Armrock Constructions

Gold Coast Bathroom Renovations

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Renovation Design

Shower Heads

A shower is an inclusion in practically every bathroom renovation, and the choice of shower head is a great opportunity to not only make your new bathroom look great, but also be practically useful for the way you and your family use the shower. On this page, we look at important considerations and choices to make regarding your shower head in a bathroom renovation situation.

Water Usage

Embarking on a bathroom reno, it’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with the WELS system and water-saving in your product choices. You can read more about this system here. Making water-saving choices in the acquisition of your bathroom fixtures and fittings is a great way to design a bathroom you can feel great about. If you’re in any doubt as to how to proceed, just talk to our friendly team – we’re here to help.

A Confident Stylistic Approach

Savvy bathroom renovators will have done their research and have a clear design objective in mind for their new bathroom. Bathrooms are not ‘one-size fits all’. Their appeal is very subjective, and if you’re going to the trouble to renovate your bathroom, a priority should always be your own personal satisfaction with the end result!

One great way to achieve a harmonious style in your bathroom is to synchronise the style of your highlight accessories. Shower heads are a great example. Being an irregular shape, they tend to stand out – but by extending their style to door-handles, tapware, mirror trims, towel-rails and other bathroom features, you can create a united approach. This allows you to approach your stylistic choices confidently by asking the question, “What colour are my trims?” and allowing your shower head to fall into that basket with the rest of them.

Finding Your Shower Head

The only downfall of designing your dream bathroom from browsing the internet is the possible difficulty of locating fixtures and fittings in the precise style you’re looking for. In this regard, it can be helpful to have a little bit of flexibility in exactly what you’re going for, as local choices may not perfectly align with the Swiss Retro look you saw on Pinterest. When it comes time to shop for your fixtures and fittings, talk to our team. We can help you connect with local suppliers and fulfil your requirements to achieve your dream bathroom.

Successful Gold Coast Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom renovations can be complex – numerous careful decisions and actions are required, in the right order, to build a bridge between your vision, your structure, your budget and your new bathroom. We’re here to help you make it a success. Get your bathroom renovation started today with the team from Armrock Constructions and make yours a success too.

Shower Shapes and Sizes

Shower Shapes & Sizes
Shower Shapes & Sizes

Typically, a shower is an odd-shaped feature in the range of elements that make up a bathroom. Unlike the other low-set, horizontal features, a shower is tall and vertical. Integrating the shower so it feels nicely in the room can be a challenge. One way overcoming this challenge is by using showers of different shapes and sizes. This is the topic we explore here today.

A Most Important Choice

The most important choice at the beginning relates to your budget, and how you intend to approach your shower: will you opt for a prefabricated or a custom-built shower? This decision will greatly affect the shapes and sizes available to you. A brief word on each follows:

Prefabricated Showers

Prefabricated showers are purchased ready-to-use. We install them as they come. Prefabricated showers are manufactured in standard shapes and sizes, so their options are somewhat limited in this regard. Prefabricated showers are a less expensive option.

Custom Showers

Custom showers are designed and built by our team. Their shape and size is only limited by the bathroom itself. Stylistically, custom showers are much easier to integrate into a room, since they are part of the room. Custom-built showers may cost more, but have the potential to really take your bathroom to the next level.

The Room Shape Factor

Different shaped rooms create different kinds of challenges for accommodating a shower into the design. In small bathrooms (like an ensuite), a shower tucks perfectly into the room. No wider and not much lower than the ceiling, it’s easy to make a shower feel right at home.

However, in larger guest and main bathrooms, it can be harder to make sense of a shower when it’s the only vertical addition in a room of otherwise low-set elements. In contrast to the the toilet, the vanity & the bath, which are all waist-high or lower, the shower can tend to stand out if no diligence to this problem is given.

The Role of Shower Screens

Regardless of the type of shower you opt for, one way to help fit the shower into the room is to minimise its presence. This can be accomplished by the type of shower screen used. A shower screen is comprised of screens, frames, and hinges. All of these components can accentuate or diminish the visual presence of your shower inside the bathroom.

By minimising the presence of your shower with a lower-profile shower-screen, the shape becomes easier to incorporate into the room. Generally, less expensive shower solutions also tend to have a stronger visual presence. With a custom option, we can help you create whatever type of effect you would like.

Shower Floor Concepts

The whole point of having a bathroom renovation is to refresh the old bathroom with a new, invigorated style. In the design phase, it’s important not to be limited by preconceptions about what a shower should be. The traditional concept of a shower as a square-based, vertical enclosure is only one way of approaching a shower.

