Exotic Marble Walls with Luxurious Floors in the Bathroom

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There are many ways in which you can achieve a truly exotic and luxurious aesthetic in your bathroom, but none–in our opinion–work or look better than a stunning marble wall.

Combined with equally luxurious flooring, a marble walled bathroom adds a level of visual sophistication and design elegance to a space in the home that you frequent each and every day. 

Exotic Marble Wall

Marble stone is a highly valued material for use in both internal and external construction. Thanks to its iconic and luxurious appearance, as well as its unique physical properties, marble is both practical and popular.

Marble stone itself is formed through a metamorphosis caused by intense heat and pressure under the Earth’s crust. This process causes the (once) limestone to crystallise and change into the beautifully patterned and textured marble that the world has been in love with for generations.

Installing a Marble Floor and Wall Bathroom

When it comes to using marble in the home, especially in a bathroom’s flooring or walls, the tiles are chiselled from a larger slab of marble stone. These slabs are quarried from the natural sources of marble in various spots around the globe. Some of the most popular and classic exotic marble quarries can be found in Italy, Greece and Brazil, among others.

Using specialised and heavy machinery, the blocks of stone are removed from the ground and transported to a processing plant where they are further cut into slabs of stone, polished, and transported to premier suppliers around the world, including to us here at Euro Marble. 

Why a Marble Wall is Perfect for Your Bathroom

Aesthetic Appeal

Perhaps the main reason that marble walls in a bathroom (and flooring) is so popular is because nothing quite matches the glamour of this natural stone. 

Marble itself actually comes in a surprisingly wide range of colours and the subtle veining and clouding pattern can vary significantly in slab to slab. This gives you the perfect opportunity to find the perfect shade of stone to suit your personal taste. It also means that an exotic marble wall and floor can be found to suit any design style, from classic to modern and from rustic to contemporary. 

Durability

Marble is not just an amazing-looking stone, but it’s also highly durable and hardy. This long lasting material is a smart choice for areas of the house that are exposed to high levels of traffic and activity, not to mention water, moisture and heat. With the right level of care and maintenance, marble floors and walls can last for many years without looking dated in style or due to wear and tear.

Bathroom Suitable

A marble floor and wall bathroom offers additional practical benefits. In addition to the inherent durability of the stone, the unique properties of marble mean that it’s quite heat-resistant and waterproof. The walls and floors of your bathroom are likely to be surrounding showers, bathtubs, vanities and sinks, so it’s important to choose the right material for long-term functionality. 

Valuable Investment

Due to both the long-lasting nature and inherent value of marble, using a marble wall or marble flooring in a bathroom is likely to increase the value of your home if you sell. Exotic marble surfaces can form a deeply positive impression on potential buyers and can add significant value to a property. 

Complementary Walls and Floors

Marble is a unique material for use in the bathroom because you can use as much or as little of it as you want to great effect. An exotic marble wall looks stunning next to natural stone tiled floors but is also equally complementary with hardwood floors. Balancing the right texture, aesthetic and warmth of your bathroom is a matter of personal taste, and a marble wall provides the perfect canvas to achieve that balance. 

Tips for Using a Marble Floor and Wall in Your Bathroom

Choose the right type of marble

As mentioned above, there is actually a wide range of types of marble and colours/shades. Finding the right marble stone for you is a matter of both personal preference but also practicality. Our team at Euro Marble are experts in this regard and happy to help you find the perfect slab for your application. 

Whether you’re after a black floor of marble with a grey marble wall or colourful walls with milky white marble flooring, we’ve got all the options you need to achieve the look you want. 

Take care of your marble

Marble is an extraordinary material and to ensure it shines as brightly as possible in your bathroom, be careful about damaging the stone. Keep your bathroom floor and wall clean and avoid using harsh or acidic cleaning solutions. Wipe up spills immediately and avoid hard bristled brushes. 

With just a little bit of tender love and care you’ll love the way your marble stands the test of time in your bathroom. 

Seal and reseal

When a marble wall or floor tiles are installed they are sealed to ensure extra protection from moisture, water and other elements. However, every few years it’s best practice to reseal your marble. This relatively small investment in the longevity of your stone will pay dividends down the line and make sure that your bathroom looks as stunning many years down the track as it did on Day One. 

Consider lighting and style

Exotic marble walls and floors look a treat in just about any bathroom. But there are some tips and tactics for ensuring your particular application looks as amazing as possible. Choose lighting and fixtures that enhance the beauty of the marble without creating shadows ro harsh glares. Keep your interior design style consistent and choose colours (of both stone and other accessories/decor) that balance without clashing or overwhelming the space.

Allowing your exotic marble to breathe and visually stand out will make the most of this precious stone and add to the overall luxurious aesthetic of your bathroom. 

Use professionals

From sourcing marble slabs to installing and repairs to resealing, make sure you choose a reputable and professional provider for your bathroom’s stone. Hiring the right professional will ensure the job is done meticulously and correctly, and give you the peace of mind that your bathroom will look and function as amazingly as it should and could.

Let’s explore the marble floor and wall options for your bathroom!

If you’re sold on installing a marble wall and/or floor in your bathroom, but aren’t sure how or where to begin, don’t worry! We’re here to help. 

Just get in touch with us today and we’ll help you every step of the way to finding the perfect exotic marble for your home.

15 Small Bathroom Renovation Ideas

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Finding the right small bathroom ideas for your upcoming renovation shouldn’t be difficult. There is a lot of opportunity when it comes to your bathroom to make the most of even limited amounts of space.

In this article, we’ve put together the 15 top tips for renovating your small bathroom. While some include minor structural renovations, others are simple, affordable and convenient.

Have a read for yourself!

  1. Compact Bathtub on an Elevated Platform

A compact bathtub is an excellent idea for a small bathroom. Without compromising the luxury of one’s bath, it’s easy to squeeze into a corner or place between other amenities. We love the idea of a raised or elevated platform, giving a bit of height and visual variety to a small area.

  1. Contrasting Floor Tile Pattern

There are seemingly endless opportunities for your floors in a small bathroom renovation. Contrasting tile patterns, such as two colours in a checkered or similar formation, can work wonders in bringing a sense of aesthetic style to the room without overly cluttering the space.

  1. Add A Skylight

Bright natural sunlight is one of the most enduring small bathroom ideas on this list. It’s not hard to see why. The more light that comes streaming into your bathroom, the greater the sense of spaciousness and airiness. 

  1. Hang Decorations, Paintings, or Art Vertically

If you’re after simple small bathroom ideas, this one takes the cake. Whether you have paintings, framed photographs or other ornamental decorations, hanging them vertically above a toilet or in some similar spot will draw one’s eye to the height of the room and away from the width/length. 

  1. Built-In, Hanging Vanity

Standalone, hanging vanities are excellent (and popular) for small bathrooms. Without having to sacrifice any storage or practical surface space, it’s an easy and effective way of really opening up the bathroom.

  1. Backlit Vanity Mirror

Backlighting a mirror on your vanity not only enhances the utility of the mirror itself but will help to create an element of depth, without losing spaciousness, in a small bathroom. There are a variety of ways in which you can infuse and incorporate light in your bathroom, and a backlit mirror is one of the easiest.

  1. Mix Materials

There’s nothing wrong with using one stunning material, such as marble, across the entirety of your bathroom. However, mixing two different materials together can infuse style and aesthetics into even a small space without cluttering it with too many ornaments and the like. Rustic wood aesthetics coupled with marble, for example, is one timeless and classic option.

  1. Built-In Storage/Cabinets In The Wall

Making the most of the walls of your bathroom is a super practical way of taking advantage of every square inch of space. While some bathrooms might be structured in a way that can support a cabinet built into the wall, for others even simple storage solutions can make a world of difference.

  1. Built-In Shower Shelf

As far as small bathroom renovations go, a built-in shower shelf is simple yet super effective. These shelves give you plenty of space to store items and hygiene products without taking up any precious space elsewhere.

  1. Replace Tapware with Monochrome or Brass

Why would you replace your tapware with monochrome or brass? It’s an effective way to incorporate a bit of visual appeal by making the most of already existing installations instead of having to simply add more and more. In a small bathroom, this is invaluable!

  1. Single, Large Mirror

One large, single mirror is really all you need in a bathroom. In fact, the larger and simpler the mirror itself, the more you’ll feel like your bathroom is double its actual size. A neat visual trick, but a really effective one.

  1. Subway Tiled Walls

Using a subway tile design in your bathroom strikes the perfect balance of intricate-enough design whilst keeping it simple and not overwhelming. That’s why subway tiles are one of our favourite small bathroom ideas.

