Armrock Constructions

Gold Coast Bathroom Renovations

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Bathroom Design

Should a Bathroom Have a Bathtub?

When evaluating your bathroom for a renovation project, there are usually two motivating lines of question behind inclusions in the new bathroom: do I want it (will it improve my lifestyle / experience) and will it add value to my property. After all, if you’re going to the trouble to renovate, it makes sense that your choices should be geared to deliver the best outcome. One of the most popular questions is about bath tubs – “should my bathroom have a bath tub?” In this brief article, we examine this important pre-renovation question to determine the answer once and for all. Let’s check it out.

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Why Bathtubs?

Bathtubs come from another era – a time before plumbing. They are not the most efficient way to wash in this day and age. Compared to a shower, they use much more water for a typical wash. However, bath tubs have old-world charm – their aesthetic delivers notes of luxury and indulgence that make them a significant addition to a modern bathroom.

Amrock Gold Coast Bathroom Design

Consumer Preferences

So, do people still want bath tubs in their bathrooms? The answer is: yes. Our love-affair with bath tubs continues on. We love their lines, shapes and format in our bathrooms. They also continue to be practical in some ways. For example, some parents find bathtubs to be the best way to wash (and temporarily occupy) their small children. Other people like to kick back in the tub and watch a game of golf (see picture below). Whether it’s their style or an aspect of their functionality, the popularity of bath tubs endures!

Bathtub from our 300th Renovation

Important Points for Assessment

  1. Financial Sense / ROI
    Naturally, all actions should make financial sense. If adding a bath tub will cost more than the value to the property created by having the bath tub, then it may not make sense to proceed. We can help you evaluate your options to get a better idea of what’s involved in the inclusion of a bath tub.
  2. Bath Tub vs Bath Room
    Having a bath tub is great, but it doesn’t trump having a great bathroom. In other words, it’s better to have a holistic and well-designed bathroom than one with any particular inclusion that may compromise the design.
Gold Coast Canal Bathroom Design

Existing Bath Tub

if the pre-renovation bathroom already has a bath tub, it’s easier to include a bath tub in the renovation project, and most likely a good idea to do so. Having a pre-existing bath tub means there is already sufficient space and existing plumbing in place to support a bath tub.

No Existing Bath Tub

In the absence of an existing bath tub, design and construction choices must be made to accomodate the new tub. Bathrooms aren’t typically designed with a surplus of space, but adding a bath tub where there was no tub before is certainly possible. In some of our Gold Coast renovation projects, we take out walls or merge rooms together to create more spacious areas to accomodate bath tubs or other modifications.

Re-Using an Old Tub

The option to re-use pre-existing bathroom elements (like an old bath tub) is sometimes worthy of consideration. With bath tubs, it depends on the quality and style of the tub, and how it will relate to the vision of the new bathroom. This type of approach can be inconvenient, as new elements must be included with the vision of matching the old elements.

Going without a Bath Tub

Whether your pre-renovation bathroom has a bath tub or not, you always have the option of going without a tub. This may create a better bathroom, especially if the old one was cramped or poorly designed. At the end of the day, what may be more important than having a bathtub is having a soundly designed and functional bathroom. A bath tub is just a bonus compared to this.

Finding a Way Forward

In any renovation, the best solution is a compromise between your objectives, your budget, access to materials and the skills to make it all happen. If you’re considering a bath tub for your renovation project, our team is here to help. We provide a free renovation consultation and quote – make a booking and discuss your Gold Coast bathroom renovation project:

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Matte or Gloss Bathtub?

In the case of a bathroom renovation, whether you’re replacing a bathtub or adding a new one, you will need to determine what type of bathtub will best suit your new bathroom. Bathtubs are a large and significant inclusion. Accordingly, an important question to ask is: should the new bathtub be matte or glossy? In this article, we examine this question and the major associated considerations. It’s not all about looks – there are implications for functionality as well. Armrock Constructions specialises in bathroom renovations on the Gold Coast QLD – if you’re considering a bathroom renovation, please contact our team. We are here to assist:

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Bathtub – Basic Functionality

