Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 04 i GDA Kitchens & Bathrooms

The global events occurring around us can be a great catalyst for change on a personal level. This is not only true of personal relationships and careers, but home life too. Though 2020 was a difficult year, upon reflection, you might find that you learned a lot about what is important to you, especially in relation to your home life. While spending more time at home during 2020, did you find yourself wishing for a steam oven in which to prepare healthy meals with ease, or perhaps better flow between your kitchen and living spaces? Did you long for heated towel rails or underfloor heating during the winter, or perhaps crave a larger bath in your master ensuite? Or, like me, did you find yourself planning an entirely new colour…

After the year that was 2020, isolating at home has resulted in a rising number of homeowners making home improvements, including transforming the humble bathroom into a glorious spa-style retreat. Bathrooms have become so much more than just a functional space; homeowners are now looking to create a private haven, a space in which to relax, de-stress and unwind. Keep reading to learn about the bathroom trends that are likely to stay relevant in the coming years. TRANQUIL TONES In soft, calming shades, coloured finishes have been a big trend in bathrooms of late. Calming blues and sage green have been popular in evoking a sense of calm and harmony. Paired with natural finishes such as timber, these hues invite the feeling of nature into the home. ORGANIC, FLUID MIRRORS…

Colour is one of the simplest ways to make a difference to your room and undoubtedly one of the hottest trends in 2021 is the use of jewel-inspired tones. Take this term and make it what you want. Jewels are as unique and varied as your taste — there is no right or wrong approach. That means you can incorporate deep emerald greens, vibrant sapphire blues, gleaming golds and citrine and romantic notes of ruby to your kitchen for a look that is both opulent and on trend. This doesn’t mean you need to paint your entire cabinetry in amethyst purple. Incorporate jewel tones in your bar stools, your small appliances or even your plates and glasses to give a current feel to your aesthetic without committing to a complete…

Designers around the world have been embracing the industrial style for years. This trend was born out of necessity — many old warehouses, churches and barns were being turned into living spaces and required a conversion to meet urban living trends. Today, while some industrial designs are housed in older structures, many are products of a very deliberate design choice. These spaces are typically characterised by their modern, open-plan feel that really exposes the structure of the building and the size of the room. Raw materials are given the chance to shine in an industrial space. Think timber beams, polished stainless steel and exposed concrete flooring. You don’t have to choose just one — these natural heroes complement each other, allowing you to mix and match to your heart’s content.…

2020 was a year of disruption. We spent more time at home than ever and in some cases even worked there. Perhaps this is why we now look to our bathrooms and ensuites as a place of retreat. Tranquillity is no longer simply a want, but a need, and minimalist design and styling can help you achieve that. Minimalism doesn’t have to be boring. In a contemporary space, minimalism can mean bold designs, unique shapes, and strong, unapologetic colours and materials. The focus is on a distinct lack of clutter. Clever storage solutions are necessary when designing to a minimalist modern theme so that the hero pieces of the room truly shine. In 2021, natural materials with clean lines are also enjoying a resurgence, adding a touch of warmth to…

Flip your bathroom inside out by inviting natural elements and textures into it. From natural stone to nature-inspired mosaics, bathroom tiles are an ideal way to bring this raw beauty into your interior and create an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Natural materials and textures possess an inherent aura of calm and tranquillity that is perfect for the bathroom. Try floor-to-ceiling large-slab marble for a luxurious spa aesthetic, or go for an industrial chic look with terracotta or brick styles. Modern technologies have also allowed tile design to be more experimental and adventurous, and some of the decorative designs currently on the market will literally have you showering in a rainforest. Bathroom design is all about creating a space for calm, a retreat for cleansing, pampering and relaxing. Nature’s raw…

THE MASTER ENSUITE EMBODIES THE SENSE OF BALANCE AND SERENITY THAT IS PRESENT THROUGHOUT J HOUSE JHouse is a newly built, modern, seven-bedroom mansion designed for a private family. Spanning three levels, the key design considerations requested by the homeowners were “strong, modern ambience without feeling extreme or futuristic”. Utilising the volumes of space crafted by the architect, J House creates opportunities for sharing and interaction while also establishing private spaces where required. “Traditionally, contemporary meant looking modern and futuristic. This house is more about feeling secure, comfortable and relaxed with family and friends. J House creates more personal, intimate spaces with a clean, minimalistic look,” says Taras Wolf, senior architect at Wolf Architects. Behind the vertical lines of J House’s contemporary facade, an unexpected, light-filled interior embraces nature and…

After 10 years making Grand Designs Australia and 30 years practising architecture, I thought I’d share my learnings about the most ritualistic things in life. 1 We are only human Getting the layout and dimensions correct when setting up a new kitchen is critical. Once built, these spaces are very expensive to change, so get it right from the start. A common error is making widths between benches too big. A good kitchen is compact, resulting in efficiency for repetitive movement. I reckon approximately 1m between benches is about right, but I’ve seen some that require a four-day hike to get from one bench to another. Beware of too much tailoring around one person. My mother-in-law is 5ft tall, so she made her bench heights 850mm. This has sentenced the…