  1. Dark, Moody Colour Pallette 

We’re swinging for the fences on this one. Instead of opting for all light and bright, sometimes the opposite road can work as well. A darker colour palette in a bathroom can create a mood and atmosphere that is warm and appealing without having to deck out the space with more and more clutter.

  1. Glass or No Shower Doors

Showers are necessary in a bathroom, but the shower curtain isn’t. If you can replace your curtain with a glass door or, better yet, no door at all, you’ll find the bathroom feeling near infinitely larger.

  1. Natural Stone

Natural stone is a popular and practical construction material. Thanks to its hardiness it’s equally popular in bathrooms as well. If you’re looking for inspiration for your small bathroom, we can’t recommend stone enough. With intricate patterns and a range of shades, there’s a perfect stone waiting to transform your bathroom.

Euro Marble – for lining all your stones in a row

The Euro Marble team certainly lives and breathes all things natural stone, but we’re passionate about helping our customers with all of their home renovation needs as well. If you’d like to discuss more small bathroom ideas or arrange a time to come visit us in our showroom, get in touch with us today.

The Best Wet Room Bathroom Designs

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Wet room bathrooms are becoming more and more popular among home-owners around Australia. Functional, stylish and versatile in design, turning your bathroom into a wet area is a practical way to make the most of one of the most frequented rooms of the house.

To help you settle on a wet room bathroom design, we’ve put together the best styles and ideas in one handy article. But before we dive in, let’s answer the basic question: What is a wet room?

What are Wet Room Bathrooms?

The term wet room is used to refer to any space in the house that is completely waterproofed. In the context of a bathroom, this means that not only is the shower itself fitted with a drain and water-sealed tiling, but the rest of the room is as well.

Wet area bathrooms allow for huge design potential and creativity as you are not required to limit or contain what can or can’t get wet.

Open layouts are extremely popular in living areas of the house, including the kitchen, and with a functional wet room bathroom design, you can enjoy the same spaciousness there as well.

Fortunately, despite the luxurious and spa-like nature of wet room bathrooms, they can be incorporated in all kinds of houses and installed with all sized budgets.

1. Use a Tanking System

In addition to ensuring the tiling–from walls to floor–of your bathroom are fully waterproofed, incorporating a robust tanking system is really a must. By adding this important extra layer between the tiles and your floor or wall, you can ensure that your wet room will remain durable and functional even after frequent and long term exposure to water. Tanking systems help ensure that the water drains properly using hidden tray systems that fit under the floor tiles. It is certainly the most important and practical design feature of a wet room to ensure maximum performance and longevity in durability. 

2. Use watertight materials

Part of the appeal of a wet room is to rid your bathroom of screens, glass enclosures or other sections that will compromise the openness of the space. To that end, using the right waterproof and watertight materials is an absolute necessity.

Ceramic tiles are a popular option that can be mounted to a wet wall or used along the floor as its watertight membrane ensures any water flows across without permeating the surface itself. Additionally, porcelain is quite commonly used for a similar reason. While plastic and metal can both be practical (which is why they’re incorporated in kitchens), they are less popular in bathrooms for obvious reasons.

Natural stone is widely used for bathroom vanities and basins due to their non-porous nature and durability. Not to mention their spectacular visual aesthetics. For this reason, stone is an excellent wet room bathroom option as it offers both beautiful design value and functional utility.

3. Minimalist design

Now let’s move on to the design aspects of your wet bathroom. The openness and spaciousness is one of the main selling points of a wet room, so we recommend keeping your design minimalist to capitalise on that. Think smaller-than-average toilets, bathtubs and vanities to help keep the space clean and clear. (Obviously not too small! And the right size will depend on your bathroom size.) Floating or wall-hung vanities are very popular for the same reason, as are recessed shelves, mirrors and lighting. 

4. Incorporate feature walls

If you’re worried about the minimalist approach to a wet room design, a feature wall can be the perfect solution! Simply using a composite of different tiles or panels across a particular wall can help to elevate the aesthetics of the entire room. You can opt for an entirely different material, such as natural stone feature walls against a ceramic bathroom, or just a different colour wall. Feature walls offer a huge opportunity to flex your creative muscles without losing out on the benefits of the wet room.

