A lot of thought is given to a designer bathroom project for consideration of colours, textures, fixtures, fittings, lighting, layout, storage, ventilation, and surfaces.

Although often one of the smaller rooms in many homes, the bathroom caters to a lot of activity. No longer just a room to pop in and out, there is lots of time spent hanging out in the bathroom. Selecting the right surfaces can make all the difference to time spent cleaning and pampering yourself there or cleaning your bathroom.

Staron Solid Surface is the ultimate performer in these wet spaces. Unaffected by water damage and with the ability to be joined seamlessly, eliminating the need for silicon, results in a very easy to clean and maintain bathroom.

The ability to customise Staron Solid Surface gives greater design flexibility within the bathroom. Don’t just think benchtops; other applications available are custom vanities, or integrated Staron basins into the Staron benchtop for one continuous seam-free vanity unit. Bathtub surrounds and seating that can flow into the shower as well as shelves, and for more, wow, you can curve it!

Consider Staron Solid Surface instead of tiles for wall panelling; select a design from our Mario Romano Walls range that can be caved and customised to suite your application. Additionally, Staron is a great option for various flooring, step-ups, and shower trays. Door and drawer fronts can be manufactured, even towel rails.

With so many applications all available in one product, there is something for everyone’s project.

For more information

Austaron Surfaces

Photography credits: Think Dzine and Darren James

The post Looking to own a designer bathroom? appeared first on Completehome.

WK Quantum Quartz surfaces offer you maximum design flexibility, with more than 40 inspirational colours to choose from. It is the premium choice when looking for low maintenance, durability and superior quality. Complete the look with a seamless QUANTUMSIX+ porcelain splashback; at just 6mm thick it’s sleek, sophisticated and available in a stunning array of natural stone inspired colours.

WK Quantum Quartz offers a wide selection of natural stone, including marble, granite, limestone and travertine, sourced globally from the world’s finest quarries, so you can be sure that there is an option to suit every home.

WK Quantum Quartz has a network of distributors supplying Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.

For more information

WK Quantum Quartz

Originally from Best Homes magazine, Volume 10

The post Stylish surface solutions appeared first on Completehome.

The surface material you choose for your benchtops and vanities can make or break a room. As anything and everything will be placed on the surface, it must be able to withstand a high amount of usage. Longevity of the material, easy maintenance and factors such as being chip and scratch resistant are all vital considerations. Kitchen benchtops face the wear and tear of cookie-laden baking trays, spilled wines and as a resting spot for children when on the go.

Bathroom vanities need to be particularly heavy duty. They need to meet the challenge of a humid environment combined with enduring the variety of creams and liquids that are often spilled on them. Knowing which surface can have a straightening iron placed directly on it, or is easy to clean, is crucial. Especially if maintaining a bathroom that is high functioning and aesthetically pleasing if central to your agenda. From neutral tones and eye-catching marbling to rugged industrial textures, there is a surface for every home design.

1. Concrete:

Image credit: Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone

Benefits

Besides having an appealing industrial aesthetic that can give any space a raw edge, concrete is an extremely durable surface. It is strong enough to support skyscrapers, and it certainly has the strength to support any household’s kitchen or bathroom demands. When sealed, the surface is heat, stain, scratch and chip resistant. So, no need to fear any wine spills or toothpaste remnants! Concrete is easy to clean, simply wipe down with warm, soapy water to wash away any spillages or crumbs.

Drawbacks

It is extremely important to ensure your concrete surface is sealed from first installation. Concrete is a highly porous material and without proper sealing, strong heat, stains and bacterial growth can cause unwanted problems. Despite being more affordable than many other surface types, there are some upkeep costs that can arise from the recommended resealing of the concrete every one to three years. We advise hiring an experienced installer to place the joins, as they will require fillers to keep their sleek appearance.

Pair With

Soften concrete’s raw industrial edge with natural marble-inspired designs and beautiful timber finishes. Neutral palettes can soften any harshness that may arise from concrete’s eye-catching appearance and can provide a smooth finish to this rugged material. Alternatively, embrace industrial vibes, using dusky greens and weathered wood as the backdrop of your kitchen or bathroom. Hanging pendant lamps or aluminium light bulb cages, as well as copper accessories (think tapware!), are the perfect finishing touches to your urban-styled room.

