Luxury bathroom looks for less

CREATE A SPACE WITH CHAMPAGNE APPEAL ON A LEMONADE BUDGET WITH THESE EXPERT DESIGNER INSIGHTS

Love the look of marble and the glint of gold in the bathroom, but struggling to justify the expense? We all love to pore over images of gorgeous designer bathrooms, but budget restraints often restrict our creative freedom when giving the wash zone an opulent new look. That doesn’t mean that your remodel has to be conventional – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. “Creating a luxurious ambience in the bathroom is more about light, space and proportion rather than expensive or flamboyant materials,” says interior designer Mikayla Rose of Heartly. Turn the page for the experts’ advice on how to make a little go a long way. >

GLAM FACTOR

All that glitters used to have a high price attached but, according to design specialist Christie Wood of Beaumont Tiles, it’s now much more affordable. “Go for brushed gold or matt black tapware over chrome,” she suggests. “Gold gives an affluent edge, and nothing screams high-end more than striking matt black finishes.” And for longevity, look for tapware with a PVD (physical vapour deposition) finish, which helps to resist scratching, tarnishing and corrosion.

THE MOST IMPORTANT pieces TO INVEST IN WHEN IT COMES TO THE quality BATHROOM ARE FIXTURES ~ LUKE DI MICHIEL, CAROMA

SURFACE APPEAL

Nothing detracts from a luxe bathroom vibe like grout lines. To minimise it, choose large-format tiles – they’re on trend and cut back on installation costs. “The fewer tiles the tiler has to install, the less you pay,” says marketing manager Kate Deakin-Bell of Cosentino. To go grout free, opt for stone-inspired panels such as the Stonika Agra surface from Dekton (pictured), for a seamless result at a fraction of the cost of natural stone.

FABULOUS FAUX

If you love the look of natural materials but can’t afford the price tag, consider top-of-the-range vinyl or laminate tiles for a similar effect. “State-of-the-art photographic technology means manufacturers can now replicate the exact look of wood, marble and stone,” says Christie of Beaumont Tiles. “Timber-look is my personal favourite – you honestly can’t tell the difference. Plus, you still get all the benefits associated with tiles – waterproof, scratch resistant, termite and woodworm resistant – for a fraction of the price.” Try Maison Cedar or Elegance Timber Tortora, both from Beaumont Tiles.

ROOM TO MOVE

The hallmark of a luxurious bathroom is space, so disregard anything that takes up room on the floor. Choose a wall-hung vanity and toilet instead of floor-mounted fittings to create the perception of a much larger surface area. “In terms of what fixtures are the most important, consider the layout and function of your bathroom,” advises industrial designer Luke Di Michiel of Caroma. Wall-mounted mixer taps will leave more space on vanity tops and reduce clutter.

DIY STYLE

Cut back on labour by picking up the tools yourself, whenever possible. “The easiest and most cost-effective way to update a tired bathroom is to paint existing tiles,” says Kate Deakin-Bell of Cosentino. “Neutral tones like white and greys brighten up a bathroom and make a small space seem larger.” The savings you make can then go towards high-end hardware such as taps and towel rails to add accents of glamour. “Spending a little bit extra on hero features can dramatically lift the look and feel of the space,” explains Luke Di Michiel of Caroma.

BRIGHTEN UP: “Natural light can make or break the bathroom,” advises Mikayla Rose of Heartly. “Even expensive materials will look ordinary in bad light.” If you’re short on windows in the bathroom, she recommends installing an oversized skylight, placed in a strategic location such as over the shower.

THE LITTLE DETAILS Never underestimate the power of accessories to elevate a room from meh to magnificent. “All you need is a set of thick, luxurious coordinated towels, large-scale foliage in sculptural pots and a few scented candles, says national colour specialist Sarah Stephenson of Wattyl Paints.

DEEP SOAK: Luxuriating under a rain shower after a long day is the ultimate indulgence, but installing a new shower can really blow the budget. Save cash (and water) in the short and long term by retrofitting a water-saving shower, such as the Kohler Exhale Slide Shower, to get that drenching rain shower experience. >

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT: Subway tiles are favoured by designers for a reason – they’re timeless, elegant and affordable. Pair them with a statement stone (pictured) to elevate the look, or let them steal the spotlight by laying in an unexpected way. “Try laying in herringbone or on an angle,” says Christie Wood of Beaumont Tiles.