Brand new dark grey marble embodied in a porcelain tile now available at Nerang Tiles. Introducing the Breccia. Available in 600 x 600 and 1200 x 600 in both a matt or polished finish, this new porcelain tile is suitable for both walls or floors and can uplift or compliment any home space. Visually appealing, this porcelain tile has over 8 different prints of stunning grey marble veining that imitates the natural marble stone found in northern Africa and Southern Italy. Perfect for the modern mid century look, industrial chic, modern industrial or elegant hotel feel, this porcelain tile is perfect for those wanting something unique and different in their home.
Visit Nerang Tiles to see this incredible tile and others in the same range. Nerang Tiles is an award winning tile showroom with thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles on display at its Gold Coast tile showroom.
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Features and advantages of porcelain tiles.
Porcelain tile is a compact and non-porous material, resistant to frost and fire, resistant to wear and breakage. It also resists acids, chemicals and thermal shock. Durable, resistant and easy to clean, porcelain floors offer considerable advantages in numerous applications in residential, commercial and public venues. Resistant to footfall and resistant to attack from chemical agents, the surface is characterised by unalterable aesthetics that make porcelain tiles perfect for floors for projects of commercial and public spaces, restaurants and wellness areas, shops, offices, hotels and business lounges. Porcelain tiles offer the ability to be suitable for use in areas subjects to high footfall, such as modern shopping centres, airports, schools, museums, hospitals and other public places. Porcelain tiles do not get damaged when they comes into contact with acids or detergents, do not allow the build-up of mites or bacteria, do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) and are easy to maintain: thanks to these features porcelain floors are particularly suitable for use in spa and wellness centres, bathroom floors as well as kitchen floors in both residential and industrial contexts. In general, they are suitable for us in all public or commercial venues that require safety and hygiene. Porcelain floor surface finishes. Porcelain tiles are available in various surface finishes depending on the application of use: the matt surface, the honed glossy finish, the honed satin finish, the textured surface and the grip surface. The later options are characterised by non-slip characteristics, specifically designed for outdoor flooring. Porcelain floors for outdoor use. Water-proof and resistant to pollutants, frost salt and chlorine, porcelain tiles with a non-slip finish is safe and perfect for outdoor paving in public and private areas, for applications such as gardens and terraces, with a pleasant stylistic continuity and surface indoors and outdoors. Porcelain tile flooring in 20mm thickness are specifically designed for maximum strength and safety in external residential and commercial areas, such as walkways and gardens, patios, swimming pool edges, urban pedestrian and commercial carriageable areas. Solutions for sustainable designs. Porcelain floors meet the requirements of sustainable building and allow the construction of architectural projects that are environmentally friendly. offers porcelain tiles that also qualify for the allocation of LEED points. Aesthetic research, attention to market trends and technological evolution. Porcelain tile floors stand out thanks to their striking aesthetic beauty, possible thanks to the synergy between the attention paid to market trends and the application of the most advanced technology and production research. The result of ongoing research into trends in architecture and the planning and design of interiors and exteriors, porcelain floors are characterised by impeccable style, the perfection of their surface and the innovation of their design. The extraordinary richness and attention to detail is the result of constant technical and technological research. Porcelain tile floors take inspiration from natural materials, are characterised by stunning realism and as much attention to detail as possible. Wood effect porcelain tiles, marble effect, stone effect, cement effect floors all combine the style and feeling of the natural world/surfaces that evoke the technical and functional advantages of porcelain tiles. Porcelain floors mirror the latest design trends in terms of materials and furnishing, for the planning of indoor and outdoor spaces able to please without compromising on aesthetics, safety and functionality. Nerang Tiles is an award winning tile showroom with thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles on display at discount prices. Visit the Nerang Tiles showroom today on the Gold Coast to see the full range of floor tiles and wall tiles suitable for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, pools and more. Atlas Concorde is a benchmark player in the entire ceramic tile industry and one of the most important and solid companies worldwide. Its mission is to provide interior designers, architects and the most demanding customers with ceramic solutions suitable for every destination of use, ensuring an aesthetic appeal that is in line with market needs and, at the same time, combine them with excellent technical performance. In its forty years of activity, Atlas Concorde has been synonymous with strength, ethics and reliability, with positive financial results since foundation. A veritable reality that, every year, wins the confidence and trust of over 2,700 customers in more than 100 countries.
