Beyond functionality: Innovative bathrooms for your unique needs
The most important room in your home
Bathrooms haven't always been the havens of relaxation and personal care they are today. Until not so long ago, they were purely functional spaces tucked away at the back of the house.
Over time, bathrooms have evolved into multi-purpose havens, and we now see them as a place for pampering and a space for privacy, offering a refuge for quiet reflection and self-care routines. With the help of technology, bathrooms have been transformed into places of comfort and convenience, introducing features like heated floors and smart devices.
Renovating your bathroom
It’s important to plan for what you want in a bathroom, and you should discuss your needs with a designer, an electrician, and a plumber. Here are some tips for planning a successful bathroom renovation:
- Wish list: Make a list of everything you'd like to have in your bathroom, such as a spa bath, rainfall shower, or heated towel rack. Consider your lifestyle and the needs of everyone in your household, and think about accessibility features like grab bars, shower seats, or wider doorways.
- Budget: Work out a realistic budget for your renovation, and prioritise spending on essential features such as safe electrical wiring and installation, and plumbing fixtures. Get quotes from contractors to avoid surprises.
- Measure: Knowing the exact dimensions of your bathroom is crucial for planning layouts and fixtures. Consider existing plumbing fixtures and factor in clearances to ensure enough space for comfortable movement between fixtures.
- Design inspiration: Browse online and magazines for bathroom design ideas, and consider lighting, storage solutions, and colour palettes. Think about the overall feel you want to create, such as a spa-like retreat, a modern minimalist haven, or a vintage-inspired oasis. Sample materials like tiles, countertops, and faucets before making a final decision.
- DIY or hire a pro? Be honest with your skills and hire licensed electricians and plumbers with experience in bathroom renovations and proper insurance. Ask for references from past clients to ensure you choose the right contractor for your project.
Bathroom innovations – the latest
Once you’ve chosen your tiles, flooring, colour scheme and overall design, it’s time to turn your mind to the all-important functionality of your bathroom. If you’re looking for a bathroom that enhances your experience, here are some of the latest innovations to consider.
- Underfloor heating – say goodbye to cold tiles when you walk into the bathroom or step out of the shower. Underfloor heating can either be installed as electric cabling, underneath the floor, or by water running through pipes under the floor, which is known as hydronic central heating. This system can be linked to a thermostat where you can set the temperature automatically or a ‘smart’ system where you can control the heating level via your phone or laptop.
- Chromotherapy baths use colour to influence your mood. When you want to relax, you can use calming hues. If you need a boost in the morning, energising colours can jumpstart your day.
- Smart toilets – these days you can have a toilet with a warm seat, that auto-flushes, cleans itself and cleans you – all automatically. Mainstream in some countries, smart toilets are becoming more popular in New Zealand hotels and homes.
Dimmer switches and mood lighting – bright overhead lighting in bathrooms used to be the only option available, but LED lighting is much more subtle and can be used behind mirrors or for recesses such as your shower and shelves. You can also get dimmer switches installed, or, with a smart home system, the lights can automatically dim or brighten when you enter the bathroom.- Rainfall showerheads have also become a popular fixture in modern bathroom designs. These showerheads provide a powerful downpour that can help relieve stress and leave you feeling refreshed.
- Touchless fixtures and fittings – mostly found in public bathrooms, touchless taps are becoming more and more popular in the home.
- Waterproof and fog-resistant TV – this TV is designed especially for wet and humid environments. It can even combine with your mirror so that when it’s turned off, it reverts to being a regular mirror.
- An ‘intelligent’ exhaust fan that detects humidity levels in your bathroom and switches on and off automatically.
- Connected weighing scales that integrate with your fitness app.
Smart mirrors – most of us already have fog-resistant mirrors, but what about mirrors with an electronic display that recognises your face and gestures? Not only can it play music and show you the weather forecast and the latest news, but it can assess your skin health, and track vitals like heart rate and body mass index.
Renovating your bathroom doesn't have to be limited to traditional fixtures. Innovative features can turn your bathroom into a sanctuary of comfort and style, whether it's a luxurious rain shower or a ‘smart toilet’, these improvements can transform your daily routine and make your bathroom truly one-of-a-kind.
If you want to find out how we can advise and help you with any of the above, including the installation of underfloor heating, lighting options, and bathroom appliances, contact us here.