Bathtubs are designed to retain water, and for people to be able to hop in and out of them. Fair enough? Whether your tub has a matte or gloss finish, you will be able to use and enjoy your tub. However, there are some subtle differences between these two finishes. These include:

a. (Primarily) the look of your bathtub
b. (Secondly) functional aspects of your bathtub

The Different Between Matte & Gloss

Amrock Bathroom Renovation with Matte Bathtub

Matte and gloss are different finishes. Matte is a less-reflective finish, whereas gloss finishes are shiny and reflective. Here’s a quick review of the main differences:

MatteGloss
Minimal ReflectionHighly Reflective
Diffuse impressionShiny
TactileSmooth
Can have more GripCan be Slippery
OrganicVintage / Classical
Matte Vs Glossy Differences

One isn’t better than the other. Matte and gloss are two different finishes which can be successfully applied to a wide range of bathroom styles. This gives a great scope of possibilities for your Gold Coast renovation project. You can learn more about using matte and gloss in interior design in this article.

Design: Matte Vs Gloss / Design Objectives

Gloss bathtub with diffuse / non-gloss background

Matte and Gloss can both be applied to a wide range of different bathroom styles. The applications are very versatile – you might use either approach towards a range of different stylistic resolutions; for example, a high-end bathroom renovation design could feature either a matte or a gloss bathtub. This is also true with other types of bathroom styles; e.g. classical, natural, industrial, vintage, or minimalist. The difference is the way the bathtub exists and relates to other bathroom elements. Some of the key ways this can work include:

Design: Lightness and Spaciousness

Gloss Bathtubs Reflect More Light

Glossy bathtubs are more reflective, so by virtue of their size, can enhance the light in the room. This can amplifying the sense of spaciousness in the room. Increasing light in this way can help to optimise the use of both natural light and situational lighting. This effect isn’t always desirable, but it’s worth pointing out if you’re looking to achieve that type of outcome.

Design: Reflection & Softness

Highly Reflective is a Harder Look

Matte finishes tend to create a softer effect, while the opposite is true with a gloss finish. This is mainly due to the level of reflectiveness in the finishes. Depending on the look you’re going for, the extent of reflection in the bathroom needs to be taken into account. A ‘natural’ look might enjoy the softness and integration created by a matte tub, whereas an opulent style might go the other way. There are also numerous subtle combinations that can be used to create mid-range effects as well. There are multiple approaches!

Design: Immersion

Matte Bathtub with Soft Timber Tones: Immersive

Matte finishes definitely create a more immersive effect. Whereas highly reflective bathrooms move the eye around the room, softer and more diffuse finishes allow the eye to sink into the room. For a space that is a refuge and sanctuary, like a bathroom, this may be a good outcome. However, the bathroom also needs to be viewed in the context of the broader home design; also, the opposite of this immersive quality is the goal of some bathroom styles. In many cases, the middle ground is where the best results may lie.

Historical Design Context

Matte and Gloss are looks that have evolved through a long history of design movements. They have both been ‘on-trend’ at different periods in time. Gloss traditions pre-date matte traditions.. most likely because early in the piece, everything (except for polished stone, glass, etc) was non-glossy – so making things ‘shiny’ equated to a desirable, luxurious look that wasn’t regularly available.

This tradition goes back to the Baroque Period (17th & 18th Century) and the Rococo Style (18th Century), where it was expressed by highly polished, gilded and reflective surfaces. This style has flowed through various design movements to contemporary modern design. Meanwhile, matte styles go back to the late 19th Century, when the Arts & Crafts Movement in Britain began to celebrate the beauty in natural materials. This tradition has also evolved through different design eras (such as industrial design and contemporary minimalism) to bring us to the modern era.

That’s the great thing about modern bathroom design options – we have the best of both worlds, in our ability to access a long history of design evolution, in conjunction with increasingly superior materials, to create the bathrooms of our dreams! Yes!

A Relatively Safe Diversion

Matte / Gloss Decisions Can Be Very Low-Impact

A quick note – in bathroom design, ‘less is more’ is often the path to success. Unlike many of the stylistic choices that can be made in bathroom design, the matte / gloss bathtub choice is a relatively safe decision. If you’re opting for a white bathtub (which is the most common convention) it will still be white whether you use a matte or gloss style – in many cases, the distinctions are highly subtle.

