Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look More Luxurious

Creating a luxury bathroom is more than just choosing between brass tapware or brushed nickel tapware. If you’re after simple, achievable solutions to bring luxury to your bathroom, browse these top 5 tips from Geelong Tiles & Bathware.

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Use the same tile on floor and walls to create a luxury bathroom space Build: Larkin & Draught Homes Image: Carli Wilson

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Floor to ceiling tiles will elevate your bathroom instantly Build: Larkin & Draught Homes Image: Carli Wilson

Use the Same Tile on Floors & Walls

For the best aesthetic effect, your floor tiles and wall tiles should be the same. Not only will using the same tile on floors and walls save you from experiencing decision paralysis, but you’ll also get that hotel-like luxury in an instant.

By applying this method, you will achieve cohesion, creating the perfect canvas for your tapware, vanity and bathware to shine. Your bathroom will look classier and more elegant - trust us.

Floor to Ceiling Bathroom Tiles

By installing bathroom tiles from the floor to the ceiling, you convey a sense of luxury as well as flair. By tiling right up to the ceiling, you can make your bathroom appear larger, whether that's a small ensuite becoming less cramped or a large bathroom becoming an expansive one in which you can indulge.

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Brushed nickel tapware will complement a lighter colour palette Design: Premium Interior Design Image: Nic Stephens

Use Coloured or Metal Tapware

Part of having a luxe bathroom is having the courage to use a personal touch in the interior design.

If, for example, you have white tiles, matte black or brushed nickel tapware can make all the difference in bringing sleek sophistication to the bathroom. If you have monochrome or white-and-black tiling patterns, choose brass tapware or other metallic accents.

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Matching your hardware to your tapware will take your bathroom to the next level Build: Furtulla Constructions Image: Supreme Digital Media

Install Matching Hardware & Accessories

While having an accent or centrepiece is one option, another is to install hardware or accessories of a matching style. Nothing conveys class like having everything fit into one elegant theme.

For example, you may want your basin and bathtub tapware and the door handles of any bathroom cabinets to be made of the same material and colour. Browse Geelong's largest selection of quality tiles and tapware to find your fit.

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A wall-hung vanity creates the illusion of having more space Build: Doherty Building Group Image: Tim Turner

Install A Wall-Hung Vanity

If you want to create crisp lines and a streamlined aesthetic in your bathroom, a wall-hung vanity is the way to go. It's a highly stylish choice because of its modern appearance and it creates the illusion of having more space. A wall-hung vanity blends in seamlessly with a luxurious, contemporary bathroom.

Book in a free interior selection with one of our designers to discover how you can create luxury in your home.

TOTO Arrives at GT&B

Big news, GT&B Lovers - we are officially an authorised reseller for TOTO toilets! We don’t think we’ve ever been more excited about a toilet than we are about TOTO’s innovative creations. So, allow us to introduce you to TOTO and why you NEED one in your life.

TOTO Neorest AH S-Trap Toilet

TOTO’s rich innovative history started back in 1912

A Brief TOTO History

Founder Kazuchika Okura travelled to Europe in the early 1900s. Inspired by the white ceramic toilet bowls he saw there, Okura returned to Japan with the determination to modernise Japanese bathrooms. By 1914, he had produced Japan’s first ceramic Western-style flush toilet and established the Toyo Toki Company in 1917 - which would later be renamed to TOTO in 1970.

With innovation at the heart of the company, it is no surprise that TOTO would go on to create one of the most prolific inventions of the 20th century - the WASHLET®. With integrated functions reminiscent of traditional European bidet’s, the first WASHLET® featured warm-water washing via an electric seat.

TOTO single-handedly reinvented the way people perform the most vital daily ritual - introducing the custom of cleansing washing to a world that had long relied on the less sanitary method of using toilet paper. By 2019, over 50 million units had been sold, proving that this life-changing technology had taken the world by storm.

TOTO Features

If you’ve ever travelled to Japan, you would be very familiar with TOTO. You can find one in every restroom, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even hear it play music as the lid opens or a water trickling sound to…erm…mask other noises (if you know what we mean).

While this feature is not available in Australia, TOTO toilets do come with a list of features you’ll most certainly rave home about. Here are some of our favourites:

Heated seat
The moment you approach the toilet, the seat begins warming to a comfortable temperature.

AIR-IN WONDER WAVE
This technology works to provide air rich water droplets to produce comfortable washing and thorough cleansing with less water consumption. What’s more, the water is instantly warmed, meaning you’ll never need to worry about running out of warm water.

Premist
A premist automatically sprays water over the surface of the inner toilet bowl before every use, which helps waste wash away more easily.

EWATER+
EWATER+ is electrolysed water that washes the wand and toilet bowl. Before and after each use, the wand automatically washes itself with EWATER+. This thorough cleaning occurs inside the wand as well as all around the exterior. Even when the toilet is not being used, the wand periodically cleans itself to ensure constant hygienic conditions.