Founded in 1969, Atlas Concorde is the founder company of the Gruppo Concorde, the second largest ceramic tile group in Europe, with an annual turnover of 700 million euros and 2,400 employees*. Since the very beginning, Atlas Concorde has proactively contributed to the evolution of ceramic tiles, introducing technological and aesthetic innovations that have become a point of reference for the entire ceramic industry. *data relevant to the year 2016. People: our most valuable resource.The driving force behind the success of Atlas Concorde are the people: more than 500 employees and 100 agents and promoters, working everyday with professionalism, passion and dedication. Respect for the effort our staff put into their work is one of the cornerstones at Atlas Concorde, in fact, the company pays particular attention to the working conditions of its staff and puts its personnel through a process of continual personal development, coaching and training, always on the look-out for new talents. That is why the turnover of personnel is reduced to a minimum, one of the lowest in the sector. Made in italy as the symbol of quality and style.Atlas Concorde is a company founded on fi rm principles, a company that identifi es with the values expressed in the ethical code of Confi ndustria Ceramica and in the Made in Italy and Ceramics of Italy quality marks, the guarantee of transparency, quality and Italian style. Those who choose Atlas Concorde have the guarantee to purchase ceramic tiles produced in safe working environments, manufactured using carefully selected raw materials finished with the Italian expertise and know-how that is renowned across the world. Nerang Tiles is an award winning tile showroom on the Gold Coast displaying thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles at discount prices. Nerang Tiles is a proud retail partner of Atlas Concorde, displaying a range of the following tile ranges manufactured in Italy with access to all tile ranges through indent orderingVisit the Nerang Tiles multi award winning tile showroom to see some of the incredible porcelain and ceramic floor tile and wall tile ranges offered by Atlas Concorde. Nerang Tiles has stunning displays of the Marvel marble look porcelain tiles and the Etic and Etic Pro designs on display as well as many other Atlas Concorde unique designs. At one time a luxury found only in grand homes, the powder room has become a staple in new American residences. When planned for new construction, they are often given ample space. But when you want to fit one in during a remodel or into an addition, you may have constraints. No matter what type of home you have, it helps to understand how much space is needed for these little — or not-so-little — very special rooms.
Doors You can choose from a variety of types and sizes for the powder room door. It can be styled like the rest of your home’s decor or unique. Common widths are 28, 30, or 32 inches (71, 76 or 81 centimeters). Wheelchair-accessible doorways ideally should be at least 36 in. (91 cm) wide. You can go as narrow as 24 in. (61 cm) if absolutely necessary, but anything less than that will likely be uncomfortable, and the door would probably have to be custom fabricated. Standard door heights are 80 or 96 in. (203 or 244 cm), and you will probably coordinate the height with that of the other doors in your house. Double doors can work nicely if detailed well, especially since they fold into less wall space. Pockets and sliding types provide more choices, as seen in the third photo. Toilets Toilets also come in a variety of configurations, such as two pieces or one piece. There also are types that can be wall mounted, as in the third photo. If you are selecting a toilet, get the manufacturer’s specifications from the website or from a plumbing supplier before making a decision about what type will fit and operate properly in your home. Other options can be different seat heights, electronic controls and different levels of water consumption, to name just a few. A powder room may need to fit in a narrow space, under stairs or both. The trick is to place the toilet with its back to the descending ceiling. You will normally bend down to use this area, so you can cheat some space out of it if you are particularly squeezed. However, don’t place it in any space less than about 5 feet (152 cm) in height. You might be able to go a few more inches below that, depending on your circumstances, but once the ceiling goes below 4 ft., its best use is for storage accessed from an appropriate opening. It is important to understand that toilets have minimum clearances, which must be considered for their placement. These can vary depending on location and local codes and customs. They also can be affected by the type of toilet you install. The most common configuration requires a toilet to have 15 in. (38 cm) of unobstructed space on either side of its centerline, for a total clear width of 30 in. (76 cm). You then must have at least 24 in. (61 cm) clear in front of the toilet to a wall or another object, according to this same