Functionality: Scratch Resistance

Gloss finishes may be more resistance to scratches than matte finishes in general, although this may depend on the specific product. Materials have evolved, and continue to evolve. Matte finishes are purpose-made, and should be capable of handling the normal wear and tear that a bathtub might experience.

Functionality: Keeping it Clean

Armrock Gold Coast Reno with Matte Bathtub

In terms of keeping your bathtub looking nice and clean, there are issues like fingerprints, smudges, dirt and grime to take into account, and the question of which finish is easier to maintain. Both matte and gloss finishes have different pros and cons in this area, and again, this may depend on specific products. Because matte surfaces are non-reflective, they don’t tend to show minor marks as obviously as a reflective gloss finish. Meanwhile, matte surfaces may retain stains easier than gloss surfaces (if they’re not attended to quickly, or if the incorrect cleaning products are used). This is generally because gloss surfaces are harder.

Functionality: Safety

While both matte and gloss finishes go towards the creation of a functional bathtub, matte finishes may (depending on the product) offer a somewhat safer solution due to the texture of the surface being less slippery. However, since bathtubs have been made with gloss finishes for centuries, it’s interesting to note that the advent of switching to textured materials for bathtubs hasn’t arisen as an essential requirement. Getting in and out of bathtubs can be tricky, especially for more elderly people, so inclusions such as safety hand rails may be a more relevant solution, at the discretion of the homeowner.

Functionality: Scratch Resistance

Other Elements Such as Basins Can Also Be Matte / Gloss

Gloss finishes may be more resistance to scratches than matte finishes in general, although this may depend on the specific product. Materials have evolved, and continue to evolve. Matte finishes are purpose-made so they should be capable of handling the normal wear and tear that a bathtub might experience in normal usage.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

Matte and gloss are two different approaches to bathtubs that have stylistic and functional implications. Assuming normal usage, the stylistic aspects are the most important. The bathtub is a significant visual element and makes a large contribution to the look and feel of the bathroom. Understanding the type of bathroom you wish to create, and then including the necessary elements, is something of an art form. We can help. Our team are experienced bathroom renovators and can work with you to design and implement exactly what you’re looking for. Simply contact us for a free consultation and quote to get started:

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Matte Vs Glossy Bathroom Sink

When it’s time to select a bathroom sink in your bathroom design, an important question arises: Should the sink finish be matte or glossy? Armrock Constructions specialises in bathroom renovations on the Gold Coast QLD, and we have used both matte and glossy sinks in a number of projects. In this article, we examine the benefits of both approaches, and hope to provide some insight to help with making a decision for your own bathroom design. If you’re considering a renovation on the Gold Coast, please contact our team – we provide a free consultation and quote, and look forward to assisting you.

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Understanding the role of the Bathroom Sink

Once upon a time, bathroom sinks were not as glamorous as they are today. They were a purely functional bathroom inclusion – a necessity to capture water and enable washing. While we’re still spitting our toothpaste into them, their role has evolved. They now play a vital part in the presentation of the room. This is accomplished via these two main avenues:

  1. Presence: The bathroom sink may have more or less presence by the way it is mounted in the vanity unit. A fully recessed sink has a lower presence than a sink mounted above the vanity unit.
  2. Finish: The finish of the sink is the other important factor. The colour and texture of the sink, as the centrepiece of the vanity, which is the centrepiece of the whole bathroom, are extremely important from an aesthetic point of view.

From a functional perspective, both matte and gloss sinks perform in a similar way. There are minor differences, but they’ll both make your toothpaste disappear. However, in terms of aesthetics the outcomes are different. In this article, we examine the difference between matte and gloss sinks, and how they can be optimally applied to achieve specific design goals for your bathroom.

The Different Between Matte & Gloss Sinks

Matte and gloss are different finishes. They convey a different look and have different textures. Here is the breakdown:

Matte: Less reflective, more texture, diffuse impression
Gloss: More reflective, smoother, shiny impression

The key difference in comparing these finishes relates to their interaction with light. Because the different finishes absorb (matte) and reflect (gloss) light to different degrees, they can be judiciously added to a bathroom to create different relationships, references and continuities in a bathroom renovation design.

