as stone, are an all time favourite that adds a warm and serene appeal to your bathroom. Neutral hues such as grays, creams and shades of brown nicely complement a bathroom environment that is eco-friendly.
Modern additions such as the vertical garden, can also enhance a green inspired design but as a simpler alternative, indoor plants make a suitable addition. Natural textures and wall features also add an organic element to your bathroom.
2. Wood finishes
Timber floors, wooden beams or bamboo touches are a bathroom design you won’t grow weary with. By combining a modern and rustic look, wood is the perfect addition to your bathroom space.
Dark timber creates a sleek, modern element in your bathroom but lighter panels of wood add a rustic and vintage finish to your bathroom. You can either use timber as a wall feature, or used throughout your statement pieces like on the vanity.
Monochrome in black and white, is a classic and elegant design that will never go out of style. Embrace black and white with elegant tiles and shower covers.
When you are renovating your bathroom and installing a new shower, you will need to choose the material that will be used for the shower base. You have a few options to choose from.
What is a shower base?
If you do not want the currently trendy wet room style, then you will need a base for your shower. Some bathrooms feature a walk-through style area that is completely tiled, but if that is not the look you want, then you may wish to install a cubicle-like setup with a shower base in it.
There are a few specific benefits to choosing a shower base option over others. First, it is easy to install and very easy to clean – since there are no grout lines, the cleaning process is quick and painless. Additionally, you will not have as many problems with the waterproofing failing, something that is common with tiled shower floors. A shower base is great if you do not have a lot of space in your bathroom, and if you want an updated look without a lot of renovation work, this is a good option as well.
Types of shower bases
There are different types and styles of shower bases available on the market. You may want to choose the most common types of base, which is square in shape. You can, though, choose angles and curves as well. Some are designed to fit well in the corner of the room, making it easy for you to use as much space as possible. You can also choose from a range of colours, giving you a bit more design freedom. Also, these bases tend to be safer than other options if you choose one with a non-slip surface.
Materials
Most types of shower bases are made of polymarble or acrylic. Some are made of steel, glass, or ceramic, which might be more difficult to find. Keep in mind that some surfaces can be very slippery as well, making them less safe overall, especially for children and the elderly.
Shower bases are easier to clean than tiles as they don’t have grout lines / Source: CK Contracting
Polymarble shower bases
Polymarble shower bases are commonly used as they are solid and long-lasting thanks to being coasted in a 2mm hard gel-coat resin. They are also stain, scratch and chemical resistant, and easy to clean.
Polymarble is also easy to refurbish, revive worn surfaces by simply sanding or buffing the surface. They are also usually a more expensive option.
Acrylic shower bases
Acrylic shower bases are light and durable, and a cheaper alternative. They are extremely low maintenance and easy to clean – you simply need to wipe down the the surface. However, acrylic bases generally come in set sizes, so custom dimensions and drain locations isn’t always possible.
Contact local bathroom renovators
Installing a shower base
As far as installation goes, because shower bases need support and a mortar bed for proper installation. So while it is possible as a DIY job, if you’re not a confident renovator, it’s best to turn to a professional.
Cost of installing a shower base
When costing out a shower base, take into consideration the material, shape, and size. You can pay anywhere from $150 to $1000 for the shower base alone, and then must factor in the cost of installation.
A deliberate and intentional placement of lights in your bathroom will influence the entire space. Bathrooms require a mix of functional and aesthetic lights to establish an ideal ambience and complement the space. Get your mirror and wall lights just right with these bathroom lighting ideas.
It can be tricky to do the lighting in a bathroom, because this room has many uses, each with its own lighting requirement. For example, you need bright, focused light when shaving or using the vanity area, but you want a dim glow when soaking in the tub. The most generic tip is not to install extra bright lights in the bathroom as they are harsh on the eyes and also create unwanted shadows. If you must go for high wattage lighting, install a dimmer switch so that you can control its intensity. A chandelier adds a glamorous look, but once again, it needs a dimmer switch because of its many light bulbs.:
Lighting Options
Natural lighting: Try to flood the bathroom with as much light from a natural source as possible. A skylight is a useful feature if your bathroom is located such that it does not get too much sunlight through the windows. You may install additional windows, but make sure you use frosted glass to safeguard your privacy. Use artificial light that is as close to daylight as possible, so that your reflection in the mirror gives you a realistic idea of how you would look outdoors.
Ambient Lighting: Any light that brightens up the entire bathroom, and not just one spot, is called ambient lighting. These could be chandeliers, overhead lights, downlights or wall mounted lights. The benefit of such lighting is that you can safely use any area of the bathroom. Do not place them close to a mirror or other reflective surface, in order to avoid glare. Dimmer switches will allow you to control how intense the light is to change the mood as desired.
Task Lighting: When you need to illuminate only a small portion of the bathroom, such as for shaving or applying makeup, you can use task lights. Install these in front of you, to keep the shadows away from your face. If you need to light up your face evenly, lights placed on the sides and top of the mirror will do the trick. When you have task lights, you don’t need to turn on the main lights of the bathroom every time.
