Bathrooms are a significant investment, so when building or renovating your bathroom it is important to not only keep in mind design aesthetics but functionality and performance to ensure long-term benefits to your home.
Starting with the correct materials at the foundation level is critical to mitigating expensive repairs later. Once the foundation is solid, you can then consider the more detailed elements like touch and texture, depending on your individual needs, budget and personal style.
Whether you’re looking to transform your bathroom into a tranquil oasis or need to create a more practical space to serve your family’s evolving needs, the planning stage of building or renovating is the ideal time to think about performance requirements.
“Investing in high-quality materials from the beginning ensures a longer-lasting bathroom,” Gyprock Marketing general manager Lauren Ford says.
“By creating a strong performance-enhanced base, you can produce a durable and long-lasting space that can easily be updated with subtle details and features that make a world of difference.”
It’s hard to know what’s happening behind your walls once they are tiled, so choosing a moisture-resistant wall and ceiling plasterboard such as Gyprock Aquachek will promote a healthy and comfortable space offering a durable and long-lasting framework.
Designed specifically for use in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries, toilets and kitchens, Gyprock Aquachek plasterboard is specially treated to ensure the core, face and back are equally moisture and humidity-resistant, offering a level base for tile or paint finishes.
“With its low water absorption characteristics, Aquachek provides a performance-enhanced base preventing mould build up on walls, linings and ceilings, meaning it will last for years,” Lauren says.
While the look and feel are critical to a successful new bathroom design, considering its purpose and how to make the most of the available space is usually the first place to start. Whether it’s a family bathroom, ensuite or guest bathroom, will make a big impact on these decisions.
“A well-considered layout will include overall placement of the main fixtures and fittings, access to windows and ventilation, lighting options for the vanity area as well as to enhance design features and storage options,” she says.
When it comes to style and design, 2024 will be a time of simplicity and naturalness. The focus for the bathroom, more than any other room in the home, will incorporate the key trends of wellness and self-care, with an emphasis on the importance of creating harmony. Choosing less and focusing on more quality items that last and provide comfort above all else will be the priority.
Incorporating gentle curves into your bathroom design, like a curved vanity, bathtub or a stylish architectural arch will bring a unique design feature that adds visual interest and softness, making the space feel inviting and relaxed. Selecting colours and fixtures in soft and neutral shades will add warmth to further enhance a soothing ambience and sense of calm.
Keep the bathroom design simple by square-setting the ceiling and allowing the floor, fittings and fixtures to take the lead. Choosing bold features such as patterned tiles on the floor will create a statement and can act as the main feature in the bathroom. The rest of the space can be kept minimal with complementary colours tying back soft-hued walls to help enhance the aesthetic of the space while contributing to a relaxing ambience.
Size does play a part in the design for a bathroom, however, regardless of the space, trends for 2024 dictate functionality as top of the list. In the bathroom, where space is king, niches are a smart way to create practical and unobtrusive storage solutions. Consider integrating built-in niches within shower areas or bathroom walls, to create practical spaces for toiletries and reducing clutter.
“Gyprock plasterboard is the ideal product to be used for niches adding visual interest and unassuming style, and delivering versatility and practicality along with a bright and clean space that doesn’t take up valuable floor space,” Lauren says.
Styling your bathroom finishes the picture. Adding hand wash, hand cream, soaps, candles and diffusers, small ornaments, towels and plants reflect your style.
Whatever style you choose, and however you choose to style your bathroom, make sure you start with the right building materials that will help you create your very own slice of heaven.