5. Pattern your shower

If you’re wanting to take the appeal of a feature wall but contain it somewhat, a patterned shower is a great addition to a wet area bathroom. An eye-catching tile pattern or design can help the shower area itself stand out without affecting the spacious feel of the rest of the room. Throwing a bit of colour into your shower is also a great way to liven up the bathroom without having to commit to changing up an entire wall.

6. Built-in shower seat

While we are on the topic of showers, a built-in shower seat not only completes the fantastic look of a wet room bathroom but is also very functional as well. Keeping your bathroom minimalist in design might remove some level of practicality, but you can gain it all back with a shower seat. Combined with a rainfall showerhead and non-slip surfaces, a built-in shower seat will not only help to break up the visuals of your bathroom by adding a bit of depth, it will also turn every shower into a luxury experience. 

7. Highlight natural lighting

If it isn’t obvious already, one of the main attractions of a wet room is the spaciousness it offers. So, make the most of it by highlighting and incorporating natural lighting. From large windows to skylights, there’s a lot of potential! The exact solution will need to be discussed with your designer and architect, but the incorporation of natural lighting will help the entire bathroom feel more enticing, alive and beautiful. 

8. Opt for underfloor heating

Thanks to advances in modern day technology and construction techniques, just because you’re incorporating a wet room into your bathroom doesn’t mean you have to forgo a luxury like underfloor heating. An all-tiled wet room can feel a bit cold to the touch during the colder months of the year. Keeping the floor nice and heated will top off your wet area bathroom as one of your favourite places to be in the house.

Thinking of a stone flooring for your wet room? Think Euro Marble!

It might come as no surprise that our preference for bathrooms, wet or otherwise, is always stone! Natural stone is beautiful, varied, and highly practical which is why it’s long been and continues to be very popular. If you’d like to find out more about using stone flooring in your wet room bathroom, give the Euro Marble team a call on (02) 8585 2999. 

We’ll leave no stone unturned in finding the perfect design to suit you and your family!

7 Benefits of Using Natural Stone In Shower

7 Benefits of Using Natural Stone In Shower

Natural stone is a wonderful, beautiful material for use in both interior and exterior construction. From kitchen splashbacks to bathroom vanities, there’s almost no part of your home that wouldn’t look stunning and function excellently with stone.

A natural stone shower is no different. In fact, aside from just the appeal of including this popular, practical and elegant material throughout your bathroom, there are also a range of benefits of installing a stone shower.

Stone is Very Practical

The material you use in your shower is, obviously, going to be exposed to a lot of water, moisture and steam. That’s why you will need to choose a material that is practical and effective in such an environment. In addition to being a truly lavish and luxury material, natural stone is also extraordinarily practical. After all, there’s a reason why stone has been used in bath houses since ancient times! Plus, being a highly durable material your stone shower will continue to look great and last for a long time.

Versatile Range of Designs

You might associate the iconic look of marble with the thought of a natural stone shower but the truth is that stone comes in a wide range of unique designs, shades, patterns and colours. This means there’s plenty of variety in your choice of shower design to suit any interior decor scheme. 

That’s not where the options end either. With a near limitless range of slab sizes and tiles and huge selection of patterns, arrangements and styles, you can achieve any look you want. Dying for a sleek, smooth stone shower? Aching for the natural environmental feel of rough, stone walls? Love the look of herringbone or subway tile patterns? You can choose whatever suits you!

Energy Efficient

Your shower is also going to be exposed to a wider range of temperatures than other rooms of the house. Natural stone showers are highly energy efficient. Whether you’re hoping the stone tiles retain the heat during the colder months or need them to absorb the cool, air conditioned air, natural stone will do the trick. If you’re going full luxe and including underfloor heating, natural stone flooring will also effectively circulate the hot air. Natural stone is more than easy on the eye, it’s easy on the feet and skin too!

Increase Your House’s Value

Natural stone might be more expensive than some other material options available in the market, but few other choices will add as much value to your home as stone. A natural stone value offers excellent return on investment by adding to your house’s resale value. Combine that with the fact that this durable and long lasting material will stretch your initial investment further and for longer. 

Flexible Application

Despite their luxurious aesthetic appeal, natural stone showers don’t just suit luxurious, opulent homes. Stone is, somewhat surprisingly, very flexible in application. It can be installed in small spaces, oddly shaped showers or tight bathroom spaces. No matter how unique the layout of your bathroom and shower, stone can be adapted to make the most of the area and bring out the best in your space.