We Recommend

Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone is an engineered stone that delivers the authentic look of a hand-poured concrete benchtop with a robust, industrial-inspired design. Each Caesarstone slab is unique; the colour variations arising from a mixture of white haze surface patina and the new “rough” matt surface finish.

This engineered stone is exceptionally functional with many of the same sturdy qualities as concrete and it is resistant to stains, scratches and chips. The rough, low-reflective, matt surface finish is more susceptible to showing everyday marks and spills, but this just means a little bit of extra care when cleaning may be required. Caesarstone’s Rugged Concrete is heat resistant but not heat proof. It is recommended to place hot pans or baking trays onto a chopping board to best preserve the material and avoid scorch marks.

2. Natural Stone:

Image credit: Sensa Orinoco benchtop by Cosentino

Benefits

Natural stone such as granite is one of the hardest materials on the market and is extremely heat resistant, perfect placing the family roast or a hot hair dryer onto. Natural stone is also unique in appearance — no two slabs will look the same, as the veins that run through the rock are created from nature in action. It offers a dramatic beauty that can tie a bathroom or kitchen together.

Drawbacks

Because of the valuable properties of authentic natural stone, the price often reflects the quality of the product and uniqueness in composition. Due to the porous nature of the stone, marble benchtops are prone to being scratched or stained. They might be difficult to repair. Natural stone should be resealed periodically to keep the stone looking as polished and protected as possible.

Pair With

Natural stone goes well with almost everything. Showcase a sleek, modern kitchen with marbled countertops, a more uniform base cabinet and a shiny coffee maker. Alternatively, for a more rustic and European-style kitchen, choose wooden accents for window frames and pantry doors, or add some contrast with timber flooring.

We recommend

Sensa by Cosentino® is a range of granite surfaces that provides exclusive stain-resistant protection, combating the stone’s major weakness of high porosity. These surfaces repel liquids such as water and oil, perfect for both kitchens and bathrooms, and are a maintenance-free and durable material. The stunning collection of granite is unique and versatile, suitable for either classic or traditional designs.

3. Solid surfaces:

Image credit: Designed by Shaynna Blaze, Corian Charging benchtop by CASF

Benefits

Cost effective and low maintenance, solid surfaces have many advantages. Ideal for a bathroom or kitchen, solid surfaces are durable, water resistant and easy to clean. The surface itself is warm to the touch, and perfect for the chillier winter months. Solid surfaces can also be joined seamlessly, so are great for long island benches or curves where no ugly joins can be seen.

Drawbacks

There aren’t too many disadvantages of solid surfaces, as the material is composed largely of natural minerals and a high-performance acrylic binder. Aesthetically, solid surfaces can look homogenous or unnatural, as they are normally uniform in appearance. However, this can be a plus for a homeowner who doesn’t want the unpredictability of natural stone. Like many finishes, darker colours tend to show more everyday wear and tear, especially in high-use areas such as the kitchen.

Pair With

Anything you’d like! For every room, there is a solid surface colour or style to match. There are numerous finish options such as matt, satin or gloss. For a more natural look, we advocate a neutral benchtop that mimics a stone’s natural veining, complemented with modern accessories.

We recommend

CASF’s Corian® Wireless Charging Surface uses the latest technology in benchtop surfaces. It offers unique and highly practical functioning of charging your phone while it is placed over the pre-installed charging station.

A simple solution to decluttering your power board and benchtops and fuelled by state-of-the-art technology, this wireless charging option is more affordable than expected, coming in at $180 plus GST for the transmitter unit. Newer phone models have the wireless charging function built in, while older models have the option of a charging ring: you can buy this separately to enable the same wireless function.

4. Timber:

Image credit: Designed by Kim Duffin for Sublime Architectural Interiors. Spotted gum veneer benchtop.

Benefits

Timber is a classic material that suits both country- and modern-style kitchens. Wooden benchtops or vanities are warmer to the touch — something that many stone surfaces are not able to achieve. They are also warm to look at. Their earthy, natural tones perfect for turning a kitchen into a welcoming family area. There are many environmental benefits of timber. You can also buy recycled or salvaged wood at a fraction of the cost. Plus, for the DIY-savvy homeowner, at the end of a countertop’s life, you can re-purpose the timber for shelves or window frames.

Drawbacks

Timber is a soft material and, consequently, scratches and spills can cause more damage. However, with the right care and maintenance, it can last a long time. Imperfections that arise from frequent use can be easily sanded away and resealed to leave the surface looking fresh and clean. Timber does require a bit more upkeep as, depending on the sealant, you may need to reapply the finish two or three times a year to add longevity to the life of the surface.

