Top Tips to Create Your Dream Home

Are you about to start renovating or building your dream home? If you are, congrats! I’m so happy for you, but I also have some words of wisdom I’d like to share as you embark on this exciting journey. Considering the supply and logistics delays we’re currently facing globally, I think you’re going to want to hear this.

If you are renovating or building make sure you plan ahead Image: Green Chameleon via Unsplash

Plan, plan, and plan some more

The number one thing you must do when planning your renovation or build is to do just that: PLAN! And well in advance. The planning stage includes everything from style, budget, and finding the best tradespeople to take your project from concept to completion.

Take the time to look into the fixtures and fittings you’d like to incorporate into your home. Understand the potential lead times and specifications of these items to ensure they will fit in with your timeline and spatial requirements respectively.

To put it simply, if you see something you love and you know it will work within your needs, place the order as soon as you can. Because unfortunately, the harsh reality is that suppliers everywhere are struggling to keep up with demand and the likelihood of a delay in manufacturing or supply is extremely high right now.

Surround by Laminex Scallop wall panelling in Dulux Natural White Image: Surround by Laminex

Budget and lock in prices

Since the pandemic struck, price rises have become more frequent than ever. Back in the day, we could expect one price rise per supplier per year. Now, it’s looking more like one every quarter.

So, to help you stick to your budget, it’s wise to lock in prices for your fixtures, fittings, furniture, décor (basically everything) at the point of receiving any quotes. It’s likely those prices are the lowest you’ll see for the lifecycle of your project, so you’ll want to get in before your quote is no longer valid.

Trust the process, and enjoy the building experience for what it is Build: Atla Constructions Design: Studio A2 Architect Image: Nic Stephens

Trust the process

Building can be a stressful and overwhelming process – we know this. Even with the best planning, and all the material, labour, and supply delays, it’s so important to trust your builder and suppliers during this time. We’re all feeling the pressure, but we’re professionals and we’re here to support you the whole way.

If your weatherboards or tiles are delayed, it’s okay. These kinds of things are inevitable now, so you’ve just got to be flexible, embrace it and enjoy the experience for what it is. Don’t let one small hiccup ruin the whole build for you. It’ll get finished, and you’ll forget it even happened. 

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 16 April 2022

NEW RELEASE | The Basin Lab

When new products come across our showroom floor, they generally leave us feeling giddy and excited about the design opportunities we can provide our customers. So, when the team at The Basin Lab presented their stunning basins to us, you can probably imagine our reaction! Allow us to introduce you to The Basin Lab.

Introducing The Basin Lab

Based in sunny Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, The Basin Lab is a boutique Australian manufacturer of handmade, Oxyform™ bathware products.

The distinctive products that make up The Basin Lab’s collection are functional, beautiful to look at, and extremely durable. An alternative to ceramic, stone, and concrete basins, the unique resin formula allows for experimentation with colour to create a truly personalised space.

The brains behind the brand, Steve Nicholls, had an extensive career as a bespoke builder but was looking for a challenge to reinvigorate his passion for creative design. From there, he began to experiment with different forms of resin, eventually creating his first basin.

Two years of research and development allowed Steve and his team at The Basin Lab to develop their unique low VOC material Oxyform™ and their unique colouring system.

The Basin Lab basins are made from a unique resin formula called Oxyform™

What is Oxyform™?

Oxyform™ is a low VOC solid surface composition unique to The Basin Lab. The final result is an environmentally friendly, lightweight, and durable basin with a lustrous finish.

The low VOC product cures when exposed to oxygen, meaning that no electricity or additional chemicals are required during the manufacturing process. With sustainability top of mind for The Basin Lab, each basin is sculpted to a specific measurement, leaving no wastage after each basin is crafted.

Are Oxyform™ Basins Easy to Maintain?

Hell yeah! With anti-bacterial properties, The Basin Lab basins can be easily cleaned using warm soapy water, and require no additional waxing or polishing. They are durable, chip-resistant, and come with a 10 year structural warranty.