building code. Take note also that toilets come in standard round bowl configurations or with an elongated bowl. The elongated bowl adds about 3 in. (8 cm) to the front-to-back depth of a fixture, so a round-bowl toilet will be about 27 in. (69 cm) deep and an elongated type will be around 30 in. (76 cm) deep. Sinks Powder room sinks are primarily a place for quickly washing hands, so the size can be very small, as seen in this Vancouver space, or much more generous, as in the following examples. You can find vessels that measure a mere 12 in. (30 cm) or so front to back and about as wide, and can be mounted to the wall. As long as you have at least 24 in. (61 cm) clear in front of your sink, you can get by with such an arrangement. Vanities If you have room for standard-size sinks and vanities, you’ll be able to choose from an enormous variety of products — not to mention you can have something custom designed and built. Expect that the depth to the wall of pedestal sinks, of any type, will be at least 16 in. (41 cm), with more common depths being about 20 to 22 in. (51 to 56 cm). Those built into a vanity or cabinet could be 21 to 24 in. (53 to 61 cm) deep. Heights are now commonly 34 to 36 in. (86 to 91 cm). Previous customs placed them at about 32 in. (81 cm) high. Floor Area When spaces are newly designed or more conventional, a powder room can work well in an area that is 60 in. (152 cm) square. This allows for a pedestal sink and a toilet to be placed on one wall together, the door on an adjacent wall and possibly a window on one of the other walls. It is also important to note that the wall behind toilets, and sometimes sinks, needs to be thicker than a standard wall framed with 2-by-4s. A 2-by-6 construction allows for plumbing with a 3-in. (8-cm) diameter to pass through the wall space, which is necessary for sewage. Types of construction vary among different regions and building types, so carefully consider buildings that are not wood framed or designed using metric measurements. Remodeling in a high-rise condominium, for example, may require considerations beyond those described here. Outlets An electrical outlet must be installed with a listed ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFIC) or listed GFIC breaker that protects the circuit of that outlet. Outlets are required by some building codes to be placed within 36 in. (91 cm) of the outside edge of the sink and at an appropriate height for the configuration of the basin area. Windows If a window is provided for ventilation, its area must be 5 percent of the square footage of the room or at least 1½ square feet (about 450 square cm). Mechanical ventilation can be used in place of a window and is common. The key is that the ventilation equipment must provide five air changes per hour to the exterior of the building, according to many current building codes. All fans manufactured for this purpose will have indicated in their specifications how much air they can circulate. Accessories Tissue holders do not have a code requirement for their placement. However, it’s standard to mount them with their horizontal centerline at 24 in. (61 cm) above the floor. Position one on a sidewall or surface at a comfortable distance beside the front of the toilet bowl so that reaching it is convenient but the fixture is not easily bumped. Other elements installed in powder rooms — such as light fixtures, mounted soap dishes and mirrors — all depend on the style and configuration of the room. Mirrors can be very small or cover an entire wall. Sconces mounted on either side of a mirror at about head height provide a good light source for reflections on the face. Backlit, overhead and recessed fixtures can provide special or dramatic lighting effects. Credit: Steven Randel October 4, 2015 Houzz Contributor. California licensed architect specializing in residential projects throughout the state, keynote speaker, and author of the upcoming book "The Realtors' Guide to Home Styles: How to Understand What Clients Really Want & Match Them To Their Dream House". Link:: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25889515/list/key-measurements-to-help-you-design-a-powder-room Nerang Tiles is an award winning tile showroom with thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles on display at discount prices in its Gold Coast showroom. Nerang Tiles has the largest range of floor tiles and wall tiles in Queensland and the expertise to assist you with any job. With the range of tiles and knowledge at Nerang Tiles you are sure to achieve your dream powder or guest bathroom design with the Nerang Tiles team. The backsplash could be considered the most important part of your kitchen's design. No matter what material you choose, it's a focal point. Tile tends to be the most popular choice — for its flexibility in style, budget and application. Whether your backsplash goes up to the bottom of the upper cabinets, reaches all the way up to the ceiling or falls somewhere in between, using one of these inspiring and intriguing tiles can add to your kitchen's unique look.