Scandinavian style is a popular design choice for homeowners today. This minimalist aesthetic was born in the early 20th century and flourished in the five Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. The design style is characterised by natural materials. The warmth of golden timber is paired with neutral tones. White, grey and soft blue are all hallmarks of the style, promoting a calming feel within the home. In the kitchen, Scandinavian style is easy to achieve using cabinetry. This doesn’t have to mean an entirely wooden kitchen; timber can shine in open shelving alongside more muted joinery. Many Scandinavian kitchens enjoy a textured tiled splashback in a white or neutral palette, with sleek bar stools that again embrace the beauty of timber or a white or grey tone.…

Today’s kitchen is not just for preparation and cooking. The kitchen is the hub of the home, a space that brings the family together for conversation and celebration. All the more reason why kitchen lighting needs careful consideration for its practical and functional uses. Kitchen lighting doesn’t just involve a few downlights and a pendant. A carefully curated selection of ambient, accent and task lighting is needed to make the most of your kitchen space. Recessed downlights can give the room a beautiful, overall glow while fitted spotlights over specific work spaces will provide extra light for safely preparing meals, reading recipes and cleaning the dishes. Invisible strip lighting underneath worktops and cabinetry can illuminate these spaces for functional purposes, as well as highlight architectural detailing. Kitchen lighting relies on…

Forgoing the initial plan of bulldozing a tired 1980s home, which was originally designed by architect Peter McIntyre, the client, together with director Mardi Doherty and project lead Niv Kelkar, began to explore the potential of this unique space with its distinct architectural and decorative features indicative of its era. The challenge would be to preserve and celebrate these elements while opening up the floor plan and making the space functional for a family of five. “Our clients were eager to create a more seamless connection between the internal and external spaces. Key to achieving this was relocating the kitchen to look out over the garden and pool areas. They wanted the kitchen to be a focal point for the family and social activity,” says Mardi Doherty, director of Doherty…

Selecting the right basin for your bathroom space can be a challenge. We live in a time when we have more styles, materials and colours to choose from than ever before — so what are some of the most important design considerations? Look at the intended users of the basin prior to product selection. Not all basins in your home have to be the same; for example, a basin in the main bathroom may be used by children and will require easy access. An above-counter vessel may be less suited here. Alternatively, in a powder room, a basin that is pedestal-mounted might make best use of the small space. Similarly, a generous-sized ensuite lends itself to his-and-hers-style basins that promote a sense of luxury. Next, consider what sort of style…

Bathroom technology has been steadily growing in popularity over the years, but is now becoming more commonly integrated into bathroom designs and renovations. These newly tech-savvy spaces are becoming more efficient, practical and sophisticated than ever before. Imagine this: your alarm goes off in the morning, the shower starts running at exactly the right temperature, and some soothing tunes resonate throughout the bathroom. When you’re done, your towel is nice and toasty from the warming drawer and your mirror displays that morning’s latest current affairs, the traffic and the weather. This is not just a pipe dream — this is what your daily bathroom experience could look like with the help of some well-chosen tech products.…

CONTEMPORARY FINISHES, LIKE NATURAL LIMESTONE FLOORS AND BENCHTOPS AND WHITE HANDMADE CERAMIC WALL TILES, FORM A DELICATE BACKDROP THAT ENHANCES THE SUBTLE PASTEL HUES USED THROUGHOUT Don your best bathrobe and grab your fanciest shower gel because we’re about to go inside Kew Residence and take a peek at the home’s impressive bathroom, designed by Lucy Bock Design Studio and built by DDC Building Management. It’s hard to imagine this luxurious space ever looked less than pristine. Tucked inside an original mid-century Melbourne home, the previous 1960s bathroom comprised two separate rooms defined by their penchant for darkness and a layout that was less than ideal. Removing the existing dividing wall was the first port of call once renovations commenced. This allowed for the creation of an open-plan light-filled bathroom…

There are many benefits to starting with a blank canvas, one of which is having the luxury of designing a new space from scratch without having to accommodate for bad choices made by previous owners. When it came to designing the bathroom of their dreams, the clients engaged Holman Designs to make this a reality. This functional, spacious and light bathroom has been crafted with quality products to create a relaxing haven. The clients were thrilled to support Aussie brands with stunning customised tapware and basins, which soften and balance the modern space. Exquisite tiles by GT&B elevate the design to provide a luxurious sophistication. The elegant texture created by the Bar Bianco mosaic finger tiles is gorgeously highlighted around the backlighting of the makeup zone. THE ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL…