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Available in four different ranges, The Basin Lab’s collections capture the essence of everything from beautiful muted hues, to nature’s vibrancy, luminous pearls, and translucent gemstones.

POWDER

Coral

Dapple

Fern

Frost

Lemon

Pewter

Mint

Seal

Powder Blue

Soft Pink

Melon

Stone

NATURE

Eclipse

Moon Glow

Ocean

Rainforest

Storm

LIQUID

Sunstone

Jade

Sapphire

Black Pearl

PEARL

Antique

Cognac

Copper

Onyx

Oyster

Visit Geelong Tiles & Bathware

For more information about The Basin Lab and their products, get in touch with us via email or visit our showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown.

Our Journey to 15

From sharing a forklift with the fish shop next door to growing out of our current premises three times over, the GT&B story is one of persistence and an unwavering passion for service.

We sat down with our directors Goz, Melinda, Joe, and Trish to reflect on the last 15 years, and how the GT&B we know today has evolved in this time.

An Idea is Born

Back in 2006, Goz and Melinda were undergoing their first renovation project. A creative by nature, Melinda’s desire for designer interior products led them to shop in the boutiques of Melbourne, as the then-sleepy Geelong market had little to offer.

On the drive home from one of their many Melbourne buying trips, Goz turned to Melinda and said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if Geelong had a mega store with on-trend tiles, tapware, and flooring?” This thought then started a bigger conversation with Melinda’s cousin Trish and her husband Joe.

Seasoned house-flippers Trish and Joe were no strangers to the building and renovation scene, so asking for their advice made complete sense. Over dinner one night, Melinda and Goz pitched their idea to their soon-to-be business partners, and the rest, as they say, is history.   

The showroom at Homemart Plus Geelong on Geelong’s Waterfront

Homemart Plus Opens

About eight months passed between that initial conversation and the official opening of Homemart Plus, the first iteration of the business. Located in a small warehouse next to Katos Fish Supply on the Geelong Waterfront, Homemart Plus opened in March 2007.

In the early days, the Smythe Street shop was run by Trish, who left her full-time job to manage the showroom while the others continued to work their day jobs. At the time, Goz was on afternoon shifts, which meant he was able to come in during the day to help Trish, and the weekends were left to Melinda and Joe.

When she looks back at the first few months, Trish can’t help but laugh at the reality of managing the showroom predominantly on her own. “There would be times where I would be helping customers load baths onto their utes!” she laughs while adding, “Although, I would have to yell out to the boys at Katos on a daily basis to ask them to unload heavier orders into our warehouse with their forklift.”

The initial product offering was small. “At the time, we only had three ranges of tapware and showers, around 15 ranges of tiles, and a large selection of basins on offer,” recalls Joe. “We really just wanted to test Geelong’s appetite for these products before committing to a larger selection,” he adds. Notable brands in the Homemart Plus repertoire included Dune Ceramics, Eureka Tiles, Caroma, and Johnsons Tiles.

Over time, word started spreading about this small store on the Waterfront, and with this influx of interest, came more requests for brands we didn’t stock. “It got to the point where we knew we needed to listen to what our customers wanted, so I started researching different tile and plumbing buying groups that weren’t currently in Geelong,” explains Goz.

With this, the team landed on The Buyers Independent Group Australia (BIGA+) for plumbing supplies and The Tile People for tiles. This buying group shift meant a change of name and further expansion of the business. In 2009, The Tile People Geelong was born.

The Tile People Geelong opened in 2009

Your Local Tile Experts

 In a move that all four of our directors call a ‘game changer’, joining these buying groups established our position in the Geelong market as the destination for designer tiles, bathware, and flooring.

At this time, the team also prioritised sourcing exclusive ranges and products to add to our collections. “While the products that were available to us through the buying groups were extensive, we always looked for something different to offer our customers. And I can confidently say that this point of difference saw our customer base grow,” says Joe.

