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How To Maximise Small Bathrooms
Create a sense of expansion in your small bathroom with these expert design tips and tricks. For smaller bathrooms, maximizing every inch and choosing great storage solutions can make a huge difference. With the use of a few design hacks and careful product selection, you can make your bathroom feel bigger, brighter and more functional. Floating Elements Incorporating floating elements such as hanging toilets, vanities or other storage, increases floor space visibility. By doing so, it gives the impression of a more expansive and uncluttered space, contributing to an open and airy feel. Floating elements, especially when mounted higher on the wall, draw the eye upward. This vertical emphasis creates the illusion of higher ceilings, which is associated with larger, more open spaces. Not to mention, how much easier this place will be to clean! Add Curve Curves play with depth perception, creating an illusion of distance. This can make the bathroom feel deeper or more spacious, especially when curves are strategically placed to guide the eye. Unlike straight lines, which may emphasize boundaries and confinement, curves soften the visual edges, making the room feel more expansive and fluid. In small bathrooms, curved elements can help soften sharp corners, reducing the feeling of confinement. This design strategy contributes to a more comfortable and open environment. Adding a curved vanity or shower increases space, functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our range of curved vanities are modern and high quality available in many finishes for any bathroom aesthetic. Add Mirrors By reflecting light and space, mirrors create a perception of depth and illusion of continuity. Placing mirrors strategically where windows are reflected, works to erase the visual boundary of walls. Creating an open and airy feeling is easy to achieve with Elites wide range of mirrors. Our Solace collection includes LED lighting, bluetooth speakers, built in demisters, and more! We also stock a range of cabinet mirrors for those smaller bathrooms needing a smart storage solution to save on space. Colour Light and neutral colours are effective increasing a sense of space in a small bathroom. This could include whites, light greys, soft pastels, beige or taupe and light wood tones. At Elite Bathroomware, our sales team and in house bathroom designer can help you decide on your bathroom colour palette and style. When using woof or tile patterns, using them horizontal will create a sense of width, whereas vertical layouts will create a sense of height. Creating mood boards can be a helpful way to see what colours will work for your overall bathroom vision and aesthetic. Our design team can also provide you with realistic 3D renders including your chosen tiles or colours, giving you a realistic idea of the finished product before committing. Lighting Wherever possible, maximize on natural light. Use a sheer or light filtering window to help bring the outdoors in. Placing light fixtures strategically to minimize shadows and evenly illuminate the entire space. Incorporating ambient lighting with fixtures that provide a diffused glow such as our LED mirrors, helps create a clean, bright and welcoming feeling. LED Vanity strips are great to illuminate beneath hanging vanities. Reducing shadows, darkness and illuminating the maximized floor space. Our LED mirrors feature so many other great features such as built in dimmers and touch free sensors.
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5 Favourite Bathroom Themes that will Inspire your next design
Coastal / Hamptons Bright, airy, and evoking the tranquil ambiance of the seaside, a Hamptons-style coastal bathroom offers a serene retreat to both begin and end your day. Originating from the affluent coastal enclave of the Hamptons on Long Island, New York, the Hamptons style embodies elegance and sophistication. Often Featuring blue paneled vanity fronts or a feature wall with white and bright surroundings. A coastal hamptons colour pallete can pair well with a wide range of tapware. We recommend gold for a summery seaside feeling, and silver, gunmetal or black for a cooler marine vibe. Warm the space up with timber accents or wooden styling such as wicker light shades or wooden hooks. Bring in plenty of bright light and perhaps some minimal coastal ornaments or decorations such as dried bunny tail grass, marine stripe towels, ocean art work, or hanging some sailors rope. Modern / Japanese Inspired The Japanese approach to bathroom design is closely linked with simplicity, minimalism, and zen. Black can be used to create a sense of sophistication or luxury, and is closely associated with japanese design through the practice of yakisugi. Also called shou sugi ban, this ancient technique chars the wood's surface, giving it a dark hue and increased durability. To reduce shadows and brighten the use of black, welcome natural light and place LED lighting beneath floating vanities, within shelving, or consider a led lit mirror. Other decorative elements could include stones or concrete features, bamboo plants or indoor palms, or a japanese style bath. Yakisugi isnt the only way to welcome this japanese inspired colour pallete into the your bathroom design, black tiles or corregate offer a modern and timelines japanese inspired look. Paired with warm timbers and cool toned tapware such as gunmetal, chrome or matte black. Black basins pair beautifully with a wooden vanity. Keep the bathroom minimal and zen feeling with seamless hidden storage, shower niches and recessed shelving. Floating elements such as wall hung vanities and toilets work to create sense of lightness, spaciousness and calm. French Farm House Inspired The French Farmhouse and modern barn aesthetic is undoubtedly one of the most popular design styles for bathrooms. Inspired by the french countryside where rustic farmhouses feature weathered oak vanities and small stand alone basins, reclaimed wood shelving and stools, vintage seats and pottery, and traditional stone tiles such as travertine or terracotta. Keep the lighting natural and soft - Candles, incandescent farm style lights, shuttered windows or a french door with sheer linen