Emerging trends

Bathrooms are well and truly in the limelight these days a factor that can be attributed to the wealth of design talent in New Zealand, and the distinctive materials now available.

These pages showcase winning designs from the last NKBA Bathroom Awards, where freestanding furniture pieces and the innovative use of materials were key themes. The judges say combing functionality with a touch of luxury was also evident in many of the designs.

The winner of the best bathroom award typifies all these trends. Designed by Lydia Geerlings of Ingrid Geldof Design, Christchurch, the bathroom features a long Emperador marble plinth. This forms a backdrop to a freestanding walnut cabinet, and extends into the shower. The judges say that as well as creating a luxurious look, the plinth provides a functional ledge for shower products.

The judges also praised the way the mirror backlighting contributes to the glamour of the room, and the visual balance achieved by the use of timber.

Geerlings says the owners of the 10-year-old, contemporary-style house had already begun renovations with a warm and luxurious theme.

"This was kept in mind when selecting the finish colours the walnut timber vanity, the light beige marble tiles, the dark brown marble plinth and the warm, off-white wall colour."

Runner-up in the NKBA best bathroom award was a project designed by Fiona Sutherland of Bathroom Creations in Te Puke. This bathroom renovation needed to create a spacious feeling in a confined area. Sutherland says the owners also wanted to a more contemporary bathroom that would reflect the look of the rest of the house and their lifestyle.

"Removing a wall between the existing toilet and bathroom allowed for a large, walk-in tiled shower area," she says.

A granite benchtop was designed as a focal point. This runs through the tiled wall to create a shelf in the shower.

The NKBA judges say the transformation, from a salmon pink 1980s-style bathroom, was particularly impressive.

"This project illustrates what can be achieved in a small space," they say. "The contemporary styling and the simplicity of materials add to the aesthetic appeal."

To contact Ingrid Geldof Design, phone (03) 377 2557. To contact Bathroom Creations, phone (07) 573 3315.

For association details, contact the NKBA, PO Box 11-183, Papamoa, Bay of Plenty, phone 0900 4 NKBA (46522). Email: info@nkba.org.nz, or visit the website: www.nkba.org.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas