Richard Furze, Architectural Designer for 30 years, gives us his top tips for planning a project.

 

Engage a professional

Engage a professional as soon as you start your project. First things first – employing a designer, architect or consultant, can involve a wide range of cost depending on the scope of your project.  Be clear and establish early on what you require, will who will be working on your job, what you will receive and the cost involved. Finding someone you can work with is the main requirement when choosing a designer.
 

Design trends

There are a huge number of trends coming through in the plumbing scene.  Materials are getting softer, and the range of colours is huge, which makes it interesting to play with the different options available. Plumbing World makes it easy to see the trends and colours in their showroom.  Everything is spread out nicely and presented in a way that’s easy to understand. You can also view the selection they have available in their catalogues or online.

 

Mix and Match

Beware of mixing different product brands together, as you could end up with different styles in your home.  Understanding the style of the house, and keeping the style cohesive throughout, will pull together to give a stunning result.

 

Space

Making your space look bigger is all about perception.  Using a mirror is a great way of making your space feel bigger.  When choosing your products and materials think about the size of your space. Keeping lines simple will make things feel bigger straight away.

 

How long will your project take?

Start by working out what product you want and then check with your supplier for a date of availability. From there you will be able to work backwards to figure out when you need to install the fittings. Check with your local Plumbing World, who will be able to help you find out stock availability dates.  Concentrate on identifying the pieces want to use in your project, then talk to your plumber and/or builder to find out when they need to install them.

Talk to Plumbing World

Talk to your local Plumbing World your project. Book a consultation and let Plumbing World guide you through the process of making your dream a reality.

Vanities

Selecting a wall-hung vanity to draw your eye straight to the wall will make the area appear larger.  The more floor you can see the more space you feel you have in the bathroom.  Floor-standing vanities offer more storage than wall-hung, and where storage is key, weigh up what features you need.

If you love the organic style of natural materials, look for curved edges and textured basins. A single-drawer vanity can still offer plenty of depth to fit the essentials if you include storage elsewhere.

When looking at vanity design check out the options for coloured tops, and consider different cupboard fronts with woodgrain, fluted or textured finishes.  Samples are available to take home which allows you to choose the one that works best for your home.

View our vanity range.

Basins

When choosing tapware for a countertop basin, check that the spout of the tap reaches where you need it to go in your bowl.  The tapware selection is huge in terms of finishes, colours, styles and shapes – call into Plumbing World to see what you like.

Recessed or countertop basins come in loads of cool different colours, finishes and shapes. These can be used as a stunning feature in a bathroom.

View our basin range.

Showers

Sliding shower doors or a round shower option offers the perfect solution for saving on space while still giving you plenty of room to move.

View our shower range.

Toilets

When choosing a toilet, match the shape with the rest of the fittings you have chosen and make sure you go for the soft close seat option.   Or for something special the bidet toilet with warm water, a dryer and a heated seat.

View our toilet range.

Baths

When it comes to baths, take into consideration the space you have in your room.  Back-to-wall is a good choice if you are a little tight on room while still allowing a lovely bathing experience. Free-standing baths come in a huge range of round or square shapes and sizes.  If you’re tall, select the biggest bath you can – try them out before you buy.

View our bath range.

Talk to Plumbing World

If you’re doing a bathroom, kitchen or laundry renovation and don’t know where to start get in touch with the team at Plumbing World.

When should I involve a plumber?

Involve a plumber right at the start of the renovation, they know 90% of what needs to go into a bathroom and can advise you of options available for you with regard to fittings.

What would you do if you were renovating your own bathroom? 

Establish what you would like in the bathroom and then maximise the space used to make everyday life better.

How much will my renovation cost?

Hard to give pricing until the scope of the job is established.  Always get several quotes and work out who fits your requirements the best. 

Why are plumbers expensive?

You pay for what you get.  Tradespeople set their hourly rate to reflect the knowledge, training and time spent specialising to become qualified, similar to a doctor or lawyer. They continue learning, and upskilling regularly as technology, government requirements and trends demand.

