Choosing the right surfaces
Natural-look finishes are having a moment right now, with natural stone, stone-like composite surfaces (such as Ceasarstone) and timber cabinetry emerging as key features of the trend.
There are five key surface options to consider when selecting countertops for the bathroom. There are pros and cons to each one, so the key is to narrow down your priorities, and assess what works best with the rest of the materials palette!
According to Daniela Santilli, Bathrooms and Kitchens Merchandising Leader at Reece, acrylic surfaces are durable and easy to maintain, making them a great option for bathrooms used by young children. However, acrylic is sensitive to heat, so many not be the best option where hot hair styling tools are in use.
Stone surfaces give a luxe feel, with veined marble at the top of this trend – however, all natural stone is porous (yes, even marble!), and can be subject to stain over time. If you do choose a stone surface, ask your builder or stone supplier about coating the stone to protect it from stains. Alternatively, Caesarstone is a great option, offering a weighty, stone-like finish with much more durability.
A Ceramic topped vanity unit (often integrating the sink) is a timeless choice, but isn’t as robust as other options – Daniela warns that ceramic surfaces can easily chip or crack if something is dropped on them. Meanwhile, timber brings a beautiful, organic look and feel to the bathroom, but is best suited to vertical surfaces (cupboard doors, or wall panelling) as it is super porous, so can stain easily if water pools on its surface.
ISSY Zuster Halo vanity. Milli Pure Mixer Tap with Diamond Texture. Omvivo Villa Oval Basin.
A renovation by Three Birds Renovations. Kado Lussi Thin Edge A/C Basin. Milli Pure Wall Basin Mixer in Living Rustic Bronze. Reece Kado Arc Timber Vanity. Kado Neue Arch Mirror Shaving Cabinet.
The Thirroul Bathroom. Builder – Seaside Building and Design. Interior Designer – Hemma Interiors. Designer – MK Designed. Photo – The Palm Co.
The Thirroul Ensuite. Builder – Seaside Building and Design. Interior Designer – Hemma Interiors. Designer – MK Designed. Photo – The Palm Co.
The Posh Domaine Vanity.
The Beaumaris Bathroom, featuring Omvivo Villa freestanding bath, Milli Progressive Wall Mixer Tap, Milli Pure Progressive Bath Mixer Tap. Builder – Latitude 37.
Left: The Geberit Omega60 White Glass Button sits flush to the wall surface creating a seamless, even finish for a contemporary bathroom look. Right: A slick and compact contemporary bathroom! Builder – Mazzei. Webster Architect & Interiors. Landscaping – Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture. Photo – Elisa Watson.
ISSY Zuster Halo vanity from Reece comes in a variety of sizes.
ISSY Zuster Halo vanity is the perfect complement to a wall of mirror cabinets. A floating wall fixture also creates the illusion of space!
Left: Kado Arc vanity. Right: ISSY Zuster Halo vanity in black.
ISSY Zuster Blossom vanity. Sussex Scala Wall Basin set. LAUFEN Sonar Basin.
This bathroom in Burleigh Heads uses pale natural tones and clever ceiling lighting to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Featuring Milli Progressive Wall Mixer Tap, Roca Inspira Basin and Milli Pure Twin Rail Shower in Gunmetal. Builder – 4D Renovations. Photo – Tanika Blair Photography.
The Bundall bathroom, featuring Mizu Drift Twin Waterrail, Mizu Drift Curved Bath Outlet, Mizu Drift MK2 Shower Mixer Tap. Builder – 4D Renovations. Photo – Tanika Blair Photography.
ISSY Zuster Blossom vanity in moody charcoal. Alape Unisono basin in matte black.
Left: Kado Aspect Round LED mirror. Right: Pendant lighting adds texture and dimension to the bench and mirror area, such as above this Posh Domaine Plus vanity.