Laser-cut tile. These tiles are intricately cut with lasers to produce elaborate designs that are pieced together like a puzzle, as shown here. Beware of the price tag on these tiles, as many of them are made of precious materials like quartz and marble, or handmade gold- or silver-backed glass. Mirror tile. Tiny mirrored tiles all assembled into one design create a mirrored backsplash with texture. Something like this is perfect for that area in your kitchen that requires an extra-special touch — like a buffet area, serving station or butler's pantry. Diagonal tile. Give ordinary tile a spin by placing it on the diagonal. Keep in mind that a diagonal layout means you'll need to order about 10 percent more tiles to complete your backsplash. Diagonal tile layouts also tend to be more labor intensive — more cuts are required at the top and the bottom — so the installer may up the price a bit. Large-pattern tile. Big, bold patterns are in vogue right now — try placing one on your kitchen walls. Many companies produce overscale patterns that can be customized to repeat, much like wallpaper. With a large-patterned tile, it's very important to lay out your wall space thoughtfully, so that your design ends up looking even throughout the installation. Subway tile. One of the most beloved tile designs to date is the timeless and classic subway tile — so named because this type of tile is often used in subway stations worldwide. Tile all the way to the ceiling to give this classic tile a fresh and more modern look. Herringbone tile. Add loads of texture to your kitchen with tile in a herringbone pattern. Many tiles in the herringbone pattern can be purchased on a mesh backing (usually a 12- by 12-inch backing material on the underside of the tile that holds several pieces together), which means you won't have to lay out each and every individual piece. Specialty-shaped tile. Don't limit yourself to a square. Many manufactures take pride in offering unique shapes and colors. You should have no problem finding a manufacturer near you to get the color and shape you need. The oval shape in this kitchen has a great retro feel. Custom mosaic tile. If you have the budget for it, consider going with a design that is all your own. The design here was created with mosaic tiles, expertly trimmed piece by piece to create a stunning custom design. Some designs can be purchased directly from a tile manufacturer, and others can be designed and installed by an artist who specializes in custom mosaic tile design. It all depends on the look you're going for. Nerang Tiles is an award winning tile showroom displaying thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles in its Gold Coast showroom. Nerang Tiles has the tile range and the experts to assist you with designing your space. Visit Nerang Tiles to begin designing your dream space. Credit: Shane Inman April 29, 2013 Houzz contributor and president and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under Shane's leadership, The Inman Company is committed to raising the standard of business to incorporate the highest-quality customer service with unwavering excellence in design. LInk: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9789652/list/8-top-tile-types-for-your-kitchen-backsplash Great project: Install glass, tile or another decorative material for a gorgeous and protective backsplash
The options for kitchen backsplashes are pretty much limitless in terms of material, color, size and cost. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what’s best for you and your lifestyle. Knowing how to navigate the process of installing a new backsplash can help ease some of the stress. Here’s what to expect. Project: Adding a new backsplash. Why: A backsplash can act as a focal point in the kitchen, creating interest and balance between the other materials and elements. Details: The difficulty and expense of the project will depend on the complexity of the design. First you’ll want to decide what kind of backsplash you’d like to have. As mentioned, the options are endless, from smooth, backpainted glass to complex ceramic tile patterns and custom murals. Look at photos, research materials, meet with a designer and visit showrooms to decide what’s best for you. Measure, remeasure and remeasure, says designer Mariette Barsoum. This will help determine what size of tile or material will work best. Then think about how everything will fit together. This is where an experienced designer can come in handy. A designer will be able to quickly come up with ideas for how the tile layout will end and begin, how it will wrap around your cabinets or range hood, and so on. The type of countertop you have will be a very important determining factor. For example, a busy backsplash would clash with a busy granite countertop that has a lot of variation. Make sure to consider how the material will enhance the other elements in the room, and vice versa. You’ll then want to figure out how much tile or other material you’ll need. Barsoum says a good rule of thumb is to add 10 percent to the amount of square feet of space. If you have 50 square feet for a backsplash, for example, order 55 square feet of tile. This will account for breakage and mistakes on the job. Barsoum also recommends working with the materials company or store to make sure what you’re ordering — tile, trim pieces etc. — will arrive at the same time. “Once the job starts, you want to finish it,” she says. “You don’t want to be going along and then have to wait because you’re missing three pieces of tile or bullnose.” Cost: Because the options for materials are so vast, it’s difficult to give a ballpark estimate, but Barsoum says a typical backsplash including labor and materials should run around $1,500 on the low end and $6,000 and up on the high end. She says you can get 3-by-6 ceramic tile for $3 per square foot and 3-by-6 blue marble for $70 per square foot. Who to hire: If you’re confident in tiling techniques — leveling a wall and adding grout — this could be a DIY project. But Barsoum says the more expensive the material, the more you should consider hiring a professional. For most jobs a tiler is your best bet. Best time to do this project: Either during a kitchen remodel or after. You don’t want to add a backsplash if you plan to remodel your kitchen anytime soon, because you’d have to replace the backsplash anyway once you start ripping out cabinets or adding countertops. How long it will take: Planning and getting the materials can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks. Again, it depends on the materials. If your tile choice is in stock, you can have it in a matter of days. If you’re ordering handmade tiles, it can take six to eight weeks. Once the job begins, it typically takes two or three days for tile to set. The good thing is, you can still use your kitchen throughout the job. Credit: Mitchell Parker February 15, 2014 Houzz Editorial Staff. Link: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23236753/list/how-to-add-a-kitchen-backsplash Nerang Tiles is a multi award winning tile showroom displaying thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles in its Gold Coast tile showroom. Nerang Tiles has the range and the experts to assist you with your kitchen splashback design and implementation. Visit Nerang Tiles to see the range and begin designing your dream kitchen. Whether you have a simple powder room or a master en suite, functionality should be at the heart of your bathroom remodel. Read on to learn tricks for gaining storage, improving lighting and drainage, and more to ensure that your renovated bathroom stands the test of time.