Match the Rest of Your Home

If creating a seamless, matching interior design style is important to you, then a stone shower is definitely a must! Why? Because stone is not just perfect for use in the bathroom, but for many different areas of the house including fireplaces, floors, vanities and basins, stairs, kitchen benchtops and more. There’s no reason why even your bathroom shower shouldn’t reflect your home’s chosen aesthetic. With natural stone you don’t have to because this material is perfect for use in all rooms and all spaces of your home. 

Easy to Maintain

Natural stone might need a little bit of maintenance in the form of regular resealing and easy wipe downs, but as far as construction and shower materials go it’s very easy to maintain. You might be surprised to hear this, after all many people think that stone requires extensive and expensive maintenance but if you use only stone-specific cleaning products it’s easy, affordable and effective.

Your Beautiful Stone Shower is Waiting at Euro Marble

There you have it, seven compelling reasons why natural stone makes for excellent showers. It’s not just the unparalleled look of stone that’s appealing but the practicality, flexibility, durability and sheer functionality as well. 

If you’re still not sold on the many advantages and benefits of a natural stone shower, make sure to give the Euro Marble team a call today. We’d love to show you around our showroom so you can see the effect of this luxury, beautifully aesthetic material for yourself! 

9 Bathroom Countertop Ideas For Every Home

9 Bathroom Countertop Ideas For Every Home

Your home bathroom is an important room of the house. Not only is it a place you visit at least at the beginning and end of every day, but it’s more often than not a room in which you’re most likely to enjoy precious and rare private “you-time”.

A bathroom countertop is often a part of the bathroom that, if not neglected, can be underappreciated. Much like your kitchen benchtop, your bathroom countertop can really anchor the design and aesthetic of your bathroom or stand in stark contrast.

Here are 9 fantastic bathroom countertop ideas that are great for every home. 

Idea 1: Sleek concrete countertops

Concrete countertops are becoming more and more popular, especially in homes that boast a modern, minimalist design. Concrete finishes are inherently sleek and smooth and are easily incorporated in colour schemes and interior styles of all kinds.

Contrary to what most people think, concrete also comes in a range of shades, colours and textures so it’s easy to find the right particular type that best suits your application. Other benefits of a concrete bathroom countertops are its durability, non-porousness (when sealed), and affordability. 

Idea 2: Wooden Countertops

A wood countertop is a stylish way to add a statement piece to your bathroom. While not a material often associated with that room of the house, a wooden countertop can be treated and sealed to protect it more than adequately from moisture and liquid exposure.

Wooden countertops also come in both glossy and non-glossy versions and in a variety of shades and colours so there’s plenty of customisability and versatility.  Another big attraction is that wooden vanities and countertops range in price so if you’re operating on a tight budget, you’ll still be able to find one that suits. 

Idea 3: Glass Bathroom Countertops

There’s something simple yet elegant about incorporating glass in your bathroom countertop. Not only is it easy to pair with colour schemes and styles of all kinds, but it allows for a feeling of extra spaciousness and increased levels of brightness.

That’s why they’re particularly popular for use in small bathrooms. Of course, glass is extremely water-proof so it’s an immensely durable and long-lasting material for use in bathrooms. Paired with unique see-through sinks or vanities, a glass countertop is an easy and affordable way to bring great style and practicality to your bathroom.

Idea 4: Laminate Countertops

Laminate is a highly affordable material for use in a range of interior design applications in the home. Available in ready-to-go sheets that can be easily installed by yourself, laminate is often used for wallpaper but it can also make for an excellent countertop. Being both durable and very easy to clean, it’s pragmatic and useful. Of course, because you can get laminate in a variety of designs, you can easily mix and match to suit the rest of your bathroom or even to make your countertop look like granite, marble or natural stone. 

Idea 5: Tiles

Tiles, especially in the classic subway pattern, are a quintessential bathroom aesthetic. Using tiles made of stone, in your bathroom countertop is an excellent way to infuse the bathroom style in your countertop.

Of course, the classic visual aesthetic isn’t the only reason why tiles make for such a good countertop. With high quality, professionally applied grout lines, it’s easy to keep a tiled countertop highly protected against moisture.

