28 August 2024
A bathroom update revitalises the home and the soul. A place for relaxation and rejuvenation, it will also add value to your home. But where to start! The experts at Oakleys Plumbing Supplies point you in the right direction.
I’m planning a bathroom renovation. What’s my first consideration?
Your first consideration should be the existing plumbing. If you can work with what’s in place your costs will be kept to a minimum, but you will be limited in your bathroomware choices and layout options. For example, many older homes have basin wastes through the floor so you could not install a wall hung vanity. And a floor standing bath mixer is out of the question unless you have access beneath floorboards for new pipework. If you choose to move plumbing, you will have more design flexibility, may need the services of an architect or designer, and will need council consent.
Once the plumbing is determined, how do I choose a style?
Your home’s architectural style should be an opening consideration. Do you have a period home that requires a sympathetic upgrade? Are you modernising the home or providing a contrast to what already exists? Whatever your design intentions be sure to reference them in each updated room to ensure the house feels cohesive.
Today’s design and manufacturing capabilities mean you can have a period look and technologically advanced systems in the same product.
In the bathroom, start with the item that is most important to you and work from there. Are you planning for a large shower with a rainhead? Is lack of storage the reason for your renovation? Is a soaking tub the top of your wishlist? Prioritise this item. Shapes, colours, finishes and proportions of other bathroomware products should speak to that first item in order to produce a cohesive look. You may wish to allocate a higher portion of funds to that primary item and make more budget conscious decisions on other bathroomware.
There are a lot of amazing bathroom products out there. Where can we go for advice and inspiration?
Oakleys’ consultants have an expansive knowledge base. Let them know your unique set of requirements and they will be able to find product and combination options to help you achieve the look you are after.
If you can’t get into an Oakleys showroom, visit the virtual showrooms at www.oakleysplumbing.co.nz. You can walk through the concept bathrooms, click on items for more information and quickly send a product request through to one of the consultants.
Is there a place I can keep all my notes, plans and product wish list?
On the Oakleys website you can a create a project under the MY PROJECT tab. You can save products, upload plans and choose colourways. Then request a quote or ask for assistance from an Oakleys consultant with the click of a button. You can share the project with your spouse, designer, or builder or plumber, complete with installation guides for every product.
Is there extra help for homeowners who are struggling to tie everything together?
Yes. Each Oakleys branch has consultants experienced in the creation of beautiful bathrooms.
In Christchurch, Oakleys has Karen Kim, an in-house bathroom designer who can design your space from scratch and organise all the trades to turn your bathroom dreams into a reality.
All branches have a consultant dedicated to architectural projects, who work directly with architects and designers. In Christchurch this is Lisa Lemon-van Eijk, in Nelson it is Lisa King-Turner, in Cromwell it is for Lynda Abernethy and in Dunedin Dianne Tosh.
All Oakleys consultants undergo regular training, both domestically and internationally, to keep abreast of bathroom design trends and product innovations. Some also have interior design qualifications allowing them to offer colour consultancies and spatial planning services.
Ring an Oakleys branch today to book a free consultation with one of our bathroom experts.
We’ll send you exclusive offers, new product information and showroom events.
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