Here are a couple of pics from recent Armrock Gold Coast bathroom renovations to demonstrate the difference of matte and gloss sinks in action:

Gloss Bathroom Sinks – Armrock Constructions
Matte Bathroom Sink – Armrock Constructions

As you can see, depending on the amount of light in the room, they both have a degree of reflection; however, the matte finish creates a more diffuse & less shiny result. You can learn more about using matte and gloss in interior design in this article

Why Does it Matter?

I could tell you that everything matters in a bathroom renovation, but hopefully you already know that! Here’s a thought. In a bathroom, the centrepiece of the room is the bathroom vanity – it’s the key expression of the bathroom. And what sits on top of that, like a trophy on a table?

Especially in a bench-mounted format (as opposed to an inset basin), the sink becomes a signature aspect of the signature part of the bathroom design. Accordingly, it is certainly worth getting the right type of sink in place to achieve an optimal result.

How Colour Fits in

Matte and Gloss finishes can be applied to create different effects from the same colour. These finishes are colour-independent. For example, you could have a white basin with a matte finish, or a white basin with a gloss finish. Either way, it would still be white – but the finish would create a slightly different expression of the colour. There is virtually no limitation to bathroom sink colours, although mainstream design trends usually see them being available in common colours such as white, black, grey, and beige.

Matte White Sink with Timber Laminate Benchtop

Simplifying Colour

The unlimited options in interior design are liberating, but a degree of restraint is usually part of the recipe for success. The more colours you introduce to a design, the more challenging it can be to reconcile the design. Here’s where a major advantage of matte and gloss finishes becomes apparent. They provide a non-colour method of approaching diversity in bathroom design – creating subtle relationships and references that don’t take you away from your design goals. For example, if you would like to introduce a degree of contrast with your bathroom sink, it can be accomplished with a different finish, rather than a different colour.

The Natural Connection

Underpinning many modern bathroom designs is the goal to make a natural connection. In natural water environments, there is usually a combination of matte and gloss, and often relationships interchange as well. Think of river rocks, and the way they might dry out to a matte finish, only to sparkle to life when water is introduced. In these environments, everything is neither shiny nor dull – there is an interplay, and combining matte and gloss textures in a bathroom design is an extension of this naturalistic tendency.

Following are some examples of gloss an matte sinks in action in different combinations for different outcomes:

Working with Timber

Timber is a popular, enduring material for bathroom vanity design, both in benchtops and cabinetry. The relevance being that the sink appears closest to these aspects, particularly the benchtop, making that relationship very important. In the following image, which is from an Armrock renovation on the Gold Coast, you can see the gloss white sinks create a high degree of contrast with the warm, tactile timber tones.

Double Gloss Sinks with Timber-Look Laminate Vanity

In the next example, the matte sink is very similar to the vanity unit – is shares a textural and tonal relationship. Both of these outcomes are fantastic, but they feel very different. The first example is bolder, brighter, more forthright and engaging; the second example is more natural, subtle, less overtly visually engaging and somewhat understated. There is no right or wrong – it just depends on what type of bathroom is best for your home and family.

Single Matte Sink with Timber-Look Laminate Vanity

Working with Stone

In a similar way to timber, the relationships between matte and gloss bathroom sinks and their stone (or stone-look) benchtops is defined by contrasts in texture, tone, and reflection. In the following Gold Coast penthouse renovation, we have paired glossy white sinks with a black stone-look laminate benchtop with a highly reflective finish. The dual reflective finishes and high-contrast colours create a striking, sophisticated and strong impression.

Gold Coast Penthouse Renovation

Meanwhile, (and, appreciating that these are two different bathroom renovations and not directly comparable) in the following image we paired a pastel, matte raised sink with a stone-look benchtop for a completely different effect. Irrespective of colours and styles, using a matte finish in the basin generally creates a reduced, softer impression that their glossy counterparts.

Pastel Matte Bathroom Sink with Stone-Look Benchtop

We hope some of the ideas in this article have been useful for you as you approach planning your bathroom renovation, and coming to terms with matte and gloss options for your bathroom sink. If you’re on the Gold Coast, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We look forward to helping with your bathroom renovation.