A custom shower floor can be a square, rectangle, circle, or a multifaceted shape. A key advantage of custom showers is the capability to build the shower with sympathy to the room. Using shapes that reflect, or complement the overall shape of the room helps the shower to find a home in the space. For example, in a long rectangular bathroom, a longer, rectangular shower-floor will have an integration advantage over a square-shaped floor.

One of the great aspects of our service lies in problem-solving. If you’re worried about getting a good result from you choice of shower, just ask our team. We provide a free consultation, and we’d be glad to help you find a solution that is just right for your perfect bathroom.

Successful Gold Coast Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom renovations can be complex – numerous careful decisions and actions are required, in the right order, to build a bridge between your vision, your structure, your budget and your new bathroom. We’re here to help you make it a success. Get your bathroom renovation started today with the team from Armrock Constructions and make yours a success too.

Are Roller Blinds The Best Option For Narrow Windows?

Narrow roller blinds are a great option to consider when considering a window-dressing solution for a narrow window or thin space, such as you may find in a bathroom or toilet. In this brief article, we discuss the considerations to bear in mind when assessing and installing narrow roller blinds.

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How Narrow Can a Roller Blind Be?

Pretty narrow! Roller blinds can be custom-made to suit windows as small as they come. The only real limitation on how small a roller blind can be is whether the rollers can be installed to fit on each side of the window frame.

The Problem Solved with Narrow Roller Blinds

The purpose of roller blinds is twofold – to solve a problem such as glare or privacy, and to enhance the appearance of a room by the application of the right type of roller blinds. With thin or narrow roller blinds, this formula doesn’t change – what does change is the fact that the blinds have to fit an irregularly-sized (narrow, or thin) window.

Common Narrow Windows

Narrow windows are encountered very commonly in bathrooms and toilets! Whether it’s the type of room, type of premises or period of construction, we see them all the time. Narrow windows may be alone or presented along with a series of one, two or several more windows. This is another situation where custom roller blinds are a great solution, since they can be made to suit your specific window requirements.

Are Roller Blinds the Best Solution For Narrow Windows?

Roller blinds are a great solution for narrow windows. The reason being that unlike other types of window dressings, the simplicity of roller blind functionality isn’t lost on narrow or smaller windows. Other types of solutions, for example, panel glides, can’t successfully solve very narrow windows while retaining their full functionality.

Other considerations to take into account when selecting the window dressing for your narrow window include:

  • Existing Blinds or Shutters Used on the Premises
  • Type of Window Frame
  • Budget
  • Style Preferences
  • Privacy Considerations
  • Natural Light Opportunities

Like any interior design solution, there are many factors to take into account. Our service addresses this problem by giving our customers access to the experience and professional installation capability needed to get a great result.

Should Blinds Be Lighter or Darker Than Walls

Have you ever wondered whether blinds should be lighter or darker than walls? It’s a great question and one that should be considered when approaching an optimal interior blind solution for your home or business renovation.

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Unfortunately, this is not a “Yes” “No” answer – there’s more to it than that! It depends on a few factors. What we will do here, (and hopefully this is useful for you) is look at some common colour-difference examples and also important considerations that have bearing on this question.

Blinds Same Colour as Walls

When your blinds are the same colour as your walls, you’re effectively creating a continuous look with your interior blind installation. The presence of the blinds is absolutely minimised, which means you have a totally safe solution, from the point of view of being concerned about design errors! The blinds, frames and walls work together, with no visual hierarchy. The advantage of this solution is that it’s safe and gives you total control over the design of the room with accessories, artwork & furniture, and that it’s easily transferrable to a new resident or style. The disadvantage is in the eye of the beholder – there are many design opportunities with interior blinds, and using the same colour as the walls doesn’t necessarily make the most of these opportunities.

Blinds Lighter than the Walls

When blinds are lighter than the walls, you have a degree of contrast in the room. Is this contrast better, or worse than the contrast created by blinds that are darker than the walls? One advantage of lightening the blinds is that you can also lighten the room. If the room is smaller, or darker, adding lighter blinds can help to lift and extend the perspective of the room. Also, a pattern on lighter blinds can reference the outdoors as well and integrate the blinds with the walls via the pattern.

Blinds Darker than the Walls

Opting for blinds that are slightly darker than the colour of the walls & frames gives the blinds more visual strength in the room. By defining the window shapes with our slightly darker colour, we convert them into design objects within the room.