“In this industry, you need to have options because you don’t want every house looking the same. Everyone has a different personality, and you have to be able to incorporate that into your home,” adds Trish. “We got to a point where we realised that you can’t only have 10 different products on offer because you’ll just end up creating the same home over and over again,” she says.

Growing on an upward trajectory year on year, it was no surprise that four years after becoming The Tile People Geelong, it was time to move on from the Waterfront showroom. “We really pushed that showroom to its limits, and we were ready for the next chapter of our business to begin,” explains Melinda. This expansion brought with it a change of location and a new identity.

Enter, Geelong Tiles & Bathware.  

GT&B arrives at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown

A New Era

In 2014, we moved to Newtown and rebranded to Geelong Tiles & Bathware, the name and brand you all know and love. Sitting proudly on West Fyans St, our new location would be the start of a whirlwind nine years for our business.

Since then, our team has continued to grow, with more sales consultants and warehouse staff coming on board to keep up with the demand. In fact, the last two years alone saw our team almost triple in size!

Not only has our team grown, but our showroom has also changed significantly over the last nine years. Keeping our original vision for creating an inspiring design hub for builders, renovators, and architects was non-negotiable. So, naturally, we needed more space to fit it all.

“Slowly, but surely, we started taking over our warehouse space on West Fyans St to create a larger, more immersive showroom. We did this twice and subsequently added a large off-site warehouse to house our orders,” explains Goz.

“To put this into perspective, our Smythe Street showroom was only 200sqm. Now, we’re at around 1,500sqm plus a warehouse,” he adds.

Which says it all.  

GT&B showroom taking shape

Our showroom expands

Family always there to help

The GT&B Experience

Perhaps more significant than the unique tiles and tapware on our shelves is our approach towards customer service. “From day one, we committed to giving our customers a certain level of service that was positive, encouraging, and inspired them to think outside the box when designing their home,” says Melinda.

Whether someone was building a brand-new home or renovating a powder room, the team would take the time to listen to their needs to give them the best possible outcome for their project. This approach still rings true today, as our team of consultants assist customers with knowledgeable and inspiring advice to help them create their dream home.  

If you’ve ever shopped with us before, you might be surprised to know that Joe’s penchant for customer service was non-existent in the early days. “Yeah, that’s true,” laughs Joe. “As a tradie, I wasn’t always comfortable in retail and customer service,” he adds. But since then, he’s excelled in service and design and loves the process of seeing it all come together.

Family Ties

Another thing you’ll notice when you walk through our doors, is the omnipresent family atmosphere amongst our team. With every interaction, whether with reps or customers, our team make visitors feel welcome and excited to be in our showroom.

“As a family, we always wanted our core values to transfer into the business,” explains Trish.  

For Trish, Joe, Goz, and Mel, keeping a work-life balance has been a priority since the beginning. With young families themselves, the four of them worked hard to instil the importance of having that balance within the team.

“We encourage our staff to be there for special events in their kids’ lives, and we make sure that extra hours are only worked if absolutely necessary,” says Melinda. While this emphasis is placed on their lives and families outside of work, the family vibe is strong amongst the team.  

“We’re our own big little family, and we love seeing it grow,” says Goz. “Some of our team have been with us for five, even eight years, and they almost treat GT&B as their own,” he says, adding, “and I think that’s the biggest compliment for us as owners, knowing that our staff care as much as we do.”

So, What’s Next?

With 15 solid years under our belt, it begs the question, what’s next for GT&B?

“How big can little old GT&B get? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see,” says Melinda.

Phoenix Expands Designer Sink Mixer Collection

The team at Phoenix Tapware have expanded their Designer Sink Mixer collection with four brand new designs. The new additions are specially designed to meet the needs of any household and include Deja, Linq, Ester, and Erlen.

Deja Pull Out Sink Mixer

Designed in Australia, Deja features a dual function, pull out hand piece with different sprays for ultimate functionality. The 220mm swivel spout enhances its functionality, making cleaning your sink or preparing food a breeze! Deja is available in matte black, brushed nickel, and chrome, and will certainly suit any contemporary home.