1. Plumbing. Residential plumbing typically uses 1½-inch pipes for drains. You’d be surprised how much gunk and hair goes down that drain. The larger the drain, the less likely it is to clog. The cost difference to upgrade to a 2-inch drain is practically negligible, and unless your framing doesn’t allow for it, you should consider increasing the drain in your shower to 2 inches. Also, If you live in a region where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter, it’s important that your water supply lines don’t get routed through an exterior wall. 2. Lighting. Consider recessed light fixtures throughout your ceiling to brighten up the room. Include one (or two) in your shower with the proper shower trim. Install a dimmer switch so you can adjust the mood in your bathroom. You’ll want to consider how you’ll be using the mirror in your bathroom and whether you want aesthetic or functional lighting. Whether you’ll be applying make-up or shaving, bright light fixtures properly placed go a long way to help you see what you’re doing close up. 3. Medicine cabinets. Do you have the space to recess your medicine cabinet? Oftentimes this is a great way to save a few inches of space over a shallow vanity, and the additional framing typically isn’t going to break the budget. If that’s not an option, ensure that you have enough room at your vanity to have your medicine cabinet protrude by 4 to 5 inches. 4. Wall-hung toilets. These fixtures have grown in popularity lately, and for good reason. They no longer break the bank, and they also save space since the tank is hidden behind the wall. But there is a big consideration with these special fixtures. Because of how these toilets drain, if you ever change your mind and opt for a floor-mounted unit, you’ll have to rework the supply. 5. A window in the shower. This is a great feature if done properly. Some things to consider: Choose a frosted-glass panel for privacy and preferably one that opens for fresh air. Next, ensure that there are stone jambs along the entire installation so that this area is watertight. Also, ensure that the sill gets sloped down and away for proper drainage. Lastly, I always specify a tilt-and-turn window in a shower, because the screen is located on the outside of the window; the handles are plastic, so they won’t rust; and the window provides full privacy even when tilted open. 6. Shower sills. Like the windowsill, what’s important here is that it is sloped properly into the shower. Try to choose a material that is solid, like stone or quartz. If you tile your shower curb, water can sit on the grout lines and eventually seep through to the framing. 7. Shower floors. Larger tiles are typically more difficult to slope properly, and unless they’re textured, they’ll be slipperier because the grout lines are further apart. Smaller tiles, whether textured or not, offer more traction and are typically the norm for shower floors — though the options are nearly limitless. 8. Shower bases. Gone are the days of boring beige prefabricated shower bases. More and more, I’ve been using shower systems that have modern, clean bases made out of acrylic or porcelain. Don’t overlook other options for your shower floor. 9. Drawer storage. Consider installing a vanity with drawer storage rather than doors. Drawers are easier to access and easier to organize. They can be cut out around the plumbing and can be extra large to accommodate large items. 10. Shower or tub? When considering a bathtub or a shower-only option, ask yourself how many baths you take a year. I often have to remind my clients that they are not renovating their homes for a future buyer, but rather for themselves. Even if you live in your house only for another five years, it’s worth it to do it for yourself. And besides, there’s no guaranteed way to tell what will appeal to a future buyer. Credit: Gillian Lazanik February 3, 2016 Houzz Contributor LInk: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59865028/list/10-things-to-consider-before-remodeling-your-bathroom Nerang Tiles is a multi award winning tile showroom with thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles on display at its Gold Coast tile showroom. With expert interior designers at hands, Nerang Tiles has the tile range an skills to assist you with your bathroom renovation. Visit the Nerang Tiles tile showroom today to see the amazing range and start designing your dream bathroom. Easy elegance. Fans. These fish scale marble look mosaics are a sophisticated selection of all-stone shapes. Suitable for residential low traffic floor use. We recommend de-sheeting the elements for use in shower bases Nerang Tiles is a multi award winning tile showroom on the Gold Coast displaying thousands of quality floor tiles and wall tiles at discount prices. Visit the tile showroom to see the complete range of floor tiles and wall tiles and receive exclusive in store tile discounts.