curtains. Bring in french greenery such as indoor olive trees, or a vintage jug of fresh roses. Romanticise your bathroom space in true french mannor, by displaying what makes your bath time a ritual - collections of scented soaps, vintage jars with bath salts, a stool for your book or radio. A popular tapware choice with the french farmhouse aesthetic is brushed brass or copper. These options te in beautifully with the warmth often found in the creams, terracotters and timbers. Of course, claw foot baths are an inconic statement in any french inspired bathroom. often near a french style window where you can soak up the countryside view. Scandinavian Inspired Scandi style channels the use of asymmetry. In the pursuit of a tranquil space, intentional "imperfections" such as the imperfect tiles and an asymmetrical ladder prove more inviting than flawless lines, yet the outcome remains impeccable. Embrace raw materials for a foraged look with recycled timbers, variations of baskets, or perhaps a vase of branches. Comon Scandi style bathrooms stick to neutral tones and timbers, but adding a little bit of color won't hinder a Scandi-style bathroom. Select a serene colour pallete and experiement with colour. This could include a sage coloured basin or forest green tiled shower. Light and timeless tapware such as silver or white are popular with scandi style. However gold and copper pairs great with wood tones too. Keep the space minimal, warm, and light. Sheer curtains for add a feminine and soft feel. Warm whites and creamy neutrals such as Resene rice cake go brilliantly with with light soft wood tones. Balinese Inspired Achieve a serene atmosphere in your bathroom by incorporating minimalist decor in neutral shades and diverse natural textures. Introduce tropical plants and scattered shells to elevate the sense of escapism. Central to this aesthetic are plants. Consider sourcing a variety that thrives in bathroom conditions to complete the look. By integrating bamboo furniture and incorporating natural fibers and textures, you can seamlessly introduce the captivating beauty of Bali's aesthetics into your home. With the appropriate tropical decor, such as rattan and cane furniture, you can effortlessly evoke the relaxed ambiance of a Balinese vacation right at your doorstep.
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Bathrooms on a Budget
Renovating your bathroom is exciting time to redesign the space you often start and end each day. It's important to get results that reflect your style and lifestyle but also work with your budget. At Elite we want to help you create designs and choose products that suit your style and price range So, before you begin your bathroom revamp, we have created a useful budget-friendly guide packed with product suggestions, tips, tricks, and suggestions that will help you save.. Tapware finishes Tapware can really set the tone for a bathroom look. Choosing at tapware finish that can be easily matched with other accessories in the same colourway creates a cohesive, tidy and luxurious look. Chrome tapware and bathroom hardware is consistent and timeless in a bathroom. It is the most commonly found and the most cost-effective colour in our showroom. Brass and gunmetal finishes are premium, but clients could substitute for brushed nickel or matte black tapware as a middle-of-the range price option. Lighting One great tip that anyone can incorporate with their bathroom revamp on any budget is better bathroom lighting. By upgrading your lighting, you can create a luxury mood and ambient feel in your bathroom. Bathrooms can be dark with not much natural light. Having good ceiling lighting as well as target lighting around the vanity and mirror is important. A couple of ways that you could incorporate modern lighting into your design is by adding a strip light under the vanity, using modern light fixtures, or investing in an LED mirror. At Elite, we have some of New Zealand’s most advanced LED bathroom mirror lighting products available. Large Tiles The top choice for bathroom flooring is tiles. Whether you are incorporating tiling on your floors, walls or both, choosing a larger format is a great tip to saving money on your bathroom renovation. Larger format bathroom tiles such as 600x600 are both easy to lay and require less grout lines. Large tiles on bathroom floors and/or bathroom walls also work to make a small space feel larger. Small tiles and mosaic tiles are more time consuming and require more labour to get set right. At Elite Bathroomware, we stock a wide range of bathroom floor and wall tiles that can be paired with any colour palette and style. A couple of ways that you could incorporate modern lighting into your design is by adding a strip light under the vanity, using modern light fixtures, or investing in an LED mirror. At Elite, we have some of New Zealand’s most advanced LED bathroom mirror lighting products available. Vanity Size One of the first elements in a bathroom clients wish to redesign in a renovation is their bathroom vanity. It can be a great place to start to form a style for the rest of the bathroom space. Before selecting your bathroom vanity products, think about your vanity size. The amount of surface space and bathroom storage needs, depends on their preference and lifestyle. However, when working on a budget, standard sized vanities with moulded basins can cut costs. Although the trend at the moment is to have basins sit on top of a stone benchtop on a timber look cabinet, these add cost compared to a traditional moulded basin. We have a large range of vanities we keep in stock in selected colours and sizes, which makes them affordable and also available faster. Storage is one of the most important aspects of the room. Acrylic Showers One of the main features in your bathroom space is your shower. Designing a space to wash where you feel relaxed in your own oasis. Creating a beautiful shower space on a budget tends to mean staying away from tiled showers. Adding tiles adds a huge expense, both in terms of product and labour costs. It also often requires council consent. Acrylic showers are a great option to renew your shower space without a massive price tag. At Elite, we have a huge selection of styles and sizes to choose from to suit every situation.