Deja in Chrome

Deja in Matte Black

Deja in Brushed Nickel

Linq Pull Out Sink Mixer

For all you outdoor entertainers, Linq is the sink mixer for you. Constructed out of 316 marine-grade stainless steel, Linq features a lifetime warranty on the finish and ensures ultimate durability against the elements. Linq also has a dual function, pull out hand piece with a switch to alternate between functions. Its timeless silhouette delivers a beautiful soft, organic feel to the mixer, making it perfect for any space both inside and out.

Linq SS Sink Mixer

Ester Sink Mixer

With its seamless fusion of geometric design with a delicately curved lever, Ester is a chic squareline sink mixer perfect for any contemporary home. Ester also features energy saving Cold Start cartridge technology, which allows only cold water to be delivered when the tap is operated from the traditional mid-lever position. Meaning that hot water only flows if the handle is moved to the left hot position, ultimately saving energy by avoiding the unnecessary heating of water. She’s gorgeous and she’s efficient!

Ester in Chrome

Ester in Matte Black

Ester in Brushed Nickel

Erlen Sink Mixer

Much like Ester, the Erlen sink mixer features a soft, squareline profile fit for a minimalist aesthetic. Its sleek appearance is enhanced by the recessed aerator, while functionality comes to the fore with the 200mm swivel spout. Erlen is currently available in chrome, matte black, and brushed nickel, with two more finishes due to be added to the collection. Watch this space!

Erlen in Chrome

Erlen in Matte Black

Erlen in Brushed Nickel

Discover More From Phoenix’s Designer Sink Mixer Collection

For more information on Phoenix Tapware’s Designer Sink Mixer Collection, click here. Or, visit our showroom to explore our extensive Phoenix display at 17 West Fyans St, Newtown.

NEW RELEASE | SOLA by ABI Interiors

Outdoor showers have never looked chicer thanks to ABI Interiors’ new Sola Collection.

Constructed from high-quality 316-grade stainless steel, all pieces in the Sola collection are rust-resistant and built to withstand the elements. What’s more, the minimal designs are available in ABI’s four iconic colours to allow for consistency in and outside the home.

The Sola Outdoor Shower Set features a 250mm head for a luxurious shower experience

Easily switch between the overhead shower and hand shower via the diverter function

The Sola collection also includes tapware and shower separates to instantly enhance your outdoor sanctuary.

Featuring a wide variety of fixtures including a mixer, spout set, showerhead and much more — you'll have all the necessary components for your project. Choose between Stainless Steel, Brushed Brass, Brushed Copper or Brushed Gunmetal to create the perfect outdoor space for you.

Sola Minimal Mixer and Spout Set in Brushed Copper

Sola features a variety of fixtures to create the perfect outdoor space

We absolutely love the new Sola collection and are sure that you will too. To learn more about the complete Sola collection, click here.

Visit us at 17 West Fyans St, Newtown to explore our ABI Interiors display and find the perfect tapware solution for your next project.

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.

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).  

Pegasi M Pull-Out Sink Mixer in Brushed Gold N18

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.

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

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!

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

2022: The Year of Colour

Alright. It’s 2022, and I’m dubbing it the Year of Colour. We’ve experienced far too much unrest, sadness, and all ‘round merde (it’s more appropriate to say in French) over the last couple of years, and it’s time to brighten our spirits through colour and self-expression.

While I implore you to take this colourful mantra and apply it to anything you deem important this year, I’m mostly here to encourage you to inject colour into your interiors. After all, I’m sure I can speak for most of you when I say we’ve spent enough time inside our homes to know the importance of creating a tranquil haven for our wellbeing (and sanity).

Those who know me will agree that I’m a colour-fiend, and always find ways to infuse every part of my life with vibrancy and excitement. So, when Pantone announced its 2022 colour of the year, I squealed and immediately started thinking about how I could incorporate it into my own interiors.

