Kitchen and bathroom renovations: All your most important questions answered by the experts

The heart of the home has a new crown jewel, with the potential to totally change the way you live.

It seems like such a trivial consideration next to concerns about appliances and cabinetry but choosing a splashback for your kitchen is a key decision.

While cupboards and drawers are often about seamless integration, the splashback is the jewellery of the space, with potential to set the tone for this hard-working room.

It used to be a matter of choosing the right tiles but these days, splashback options range from clear glass and mirrors through to reflective surfaces such as sheet metal, or even stone.

A splashback for your kitchen is a key decision. Picture: Kaiko Design/Fiona Susanto

Interior designer Nathan Gornall says the material you choose should be one that suits your space and your lifestyle, as well as your budget.

Q. We’re planning a kitchen reno and I’m stuck on a splashback option. I was thinking of glass, because the kitchen could do with more natural light, but the view is just of the Colorbond fence.

A. “There are so many different directions you can go in with a splashback,” says Nathan.

“It needs to be decorative as well as functional. It’s a high use area which often sits behind the sink or cooktop so you’re getting splash from water, oil and general food preparation.

“But it also creates a backdrop to your kitchen.”

If you’d like to create an illusion of space and bounce the light around, Nathan says a mirror splashback is a great choice. But a clear glass splashback can also be very effective, even if your kitchen faces on to a less than spectacular view.

“If you’re looking on to something unappealing like a fence, you could create a view outside with a screen and some plants,” he says. “I did a house in Enmore recently where the setback was just 700mm from the fence line. We put a row of pots along the fence line. It’s a sliding (glass) splashback so you can open the window and grab some herbs while you’re cooking. It also allows a cross breeze into the house, which can be useful for dealing with cooking odours.”

The material you choose should be one that suits your space and your lifestyle, as well as your budget. Picture: Georgina Wilson Associates/Noel Mclaughlin

Q. We’re thinking of going with brushed brass tapware and stone benchtops in a light colour. What are my options?

A. Sheet metal splashbacks in brass matt finishes can look amazing if you’re already planning on installing brass tapware but, Nathan warns, this material is not for the faint hearted.

“Any metal material, like matt brass sheeting, is harder to keep clean,” he says. “Most of those metal finishes are living finishes, which means that they tarnish with age and react with chemicals. If you like that look, that’s great, but it’s good to understand it upfront.”

A better long-term option might be continuing the stone benchtop material to create a splashback, for a look that is both practical and beautiful.

“I really like to continue the stone from the benchtop and use it for the splashback as well,” Nathan says. “People talk about stone being high maintenance but it’s very durable and it’s a bit more forgiving as it ages so that it creates its own patina. Having minimal grout lines and joins is always better.”

the splashback is the jewellery of the space. Picture: Kaiko Design/Fiona Susanto

Q. Are subway tiles still a popular choice? I want something with a bit of a retro feel but without a lot of maintenance.

A. After dominating kitchen and bathroom design for more than a decade, subway tiles are on the wane, Nathan says, making way for a myriad of different-shaped tiles in beautiful colours.

“I think the subway tile is probably coming to the end of its run, the white ones at least. Tiles allow you to bring different styles into the kitchen – retro ceramics and handmade porcelain for a bit of texture.”

Slender finger tiles are enjoying popularity right now.

Look for resin-based grouts that are mould resistant to make cleaning less of a hassle. And if you tire of your tiled splashback after a while, Nathan says it’s one of the easier things to change in the kitchen.

“A splashback can change the whole look of the kitchen and tiles are quite easy to remove or tile over.”

ARE BATHROOM RENOVATIONS REALLY WORTH IT?

For such a small room, the bathroom packs a punch.

There’s no other room in the house that requires such a variety of skilled trades, nor is there any other space that will impact more on the family while it’s out of action.

When we completely renovated our only bathroom, we went on holiday for the first two weeks during the demolition and structural phase and then fell on the mercy of our next-door neighbour, who let us use his bathroom for a few more weeks while he lined up new tenants. It was a bit awkward but at least we were able to stay at home.

Think about and plan for how you will manage without that bathroom.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION

Like any reno, it really helps to do your homework early, nailing down as much as you can, from choice of tiles to shower enclosures, tap fittings and vanities to make sure that they are available – and they fit your budget.

Talk to your builder and ask their advice.

Chances are they’ll know suppliers you haven’t thought of and who they work with regularly, which will help with deliveries, off site storage and even access to trade prices.

For more detailed advice, we spoke to the experts.

Daniela Santilli, bathrooms & kitchens merchandising leader at Reece Bathrooms offers her thoughts on budget busting bathrooms while award-winning bathroom designer, Darren Genner from Minosa Design discusses well-considered bathroom spaces and renovating for long term enjoyment.

Q. What’s so tricky about bathroom renovations?

Darren: The best way to sum this up is, in some cases you could use every trade it takes to build a house just on the bathroom. The problem is, you can in most cases only have one trade in that room at a time. They can be very difficult to plan.

Q. Where do I start?

Daniela: The key to designing the layout of a bathroom is to consider the needs of every member of the household. Your budget will impact the type of decisions you make about layout. Working within the existing plumbing is wise if you’re on a tight budget. As soon as you start moving the location of plumbing it’s a more complicated and expensive project.

Consider whether you can fit everything you want into the space. Be selective and realistic with your needs and look for versatile pieces that serve multiple functions. For example, if you have limited space in your bathroom, a mirror cabinet is a great way to add extra storage for everyday essentials.

