Home renovation ideas: Why everyone wants their home to be like the Hilton
More and more homemakers are taking that five-star hotel style and feeling home with them. This is how.
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If your bathroom is more than 10 years old, odds are it’s due for a refresh.
According to the Housing Industry Association of Australia (HIA) 2019/2020 report, two-thirds of the bathrooms renovated that year were between 11 and 20 years old.
And the average spend on each renovation was no drop in the bathtub, at $19,085. Anecdotally, it would seem this activity might have increased in the 2020/2021 year, with both spends and numbers up, as we have been holed up at home with idle vacation money.
With owners and designers all dreaming of far away places, it’s little wonder that our homes are taking on a spa vibe, beginning with the bathroom as a place of sanctuary.
“A more open connection between bedroom, dressing room and bathroom creates a luxury suite ambience,” says architect Chris Adams, of Pohio Adams, whose recent projects reflect this idea.
“And the materials are tending to richer stones, textural tiles, raw finishes and a bespoke ambience,” he says. Even better, the more natural the finishes, the better they are likely to wear. From open layouts to exciting finishes and fittings, here’s how to create a splash with your new bathroom design.
TAP DANCE
Aged-brass, nickel and gunmetal tapware reinforce the desire for a natural look.
“Organic tapware brings a grounding feeling to the bathroom,” says Daniela.
“These finishes tarnish over time, giving the appearance of a worn and much-loved tap.” She’s also seeing a resurgence in traditional tapware styles – think three-piece and heritage features – but with modern water ratings.
Aged brass, seen in this ensuite (above) by Pohio Adams, is a go-to, adds Kathryn Lambert. “Its patina, as it ages, is lovely to watch.”
While marble still rules as a surface, it’s less buffed. “We are drawn to unusual marbles that offer a point of difference, raw and textured,” says Kathryn.
“Marble is never out of fashion,” says Melbourne interior designer Carole Whiting, “but people are taking more risks, using more vibrant varieties.” Expect to see more dramatic veining and intense moody hues.
“With timber, you can play with shape and texture, achieving refined details and craftsmanship,” says Kathryn.
“Rustic touches in timber add warmth and depth,” says Michael Sobol, owner of Harvey Norman Bathroom Renovations.
“Adding a timber accent piece such as a vanity or wall feature, even just a stool, is a fantastic way to create texture and add another dimension to your bathroom.”
SEAMLESS HOTEL-STYLE FLOW
If you love the easy flow of seamlessly connected hotel suites, why not carry that idea into your next bathroom project?
This serene bedroom and ensuite by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects has a wonderful sense of space, thanks to double doors that link the rooms and perfectly frame the vanity. Mirrored cabinets bounce light and reflect the view beyond the bedroom. Soft hues visually unite the spaces.
“It’s definitely the most popular design trend in the bathroom,” says Daniela Santilli, merchandising leader at Reece Bathrooms.
“With the pandemic, customers are channelling resort vibes for their staycation.”
“Organic curves are a big design direction,” says Carole. Elbowing out less friendly angles, they are expressed in flowing walls, rounded joinery and softer shapes in lighting, mirrors and fittings.
“Basins are softer edged than harsh, angular ones of the past.”
NATURAL FEEL
We’re embracing nature.
“Perhaps people desire to feel more connected to the earth,” say interior designers Kathryn Lambert and Faye Campbell, of Lambert Campbell.
“There’s a return to artisanal products such as handmade and non-rectified tiles, bespoke crafted vanities, custom iron shower doors, and muted, moody tones that reflect the colours in nature, celebrating the organic, the raw, the perfectly imperfect. These ‘feel-good’ elements speak to our souls more than a shiny, sleek finish.”
CHIC BUT WITHOUT SACRIFICE
Fluted-glass showerscreens reflect our love of texture, while being elegant, too. “The newest trend is ribbed-glass shower screens and dividers,” says Michael.
“Chic without obscuring views or sacrificing light, they provide subtle texture,” as seen in this Pohio Adams design.
“We are loving fluted glass,” says Carole. “It adds interest where plain glass would lack presence.”
Lambert Campbell Design ups the ante by framing that glass in steel. “The Crittall shower door with fluted glass is one of our favourites. We love the wrought-iron work and its handmade imperfections.”
“Bathroom longevity is at the forefront of renovators’ minds, who are readily embracing smart design and product choices,” says Daniela.
“We’re seeing more open spaces and layouts (seen in this bathroom by Brett Mickan Interior Design) together with sensor toilet flush buttons and tapware, plus thermostatic technology in showers.”
With the push of a button, you can set the perfect temperature. “Technology can range from radiators that double as towel rails, to hidden showers and built-in media units,” adds Michael. Future-proofing is revealed in other ways, too.
“Tapware with a universal inwall body, so that the trimkit – the visible part of wall-mounted tapware – can be easily changed will encourage regular updating to reflect trends,” says Daniela.
Hand-crafted tiles are in vogue. “Handmade concrete tiles from Morocco and fabulous rich hand-glazed tiles allow for personalised bathrooms,” says Chris Adams. Meanwhile, slender finger tiles are replacing mosaics and subway tiles. “Finger tiles are a modern version of subway, only more versatile,” says Carole. “Because they are small, they allow you to curve walls, add shape to areas and the simple repeat pattern is textural, adding interest without being overwhelming.”
THE SMART TOILET TREND
“Smart toilets are one of the most talked-about considerations when renovating a bathroom,” says Michael.
“They are more hygienic and better for the environment.”
Bringing smart technology to the humble toilet pan, they are a bidet-style toilet with water nozzles (set to desired temperature) and an adjustable seat.
“This Toto type of toilet is growing in popularity,” adds Carole. “It represents luxury.”
And no Covid toilet paper worries.
Lighting is to the fore, especially wall sconces for ambience.
“Downlights light up a room like a tennis court. Now we are looking for more subtlety. Sconces are decorative and make a room sing,” says Carole.
“We love sconces, widely used to add mood and soften a space,” adds Kathryn.
Go with the flow with these bathroom developments
● Resort-inspired bathrooms with an organic, textural feel.
● Textured tapware in aged brass, gunmetal and nickel.
● Textural basins using new technologies such as solid surface.
● Curves for a softer look.
● Timber to echo nature.
● Non-rectified marble and hand-crafted tiles for tactility.
● Fluted showerscreens.
● Decorative lighting like wall sconces for elegance and mood.
● Smart toilets.
Originally published as Home renovation ideas: Why everyone wants their home to be like the Hilton
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