These objects have a relationship with each other and also with the other elements inside the room. Depending on the room, these relationships can be optimised to anchor the overall design of the room and give direction and stability to the layout. Note how in the example below, the windows align with the edges of the desk creating an invisible grid within the room. The strength of this grid is aligned to the fact that the blinds have sufficient presence to create them – an advantage of slightly darker blinds than walls.

Blind vs Wall Ratio

Using a screen fabric roller blind (which during the daylight hours allows light transmission through the blinds, making them lighter than the walls) creates indoor / outdoor integration, and a spaciousness that extends beyond the room. Here, the blinds effectively become a whole wall unto themselves, an altogether different consideration than when blinds form only a part of a wall. The extent of then blinds vs the wall should always be taken into account when considering the lightness and darkness of blinds vs walls for this reason. In this example, the blinds become a feature wall that has a relationship with the rest of the room, which is a different proposition altogether.

Factoring Frames

In art, the frame plays an important role in the presentation of the artwork. When pictures are professionally framed, they are made in sympathy to the artwork they’re framing, and even the room for which they are intended. Frames matter, because they establish a relationship between the artwork and the room.

In the case of blinds, frames perform a similar role, but they’re not necessarily being changed when you change your blinds. So they need to be taken into account, particularly when they’re different to the walls. In this roller blind example below, the white frames are a lighter colour than the walls, and the blinds are darker than both. This has the effect of strengthening the presence of the blind, a handy result since the blind is only slightly darker than the wall. These are the little nuances that make interior designs interesting and successful.

Summary

In summary, there are advantages and disadvantages to different approaches. With interior blinds, it’s really important to achieve a result that has longevity (that you won’t get sick of quickly) and that contributes positively to the style of your room. This can be achieved with both dark and lighter window-dressing solutions.

Using Grey Blinds with White Walls

Grey blinds and white walls – yes, no, or maybe? The grey-and-white combination is one of the most popular colour pairings in modern interiors, seen in countless homes, offices, and commercial spaces. The question is not whether grey blinds work with white walls (they absolutely do) – it’s about overcoming the hesitation some people feel toward this subtle, understated look. Is it striking enough? Is it too subdued, too safe, or perhaps lacking personality? And will it stand the test of time?

In this article, we explore the deeper reasons behind the popularity of grey blinds with white walls, the psychology of colour neutrality, and how this classic combination continues to inspire modern design.

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Grey Blinds with White Walls

It turns out that choosing grey represents a kind of psychological hurdle for many people. The perception is that by choosing grey, you’re sitting on the fence — not making a bold design statement, but rather taking the middle ground. Grey has long been associated with neutrality, subtlety, and discretion. In fact, the concept of “the grey man” describes someone who intentionally dresses and behaves in a way that avoids unwanted attention:

“The intentional act of dressing and behaving in an inconspicuous manner, in order to avoid any unwanted attention from strangers or authorities… to blend in, to be visible and yet invisible at the same time.”
Source: Urban Dictionary

Even White Blinds Can Have Shades of Grey

So, the argument goes: if you choose grey, you’re not really making a choice. But we beg to differ.

There’s far more depth to grey than many realise. Rather than viewing its neutrality as a weakness, we see it as a unique strength. Grey blinds, especially when paired with white walls, can produce a calm, balanced, and highly adaptable aesthetic. Let’s explore the reasons why this combination works so effectively – and why it deserves more recognition.

How Grey and White Work Together

Grey and white work together harmoniously because they both sit within the achromatic palette, meaning they lack strong colour saturation. Unlike bold or bright hues, greys and whites rely on lightness, tone, and contrast rather than colour value to create interest. Even when subtle tints are added – such as warm greys with beige undertones or cool greys with hints of blue – they still maintain that intrinsic relationship with white.

This makes grey and white an exceptionally forgiving and versatile pairing. They provide a clean, contemporary backdrop that complements a wide range of furniture styles, materials, and decorative accents. From minimalist Scandinavian interiors to industrial loft spaces and sleek office environments, this pairing offers a timeless sense of sophistication.

Even White Blinds Can Have Shades of Grey

As greys become darker or more intense, they move further away from white – yet their visual connection remains strong. This makes them perfect for white-walled rooms. While white walls tend to work with nearly any blind colour, the real advantage of incorporating grey blinds lies in their neutral balance. Grey tones blend effortlessly with most furnishings and surface finishes, making it easier to decorate, update, and maintain a cohesive look over time.

