Trends

July 13, 2022 – Published in Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2022 issue

Designing outside the box

Words: Stephanie Falzon

Trying to design something original is not as hard as it sounds. Of course, we must not go overboard when we try and create something different. 

We want our project to be unique, but we also want that whatever we create will look good even in ten years’ time. So how do we go about it?

For this issue, I have brought you some examples of shower/bathrooms. The colour scheme of each room is very similar, but the styles are different. We are going to discuss each room.

The first thing that will catch your eye is the colour scheme used in all the rooms. Whilst the tiles are all in black/grey/white, have a look at the vanity units. Whilst we would usually opt for white or grey vanities, we are seeing that natural wood is being used more and more with these shades.

Natural wood blends with nearly all colour schemes. But here we are seeing that a touch of black is introduced to the mix. This brings everything together and harmonises the different shades. There are many ways of adding this extra hint of colour. 

You can add a touch of black to the handles; or maybe get black mixers; or perhaps have black structures added to the vanity units. Depending on the size of the room, you can decide if you can use one of these ideas or more than one. Remember – try not to over power the room.

We are seeing a variety of basins that can be used. This really depends on the individual’s taste. We are still seeing some top vanity basins at the International Fairs. These are basins that are placed on top of the surface of the vanity. They are usually protruding and very visible. Then we can find those basins that cover all the surface of the vanity. There are the high basins. These can come slightly deeper than most basins. And last but not least, there is the slim fit basin. This basin is elegant and will always look good.

With the basins that cover the full surface of the vanity, there are a variety of options. First of all, these can come in a variety of sizes. You will find anything from 60cm width to 1.50mt width and over. 

They are available either with the basin being in the middle. But they can also be found with the basin to the left or right. This will allow you to decide if you want the shelving on either side of the basin area, or all of the shelving to be on one side (left or right).

Whether you get the top vanity basin variety or the complete ceramic basin covering the vanity, you can always have more than one basin in the room. This of course will depend on how large your room is and if it can take two basin areas. Please remember it is not enough to have the space for the two basins – you need to have enough room for both to be used comfortably. Another idea is that although most people think that two basins are usually on one vanity, if you have the space, you can also have two separate smaller basin areas. If you have the room for them, this actually makes the room look larger. But again I emphasise, it all depends on the size, or at least the wall available, in the room.

Storage units are also a very useful and practical thing to have in a shower/bathroom. Here, we once more need to study the room and the space available. You can find that most companies will have matching tall and short cabinets in the same material as the vanity units. These would be available in closed units, open shelves or a combination of both. Again it all depends on the individual needs and taste. But like I said before, the important thing is that they are matching and of the same material as the vanity unit. And please note that these tall units do not need to be on the same wall as the basin. The room will look just as good if they are hung on another wall.

So with a little bit of black on the vanities, adding a bit of black mixers, what else can we add to bring everything together. Black shower walk-in cubicles will give the room the final touch. These cubicles are becoming more and more popular. But allow me to repeat. Study your room well. 

Can you put in all we have spoken about in this room? Or can we just use maybe two of the three ideas?

As always I finish off with a word of final warning, if you are not sure, please get the services of an interior designer. They will not only be able to guide you, but they will know where you would be able to get most things. So, I will end with the usual: Choose carefully. Quality over anything. Mistakes are very costly.

Falzon’s Bathrooms & Ceramics, Psaila Street, Sta Venera. 

Tel: 2148 2860 / 2148 5536

E-mail: stephanie@falzons.com

Website: www.falzons.com

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