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.

shaynna-blaze-sutherland-collection
“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!

deco-vanity-sutherland-house-collection

The Deco Vanity

vanity-storage-sutherland-house-collection

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.

dark-moody-ensuite-with-gold-and-nero-marquina-marble

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.

terrazzo-balcony-tile

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.

Trend Report | Cersaie 2021

For what has felt like a lifetime between exhibitions, the 38th International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, Cersaie, finally had the opportunity to open its doors and welcome visitors and exhibitors in person since 2019. The exhibition ran over five days from 27 September to 1 October, and saw a total of 623 companies showcasing their new collections to a total of 62,943 visitors.

As much as I wish I were one of the 24,019 international visitors present this year, I was more than happy to scroll through Instagram daily to catch a glimpse of the hottest trends from the tile and bathware world. While I’m not sure which of these beautiful products we’ll be privy to here in Australia, I wanted to take you through some of the standout themes to keep an eye out for.

Imagine by La Fabricca Image: Courtesy of FAP Ceramiche

Imagine by La Fabricca Image: Courtesy of FAP Ceramiche

Floral motifs

There’s nothing inherently new about tiles with floral motifs. However, each year, tile manufacturers take designs to the next level, and a pandemic wasn’t going to dim the light on their brilliance.

One of my favourite expressions of floral design showcased at Cersaie is ‘Imagine’ by La Fabrica. Each design features a variation of exotic plants in different colours and textures on thin slabs of porcelain for a dramatic effect. With this collection, La Fabrica has achieved wallpaper-like aesthetics with the durability of porcelain.

Mystic by Ceramica Sant’Agostino Image: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant’Agostino

Mystic by Ceramica Sant’Agostino Image: Courtesy of Ceramica Sant’Agostino

Stone interpretations

Another constant in the tile design realm is natural stone-look porcelain. I can’t even begin to describe how many times my jaw hit the floor when I saw some of the collections. Some interpretations looked so real; it was hard to believe they were porcelain tiles.

‘Mystic’ by Ceramica Sant’Agostino caught my eye, and it was love at first sight. Inspired by the essence of marble, each graphic face of Mystic is a piece of art and captures the beauty and intricacies of natural stone.

Infinite Majesty by Masquespacio x Roca Tile Image: Gregory Abbate

Infinite Majesty by Masquespacio x Roca Tile Image: Gregory Abbate

Decorative features      

Cersaie also highlighted the versatility of porcelain, with many manufacturers showcasing bathware and decorative pieces constructed entirely of porcelain stoneware. Spain’s Roca Tiles took three of their stunning tile collections and transformed them into a sculptural masterpiece.

Through a collaboration with creative studio, Masquespacio, they created a collection of small sculptural and furniture pieces as part of their installation. Aptly named ‘Infinite Majesty’, the collection features polychromatic spheres, cylinders, cones, and prisms. But most importantly, the installation reminds us that porcelain can go beyond its traditional applications on floors and walls.

Cersaie 2021 was certainly a success (in my eyes anyway). Now, please help me manifest a world where these collections land in our showroom soon!

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 16 October 2021

#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.

Italy, Natural Stone, and Other Musings

I’ve spent a lot of time this week dreaming about the first place I’d like to visit post-pandemic. Through all my musings and mindless #wanderlust TikTok scrolling, I settled on Europe.

Right now, I’d be happy to start and finish the day with a cone of gelato, devouring bowls of cacio e pepe at every opportunity, and aimlessly roaming cobblestoned streets. Okay, so I’m obviously talking about Italy. Lockdown has clearly gnawed at my brain for some time, but I promise there is a point to this imaginary anecdote.

Rome Streetscape Image: Fineas Anton

Rome Streetscape Image: Fineas Anton

The one thing that truly stopped me in my tracks as I was thinking about my dreamy Italian getaway was the cobblestones. “What I would give to roll my ankle on the cobbled streets of Rome right now,” I pondered (note: laughed).

This thought then led me through an extensive exploration of the abundance of natural stone in European streetscapes and architecture. But more than anything, it left me thinking, “why are we so scared to use natural stone in our homes here in Australia?”