Moreover, the flexibility of grey means you can adjust the atmosphere of a room simply by shifting tone. Light greys create an airy, tranquil vibe, while darker greys add depth, drama, and a sense of grounded stability. Either way, grey blinds complement white walls beautifully without overpowering the space.

So yes, grey and white work exceptionally well together – but that still leaves the big question…

So, Should We Choose Grey & White?

In interior design, there’s a time to be bold and a time to be subtle. Sometimes, it’s about making a statement; other times, it’s about creating a harmonious, understated environment that allows other features to shine. Choosing grey blinds is not a sign of indecision – it’s a conscious decision to prioritise balance, longevity, and flexibility.

True confidence in design isn’t about always choosing the loudest colour in the room. It’s about selecting what best serves your vision. Grey blinds achieve precisely that: they support your space, rather than dominating it.

Functional interior colour choices should both look good and work well. They should align with your furnishings, lighting, and long-term goals. Grey and white combinations tend to have far greater staying power than more daring, trend-driven schemes. They also allow for easy updates – swap out a rug, throw in colourful cushions or artwork, and your entire space can evolve without the need for a full redesign.

Grey Is Beautiful, and Versatile

But isn’t Grey and White.. Boring?

But isn’t grey and white… boring?
Emphatically, no.

Within this combination lies a vast range of creative possibilities. The interplay between light and dark greys introduces contrast, depth, and even drama. Textures also play a crucial role: think of matte versus glossy finishes, linen versus metallic, or woven versus smooth fabrics. By layering tones and materials, you can achieve a space that feels anything but flat.

Add natural timber, black accents, or metallic hardware, and suddenly your grey-and-white palette takes on warmth, elegance, or even a futuristic edge. Far from bland, this combination acts as a flexible stage on which your personal style can truly shine.

The Grey Edge

What makes grey truly powerful is its ability to bridge contrasts. It sits perfectly between black and white, incorporating aspects of both. This makes it remarkably easy to integrate with other colours – from muted pastels to bold statement tones. Grey acts as a connector, helping diverse design elements work together in harmony.

Instead of viewing grey’s neutrality as “safe,” think of it as strategically adaptable. It’s a strength that simplifies your design process and future-proofs your interior choices.

Grey & White – Are They ‘In’ Right Now?

Absolutely. While design trends fluctuate, timeless palettes like grey and white never truly go out of fashion. They may fade into the background when bold colours dominate the spotlight, but they always return – refreshed and reinterpreted for each new decade. The enduring appeal of grey and white lies in their elegance, restraint, and versatility.

Whether you’re designing a calm, spa-like bathroom, a bright modern kitchen, or a minimalist office, the grey-and-white combination remains one of the most reliable – and beautiful – foundations you can choose.

Tiling in Your Renovation Project

Gold Coast Renovation Tiling
Gold Coast Renovation Tiling

When it’s time to undertake a bathroom makeover, tiling is one of the most important parts to get right. Tiling considerations include tile styles, tile budget, and professional tile installation for an outstanding result. Armrock Constructions specialises in bathroom renovations on the Gold Coast, and we are here to help make the tiling aspect of your project a cinch. Read on to learn more about tiling in your renovation project, or book a free renovation appraisal and quote with our team today.

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How We Can Help

Armrock Constructions provides a comprehensive bathroom renovation service – including tiling. In this article we take a look at the main considerations for our clients – tile selection process and budgeting for tiles. We take care of the rest.

Tile Selection Process

When it’s time to select your tiles for your renovation, we are here to help. We work with a diverse range of design approaches and we are familiar with strategies that yield a great long-term outcome.

We can guide you to our local tile distribution (Gold Coast) who will be able to help you organise the tiles for your project. It’s always best to look at tiles when they’re laid out (rather than looking at small samples) so you can get a proper appreciation for how they look when they’re occupying a larger space, such as a wall.

Mosaic Wall Wrap Tiling

Budgeting For Tiles

Tiles come in a wide range of sizes, qualities, and prices. From the point of view of budgeting for your renovation, it’s important to carefully consider your choice with tiles and how this will impact your total renovation costs. We can help you connect with local providers who provide great prices for tiles – just ask our team for help with this.

Tiling in Your Bathroom Renovation

Armrock Constructions specialises in bathroom renovations in the Gold Coast QLD and tiling is an important part of all of our projects. Get your renovation off to a great start with a team dedicated to achieving great outcomes for our customers.

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