Even in a home with the luxury of an ensuite master bathroom, the family bathroom is generally where much of the action happens. In a family home, this high-traffic space must work for everyone, from the youngest kids to the oldest house guest. And that’s a tall order. When you’re planning a functional bathroom for the current needs of your family, you should also be thinking about future requirements too. A little more investment in the planning stages of a new family bathroom now will serve you and your home well in years to come. Future-proofing a bathroom doesn’t just mean an age-friendly design, but one that is safe, healthy and functional for all your family at any stage of life. Here are some common sense ways to meet the needs of every bathroom user for the future. Go bigger if you can The truth is that family bathrooms tend to get a raw deal when it comes to size – they are often one of the smallest rooms in the home. While there is nothing wrong with that if you know how to use the space well, we expect so much from these hardworking little spaces. If kitchens are the hearts of the home, then I say the family bathroom is the engine room. It stands to reason then that if the engine room doesn’t perform optimally, it will impact the way your household performs, setting the mood of how your day starts and ends. Unlike many kitchens, the family bathroom has multiple users – whether children or house guests – and works twice as hard to accommodate them. In small homes, the laundry is often doing its job in there too. TIP: Is there a way to make your family bathroom bigger? Think outside the square – popping out an external wall or shifting or removing an internal one could make the world of difference to how your main bathroom looks and functions. Marry style with function While the family bathroom is the unsung hero, today we expect our little engine rooms to also have Zen-like quality, a luxury that has become almost a necessity in recent years. With our increasingly chaotic lives, the bathroom offers an escape for half an hour’s peace. But future-proofing the bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A family bathroom needn’t look like an institution. With careful planning and subtle future-focused decisions, you can create an enviable spa-like quality, no matter what size space you have to work with. TIP: An all-white bathroom may look bright and clean, but natural materials such as timber (or tiles that look like timber) can add a warm and relaxing vibe. Engage an expert Planning a bathroom is hugely complex, so rather than trying to plan the layout yourself, it might be more beneficial to engage an expert. Investing in a more developed design by a certified bathroom designer will save you a lot of stress and money in the long term. These professionals know the industry health and safety guidelines and access standards. They will also have the most current knowledge of available building materials and product developments, to maximise functional use of space without compromising on style. A good designer will translate your vision and help you recognise your needs now and into the future. People are surprised when I tell them that professional fees usually represent only four per cent of the total project budget. Evaluate the ergonomics Ergonomics is about the interaction of human movement with the surrounding environment, so you can perform each task with the least amount of effort. As family bathrooms can be relatively small and have a number of different users, the ergonomics for an average user may not suit every age and stage of life. A designer can help you clarify needs so you can accommodate anything from the baby bathing ritual or the toddler learning new skills, to the teenager who leaves the place looking like it’s just been hit by a tsunami. Think ahead too – could an ageing parent or grandchild be using that bathroom in the future? Often the family bathroom is also the guest powder room, so you don’t want too much family mess to be on show. As well as things like size, age, or abilities/disabilities of users, also think about how and when they use the space and how habits change as family members grow or work routines change. In addition, there are minimum national standards for access and clearances that will help determine the most efficient space plan. Analyse the tasks and think about whether you relocate, say, the laundry or loo to create more space and reduce the morning congestion in the one area. Blur the lines One popular solution for a busy household and small bathrooms is to fit both a bath and a shower in the same room, in what’s called a ‘wet room’. Instead of a separate shower stall, an entire area is fully waterproofed and the floor levels adjusted to allow for run-off and drainage. This used to be very expensive, but as demand has grown it has become slightly more affordable. Wet rooms create an illusion of space and are multi-functional, allowing two people to use the space at once. They are old-age and invalid-friendly too, because the floor is all on one level with easy access. However, you need to think through the way it will be used. For example, will the shower spray reach the surrounding furniture, towels and toilet rolls? And how hazardous is a wet floor? My favourite approach is to take a half step to a wet room, dividing the space into two separate zones, wet and dry. That way you get the benefits of a wet room at half the expense of waterproofing the whole room. Shower spray is contained behind a glass panel or a large sliding or pivot door, and there is still room for access. The dry zone is kept organised and presentable for guests – so no chance of soggy socks! Zone for privacy Multiple people can use the bathroom at the same time if it is zoned nicely, rather than having all the stations arranged around the wall. Here, the vanity floats in the middle of the room, with half walls dividing off the toilet behind a closable door (on the left) and the shower tucked behind the right. Mirrors and glass walls create the impression of more space, blurring the lines between zones. If you have more space, a room-within-a-room allows for multiple users. Frosted doors let light flow