Q. Can I manage it myself?

Daniela: You can build a renovation team in a lot of different ways. You can project manage the bathroom renovation and oversee design decisions, budgeting and organising qualified tradespeople to do the labour. Another option would be to employ a builder/renovator who can manage trades and the process for you. Keep in mind that depending on the scale of the project you may need council approvals/permits and a builder will be well versed with these requirements.

Q. What are the big ticket items?

Darren: I think this is changing. For so long, it was the freestanding bath but I think indulgence in general is the big ticket item. Covid-19 has reaffirmed that the bathroom is the only ‘me’ space in the house, it’s the only place you go to and lock the door, so it should be indulgent. Soft lighting, music, lovely tiles and a great spatial plan to make it feel luxurious.

Daniela: Invest in quality items that will stand the test of time and grow with the demands of your household. In terms of recommendations of key products in the bathroom, consider investing in a bath and storage. Freestanding baths have a bold look, forming the focal point of the bathroom. They are available in a variety of styles and materials from sanitary grade acrylic to pressed steel to solid surface. An inset bath can be a great choice when you are working with a smaller floor plan.

The beauty of vanity units is that they’re so customisable for any bathroom – some even down to the millimetre to suit any floorplan. Opt for a wall-hung vanity to increase the illusion of space. Anything wall hung, whether that be a vanity or toilet, will make the room appear larger.

Q. How big should a shower enclosure be?

Darren: In our opinion, 1m by 1.6m feels good. You can go bigger for parents’ retreats where we’re making dual shower zones.

Daniela: Aim for at least about 90cm by 90cm for a shower but this can go up to 1.2m. Open showers are a great option for accessibility and add that luxury factor to your bathroom. To ensure an open shower design works for your space, the pane of glass should be at least a metre deep to avoid water splashing into the rest of the bathroom. A shower with a door works well if you are working with a smaller space.

Q. What about double basins for the vanity?

Darren: This is one of the greatest debates in larger bathrooms. Our question is: Is it really two basins we need or is it a bigger mirror? Most conflicts in a bathroom come when one person wants to do their hair and make-up and the other wants to shave. So the solution is to install a bigger mirror. In bigger spaces, it can be a no brainer to have two sinks, but in smaller spaces we always challenge our clients about how they use the space.

Q. Should we get a soft close toilet seat for the loo?

Darren: To be honest, I think it’s hard to buy one these days without this feature. Smart toilets (with bidet technology) are becoming a big thing and more and more people are wanting one.

Daniela: Combining the function of a normal toilet with the cleaning advantages of a bidet, a smart toilet is the ultimate intelligent toilet. They integrate a number of personalised cleaning functions, including the ability to control pressure, air and water flow, with a remote too.

Q. How long should I expect my bathroom reno to take?

Darren: Depending on complexity, what we do takes 8 to 10 weeks.

Daniela: Allow yourself at least four weeks to plan, identify fixtures, fittings and tiles for the bathroom, gain quotes for the work and ensure there’s stock of everything required. It’s also a busy renovation period so you also need to consider the availability of trades and their schedules. This is all before the work begins. Once you’re ready to go, it’s down to the size of the job. Your builder or plumber will be your best guides on providing indicative build timelines.

Q. How much will it cost?

Darren: It will be the most expensive room in the house. For Minosa and the quality we produce, they start at $80,000 all in. Just make sure your budget is realistic for the work that’s involved.

Daniela: A bathroom renovation can be delivered on any budget depending on what you want to prioritise. If you’re on a tight budget you could deliver a bathroom update within a few thousand dollars and committing to a bathroom renovation investment can require tens of thousands of dollars.

Q. Should I be renovating more than one bathroom at once? Will it save me money?

Darren: Yes! Doing two bathrooms at a time can be easier to coordinate. Imagine you can have the plumber in one room and the electrician in the other. It can save considerable time, and therefore money.

Daniela: Securing trades during the pandemic has been challenging, so if you have them on site, it might be more efficient to have them deliver the work at the one time. If you are living through the renovation and have two bathrooms, ensure you have access to one fully functional bathroom. That way, there is less inconvenience and stress on the household.

Of course, if you move out you could do both bathrooms at once.

Q. Is it worth installing extras like underfloor heating and heated towel rails?

Darren: Underfloor heating is a must. It is a low cost item (to install) that raises the luxe levels, in these chillier months – it is so lovely to step on to a warm floor. Heated towel rails are more personal. We find our Melbourne and Adelaide clients will always add them but in Sydney, it is one in two.

Daniela: Yes, it is worth investing in underfloor heating and heated towel rails. You will thank yourself when you escape to the bathroom on a cold day. Items like underfloor heating and heated towel rails are often perceived as luxury inclusions but they are not as expensive as people might expect. These features will not only provide comfort in winter, but they offer practical solutions to contribute to the longevity of your bathroom. Underfloor heating and heated towel rails can remove extra moisture and prevent mould in the bathroom.

Q. What about ventilation?

Darren: We are getting more and more out of these private spaces that we don’t want a noisy fan to spoil the experience. We use systems where the motors are remotely placed either externally or in ceiling spaces so the noise is removed from the bathroom. This enhances the experience a huge amount.

Daniela: Ventilation is incredibly important in a bathroom and is best managed with an exhaust fan. Depending on the size of the space and where your bath and showers are located, you may opt for two exhaust fans to ensure there’s no lingering moisture.

There are great options for exhaust fans that also combine lighting and heating. Like underfloor heating and heated towel rails, good ventilation can remove extra moisture and prevent mould in the bathroom ensuring the longevity of the space.

The Fixer is here to answer all your home improvement questions. Email The Fixer at [e-mail]

Originally published as Kitchen and bathroom renovations: All your most important questions answered by the experts