Complement your mirror
In our bathrooms, vanity mirrors take up prime position as we pamper ourselves. The right task lights are required for a clear and flattering glow when brushing your teeth, applying makeup or performing other daily tasks. A common mistake is to position recessed lights directly over a vanity mirror to accentuate the mirror but recessed lights cast unflattering shadows on your face, highlight wrinkles and add a harsh glare to the room.
Replace harsh overhead lighting with vertical fixtures along the edges of the vanity or mount sconces on either side to provide a soft and warm light that bounces evenly across your face. Sconces or bathroom light strips can add a complementary layer to your existing lights. Mount sconces along the mirror’s edge at eye level, to eliminate shadows or harsh contours of light. Surround your vanity with light strips that are the closest width to your mirror or opt for a sconce that complements your ornate sink or vintage mirror. Sconces are usually installed in pairs or groups of three, and can be plugged into a switch or hardwired to your home’s existing electrical system. With a variety of styles and sizes, sconces can be a functional and stylish alternative to harsh overhead lights.
It is best to avoid positioning recessed lighting in the ceiling or lights that are directly above a mirror. Overhead lights are only recommended when sidelights cannot be added to the vanity. To cast a softer light, spread lights approximately 2m off the floor. Crisp, white bulbs will remove any unflattering lights and can be achieved with an LED light or a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL).
Set the ambience
Bathrooms are not just functional spaces but can also be relaxing spots to unwind and relax after a long day. Creating the perfect ambience can be achieved at any time of the day with dimmer switches.
Dimmer switches allow you to control your bathroom lights and consequently, influences the mood of the space. The opportunity to dim your vanity lights or overhead lights provides the chance to brighten when necessary but also soften the lights when a relaxing ambience is necessary. Dimmer lights do not only cater to the ambience but conserve energy by extending the life of the bulb. Lower-watt lights with dimmer switches will also cut costs in your overall energy bill.
Different light bulbs will render different colours in your space. Lighting fixtures with a white shade or bulbs with a white colour can best reflect daylight in a bathroom. LED bulbs have a wide range of brightness and colours available for your bathroom lighting. For an optimal daylight effect, choose an LED bulb with a colour temperature and brightness between 2700-3000 lumens.
Use lighting to set the mood and ambience of your bathroom / Source: T.I Tiling
Keep your bathroom on trend by adopting pendant lights or rustic sconces that feature sharp angles, glass frames or steel cages. For a touch of glamour, opt for a crystal chandelier for a classy sparkle. Coloured shades are also an inexpensive way to add colour and light to your bathroom.
Positioning your bathroom lights and choosing the right colour bulb will make a vast difference in the ambience of your bathroom as you go about your daily rituals.
Safety Considerations
Remember that electricity and water are sworn enemies. It is recommended to install light switches outside the bathroom. If you must have them inside, keep them far away from any water source. To be on the safer side, you can install splash-proof fittings for the lights. Have a different switch for each of the light fittings in your bathroom, so that each one can be controlled independently.
If you’re undertaking a bathroom renovation, it’s absolutely essential you know how to waterproof a bathroom correctly. While it isn’t the most glamourous part of building your new bathroom, an incorrectly or inadequately waterproofed bathroom can cause serious damage to the structure of your home and can be extremely costly to fix.
Waterproofing is needed to protect the concrete base of the bathroom from the adverse effects of dampness. The waterproofing layer is a guarantee of the safety of walls, ceiling and floor in case of emergency situations associated with leaks, flooding and pipe breakthroughs.
Increased humidity, temperature changes, the periodic formation of steam and condensate – all of this has an adverse effect on the finish, the decor of the bathroom, on the floor. Moisture penetrates through the seams under the tile, accumulates under the tile, in places of laying and joints of pipes and communications, creating comfortable conditions for the appearance and reproduction of mould, fungi and harmful bacteria.
While there are parts of a bathroom renovation you can DIY, it is imperative that waterproofing is undertaken by a licensed professional. In short, it is simply too important that waterproofing is done correctly – even a tiny gap may cause serious damage to the internal structures of your home causing heartache and costing money down the track.
In Victoria, the work must be done by a qualified and licensed waterproofing tradesperson who can provide a written guarantee of workmanship and a warranty.
What are Australia’s waterproofing standards
Waterproofing must comply with regulations as set out by the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards (AS 3740-1994).
To briefly summarise the requirements of the standard are:
Shower floor
Shower waterproofing is essential and the entire shower floor must be waterproofed
Shower walls
Shower walls should be waterproofed up to 1800mm high
Bathroom floor
If the bathroom floor is made of wood or contains wood OR if the bathroom is on the second story or higher, the entire floor must be waterproofed
Bathroom walls
Bathroom walls must be waterproofed up to 150mm high
Step down
Over the hob or step down onto the bathroom floor should be waterproofed to 100mm high
These are the minimum requirements, however depending on how the bathroom is intended to be used, the areas around the bath, toilet and vanity may also need to be waterproofed.