from one room to the other, while preserving privacy. Test your plan If you are renovating, you don’t have the luxury of a blank canvas. But whatever layout you decide works best for you, test your plan and don’t assume that the original footprint is all you have to work with. Think outside the box, and examine the space around the bathroom. Could you move walls? Recess amenities, like a shower or vanity area into an adjoining room? Borrow closet space? Designers are used to solving problems like this and can give you a number of possible solutions to be tested. The guts and bolts Once all the options have been tested and perfected for performance and the layout is finalised, building a future-proof bathroom begins from the ground up. Your existing floor structure, whether concrete or timber-framed, will need to be assessed to make sure wet areas meet all relevant codes of compliance. Naturally, there are a wide range of non-slip floor finishes, from timber strip to ceramic and stone tiles. If you plan to change flooring types from one zone to another, as seen here with these timber slats in the shower and tiles outside, you need to establish those level changes in the sub-floor. If you plan in-wall plumbing items such as thermostatic mixers, these need to be fitted before the wall is closed up. While the walls are open, decide if you want to use the cavities for recessed shelving, a built-in shower bench or grab rail, which will need extra timber support built into the wall framing. Fit out with care Careful selection of your bathroom furniture, fixtures and tapware makes a bathroom user-friendly for all stages of life – consider taps and switches that are comfortable and easy to turn on for youngsters or old hands, interfaces for things like water temperature and pressure, or sink plugs that are easy to understand and use. A double shower is more efficient than a single, as the combination of overhead rain and sliding rail showers provides flexibility, but make sure levers are easy to access for every user. Consider the height differences of each user. Where flexible options aren’t available, it is best to position a wall-mounted vanity and toilet to suit the tallest user. It is more comfortable for other users to reach a bit higher rather than lower, and certainly helps when we age. You can then add a step stool for children that can slide neatly away underneath (a safer option than the stools that are built into the toe kick of a floor-mounted vanity). Vanities should be as long and as large as possible, and include a double sink if you can to cut the morning queues in half. Here a wall of mirror means multiple users can still check themselves while others are using the sink, while a combination of open shelving for lift-out baskets and built-in drawers means there is accessible storage for each user. Anything that makes access to storage easier is a plus. Here, cabinets that slide out at eye level are safe from inquisitive small people, but still keep medicines and sharp objects in child-proof containers. They are also easier to reach into and see the contents than if you had to bend down beneath the vanity top. Adding seating and a lower-level bench for grooming (make-up for her, shaving for him) is comfortable and safe. Be sure that the bench seat has secure, non-slip feet to prevent accidents. TELL US What have you incorporated into your family bathroom to make it future-proof as your household changes? Tell us in the Comments. Credit: Nadia Sakey: Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Interior Designer and House Doctor. Artist, colourist, and pragmatic creator of beautiful but practical spaces. Link: http://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/69450581/list/how-to-future-proof-your-family-bathroom The QUAD skimmer lid offers a flush finished, paving matched surface with minimal clearances so the lid virtually disappears. This ensures that the skimmer lid doesn’t detract from the pool’s good looks. The QUAD skimmer box lid is comprised of a stainless steel tray that has a matched pool paving stone infill. The tray supports the stone and protects it from chipping and cracking. Unlike the old style custom pool skimmer cover solutions you will no longer have to worry whether your stone pool tile is still available if the it breaks, cracks or chips because the stainless steel tray of the QUAD skimmer lid protects the stone infill. We also supply a heavy duty stainless steel key to allow easy, controlled removal of the lid. This key should be kept out of reach of children so they cannot access the skimmer box. This keyed access meets the above Australian Standard required for skimmer box lid certification. The keyway also provides adequate ventilation and is not a trip hazard. The QUAD Skimmer Lid comprises a 2mm thick 316 marine grade stainless steel tray with the selected paving matched, fitted as a stone infill. A keyway slot is cut into the stone infill prior to assembly into the slotted tray. The tray supports the stone and protects it from chipping, cracking and possibly breaking. Replacement stones or tiles to match may not be available in the future. The dimensions of the square tray are 336 x 336 mm. The depth of the tray can be chosen depending on the thickness of the paving material to be inserted. Four depths are available as standard: 15mm (to suit paving material 12mm or less), 25mm (to suit paving material 20mm or less), 35mm (to suit paving material 30mm or less) and 45mm (to suit paving material 40mm or less). Custom depths are also available. Included in the kit is a heavy duty stainless steel key that allows controlled removal of the lid. This key should be kept out of reach of children so they cannot access the skimmer box. This keyed access meets the Australian Standard AS 1926.3-2010 required for skimmer box lid certification. The slot or keyway cut into the paving material also provides adequate ventilation yet is not a trip hazard Nerang Tiles is an award winning tile showroom with thousands of floor tiles and wall tiles on display at Queensland's largest tile showroom on the Gold Coast. Visit Nerang Tiles to see the complete range of tiles and begin designing your dream project.