Pair With

Wooden accents and soft pastels create an inviting space where the family can gather. Black or white tiled floors in the bathroom look particularly sleek. Due to a combination of such tiles with a timber vanity,  a modern space with homely charm can be achieved.

We recommend

Jarrah timber is glossy and chic, suiting a range of kitchens and bathrooms. Its dark wooden tones pair well with a lighter colour scheme, drawing the eye to the benchtop or vanity. This Australian tree can be sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers that are carbon friendly, so that when a tree is cut down, the carbon that is normally released will be captured.

Want more advice like this? Visit our kitchen or bathroom advice pages for more useful information

Written by Cassie Haywood

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Volume 25 Issue 1

The post Beyond the surface: how to choose the perfect countertop for your home appeared first on Completehome.

QuantumSix+ porcelain sheets feature all the beauty of natural marble in a stunning array of colour combinations and finishes, allowing homeowners to mix and match to suit their individual style. They are available in three styles: marble, stone and industrial.
Made in Italy, from all-natural materials, QuantumSix+ porcelain sheets are stain and mould resistant, making them suitable for wet areas and stairs. As they’re flameproof, heat resistant and UV stable, they can be used for fireplace surrounds, behind your cooktop, in barbecue areas as well as for outdoor wall cladding. At just 6mm thick, they’re easy to handle and cut to any size. Sheets come in an astounding 3200 x 1600 x 6mm, with select colours in 2400 x 1200 x 6mm.
WK Quantum Quartz has your needs covered with warehouses and showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast, and a network of distributors supplying Quantum Quartz in Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New Zealand. Visit one of WK Quantum Quartz’s showrooms or head to the website for a comprehensive array of information and product brochures.

For more information

WK Marble & Granite

Originally in Kitchen & Bathrooms Quarterly, Volume 23, Issue 4

The post Stunning and versatile appeared first on Completehome.

Sustainable design is a tricky thing — we all say we want it, but what if it means avoiding truly beautiful materials?

Enter Neolith 100 per cent natural surfaces created from up to 52 per cent recycled materials. Comprised of substances including clay, feldspar, silica and mineral oxides — without any harsh resins — and coloured with 100 per cent natural pigments, these surfaces are a choice sure to make even the most green-conscious of us proud. A 10-year warranty ensures a beautiful design that lasts, but don’t fear landfill — even at the end of its life, Neolith is completely recyclable.

The advanced industrial surfaces are resistant to heat, UV rays and scratches, making Neolith suitable for application within high-traffic areas as well as outdoors.

Surfaces can be up to 12mm thick, so those who love the hefty look of natural stone won’t be disappointed. However, they are also surprisingly lighter than their natural stone counterparts, meaning you can choose from slabs or tiles cut to a variety of sizes and easily position them.

Neolith is available in a huge range of aesthetics that mimic popular but notoriously difficult-to-maintain natural products such as stone, wood and marble. Also customisable is the finish — take your pick from satin, river-washed, silk or polished, and enjoy a benchtop that’s exactly as shiny, textured or aged as you’d like.

For more information
CDK Stone

Originally in Kitchens&Bathrooms Quarterly, Volume 23, Issue 2

The post Only natural: kitchen and bathroom surfaces appeared first on Completehome.

Staron® Solid Surfaces has launched its new Supreme collection, combining the best elements of solid surfaces and natural stone. Perfect for your kitchen or bathroom, the Supreme collection adopts the look and beauty of natural stone, while taking on the advantages of the easy maintenance and joining capabilities of solid surface.

With 10 new colours, Supreme features distinct wave patterns in different hues and clarities, while the colours include Delphi, Cloudbank, Natural Bridge, Magnolia, Dawn, Dandelion, Pastoral, Loam, Ocean View and Presto.

This varying range enables any new home project to embrace a natural stone look without compromising on colour. From kitchen benchtops to feature splashbacks and bathroom vanities, there is a Supreme option to suit your space.

Staron® is comprised of a natural and pure mineral derived from bauxite and blended with an advanced pure acrylic resin, resulting in the world’s premium surface material.

For more information

Austaron Surfaces

Originally in Kitchens&Bathrooms Quaterly, Volume 23, No. 1

The post Stylish surfaces for your kitchen or bathroom appeared first on Completehome.