Three key factors driving changes in bathrooms these days are functionality, personality and affordability.
So says Leanne Foote, showroom manager at Dunedin's Oakleys Plumbing Supplies Southern Ltd.
"Bathrooms get a hammering from everyday use. It is what you look at and other people look at when they come to your house."
"It's tending that the trend has been a little bit more pampering when people are doing their bathrooms, such as using double shower heads, and spa baths are coming back in," adds Leanne.
Functionality remains a deciding element in people choosing to renovate a bathroom or invest in a new one.
"People are not thinking so much about a resale value when they are building, but the fact that they could be here for five or 10 years."
TILING POPULAR
Tiles continues to be popular. Using tiles halfway up a wall is a favourite choice among many homeowners. Others are opting for complete tiling by installing a wet-floor area bathroom.
"People just like that whole flow of not too many variations and ease of cleaning," explains Leanne. "You want it to look good but not spend hours and hours cleaning it."
Vertical wall-hung storage cabinets help create extra space in the bathroom and with the various designs available can add a touch of class.
Today's vanity designs offer a staggering range of options and colours to boot! A notable trend is the use of compact sliding drawers for easy use and storage.
A new feature emerging is in the design of shower heads. These do not severely compromise on water pressure yet achieve water savings, notes Leanne.
With more and more designs emerging in the bathroom industry from season to season, many people may feel daunted by the prospect of renovating or installing a new bathroom. But Leanne advises people to focus on their main need, noting that accessories can be left until last.
"Take the time and don't rush. But don't be afraid to stamp your own personality on it. After all, the bathroom is your start and end of the day."
Image One:
White has always been a classic bathroom shade the creates a crisp, clean look. It also creates a canvas to add hints of colour through tiles, paint and art pieces which really accentuate the tones in the bathroomware. Natural themes in the bathroom are still evident in the popularity of wood-grain colours such as dark oak and Cordova olive (as shown in the Lazaro 1600 vanity matched with Allora Lifestyle Series Showers from Athena) featuring twin Due 50 basins. Standout features include toughened New Zealand safety glass, smooth anti-slip tray, architecturally designed chrome-plated handles, integrally moulded foot-rest for leg shaving and a rear easy-clean waste in the shower tray.
Image Two:
The Flo 102 and Tessa 800 L&R with makeup mirror and Capri light from Essentia Design uses a colour palette that reflects the distinctive tones of New Zealand.
Image Three:
The stainless steel FX Architectural ShowerSpace from Felton, made in New Zealand, integrates a shower towerw with pre-plumbed fittings, 12-volt LED downlights and glass panel slots to create either a walk-in shower or a shower enclosure. The ShowerSpace is made from stainless steel and is avaiable is a brushed or mirror finish.
Image Four:
Designed in New Zealand with a European-influenced style, the Eden Hydrotherapy spa bath from Athena uses oval curves with a functional asymmetric shape. Adjustable slimline water jets control water-flow direction and mini spinning jets turn the water to create a massaging action. The bath features a slip-resistant base and left- or right-hand positioning options.