Why should I shop at Plumbing World?

It’s a New Zealand Cooperative owned by plumbers & builders, stock is readily available and you get consistent products and services throughout the country.

Which one of the Plumbing World brands offers the best value for money?

Rob recommends the LeVivi brand which offers excellent value for money and is well-stocked.

Do you like what you do?

Yes – I left school relatively early and choosing a trade was a great option.  We get involved early, demolish the bathroom and then install products to create a fabulous end result for the customer.  We get a lot of satisfaction knowing that we have a hand in making homeowners happy.

Talk to Plumbing World

Talk to your local Plumbing World about what you’re thinking; they’ll be able to advise you. Book a consultation and let Plumbing World guide you through the process of choosing your fixtures and fittings to ensure you have them on site when the tradies arrive.

Where to start

• Plumbing World is all about delivering the inspiration and guidance you need to create spaces that are functional, aesthetic and truly feel special to be in.
• Designing and building your perfect bathroom, kitchen or laundry is a time of creativity, planning and wish lists, with a good dose of practical guidance. At Plumbing World you’ll find ideas, inspiration and good advice to make your planning a breeze.
• Once you have looked at the layout, think about what fixtures you need/want such as double basins, rimless toilets or soft-close seats. Remember for a renovation, keeping your plumbing fittings in the same place or close to it you will save on costs.
• Here’s how Plumbing World helps, when you’re ready to see and touch some of your ideas, book a one-hour free consultation and let us help you design your dream space that meets all your needs. With their specialist knowledge and expertise, the consultants will listen to your vision, help you crystallise your plans, and guide you on the next steps in bringing your dream bathroom to life!
• You will also need to engage with a reputable plumber or gasfitter for your renovation – our showroom consultants can recommend one for you.

 

Bathroom

• These days, the options for tapware colour are almost endless for the bathroom design visionary, from nickel and brass to weathered bronze or black.
• The style and design of your shower can set the tone for your day — there are some important considerations to look at such as size, shape and if it needs to be over a bath or futureproofed at floor level.
• With a huge range of shapes and sizes, the design and functionality of your toilet suite is an important design consideration. Options such as rimless pans and back-to-wall suites make for easy cleaning. If space is the main concern, wall-hung or wall-faced suites are popular options. For a comfortable, future-proofed toilet, you might consider an over-height suite, which makes it easier to use for those with lower mobility.
• Whether you’re looking for a place to soak the day away or get all the kids clean quickly, baths are a beautiful and functional addition to a bathroom. With a multitude of shapes and styles, the choice is yours.
• Finding the right vanity and storage is key to a bathroom with fabulous looks and even better functionality. Choose from a wide range of colours, styles and sizes to complete your bathroom look and also think about practicalities, like storage and the need for usable benchtop space.
• Basins come in many shapes, sizes and materials to suit your personal style. From countertop to wall-hung, semi-recessed, or mounted on a pedestal, basins give you great flexibility to customise your look and give you the functionality you need.

Kitchen

• A good mixer can be a designer centrepiece! Elegant shapes, mixed metals, or futuristic angles add interest to a simple kitchen — or the finishing touches to your dream design.
• If you’re looking for something high-tech, consider tapware that works on sensors or a light touch — perfect for chicken-finger moments!
• Sink styles come in a range of options; sinks that fit flush to the benchtop with or without a drainer, or under-mount sinks that sit beneath your benchtop, giving a seamless look. Choose from single, one-and-a-half, or double-bowl options — find the right size for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
• Built-in instant hot water taps are becoming common in modern kitchens. With an easily installed under-sink hot water tank, water flows out at the perfect temperature for hot drinks — and makes boiling water for cooking much faster. Many of these taps also come with a chilled and sparkling water option, perfect for staying hydrated.

