Local Loves for Your Bathroom

February 24, 2022 Melinda Skoko

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.

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

Julia Green’s home makeover leaves us green with envy

March 25, 2021 Melinda Skoko

gi-powder-room — ***“I like an element of surprise in an interior. Something that will catch people off guard, make them think, and possibly push them out of their own comfort zone.”***
- Julia Green

To say that we are grateful to have crossed paths with interior designer and colour-extraordinaire Julia Green would be a gross understatement. We were lucky enough to help Julia bring her home makeover to life by supplying her with tiles and tapware for her laundry and powder room. And we only have two words to describe the final spaces – holy smokes.

With a mix of Moroccan handmade tiles, raw brushed brass tapware, and patterned encaustic tiles, Julia’s humble abode captures everything we love about tiles and more. In just two spaces of the home, Julia has showed us just how epic a tiled wall or floor can look with the right amount of colour and confidence.

“I like an element of surprise in an interior. Something that will catch people off guard, make them think, and possibly push them out of their own comfort zone,” says Julia. With that in mind, it’s hard to ignore her love of colour and eclectic design aesthetic in these spaces.

Pegasi M Sink Mixer

Quirky Storage

Moroccan Handmade Tiles

Laundry Goals

For the love of Morocco

In what is quite possibly the most epic laundry we’ve ever seen, Julia took one look at our Moroccan handmade tiles and knew they were the ones for her. Spanning from the benchtop to the ceiling, the imperfect sizes, surfaces, and sage glaze on the handmade tiles bring a raw perfection to the space. As Julia explains, her love for Morocco made the decision even easier.

“I have a strong affiliation with Morocco and take guests there twice a year on design tours. It’s like a second home. So, it only felt right to put those handmade tiles in. Those tiles are one of my very favourite things in my whole house!” she says.

Following that same Moroccan, eclectic vibe in the powder room, Julia selected a green-hued patterned encaustic tile for the floor. While only a small space, the feature floor screams, ‘YES, I’m here!’ and we love it. It’s bold, colourful, and proves the days of mundane powder rooms are forever in the past.

Pegasi M Basin Mixer

Powder Room Close-Up

Pegasi M Shower Arm + Mixer

Encaustic Tile Feature Floor

Timeless tapware to match

Just as important as the tile selection for these spaces was the tapware. Knowing this, we introduced Julia to Faucet Strommen. As a locally manufactured product brimming with customisation possibilities, Faucet Strommen offered the best in quality, finishes, and service.

“I hadn’t heard of Faucet Strommen before this, but I instantly loved what I saw. Then, when I found out they were local manufacturers right here in our own state, I loved them even more!” she says.

In the end, the perfect range and finish for Julia’s home was the slim, Pegasi M range in raw brushed brass. Striking the perfect balance between contemporary design and an ageless finish, the Australian made product is right at home here. Designed to naturally patina over time, the raw brushed brass brings a refined element to the space and will remain timeless.

Local suppliers create success

Reflecting on her home makeover experience, Julia credits its success to the local suppliers and trades working on the project.

“Finding the right suppliers and trades was crucial and was a big part of our success. Every part of the process involved local suppliers and trades and now I feel like I have a fab team to call on for all parts of the process,” she says.

The final spaces are not only testament to the quality of suppliers and trades on the project, but also to Julia’s tenacious eye for design and confident use of colour.

Words: Alana Perin
Images: Armelle Habib
Styling: Greenhouse Interiors

Australian Made Milestone for Faucet Strommen

August 3, 2020 Melinda Skoko

Chisel D Cross Taps, Pegasi M Spout, Bottle Trap - Switzrok Matte White Finish

We are so proud of our friends at Faucet Strommen for officially reaching Australian Made status for their tapware products. For over 20 years, the family owned company has designed and manufactured beautiful, high-quality, and innovative tapware for Australians and the world over.

Over the years, Faucet Strommen have developed their manufacturing capability and invested in machinery, innovation, and above all, their people, to provide the best in tapware – and it shows. Their diverse range and extended finishes allow for a myriad of design possibilities which keeps builders, architects, and renovators coming back for more.

Continue to support local

As one of the first products we introduced to our customers in our very first showroom over 10 years ago, we’ve been privileged to be on this journey with Faucet Strommen and are thankful for their unwavering support of GT&B.

And if Faucet Strommen’s Australian Made milestone is anything to go by, it’s never been more important for Australians and Australian businesses to support each other. Showing your commitment to the brilliant and skilled minds behind our country’s manufacturing industry or simply shopping at your local small business will be felt and appreciated by all.

At GT&B, we continue to support our partners and suppliers through this challenging time and are committed to bringing our customers the best in tiles, tapware, and flooring.

Hit the Home Refresh Button in Iso

July 13, 2020 Melinda Skoko

We totally get it – working from home or being in lockdown really gives you a lot of time to get to know your house and the things that need some TLC. You’ve probably just let it go and figured you’d fix it ‘eventually’.

Maybe it’s a leaking sink mixer, or an old and daggy toilet suite, or better yet, a 300x300 tiled home with discoloured grout and chips. Once you really notice these things, you can’t un-see them. But, thankfully for you, these things can be attended to and easily fixed while in iso.

With the help of our friendly and passionate staff, our extensive range of products, and your design vision, we can help you get started on the little updates you’ve always wanted to complete in your home.

Safety first

While the current situation brings uncertainty, we’re here to give you the assurance you need to be able to complete your home renovations safely.

The in-store health and safety of our staff and customers is of utmost importance to us, and you can rest assured we have placed all necessary measures to ensure this while you visit. If you are unable to make it in-store, give us a call or send us an email and we can arrange the shipping of your order to your home or office.

#SupportLocal

As a small, family-owned business, it has always been important for us to be able to provide our customers – new and loyal – with the best in service, expert advice, and exceptional product.

And although 2020 has threatened to put a dampener on the year, we have embraced the many challenges and maintained our unwavering commitment to our customers. So please continue to #supportlocal. Because without you, none of what we do would be possible.

Thank you for 5k!

We have reached a mega milestone with 5,000+ followers on Instagram and to celebrate, we are giving away $1000 worth of product to one lucky follower.

Not to sound biased or anything, but we truly think we have the best customers and followers out there, so this giveaway is a way of saying thank you for all of your support.

To enter:

1. Go to our Instagram page @geelong_tilesandbathware

2. Make sure you are following us

3. Like this image and tag two friends in the post

4. For an additional entry, share the post on your story and tag us so we can see

Disclaimer & Terms:
Competition ends midnight (AEDT) on Saturday 18th July. Winner will be selected at random and announced on Sunday 19th July 2020 via Instagram @geelong_tilesandbathware

Giveaway restricted to Australian residents and over 18’s only. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Instagram.

Good luck!