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Caroma Contura Tapware
New Minimal Tapware by Contura In the ever-evolving world of interior design, it can be hard to keep up with what's trending. The Caroma Contura Collection, is a range that marries natural aesthetics with cutting-edge design. This collection invites you to embrace a lifestyle of refined simplicity, where organic forms and textures redefine bathroom luxury. The Philosophy Behind the Contura Collection: Nature as a Muse The Contura Collection by Caroma draws its inspiration from nature. If you are looking for tapware that evokes a sense of calm and connection to the natural world, look no further. The design philosophy behind this collection believes that simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. By stripping away unnecessary complexity, the Contura Collection provides a modern minimal feel. Available in colours such as matte white and matte clay ceramics, paired with brushed bronze metal finishes. This collection creates a palette that is both modern and timeless and can suit any bathroom design. The Design and Engineering Excellence of Caroma The Contura Collection design is amazing, but what truly sets it apart is the smart engineering behind every piece. Caroma is a trusted brand for its innovation and quality. This collection features advanced technology to ensure top-notch performance, hygiene, and durability. Designed and engineered across Australia and New Zealand, every detail has been crafted with thought and innovation. Such as semi recessed basins that maximise space, or designs that require minimal installation requirements. 5 Key Highlights and Features 1. Colour options and New Metallic Finishes: Unique metallic colours available for all faucets, showers, and accessories. Including brushed bronze, brushed nickel, and brushed brass, these PVD-applied finishes provide both durability and visual appeal. The ability to mix and match allows for a customized appearance that mirrors your individual style preferences. Colour plays a crucial role in defining the ambiance of a space. Contura draws colour inspiration form nature, offering a range of earthy and modern shades. This range includes neutral shades such as matte white and unique shades such as matte clay. These color options allow you to customize your bathroom, making it a true reflection of your personal style. 2. VJet Powered Contura Shower Range: Tailored to Your Preferences With the innovative VJet technology, you are in control of your shower experience. This shower collection offers a luxurious experience that you can customize to suit your preferences. For instance, a simple slider lets you easily switch between settings depending on your mood. This ranges from an invigorating shower spray to a gentle mist, with every setting in between. Choose between wall-mounted or hand-held shower options that can suit any bathroom design. 3. Superior Hygiene and Water Efficiency: The Contura Toilet Suite Hygiene and water efficiency are essential in bathroom design. The Contura Collection’s toilet suite excels in both areas. Caroma’s CleanFlush technology leads the way with its rimless design, giving you a thorough clean with every flush. It also saves water, making it a smart choice for the environment! Toilets are designed for comfort and efficiency, with soft-close seats and dual-flush options for convenience and sustainability. 4. Basin design styles and innovation The Contura Collection’s basins are more than just statement pieces that transform your bathroom aesthetic. The design and innovation takes basins to the next level. Featuring a sculpted, thin rim design, these basins are available in a variety of styles to suit designs. T This includes: Above Counter Basins Installed directly on top of a vanity, a popular choice for those looking to make a bold design statement. These basins require minimal installation effort and create a striking focal point in the bathroom. For bathrooms where space is at a premium, the Semi Recessed Basins offer a practical solution. These basins partially overhang the vanity, maximizing basin size without consuming too much counter space. This design is ideal for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms, where every inch of space counts. If you prefer a more integrated look, the Inset Basins are a great option. These basins are partially set into the vanity. This reduces the appearance of the basin rim while maintaining the depth of the bowl. This design creates a seamless, minimalist look that is perfect for modern bathroom designs. For those who have a small ensuite or powder room, the Hand Wall Basins offer a space-saving solution. Directly installed onto the wall, these basins are specially designed to maximize space. 5. Bathroom and Kitchen Mixer Design: The Caroma Contura II Mixer Collection is designed to offer a cohesive design language across your bathroom and kitchen. With their organic, sculptural design, these mixers come in different styles to fit your personal preferences. One of the standout features of the Contura II mixers is the Caroma EasySwitch® system. This innovative technology offers ultimate flexibility by allowing the in-wall bodies to fit every Contura II mixer. The trim kit, colour finish, and design can all be interchanged pre or post-installation. This gives you the freedom to update your bathroom fittings without the need for costly work. The Contura mixers are available in a range of durable PVD finishes. This includes brushed brass, brushed nickel, and brushed bronze, alongside classic chrome and matte black tapware. If you are looking for tapware that remains popular, there is an option to suit your ideal choice. “The Contura Collection sets a new benchmark in contemporary design. With its refined sculptural design language and curated palette of stunning material finishes, the collection can be tailored to suit a range of bathroom applications with a color palette that can elevate your bathroom into your personal expression of luxury.” - Andy Grigor, Head of Design and Innovation at Caroma The Contura bathroom tapware range is perfectly balance contemporary design trends with award-winning product technology and innovation.
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