Now, I’m not saying this statement speaks for everyone. But from my own experiences speaking with hundreds of you in our showroom over the years, I often found resistance whenever I presented natural stone as an option.

Cobblestone pavement in Riom-ès-Montagnes, France Image: Unsplash

Cobblestone pavement in Riom-ès-Montagnes, France Image: Unsplash

For the most part, the instant reaction related to maintenance; and I totally understand why. Some people want to lead a maintenance-free life wherever possible. But the reality is, natural stone needs no more upkeep than a regular porcelain tile. Maybe just a little extra TLC here and there. You’ve just got to clean spills instantly to prevent staining, seal them every few years, and make sure everyone in your household follows suit. Simple!

I’ve always found this sentiment interesting. Because, when it comes to exterior applications, bluestone, travertine, and limestone are always front runners. You could argue these stones are exposed to much more than sticky toothpaste and pasta sauce sitting outside in the elements; but they are always selected for their durability. And there it is – the key word. Durability. Cobblestones were installed to withstand heavy traffic year-round and Melbourne CBD is covered in bluestone pavers for this same reason.

These stones are nature’s gift, and I’d love to see the conversations around natural stone shift from boring maintenance concerns to a deeper focus on its durability and inherent sustainability. We’ve just got to think like the Europeans and bring a little more romance around the notion of natural stone. Who’s with me?

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 18 September 2021

Tile Selection Made Easy

Tile selection. For some, this task is the most fun and exciting step of the building process. But for others, the mere thought of choosing tiles is anxiety-inducing. If you fall into the second category, please don’t fret. We’re here to walk you through the absolute basics of tile selection to make sure your experience is seamless and stress-free.

Large tiles create the illusion of a bigger space

Large tiles create the illusion of a bigger space

Get the Size Right

One of the first elements to consider when selecting tiles is the size of your space and the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Most people seek to get the most out of their space by making it look bigger than it actually is. The best way to achieve this is by installing larger tiles. Tiles 600mm x 600mm and larger require less grout, creating a more seamless finish. This also means less grout to worry about cleaning – winning!

If you’re not really interested in creating the illusion of grandeur, then any tile combination will work in your space. Just remember, as long as the design is a reflection of your personality, you’ve created a winner.

Different colours evoke various emotions, so think about this when you’re designing your space

Different colours evoke various emotions, so think about this when you’re designing your space

Colour Your Mood                     

Just like the size of your tiles, the colour you choose can have an impact on the way people feel within the space. Lighter colours like whites, greys, and neutral beiges will add to the illusion of a larger space – if that’s what you’re looking to achieve.

Adding colour to accent walls, floors or splashbacks can impact the mood of a room. Different shades evoke various emotions, so it is important to think about the kind of atmosphere you wish to create.

Naturally, blue hues create calmness and tranquility – perfect for coastal-style homes. If you’re looking to radiate optimism and joy, yellow is your best friend. Power and sophistication are instantly achieved with black.

Matte vs Gloss

There is a common misconception that matte tiles are less desirable because they hold more grime than polished tiles. Let us set this record straight right now; matte tiles don’t hold any more dirt than their polished counterparts.

Generally, porcelain and ceramic tiles are glazed, and regardless of their final finish, this glaze acts as a sealant to prevent stains and ensuring easy maintenance. Matte tiles are also perfect for floors (especially in wet areas) and create a natural finish.

Gloss tiles are traditionally used on walls. Whether they’re large format or smaller subways or mosaics, gloss tiles will reflect the light to create the illusion of a larger space. Gloss tiles, however, can show water spots and streaks after cleaning more easily.

Matte and gloss tiles have a place in every space and it always comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic you want to achieve in your space.

Grout Selection 101

Selecting grout could quite possibly be the most important choice you make during this process. So, you want to make sure you get it right. Here are some things to consider: 

Matching grout

By selecting grout that is the same colour as your tile, you can achieve a much more seamless look. Matching grout also helps achieve a textural finish. Use this method if you don’t want to draw too much attention to the tiles. This works perfectly with plain tiles like penny rounds, square mosaics, or subways.

