Selwyn Times: February 14, 2018

2
[Edition datE]
11
Your guide to Show Homes & New Sections
in the Selwyn District
Bathroom trends
Larger bathrooms with room for more
than just to bathe have been a recent trend
in New Zealand while overseas, smaller
practical albeit luxurious areas are now
featuring.
Master bedrooms with ensuites are
now almost an essential inclusion when
building and it is not unusual for a
second bedroom to have its own ensuite.
Overhead or his and hers shower heads are
another trend proving popular.
Walk-in showers have a strong following
however people are still opting for shower
cubicles with 1,200 and 1,000 square metre
options preferred, and curved cubicles
may be chosen where space is limited or
for smoother lines.
The uptake of black or dark vanities
and baths has not been major with many
people still preferring the standard white
for its fresher look and due to it showing
less splash marks and smears.
The size of the home and number of
occupants including their age range will
influence the capaciousness of a bathroom.
A design chosen from a building company
or influenced by the designer might also
be a factor as will personal preference.
Physically assess the size of a bathroom
on a plan, to determine if it suits your
needs. Think about whether a wider little
room might rob space from another part
of the home like a bedroom and whether it
makes more sense to shift a wall especially
if space elsewhere is tight. Consider the
placement of the main bathroom and
toilet in terms of both living areas and the
bedrooms they will service.
Bathrooms and kitchens add expense
to a build. The more bathrooms, the
higher the cost though having a toilet
with small washbasin may offer privacy
from the family’s bedroom quarters or be
convenient where you are working in the
garage or outdoors and would rather not
traipse dirt through the house. The other
side of the coin is: the more bathrooms,
the more cleaning.
Wall hung soft close toilets are now
popular and easy clean units that fit flush
to the wall, a must. However, high tech
versions which play music or include seat
warmers, deodorisers and air dryers are
taking their time to break into the New
Zealand market. Storage places for towels
and other personal care items are also
something we are seeing.
Elegance and luxury still feature in the
modern bathroom, in the fittings and
accessories. Free standing baths add to
the illusion that this is a place to escape
and feel pampered, a long soak helping
you forget the troubles of the world. On a
practical note, will there be room to easily
clean around the bath?
Carrying the tiling up the walls is now
more common and certainly makes
cleaning easier. We are also seeing more
detail in the tiles with feature panels and
uniquely shaped tiles incorporated to add
a splash of colour or interest. Colour wise,
earthy and monochromatic palettes are
still in vogue.
Take time to visit bathroom suppliers
and showhomes to gather ideas for your
new or renovated little rooms.
Matt and Kim love spending
time outdoors.
So we designed them a home that
maximises their indoor-outdoor flow.
Start your own story
03 348 1994 | www.peterrayhomes.co.nz