Tiles can make or break a bathroom so here are some design elements to consider before making your selection
No matter how well designed your new bathroom is, choosing the wrong tiles can have a devastating effect on its overall look and feel. The right tiles, however, can turn a bathroom into one of the highlights of the house. If your bathroom’s looking a bit shabby but you’re not yet ready for a full renovation, tiles may be just the thing to give the space a facelift. The right choice of tile can take a bathroom from workaday to ‘wow’, without you necessarily having to change anything else. Size, shape, material, colour and finish all come into play when choosing tiles, but there are many other factors to consider, too. We help you narrow down your selection. Size and shape The size, shape and layout of your bathroom will influence the size and shape of your tile. Generally, the larger the room, the larger the tile, and vice versa, but there are no hard and fast rules. It really comes down to the design, style and layout of the room. TIP: It’s often thought that large tiles in a small bathroom make it appear even smaller. Although this is generally true, it’s not always the case. Large tiles in a small bathroom can create the opposite effect and make quite an impression, as long as the majority of tiles can be applied without any cuts. Think of the surfaces that require tiling as individual planes interacting with each other. Where do they start and stop? How do they meet? What size are they and are there any windows or niches to factor in? Which planes accommodate the vanity basins, shaving cabinets, mirrors, toilet, bath, taps and shower? Thinking this way should help you to choose a shape and size of tile that best complements your space, and flows with the lines created by the design. Proportion If you’re using a couple of different sizes of tile within the bathroom (which is often the case), make sure their proportions work together. It’s important that the tiles line up properly everywhere they meet. For example, if you’re using a 300 x 300mm tile on the floor, the wall tiles should be sized in multiples of 300mm – 100, 150, 600, or 900. Look at how the floor meets the wall in this bathroom. The width of two floor tiles equals one wall tile, so the grout lines match up perfectly. Grout Speaking of grout lines, people tend to choose tiles without thinking much about how they’ll look once grouted. While small tiles can look great, be mindful of the large number of grout lines that result possibly appearing too busy and unappealing. Mosaics are often on display in the showroom without the grout, so will look different once grouted up in your bathroom at home. Ask your supplier if there’s somewhere you can see them with the grout on, if you’re concerned about the end result. TIP: Grout colour will greatly affect the final aesthetic. While contrasting grout will further define the shape of the tiles and create a busier surface, grout in a similar or matching colour will create a more subtle appearance. Colour and finish There are many tiles available that look amazing in their own right, but if the style, colour and finish don’t complement the style of your bathroom and fittings, they will very quickly lose their appeal. Also be mindful of how well the tile is going to date. If it’s longevity you’re after, then sticking to neutral colours or natural stone will do the trick. You can always accessorise with the latest trends and colours to keep it looking up-to-date. Natural light If your bathroom is dark with minimum or no natural light coming in, use lighter coloured tiles – they’re more reflective and will brighten the space. On the other hand, if your bathroom gets a lot of natural light, particularly direct sunlight, high-gloss tiles may be too reflective and create glare. A semi-gloss or satin would be a better alternative in this case. TIP: In small bathrooms, try using tiles of the same colour on the wall and floor. This will help to create a more spacious feel. Credit: Karyn McRae 8 October 2015 Houzz Australia Contributor. Interior Designer at McRae & Lynch Design. http://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/42717926/list/bathroom-tiles-how-to-get-it-right |
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