Flatlay featuring Very Peri tones and complementary colours Image: GT&B

This year’s colour is Very Peri. Just like its name suggests, it’s the most gloriously rich shade of periwinkle. Part of the blue family, Very Peri features a red-violet undertone and brings with it a dynamic presence.

Although purple tones can be quite polarising, you’ll be pleased to know this colour is compatible with many palettes. For this reason, I think incorporating Very Peri in your home is easy.

Pantone’s 2022 Colour of the Year is Very Peri

Experiment with Very Peri through these four colour palettes

I’m not suggesting you should adorn your entire bathroom in purple tiles (but if you do, please send me photos!). Rather, start small. Think soft furnishings, pillows, vases, or candles. These items are quickly interchangeable and will serve as an accent colour source for as long as you wish.

Larger pieces like your joinery or furniture can remain in complementary colours such as Dried Moss and Granite Green (as seen in the ‘Balancing Act’ palette), or even Anthracite and Volcanic Glass (‘The Star of the Show’) if you’re unsure about committing to a full colour-explosion.

More than anything, Very Peri’s inherent playfulness emboldens uninhibited expression and experimentation. In other words, have fun with it! Paint the walls purple, create a statement with a green vanity, and tile your floors in terracotta. Heck, if you want a Very Peri coloured bath, we can make it happen!

If Very Peri has taught me anything already, it’s that we should lean into and embrace a life full of colour at every opportunity. Dream, experiment, and commit to it, because you might just love the outcome more than you first thought.  

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 15 January 2022

Sensi by Matteo Thun

Sensi by Matteo Thun is a tactile porcelain collection with subtle, natural tones.

The collaboration between Italian architecture firm Matteo Thun & Partners and renowned tile manufacturer Florim, has produced a collection that combines nature with the power of innovation.

Sensi Lithos White by Matteo Thun

Nature and Innovation Unite

Developed with consideration to its environmental impact, this collection is made of natural raw materials and 60% of recycled materials - the result of up to 100% sustainable production process, both in terms of water consumption and self-generated electricity.

Decorative mosaics also feature in the Sensi collection, and are made from the recycled glass screens of TV’s and PC’s. The handmade nature of the mosaics means every single chip is different, creating a dynamic surface.

Sensi is available in 5 organic tones, 4 beautiful textures - Dust & Fossil (Matte), Lithos (Textured), Sand (Exterior) - and multiple sizes. Lead times apply on some tiles.

Visit us today to experience the tactile wonder that is the Sensi collection.

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White Dust

White Fossil

White Lithos

White Sand

White Mosaic

Ivory Dust

Ivory Fossil

Ivory Lithos

Ivory Sand

Ivory Mosaic

Grey Dust

Grey Fossil

Grey Lithos

Grey Sand

Grey Mosaic

Taupe Dust

Taupe Fossil

Taupe Lithos

Taupe Sand

Taupe Mosaic

Brown Dust

Brown Fossil

Brown Lithos

Brown Sand

Brown Mosaic

5 Types of Sinks and Their Best Features

Choosing a kitchen sink is arguably the most important part of designing your kitchen. First and foremost, it must be functional. The sink is the literal workhorse of your kitchen and should work with you to make your everyday tasks easy. Your sink should also look good. It’s as simple as that.

With a plethora of sinks available out there, we thought we’d take you through the 5 main types of sinks and their best features to help you choose one that’s best for you. Let’s go!

The Spectra Black Double Bowl Sink by Oliveri will create an instant statement in your kitchen

Inset Sinks

First up we have inset or top-mount sinks. These sinks are easily the most popular style on the market. As the name suggests, these sinks are installed on top of the benchtop, and feature a lip to support it. The lip of the sink is then sealed around the edge to ensure it remains waterproof.

The best thing about inset sinks is that they come in an array of shapes, sizes, and configurations to suit your space. From single to double bowl sinks, and those with a drainer, inset sinks are also super easy to install and suitable for all types of benchtops.