Idea 6: Marble Countertops

Marble is a highly sophisticated-looking and elegant natural stone and is a fantastic way of bringing a real sense of luxury to your bathroom.

While marble is going to cost more than some of the other bathroom countertop ideas on this list, it’s well worth the investment.

Known for its durability when properly treated and sealed, marble is a highly functional material for use in bathrooms.

Countertops see a particularly high amount of exposure to liquid and moisture, so choosing a very durable and high quality material like marble is essential. Plus, there are a wide range of colours and styles of marble beyond the classic cloudy milk-veined patterns of the iconic marble colouring, like black and gold marble or red marble.

There’s no reason why you can’t find the colour and shade that best suits your preferences.

Idea 7: Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are an excellent choice for your bathroom as well. With a perfect combination of elegance and durability, it’s easy to see why granite is a very popular construction material. Like marble, granite comes in a wide range of colours and shades. From dark greys and blacks to lighter blues and even reds, you’ll find a perfectly complementary granite countertop for just about any style bathroom. 

Idea 8: Limestone Bathroom Countertops

Limestone is a natural stone that’s often used to infuse earthy tones and a sense of natural elegance to a room. In your bathroom, a countertop made from polished limestone will bring a shine and nature-inspired beauty to the room. There are a ton of options when it comes to pairing a limestone countertop: You could incorporate chrome or nickel-plated fixtures or go with silver-toned finishes and light cabinetry.

While limestone is a highly durable natural stone, you do need to ensure it’s professionally sealed for moisture-protection. Here’s a great article on limestone uses in interior design.

Idea 9: Travertine Bathroom Countertops

Travertine, like limestone, is an excellent choice for bringing an earthy feel to your bathroom.

From deep olive greens to light, breezy beiges, the high mineral content of this sedimentary rock brings a rich complexity to the stone that is hard to replicate. As part of a bathroom countertop, the durability of travertine combined with the strong protection provided by a professional seal makes it an excellent choice of stone for your bathroom. 

You Can Count on Euro Marble For Your Bathroom Countertop

Want to discuss more ideas for your bathroom countertop or find out more about any of the ideas above? Make sure to speak to Euro Marble.

Not only are we experts in anything and everything natural stone and marble, we’re also experienced with sourcing and installing bathroom countertops in particular. So give us a call on (02) 8585 2999 or get in touch with us today

How Much It Would Cost To Remodel a Bathroom?

How Much It Would Cost To Remodel a Bathroom?

Who doesn’t dream of doing a bit of a renovation here and there in their bathroom? Whether it’s just a cosmetic touch-up or a wall-to-wall remodelling, one the biggest factors influencing whether someone is going to press the trigger on their reno is how much it is going to cost to remodel the bathroom. 

The Numbers Game

It’s an unforgiving task trying to give an average for the cost of a bathroom renovation because all remodelling projects are vastly different in type, size and scale.

Having said that, the average Australian spends somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000 on their bathroom remodelling with the median price being $13,000. 

That should give you some sort of a starting frame of reference. While small bathroom renovations can cost as little as $5,000 and others can cost as much as $25,000 plus, if you’re planning on a standard bathroom reno project it’s probably going to fall somewhere more towards the middle of that sum.

If you are working on a tight budget, then you should consider reading our guide about creating a breath taking bathroom on a budget.

Factors That Affect The Remodelling Cost

Bathroom size

It should go without saying that the larger your bathroom the higher the cost of a bathroom remodelling. As a sheer numbers game you’ll need more materials and from a labour cost perspective, if the brand new wall to be tiled is twice as large as your neighbour’s it is likely to take twice as long for installation. 

Structural work

The more structural work–think demolishing and re-construction–that you’re going to be doing the higher the price of the finished product is going to be. From labour hours involved to the cost of the raw materials, increased amount of work translates into increased price.

Material costs

The largest portion of your remodelling budget should be going to the costs of the actual materials. If you’re resurfacing the entirety of your bathroom’s walls, ceiling and floor, the cost of the materials alone will be significantly more than a simple vanity replacement.

Windows and/or skylights

Thinking of putting in a new window for added fresh air or a stunning skylight for extra brightness? While both are great ideas, they are also commonly high contributors to increased renovation costs.