Contrasting grout

Contrasting your grout colour is a sure-fire way to create a statement with your tiles. This method will emphasise the shape and pattern they’re laid in; think black grout with white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern.

Complementing grout

Multi-coloured pattern tiles, terrazzo, or natural stone will work best with complementary coloured grout. Heck, any tile will benefit from a complementary colour.

Select tiles that reflect your personality and aesthetic Build: Doherty Building Group Styling: GT&B Image: Tim Turner

Select tiles that reflect your personality and aesthetic Build: Doherty Building Group Styling: GT&B Image: Tim Turner

Do You, Always

 At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to design the space that speaks to your aesthetic and personality. Now that you understand the basics of tile selection, you should feel more confident as you embark on your renovation or new build. Visit the Geelong Tiles & Bathware showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown to explore our extensive range of tiles for your next project.

5 Ingredients You Need to Design the Perfect Kitchen

The kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, and at times, the battleground for many post-dinner wash-up arguments. But what makes the perfect kitchen? I’ve got some tips to help you get started.

The kitchen triangle is alive and well in this glorious space with the stove, sink and fridge within easy reach Image: Tim Turner

The kitchen triangle is alive and well in this glorious space with the stove, sink and fridge within easy reach Image: Tim Turner

Space planning

This is all about observing the way you use the space. Are you an entertainer? Does your family share the kitchen throughout the day? Or do you hate cooking and prefer to UberEats your dinners four nights a week?

Whichever category you fit into; functionality must be front of mind. At a minimum, you should start with the Kitchen Triangle. Referring to the position of the three most important features in any kitchen – the fridge, cooktop and sink – the Kitchen Triangle enables you to perform day-to-day tasks with ease and flow.

An island bench with seating is perfect for the entertainer’s kitchen Build: VAND Builders Image: Nic Stephens

An island bench with seating is perfect for the entertainer’s kitchen Build: VAND Builders Image: Nic Stephens

Define your style

In this stage, your Pinterest boards come to life and become your source of inspiration. It’s also worth looking to your home for direction. Think about whether you want to complement or contrast the bones of the home. If you want to retain the ornate features of your Victorian home, shaker-style cabinetry would complement it perfectly. Otherwise, a contrasting modern kitchen with clean lines and integrated appliances would create a bold statement.

Sleek cabinetry and industrial features emphasise the grandeur of this modern kitchen Build: Truform Construction Image: Tim Turner

Sleek cabinetry and industrial features emphasise the grandeur of this modern kitchen Build: Truform Construction Image: Tim Turner

Storage is king

The biggest investment you can make in your kitchen is with ample and accessible storage. A combination of drawers, cupboards and overhead cupboards are ideal in the kitchen. Don’t forget to take advantage of the height of your room. Although tall cabinets might be hard to get to, they’re great for storing party platters and other items you occasionally need.

Talk about having ample storage! Image: Big4 Wye River

Talk about having ample storage! Image: Big4 Wye River

It’s all in the finishes (and sinkware)

From the benchtop to handles, tapware, sink and the splashback, there are so many ways to inject personality into your kitchen. While things like cabinetry and benchtop colours are important, the one thing I do stress is taking the time to choose a sink fit for your needs. Some households might benefit from undermount sinks, while for others, a sink with a drainer could be a non-negotiable. No matter which sink you choose, ensure it is durable.

Our clients opted for a black Schock double bowl sink with a drainer to suit their needs Joinery: SCLK Geelong Image: Pam Hutchinson

Our clients opted for a black Schock double bowl sink with a drainer to suit their needs Joinery: SCLK Geelong Image: Pam Hutchinson

Consult the experts

Whether you’re renovating or starting a new build, take the time to look at your layout and make a rough plan of the changes you’d like to make. Then be sure to consult the experts to talk through your ideas and work out if they’re possible or not. Cabinet makers will have all the answers for the structure of your kitchen, and we’ll look after the rest (note: the fun stuff).