Today, inset sinks are much slimmer than the traditional pressed edge sinks you’re probably all familiar with. Not only does the slim design allow the sink to sit flush with your benchtop, but it also reduces the amount of gunky build-up over time.

GT&B FAVE

GT&B Select Single Bowl Stainless Steel Sink

This single bowl sink from our GT&B Select range is the perfect option for a busy household. The generous size allows for easy cleaning of pots and pans, which we love. Fit with a 1.2mm thin profile and brushed stainless steel finish, this sink will sit perfectly in any kitchen.

GT&B Select Single Bowl Stainless Steel Sink

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A white undermount sink is great if you’re looking to create a seamless look in your light-coloured kitchen Build: Vand Builders Design: Holman Designs Interiors: Mel Wilson Image: Nic Stephens

Undermount Sinks

Second to inset sinks in popularity are undermount sinks. Installed below the benchtop, undermount sinks create a seamless surface, making it perfect for cleaning. Let’s be real, cleaning ability is always first on the checklist, so undermount sinks tick that box instantly!  

If you are considering undermount sinks for your kitchen, it’s important to note that the cost to install undermount sinks is higher than inset sinks as the cut-out for the stone is larger and the edges require buffing. But don’t let this deter you - we think the positives far out-weigh the initial installation costs!

One of our favourite things about undermount sinks is the ability to insert a dish rack for your dishes to dry after washing. No one wants their dishes creating a centrepiece in their kitchen, so this is the perfect way to get them off the benchtop and tucked away.

GT&B FAVE

Schock Double Bowl Granite Undermount Sink in Polaris

With stunning crisp lines and a silky-smooth finish, Schock’s quality German made sinkware has been created using state-of-the-art composite Nanogranite® materials. It offers exceptional strength and durability, stain resistance, and antibacterial properties.

Schock Double Bowl Granite Undermount Sink in Polaris

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Drainer sinks offer great functionality for your kitchen Joinery: SCLK Image: Pam Hutchinson

Drainer Sinks

You really can’t go wrong with a sink and drainer combination. It’s a classic fan-favourite, and over the years has received a serious glow-up. Most drainer sinks currently available are much more modern than their previous counterparts. Often made of highly polished stainless steel, new drainer sinks feature a matte brushed stainless steel finish for ultimate sophistication. They even come in different coloured stainless steel or granite finishes. How’s the versatility!?

Drainer sinks also offer great functionality with the option of left or right-hand drainers to suit the configuration of your kitchen. The drainer also keeps your benchtop dry by channelling any water on the surface directly into the sink.  

Just like inset sinks, some drainer sinks feature a slim profile and sit flush with the benchtop when installed, making them as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. Available in single and double bowl variations, these sinks allow for ease of use and can make washing dishes an absolute breeze.

GT&B FAVE

ABI Interiors Ontario Double Bowl Sink with Drainer in Brushed Brass

Combining beauty and functionality, the Ontario sink is the ultimate statement item for your kitchen. The Ontario also comes with two matching sink wastes and grids to protect the bottom of your sink. Pair it with brushed brass tapware to create a luxurious feel. 

ABI Interiors Ontario Double Bowl Sink with Drainer in Brushed Brass

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Both heat and impact resistant, Fireclay sinks are an extremely durable option for your kitchen

Fireclay Sinks  

Whether you have a traditional or modern home, creating a statement in your kitchen 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.

For all you entertainers out there, the generous size of fireclay sinks allows for easy cleaning of larger pots and pans after a long day of cooking and serving. Like with all sinks, they come in different sizes, bowl types, and even feature patterns on the front if you’re after a more traditional design.

GT&B FAVE

Shaws Ribchester Double Bowl Sink

The beautifully crafted Shaws Ribchester sink is an iconic double bowl Butler sink with a distinctive rounded, ribbed front. Handmade by Master Craftsmen using the same traditional methods since 1897, you can be assured your Shaws sink is completely unique and of the highest quality.