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Creating Contrast with Gloss White in your Bathroom Renovation

Gloss White Bathroom Renovations
Gloss White Bathroom Renovations

With bathroom renovations, colour choices are everything. Even a minor and unassuming bathroom reno can benefit immensely from attention to detail in colour. When you’re putting together a prospective colour palette for your bathroom, don’t forget about a colour so common it’s often forgotten about.. the all-important bathroom colour gloss white.. which is found in almost all bathrooms via fixtures such as basins, toilets and bathtubs. In this article, we’re going to look at creating contrast with gloss white in your bathroom renovation – how you can leverage this existing colour create an optimal result in your new bathroom colour scheme – Read on to learn more. If you’re on the Gold Coast, please contact our team to arrange a free consultation and quote for your bathroom renovation project:

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What is Gloss White?

The colour ‘white’ comes in a massive range of variants. On simplicable.com, they list 52 different types of white – that is a lot! So when you are considering using white with your interior design, the next question may be, “which one?”

Gloss white is one of many possible different variations of white. What makes a white a “gloss white“? Gloss white combines two key aspects; a pure, bright white aesthetic – and a glossy finish. This creates a shiny, reflective impression.

Gloss White (Bath, Wall, Basin, Vanity) in an Armrock Project

What is The Difference Between Gloss White & Matt White?

The difference between gloss and matt whites is in how shiny the finished surface appears. Another word for this shine, in terms of paints, is ‘sheen’ (just mentioning this so you can sound like an expert discussing these matters with your friends). Glossy surfaces are very shiny (they have a high level of sheen) and reflect a lot of light. Matt finishes are dull, and absorb, rather than reflect light. Using them judiciously is the key to creating an ideal outcome. Matt and gloss finishes can also be used together to create delightful, minimal contrasts that add visual interest to your bathroom design.

Creating Contrast with Gloss White in your Bathroom Renovation

Why be concerned with gloss white when you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation? Gloss white is highly likely to have a presence in your bathroom due to the fact that so many common porcelain fixtures for bathrooms come in this colour as a default. It’s not in all bathrooms – I’ve seen all-black bathroom with no gloss white in sight! But it’s in the majority. A glossy white finish is practically a standard for basins, bathtubs, tiles and toilets – it’s an extremely popular finish for bathroom assets.

Why are Bathroom Fixtures Often Gloss White?

The reasons why gloss white is so prevalent in bathroom fixtures are pretty interesting. First of all, gloss white creates a clean, bright appearance, which is basically the goal of 90% of bathroom designs. In bathrooms, hygiene is important, and it’s easy to show that yes, thank you, you have cleaned the bathroom, when white is the background colour.

Some colours make it easier to show how clean something is, and gloss white is the queen of ’em all, especially with its smooth, non-porous nature. On the topic of cleanliness, gloss white is also easy to clean. Its smooth surface is a cinch to wipe down.. would it be going too far to say it actually makes cleaning fun? On reflection, probably, yes.

Gloss white looks the part, does the job, and is easy to maintain – no wonder it’s so popular in bathrooms all around the world!

Utilising Gloss White in Your Bathroom

The whole point of this article is to ensure you make the most of the inclusion of gloss white in standard bathroom fixtures. It’s already there, so it can be leveraged, and the overall impression optimised accordingly. Let’s look at some of the key ways you can utilise your gloss white fixtures to make a great impression in your bathroom design.

Minimal Contrast Integrity

Creating Contrast with Gloss White in your Bathroom Renovation

In this Gold Coast bathroom renovation, we designed, built and installed a custom vanity unit which features a gloss-white mounted basin. By the way, did you know that we specialise in custom bathroom vanities? They’re often a highlight of our renovations. You can read more about them here if you’re interested. Anyway! What’s fabulous about this solution is the low-key soft-grey background tiled feature wall behind the vanity. This enables the whites to pop, without being overwhelming; so everything subtly integrates into a lovely functional whole.

By virtue of its gloss-white demeanour and elevated position against this backdrop, the basin becomes a featured pinnacle within the room. Anchored by the laminated timber-style bench top, the vanity and basin contrive to create an impression of emergence within the room. Not a bad result – and all because the gloss white was integrated, and not included as an afterthought.