Heating

• Gas fires look stunning and enhance the overall ambience and design of your home, while also offering the newest in technology and performance. Over half a million Kiwi homes currently enjoy the instant heat and reliability of gas. Gas is one of the fastest and most cost-effective heating options, and comes in all shapes and sizes — from gas fires to outdoor heaters, central heating and radiator-style appliances. Gas appliances work efficiently in very cold conditions and the warm air produced by gas heating can also be ducted around your home.
• It is hard to beat the cosy ambience of a wood fire. Wood burners create radiant heat and can greatly add to the comfort and look of your home. Still, there are a few things you should be aware of when choosing a wood burner. In New Zealand, new wood burners installed on properties smaller than 2 hectares must have emissions of less than 1.5 grams per kg of dry wood, and thermal efficiency of at least 65 percent. The Ministry for the Environment lists permitted wood burners on their website at environment.govt.nz/guides/authorised-wood-burners/. Some councils, including Rotorua, Nelson, Canterbury, and Timaru are even stricter. To ensure the model you’re considering meets requirements please check with your local authority.
• Luxurious and silent. Central heating delivers heat and potentially cooling to every part of your home. Central heating can be delivered in a number of ways; heat radiating from water flowing through pipes in the floor, radiators on the walls, or warm air delivered to rooms across a system of ducts in the floor or ceiling.
• The electric fireplace is a complete fireplace without the hassles. Electric fires do not require flues or special venting, simply connect them to the power supply for quick, hassle-free installation in your favourite space.
• Whether you’re looking for a single or multi-room delivery, a Heat Pump Air Conditioning solution can be designed to suit your heating and cooling needs.

Talk to Plumbing World

Talk to your local Plumbing World about what you’re thinking; they’ll be able to advise you. Book a consultation and let Plumbing World guide you through the process of choosing your fixtures and fittings to ensure you have them on site when the tradies arrive.

Design trends in the bathroom

The beautiful lines of double basins in a fluted finish are on trend and provide space for everyone to use the bathroom in the mornings.  For the more adventurous, interesting shaped mirrors, or backlit mirrors with LED for optimum lighting.  Wall-hung vanities a becoming increasingly popular as they take the eye line right across the floor to make space look bigger.

Shop Heirloom Fluted Basin | Shop Bathroom Mirrors | Shop Wall-Hung Vanities

 

A rain shower or overhead drencher with the flexibility of dual mixers gives you control of the rain head and slide shower, letting you choose between an invigorating shower or a more relaxed bathing experience. Just remember that drenchers can use a large amount of water.

Shop Slide Showers and Shower Systems

 

Large or walk-in showers with glass walls create an open-light shower space with twin shower heads that offer plenty of room to move.  The walk-in shower also future-proofs your home for accessibility.

Shop Slide Showers and Shower Systems

 

Luxurious freestanding baths are designed to offer the ultimate in relaxation or back-to-wall baths with ledges for putting soaps etc. Back-to-wall offers space-saving features while allowing you to have a large soaking tub still.

Shop Freestanding Baths

 

Family bathrooms with enclosed wet spaces can keep the kids under control when bathing.

 

Coloured tiles in a bathroom as a feature can be done with a mix of wall coverings to let you create a stunning design feature. Using different elements such as a mix of tile and wallpaper or paint also allows you to economise on the cost of wall coverings.

 

Soft close seats and rimless flush toilet suites make using and cleaning your toilet a much better experience – look out for these when selecting a product.

View Soft Close Seat Toilets | All Toilets

In the kitchen

Integrated cabinetry makes your space look steam lined and sleek.  Choices for benchtops are huge and available with multiple finishes and colour options.

Storage in a kitchen is a must!  Whether it’s with floor-to-ceiling cupboards or as a separate scullery, add as much storage as you can.

A full-height rubbish bin cupboard, especially for families keeps the mess in on tidy space and is easy to shut away out of sight.

Pull-down shower spouts or flexi and swivel kitchen tapware allows you to prepare food easily and makes cleaning up a breeze.

Talk to Plumbing World

Talk to your local Plumbing World about what you’re thinking; they’ll be able to advise you. Book a consultation and let Plumbing World guide you through the process of choosing your fixtures and fittings to ensure you have them on site when the tradies arrive.