Shaws Ribchester 800 Double Bowl Sink

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Integrated sinks offer seamless sophistication and a bespoke product

Integrated Sinks

Last but not least, we have integrated sinks. Probably the most luxe and stylish option out there, integrated sinks create instant wow factor in any kitchen. From concrete or terrazzo, to marble, Corian and stainless steel, integrated sinks can be created from an array of materials to fit any space and style.

The beauty of integrated sinks is the unique nature of their design. With the ability to carve or mould materials into any design, you can rest assured you’ll end up with a bespoke sink for your home.

With its single-piece construction, an integrated sink also makes cleaning up a breeze. Say goodbye to any gunky build-up around your sink and wipe away crumbs and water easily. So, if you’re looking for a seamless, easy-maintenance design feature in your kitchen, look no further than an integrated sink.

GT&B FAVE

Glogauer Strasse Kitchen by Mar Plus Ask

We absolutely adore this kitchen designed by the architecture duo Mar Plus Ask. Located in a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin, this kitchen is a minimalist’s dream. The large integrated concrete sink at the end of the island bench is the clear focal point of the space.

Glogauer Strasse Kitchen by Mar Plus Ask

Explore Our Range of Sinks

So, there you have it; our breakdown of the 5 most common sink types and their best features. While it may seem overwhelming, start with what works best for you and don’t let any trends influence your decision.

Our friendly designers will work with you to help you find the perfect sink for your kitchen today. Visit Geelong Tiles & Bathware at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown today.   

Things to Consider When Choosing Pool Tiles

As the weather starts to heat up, so does our penchant for laying poolside. While Victoria’s manic weather patterns don’t always allow for the perfect summer, having a resort-like landscape in your home is usually more than enough to make you feel like you’re getting the tropical escape you need. This is, at least, what I imagine it must feel like when you have a pool in your backyard.

So, what does it really take to create the perfect outdoor entertaining and pool design to rival any resort you’ve ever visited?  Mostly, it’s about knowing the design you want to achieve and sourcing the right products to help get you there.

Create the perfect pool area with our selection of tiles and natural stone pavers Featured: Terra Crea in ‘Calce’

Interior Pool Tiles

Selecting the colour of your pool is generally the first step of designing a pool. The most common colours are blue, green, and white as they reflect light and water beautifully, enticing you to jump straight in. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add depth and interest to your pool, darker tiles will create a sophisticated feature in your outdoor space.

The next step is deciding on the type of tile. Ceramic and glass tiles are the most popular options available in the pool tile realm. While both are incredibly hardwearing and durable, they each offer their own benefits. Glass tiles naturally create a more shimmery effect against water due to their composition and can be fully customised to suit your colour scheme or design. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, ceramic tiles are your best friend.

Glass tiles create a beautiful shimmering effect under water Build + Image: King’s Gardens & Pools Tiles: GT&B

Surrounding Tiles

Getting your surrounding tiles right is just as important as the interior of your pool, as it sets the tone for the space. The main things to consider when selecting your tiles are the slip rating, durability, and of course, comfort (you don’t want to feel too hot underfoot).

You also want to think about the other elements you have in the landscape to ensure everything works together in harmony to create that luxe relaxation vibe you’re after. Natural stone pavers and porcelain tiles are the preferred options as they both offer these benefits. Porcelain, however, will offer easier maintenance in the long run.

Samphire House Pool Build: Doherty Building Group Image: Dave Kulesza

Samphire House Build: Doherty Building Group Image: GT&B

Samphire House Build: Doherty Building Group Image: Dave Kulesza

What’s next?

Like with everything, the right option for your outdoor pool area will always come down to budget and aesthetic. If you’re still unsure about where to start, ask the experts! Landscape architects and designers are a great resource to get you started; then visit us next to find the perfect tiles to create the backyard resort of your dreams.

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 20 November 2021