Tools needed for this job:
Cleaning equipment (Dust pan and brush / broom / vacuum cleaner)
Safety equipment
Caulking gun
Paint roller and tray
Rubber hammer
Silicone gun
Masking tape
Paint scraper
Paint mixer
Spirit level
Utility knife
Materials
Primer
Silicone
Waterproofing agent
Waterproofing membrane
How a bathroom floor is waterproofed
This is a step-by-step guide to how a bathroom is professionally waterproofed, it is written for waterproofing preparation rather than a DIY guide.
Step 1 – Prepare the area
After the old bathroom has been removed, the area must be completely clean and free of dust and other particles before waterproofing can start. The area is cleaned using a broom and a dustpan and dried in all wet areas.
Both the walls and the floors should be perfectly smooth. If the floor is uneven, you can use a levelling compound to smooth it.
Tip! To obtain perfectly smooth vertical surfaces, the walls treated with waterproofing can be sheathed with moisture-resistant gypsum plasterboard.
Step 2 – Apply the primer
Using a paint roller and roller tray, the primer is applied starting from the back corner of the bathroom. The primer is applied to 150mm up the bathroom walls and the entire bathroom floor is covered. Primer is allowed to dry.
Step 3 – Fill the cracks with silicone
Using the silicone gun, the silicone is applied to the gaps between the wall and floor and any other gaps or cracks. Silicone is allowed to dry over 24 hours.
Step 4 – Apply masking tape
Masking tape is used to mark the level to which the waterproofing agent must be applied according to the Australian Standards.
The waterproofing agent is painted on to the height of the masking tape starting from the back corner. The waterproofing product must be applied with a trowel in 1mm thickness.
The seal obtained by a coating reliably prevents the ingress of moisture and destruction, while the material cost is much lower than with the use of liquid compounds and plates, and the work can be performed qualitatively with one’s own hands.
Important: The room in which the work goes, you need to constantly ventilate. To avoid poisoning by vapours of the mixture, it is desirable to use a protective mask.
Step 6 – Apply waterproofing membrane
Roll out the membrane and cut to the lengths of the floor. The membrane is applied, making sure that it covers the cracks and the joints in the floor. The entire area is covered with membrane and painted over with waterproofing agent to make sure it sticks down. When the entire area is covered with membrane and waterproofing agent, it is left to dry for 24 hours.
Step 7 – Apply second coat of waterproofing agent
A second coat of waterproofing to the entire area and left to dry for 24 hours.
The area is now waterproofed and ready for your new bathroom to be installed.
How to waterproof timber floors in the bathroom
Waterproofing timber floors in the bathroom is crucial to ensure they remain in good condition. Bathrooms are high-traffic areas, subjected to moisture, and susceptible to wood rot and damage. Waterproofing the timber floor adds an extra layer of protection against water, dampness, and mould that can cause havoc in your bathroom. Here are some benefits of waterproofing timber floors in the bathroom.
Benefits of Waterproofing Timber Floor in the Bathroom:
Increases Durability: A waterproofed timber floor will last longer since it’s made water-resistant and less susceptible to moisture damage and rot. This means you will save money on repairs and replacements over time.
Enhances Safety: Damp, mouldy, and slippery floors pose a considerable risk, especially in a bathroom where water is frequently used. Waterproofing your timber floor reduces the health hazards and potential injuries caused by slipping.
Easy Maintenance: Waterproof treated timber floors are easy to clean, and you do not have to worry about water damage, mould, and mildew buildup. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent is enough to keep the floor clean.
Improves Aesthetics: A waterproofed timber floor adds an extra layer of aesthetic value to your bathroom. You can choose different waterproofing finishes that enhance the look of the timber floor, such as clear finishes that bring out the natural timber allure or a tinted finish that matches the bathroom’s interior colour schemes.
Methods of Waterproofing Timber Floor in the Bathroom:
Sealers: Sealers create a barrier over timber that fills gaps and cracks, repels water, and increases the timber’s lifespan. Look for sealers designed explicitly for bathroom floors and ensure it’s compatible with your timber floor type.
Membrane Systems: Membrane systems are more effective in preventing water damage since they cover the whole floor area and provide an unbroken barrier. This layer is then covered with tiles or vinyl flooring, making it a permanent solution.
When considering waterproofing your timber floor in the bathroom, there are various factors to consider, including the type of timber, bathroom’s traffic flow, and the extent of damage. Hire a professional for expert advice and to ensure that the waterproofing process is done correctly.
In conclusion, waterproofing your timber floor in the bathroom is a smart investment. It will keep your bathroom floor looking great and prevent water damage to the subfloor and the expansion of mould and mildew. As with any home project, seek advice if in doubt, and always ensure safety measures are put in place.
DIY vs Contractors
We strongly recommend that a qualified and licensed professional is hired to do the work. Even if in certain areas the laws allow you to do it yourself, the consequences of incorrect waterproofing can be very expensive, and not worth the risk.
Waterproofing when done correctly will penetrate beneath the surface and actually treat the masonry. This precaution will save you much heartache should there ever be a burst pipe, flooding or any other event that could cause water damage to your home, investing in an expert to waterproof your bathroom is a must.
A professional waterproofer will guarantee the work for up to 15 years, often much longer than that, and the job when done professionally can last 25 years or more. Make sure you ask to see their license and insurance associated with the work before you sign them up for the job.