Richard Furze, Architect Designer, reveals his kitchen renovation.

 

Kitchen

• The kitchen has been designed with an island in front of the fully open door to create a space that makes a feature of indoor-outdoor entertaining.  When the doors are fully opened it allows for the guests and host to converse easily and enjoy both the inside and outside of the home.
• The galley shape kitchen has long lines running throughout the kitchen which draw the eye along the length of the bench. Restricting the use of materials in the kitchen and bathroom ties the look in with the rest of the house; choosing matching tapware and benchtops creates a cohesive look leading your eye to the seamless lines rather than making a feature of the fittings.

Scullery

• Placing the scullery at the end of the kitchen means that the kitchen functions well as a social space but can be shut off by sliding partitions when needed.
• Positioning appliances in the scullery keep the kitchen design simple but still accessible.
• Adding a second sink in the scullery adds functionality. Match the kitchen tapware to keep the style consistent throughout the space.
• Adding the luxury of a Hot Tap which provides instant hot, cold & sparkling water removes the need for a jug, keeping the bench space clear and unrestricted.
• Installing a 3-stage water filter system to the water coming into the house also gives filtered water straight out of the tap.

Ensuite

• While working with a small space think about how to maximize the space while still making it practical.
• Using the same colour tapware and benchtops as the kitchen can maintain a cohesive look throughout the home.
• Considering the space, add the largest shower you can fit, Richard combined the large shower with a simple recessed niche for storage, which keeps to the rule of using simple lines.
• The rain head dumper shower creates a restful showering area, with a handheld shower for when it isn’t hair washing day.

Family Bathroom

• Consider styling the family bathroom with the same fittings and colours as the ensuite; it continues the theme throughout the home. 
• Using a feature wall in the main bathroom can lift and differentiates it from the ensuite bathroom.
• If the bathroom is a dark space or internal, a skylight can be added for extra light.

Power Room

• The smallest room in the house should be designed to maximise the space available.
• If you can add a recess into the wall, this will allow you to include a slightly larger basin.
• Keeping the choices simple in a small room will mean that it actually feels bigger than it is.
• Quick Links: Ensuite Vanities, Wall-hung Basins

Talk to Plumbing World

Talk to your local Plumbing World your project. Book a consultation and let Plumbing World guide you through the process of making your dream a reality.

Who is the project for?

Firstly, establish who the project is for or what purpose the project needs to achieve.  You need to understand who the renovation is going to be designed for, and if it will be a quick do-up and then sell or long-term for your family.

Who can help with key decisions?

When you aren’t working with a designer or architect, the best thing to do is visit the Plumbing World showroom, and then book a consultancy service.  You can lean on the Plumbing World consultants to help you make some great decisions.

The key to a smooth-running project is to have one person who is responsible for making the design decisions.  Having multiple people involved, can clutter your thoughts, and prove harder to make choices.

Why use a designer?

The advantage of working with a professional designer is that they add value to ideas or suggestions you may not consider.  They have experience in projects and know what can be done and what is allowed to be done.  Using a designer makes it easy to achieve a successful result and add value throughout the process.

Watch Amy Watts talk about Choosing a designer.

 

Do I need a building consent?

Not all projects need a building consent.  Once you understand how much work is being done, refer to schedule 1 of the NZ building code which has all the info on what you can and can’t do.

Where should I focus my budget?

The kitchen & bathroom are the two spaces you should spend most of your money on when renovating a house.  They are the most used spaces in the home, and you get more bang for your buck.

Selecting fittings

Product selection, materials and product pairing have grown in the last few years with an expansive range now available.  You can achieve some interesting results using textures and colours effectively. 

Bathroom surfaces come in tactile concrete, soft matte or shiny surfaces, and using the materials in the right way enables you to make a stunning feature in your home.

What are the first steps with a bathroom renovation?

Visit the Plumbing World showroom, they have a huge range and understand options to include in your bathroom to achieve a beautiful result.  You can use the showroom consultancy service which will help you understand what you need to know for your project.