Deodoriser
Highly effective deodorising starts automatically during and immediately after use, leaving no disturbing odours (how’s that for peace of mind!)

Warm Air Drying
Following the warm water cleanse, the warm air dryer starts to ensure a dry and clean overall feeling.

Buy TOTO Toilets in Geelong

If you’re looking for a life-changing toilet suite, look no further than TOTO. Visit our Geelong showroom at 17 West Fyans St, Newtown to explore our display and experience the wonder of TOTO toilets.

Local Loves for Your Bathroom

I don’t know about you, but I’ve become a much more conscious consumer recently. From my own observations and buying habits, it’s become clear to me that I’m placing a much larger emphasis on supporting local Australian made businesses in every way I can.

While this probably has something to do with, I don’t know, the pandemic, the last two years have shone a light on the importance of looking in our own backyards. For us in the construction industry especially, we’ve seen the impact on builds from every angle. Plagued with delays, builders and homeowners have been forced to find alternatives out of necessity.

However, this pandemic has truly highlighted the need to reduce our reliance on offshore production and materials so that we don’t get into this pickle. The solution? Support local! For one thing, Australia’s tapware game is strong. So, I figured, why not shine a spotlight on some of the best Australian tapware and bathware brands you can rely on.

Coastal Bathroom with Concrete Nation Basins and Faucet Strommen Tapware

This Ocean Grove bathroom embraces the best of Australian made products Build: VAND Builders Design: Holman Designs Interiors: Mel Wilson Image: Nic Stephens

TAPWARE

First up, I’m talking high-quality Australian made tapware. Would you believe us if we told you our most popular tapware range is made right here in Victoria? Well, you better believe it, because Faucet Strommen has captured the hearts of our customers in every way. Offering custom-coloured tapware with both simple and innovative designs, Faucet Strommen’s collections feature superior craftsmanship. Other Aussie made favourites include Brodware and Rogerseller (available exclusively in Geelong at GT&B).  

Faucet Strommen Brushed Gold Sink Mixer

Pegasi M Pull-Out Sink Mixer in Brushed Gold N18

Brodware Nanobar Kitchen Set

Nanobar Kitchen Set in Weathered Brass Organic

CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Organic, raw, and colourful, concrete products are a fan favourite. If you’re looking for something unique to showcase your personality, look no further than Geelong’s own Concrete Republic. The team delivers custom-designed concrete baths and basins to suit your space. Perth-based Nood Co also create funky basins, while Queensland’s Concrete Nation have you covered with their own handcrafted designs.

Nood Co Concrete Pedestal Basin

Hoop Basin and Cylinder in Sky Grey with Blush Pink Tray by Nood Co

Handmade Concrete Bath Geelong by Concrete Republic

The Sonny bath, handmade in Geelong by Concrete Republic

VANITIES

Bathroom furniture is a must-have, and lucky for us, there are plenty of Australian made products that take the guesswork out of designing the perfect vanity and mirror. Timberline and ADP Australia make their products to order using high-quality hardware and materials to last. With design at the forefront, you can rest assured you will have a beautiful piece of functional furniture in your bathroom. Oh, and it’s all customisable!

Australian Made Waverley Vanity by ADP Australia

Waverley 900 Vanity in Prime Oak Woodmatt

From this small list alone, it’s easy to see we have access to many incredible Australian brands that produce high-quality and design-focused products for your home. If you ask me, maybe it’s a good thing the pandemic happened. Because if it didn’t, our Aussie made brands might not be thriving as much as they are right now.

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 19 February 2022

Introducing the Sutherland House Collection by Shaynna Blaze & Timberline

Having worked together on a number of exciting projects over the last five years, Shaynna Blaze and Timberline decided it was the perfect time to put their respective design and manufacturing minds together to create this beautiful range including vanities, matching storage cabinets, and a shaving cabinet.

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“Over the last ten years our bathrooms
have become the destination room
of luxury, an oasis and a place to
show off. I wanted to design a range
that had a small nod to Hollywood
glamour and mid-century design but
with the functionality of our modern
storage needs.”
— Shaynna Blaze

Form and Function Over Everything Else

Combining Hollywood glamour and mid-century modern design, the Sutherland House Collection is the perfect marriage of form and function. With plenty of additional storage options (thanks storage queen), you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom with just one range.

Option up your Sutherland House vanity with the Shaynna-designed drawer organisers, a secret inner drawer, or add the ingenious hanging door storage (that perfectly fits make-up brushes and more) to your shaving cabinet. Plus, there is the option of a simple - yet super practical - hair dryer storage. UHHHHHMAZING!

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The Deco Vanity

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The Sutherland House Collection offers plenty of storage options for your essentials

PATTERN OPTIONS

Like with all of Timberline’s vanities, you have the option to choose from an array of paint colours, benchtops, and basins to complete your vision. The Sutherland House collection is available in wall-hung or on legs.