High Contrast with Colour

High contrast solutions are also common using opposing colours to set up a strong relationship with gloss white fixtures. This generally creates a more striking, sophisticated, exciting and confident look. Just the thing for a penthouse! In this Gold Coast high-rise renovation, we used a black laminated benchtop for powerful contrast with not just the basins but the entire bathroom and suite. This is enhanced by LED backlit circular mirrors. Creating contrast with gloss white in your bathroom renovation doesn’t require a high-contrast solution like this – but this is the most striking contrast that you can achieve.

Creating Contrast with Gloss White in your Bathroom Renovation – Contrasting with Texture

While contrasting with colour is an effective way to make a statement, textural contrasts are also a wonderful way to enhance your bathroom style. In the above image, we produced a colonial style bathroom renovation for an all-white solution. In such cases, the gloss whites which can be found in the bathtub, basins and vanity unit, enjoy a minimal and mainly textural contrast with other elements such as the wrap-around wall tiling and marble-tiled floors.

Rolling Highlight Contrast

Creating Contrast with Gloss White in your Bathroom Renovation

In this example, which is a more classical approach, the gloss white elements (bathtub, basins) have a high degree of contrast against the muted white tiles and especially the timber-style vanity. Notice how the back-lit LED mirrors light up the basins for visual impact. The great thing about gloss white in a bathroom situation is its versatility. It can go with similar, or different elements and easily build sustainable relationships with them.

Make the Most of Your Gloss White Fixtures

Gloss white is in most bathrooms and it makes sense to capitalise on this fact. Whether you’re going for a low, medium or high-contrast bathroom solution, you can leverage your gloss white fixtures to really make the most of the possibilities on offer.

Some Good Questions to Ask:

  1. Do I want my bathroom to be striking, or low key? A high-contrast result is more striking, and if you’re using gloss-white fixtures, this will mean pairing them with high-contrast fixtures.
  2. Do I want my bathroom to have subtle nuances? Investigate using textures that subtly contrast with your gloss white elements.
  3. How can I bring it all together? Think about how your bathroom elements are anchored in the room. Use colours and textures to position them so that they look as if they belong.
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Round Mirrors in Bathroom Design

Round mirrors are a popular bathroom design feature that are included in many of our Gold Coast bathroom renovation projects. If you’re trying to decide whether to include a round mirror in your bathroom design, this page will be a useful resource for you, and features examples from our recent Gold Coast bathroom renovation projects.

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Connecting with Round Mirrors

A major advantage of round mirrors is the way they integrate bathroom elements without dominating the design. Round mirrors may not fill the whole space, but they feel like the do, and this enables them to not only connect bathroom elements, but do so in a lovely way.

In the following image, you can see a colonial-themed bathroom renovation undertaken by our team. Note that the vanity and window are similar in shape (rectangular) and size. We’ve used a double-round mirror here which helps to connect these two elements. Imagine a square, or rectangular mirror in this scenario.. it may overwhelm the room, whereas the round mirrors create a sense of connection and integration.

Double Circular Mirror Integration

Concentrated Design Focus

In the following image, from the same renovation project (it involved a double-bathroom renovation) we’ve used a singular round mirror above the vanity unit. This creates an interesting focus for the bathroom which wouldn’t exist if a larger or more dominant mirror were utilised. Because this colonial bathroom renovation requires the harmonious juxtaposition of multiple irregular objects, the round mirror provides a way to connect, integrate, and relate the room.

Single Circular Mirror Integration

Bathroom Flow & Circular Mirrors

A goal of bathroom design is always to make rooms that make sense. A sense of flow, or movement, through the bathroom elements can help to accomplish this. One of the great attributes of round mirrors is how they enable rooms to flow. Even in rooms with a static feel, a round mirror enlivens and rejuvenates the space, making it feel larger and more dynamic. Interestingly, on the majestic glass.com.au website, they note “if you are planning to redecorate your beloved bathroom, or just want to spice up the design, then the best and easiest thing to do is replacing the current dull mirror with a round one”.