Serial television renovating shows back in the early 2000s perpetuated the idea that renovaters needed to give consideration to resale value and mass market tastes. This led to a bleeding of personality from mainstream interior spaces, which often resulted in bland, cookie-cutter kitchens. Safe was seen as smart. Many of the larger players in our market meet the price-driven needs of a very cost-conscious sector of the market by offering a limited palette of finishes, door profiles and colours, which, broadly speaking, sit on the spectrum of white, grey and beige. The limiting of options essentially helps to keep costs down. However, I believe there’s a movement away from the beige, “safe” design for broad appeal. Thanks to COVID-19, we might not be travelling or holidaying as much as before.…

“I just wish I had less storage!” It’s not a statement we hear often. In fact, quality storage is one of the top requirements of homeowners when building or renovating their kitchen. Thankfully, there are many different solutions and options available in the market today. Whether you’re mulling over a clever product that makes cupboard access easier, choosing the perfect cabinetry to suit your aesthetic or simply investing in a new holder for your cleaning products, revising your storage options is always a good idea. When planning your kitchen storage, why not make a list of all your regular-use items like small appliances, pots and pans? By measuring these first, it can make selecting cabinetry sizes easier. Alternatively, custom cabinetry can make everyday life that much more enjoyable and ensure…

Modern homes are now designed with two fully equipped kitchens, one on the inside and one on the out. And with the calibre of outdoor kitchens now available for residential use, alfresco dining can be as good as fine dining under the stars. Australian families spend a whole lot of time outdoors, and barbecued sausages and steaks are just not cutting it for today’s grill masters. While barbecues are still an integral part of the outdoor kitchen, homeowners are seeking flexibility, with more add-on options. From side burners to bar fridges, pizza ovens to smokers, sinks and storage, a feast can be whipped up with the number of amenities available. The outdoor kitchen is the new focal point of the home, a space to socialise and entertain, all the while…

The beauty of designing a kitchen in a new home is that you’re greeted with a blank canvas, and every detail can be planned from scratch. This proved to be quite beneficial in this stunning kitchen, which was designed to suit the homeowners’ brief to a tee. The newly-built home overlooks a vast hilly landscape dotted by eucalypts and kangaroos on the fringes of Melbourne. With this in mind, the clients requested a natural-look kitchen, a timeless space that wouldn’t date. They wanted a design that was pared-back without any unnecessary detail. The project team opted for a linear, streamlined architectural layout featuring minimalist shapes, which looks great as you descend into the space from the entry foyer stairs. The clients liked the idea of mixing colours and textures, so…

LARGE-FORMAT TILES REMINISCENT OF THE SLATE USED EXTERNALLY SET THE TONE FOR A SPACE THAT IS MOODY AND DRAMATIC The owners of this Ascot Vale home had a clear vision in mind when they met with director and architect Jerry Wolveridge of Wolveridge Architects. They wanted a conventional, two-storey, box-style house with a decidedly contemporary aesthetic. However, life had other plans. After the building was designed, a heritage overlay was introduced to the area to reflect the surrounding vintage precinct. This meant the home had to be redesigned to suit the interwar period and specifically the houses surrounding it — an architectural challenge like no other. “With the assistance of a heritage consultant and under instructions to provide minimal changes to the floor plan, we re-imagined the design in the…

THE MASTER BATHROOM EXTENDS FROM THE BEDROOM WITHOUT ANY DOORS OR MATERIAL CHANGES, RESULTING IN A RELAXED CONTINUOUS SPACE An ensuite can feel like a tucked-away addition to the main bedroom — a convenience rather than a place of luxury or expanse. That is certainly not the case in this space from Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, where a brilliant use of light and stylish, quality fittings have helped create a room to remember. In this Crescent Head home, the master bathroom was private due to its location in an upper-level dwelling designed exclusively for a retired couple, with a separate self-contained accommodation area available downstairs for visiting family and friends. This meant the master bathroom extends from the bedroom without any doors or material changes, resulting in a relaxed continuous space.…

1/ SIRIUS INTEGRATED DOWNDRAFT RANGEHOOD Sirius has taken “integrated” to the next level. The fully-integrated downdraft rangehood is designed to be installed seamlessly into your benchtop. The powerful extractor raises when you are ready to cook, and then descends into the benchtop out of sight when finished. siriusbrand.com 2/ BAVARIA STONE TILES Bavaria Stone by Amber Tiles is an exclusive series of porcelain tiles inspired by the strong, masculine yet calming look of the mountains in Bavaria. Tasteful and effortlessly chic, Bavaria Stone will be an ideal choice for anyone who loves all things modern and practical. ambertiles.com.au 3/ STARON SOLID SURFACES Staron Solid Surfaces are manufactured from a natural mineral refined from bauxite and blended with pure acrylic resin, and are suitable for endless applications around the home including…