Here is your chance to bring true luxury to your new bathroom with furniture fit for one of Australia’s most respected names in interior design. Check out our display in store or visit Timberline’s website for more information on the Sutherland House Collection.

Download Brochure.

Project Focus | Victoria Terrace by Furtulla Constructions

Build: Furtulla Constructions
Design: RLD Design
Images: Supreme Digital Media

Furtulla Constructions, along with architects RLD Design, have transformed a 1980’s Belmont home into a modern and sophisticated gem. The project saw an extension and complete internal revamp of the existing home to create a spacious, functional, and timeless space for the owners to enjoy for years to come.

Timber and black accents work together in harmony to create a sophisticated kitchen in this Belmont transformation Build: Furtulla Constructions Design: RLD Design Image: Supreme Digital Media

The interiors take on a masculine aesthetic, with accents of black and mixed metals featured throughout the home. Timber features predominantly on the floors and kitchen cabinetry to inject a sense of warmth against the bold, dark elements.

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Luxe in all the right places Build: Furtulla Constructions Design: RLD Design Image: Supreme Digital Media

The homes’ sophistication is taken up a notch upon entering the ensuite. With honed Nero Marquina marble on the floors and walls of this glorious space, you can’t help but think you’ve stepped into a luxury 5 star hotel. Brushed brass tapware and fixtures from ABI Interiors complement the dark marble to add to the luxe factor in the space. It’s a big yes from us!

Sophisticated luxury continues in the combined laundry and bathroom Image: Supreme Digital Media

Marble and brushed brass tapware continue into the combined laundry and bathroom. Featuring both Nero Marquina and our 600x1200 Messina Grey porcelain marble-look tile, this space is refined and works harmoniously with the rest of the home.

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Our 600x600 Venetian Marble Rainbow external tiles take centre stage on the balcony Image: Supreme Digital Media

Moving outside, the balcony features our classic 600x600 Venetian Marble Rainbow external tiles. The terrazzo-look porcelain tiles take on the black and timber accents of the home to complete a cohesive inside-outside look.

#GTBLove | October Favourites

Here we go, GT&B Lovers! It’s October, and we’re ready to take you through our product favourites for the month. Think: colour, vibrance, and timeless classics. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Concrete Forever 

Spring really has sprung at GT&B because our showroom is bursting at the seams with exciting, new concrete products. The newest additions to our showroom include the Oasis Freestanding Concrete Bath and Tropez Freestanding Concrete Basin by Concrete Nation.

From Nood Co’s cute Herbert Basin to Concrete Republic’s brand-new concrete bath made right here in Geelong, we have everything you could possibly need to make your concrete dreams a reality.

Designer Tapware

Phoenix Tapware is renowned for its commitment to developing and creating innovative, designer tapware. This commitment has resulted in the Axia collection, and we absolutely adore it.

Axia offers a shifting perspective on bathroom design, showcasing a fresh focus on crisp detailing with a powerful presence. With its modern and minimalist aesthetic, Axia features ultra-thin outlets and lever-less progressive cartridge technology. Now on display in our showroom, you can revel in the timeless design of Axia when you visit us next.

Fireclay Sinks

Whether you have a traditional or modern home, creating a statement in your kitchen, laundry, or bathroom is easy with a fireclay sink. Often referred to as farmhouse sinks, they are heat and impact resistant and are also resistant to cracking, chipping, and staining, making them perfect for heavy duty everyday use.

Providing you the best quality products is our promise, and the fireclay sinks you’ll find on display in our showroom are of the highest quality and handcrafted in the UK, Italy, and France. No matter the style, size, or budget, we’ll find you the perfect fireclay sink for your home.

Waverley Vanity

You may have already seen our excitement on Instagram when ADP Australia launched the Waverley Vanity recently. Hint: we went crazy for it! Well, we’ve since received the vanity and have put it on display – yay!

The Waverley combines everything that is on trend right now: curves, natural timber tones, and v-groove panelling. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘trend’, however, because this vanity is forever. The effortless curves and classic cabinet finishes make it the perfect feature piece in any bathroom.

Come Say Hi!

The inspiration doesn’t stop here. Now that we’re open (again), you’ll have the opportunity to walk through our Newtown showroom and experience these products – and MORE - with your own eyes. We can’t wait to see you!

If you’re ready to start designing your next space but still unable to visit us (thanks Covid), we can take you through a Virtual Selection. Book here.

VAND Builders bring Palm Springs to Ocean Grove

VAND Builders teamed up with Holman Designs and Mel Wilson Interiors to create the most epic Palm Springs-inspired home in the coastal suburb of Ocean Grove. The team worked closely with us to source the perfect tiles and bathware to complete their clients’ vision, and we’re totally in love with the result.

Build: VAND Builders
Design: Holman Designs
Interiors: Mel Wilson Interiors
Photography: Nic Stephens