Cultivating Visual Interest

Single Circular Mirror Integration

Round mirrors are a fantastic way to cultivate visual interest. The dynamic nature of the circle ensures the eye will always have somewhere to go. A round mirror activates and cultivates this sense of dynamism, which event by its solitary contribution can help take your bathroom to the next level. This particular bathroom also includes a built-in shower, which is a great option to consider for your renovation as well.

Anchoring the Vanity

Anchoring the Vanity with a Mirror

A bathroom vanity is the cornerstone of any bathroom. Utilising a custom vanity in your bathroom renovation is a great way to express and integrate your bathroom design. A challenge of working with vanity units is the difference of their shape within the bathroom. Low and horizontal, they can contrast poorly with taller elements such as the shower or the bathroom door. Because vanity units are always paired with a mirror, this deficiency is overcome; in the case of round mirrors, vanity units can achieve a vertical presence albeit at a much smaller footprint of bathroom real estate.

This effect is also demonstrated in the following images from a recent Gold Coast bathroom renovation below. Note how the circular mirror helps connect the vanity with the room, and creates a visual bridge between the vanity and the shower. Read about this project here.

By the way, isn’t the tiling in these projects fantastic! Learn more about tiling with our team here.

Anchored Vanity
Bathroom Integrity

Making Important Choices

Anchoring the Vanity with a Mirror

A round mirror isn’t always the best choice, and definitely not the only choice. It’s just a great option to keep in mind instead of defaulting to a rectangular or square mirror. Talk to our team about your Gold Coast bathroom renovation. We look forward to working together with you to create your ideal bathroom design, and then helping you to bring it to reality.

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The Design Advantage of a Built-In Shower

One of the design challenges in a bathroom renovation situation is tackling the design challenge of making elements of different shapes and sizes (shower, toilet, vanity, etc) look like they are a family. Accomplished well, a bathroom achieves an integrated look and feel – the ultimate goal of a bathroom renovator! Of all the elements, showers can be one of the more challenging to make ‘at home’ in a bathroom because of the oppositional nature of their tall, vertical structure to other low-set elements in the room.

One sure-fire way our team achieves a connection between showers and bathrooms, that have used with success on a number of our Gold Coast renovations, is to build the shower into the room.

Managing Your Bathroom Renovation Budget

Any bathroom renovation is a careful balance between style and budget. Finding the right balance is the key to a successful renovation. Accordingly, a built-in shower may not be for everyone – it’s going to cost more than a prefabricated shower. But it will solve the design challenge of integrating your shower into your bathroom design, along with a number of other advantages explained below.

Types of Built-In Showers

Building a shower into the bathroom can be done to different degrees and effects.

A shower might be completely screenless (a ‘wet’ shower) in a bathroom designed to accommodate it. Alternatively, it may be built into a partial or complete recess, in the shape and size you need to achieve your ideal bathroom.

From these distinctions follow a wide range of possibilities in style and function, since all aspects of built-in showers can be fully customised to suit the needs of your bathroom.

From the design point of view, the advantage of a built-in approach is that the shower is integrated into the room, rather than added in as a separate element and made to fit as best as possible.

Alternatives to Built-In Showers

The alternative option to a built-in shower is a prefabricated shower. They are purchased as a ready-to-go unit from a plumbing provider and installed by our team. We can help guide you to the right type of choice to suit your project, and then install them in our project. You can achieve a great result with a prefabricated shower. However, a built-in shower has the capability to take your bathroom to the next level.

Built-In Advantages

The principal advantage of a built-in shower is integration. Because the shower is being built as part of the room, choices about the shower can reflect and inform choices in the rest of the room, and vice-versa.

For example:

  • The tiling in your built-in shower can create a relationship with the rest of the room.
  • A built-in shower can also include a tiled niche for storage of items such as shampoo and soap.
  • Built-in showers can use shapes to compliment the flow of the room. They don’t have to be square (a common prefabricated shower shape).

Built-In Showers with Armrock Constructions

In addition to helping your shower to integrate with your bathroom, there are other advantages to having a built-in shower. It can be designed for an optimal fit in dimension, functionality, shape and style. A quality built-in shower will enhance the resale value of your home and enjoyment of the bathroom for many years to come.

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