Plumbing, electrical work and fixtures

Like the factors above, the more work that needs to be done the higher the cost of your renovation. If you need extensive electrical rewiring or are thinking of installing a bathtub for the first time, it’s going to cost more than just changing the cabinetry of your vanity and some fixtures.

Touches of luxury

We all deserve a bit of luxury in the bathroom and with modern technology there are a lot of opportunities to introduce a bit of opulent living to your home. If you’re thinking of including a heated towel rack or underfloor heating, make sure to consider the cost implications as well. It’s often well worth the investment, but we suggest carefully going over your choices so you are aware of the costs ahead of time. 

Bathroom Remodelling Budget Breakdown

Like we mentioned above, all remodelling projects are as different in scope as pieces of string are different in length.

We’ve broken down a rough average budget to help you gain some idea of how the costs of your bathroom are likely to be split.

  • Design Work = 5%
  • Material Costs = 75%
  • Labour Costs = 20%

Design Work

At roughly 5% of your overall remodelling cost, the design work for your bathroom could include any number of things depending on the complexity and size of the project.

Moving a bathroom around the house might require an architect to get involved or even council permit applications if there are significant structural alterations going on. Some people like bringing in outside bathroom designers to provide professional design advice. Whatever your design process looks like, remember to keep it well within the smallest proportion of the allocated funds. 

Material Costs

Materials should be by far the biggest piece of the pie when it comes to your bathroom renovation. Materials, from taps to tiles and vanities to bathtubs, range significantly in price. Your choice in materials should reflect your budget.

Here’s a list of some of the more common parts or features of a bathroom that contribute to the material costs:

  • Tiles or floor/ceiling/wall surfacing
  • Vanities and mirrors
  • Basins, tapware and fixtures
  • Bathtubs and showers
  • Toilets
  • Accessories

Labour Costs

Labour costs represent a significant minority of your budget and should be roughly 20% of the total cost. Again, this will depend largely on the type of work getting done and how much of your bathroom remodelling you’re able to do yourself. 

Labourers can include electricians, plumbers, painters, tilers, waterproofers, grouters, carpenters and even skip bin providers. 

Tips For Approaching Your Bathroom Remodelling

  1. Ask yourself what you’re looking to achieve in the remodelling (be realistic) and how much you can want or can afford to spend (be accurate).
  2. Consider your home’s estimated value. As a general rule, you shouldn’t be spending more than 2% of the total value of the home on your bathroom’s remodelling. A rough guide equates to about $3,000 per square metre.
  3. You can save money without compromising on the overall effect of your new bathroom with a few simple tricks:
    1. A simple repaint or surface re-tile can change a room.
    2. Changing some tapware and fixtures can make a world of difference.
    3. Add or replace mirrors and lights to increase the feeling of spaciousness and brightness.
    4. Clean your tiles and grout to bring your worn-looking bathroom back to life.
    5. Modernise your light fittings, shower head, tapware or even the whole shower enclosure without having to commit to a whole-room renovation. 

Have You Looked Into Natural Stone For Your Bathroom?

The team at Euro Marble are experts in all things natural stone and we would love to have a chat with you about how we could incorporate stone in your new bathroom.

We’ll walk and talk you through your entire bathroom-related dreams and match that up with realistic possibilities based on your budget so you’ll know exactly how much it would cost to remodel your bathroom. Want to find out more? Contact us today!

11 Best Bathroom Wall Options

11 Best Bathroom Wall Options

There are a few things you should be considering when trying to find the best bathroom wall option for your home.

In addition to finding a style–in terms of material, colour and design–that suits you and looks great, you also need a type of wall that’s going to offer durability and functionality. After all, your bathroom is going to see not only its fair share of activity but also a lot of moisture, water and steam so it’s important you choose the right bathroom wall option for you.

Vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper bathroom walls are very popular for a number of reasons.

Apart from being a very affordable option, it’s also easy to install either yourself or by a professional. Because this type of bathroom wall surface can be unpeeled, applied in sections or reapplied, you can easily try a sample first to see how it suits the aesthetics of the rest of your bathroom.

Considering the wide range of designs and style options that vinyl wallpaper comes in, that’s a pretty big plus!

When it comes to functionality, vinyl wallpaper delivers value for money. While not suited for heavy moisture or direct water exposure, it is still durable when it comes to general or ambient moisture. 

Ceramic or porcelain walls

Both ceramic and porcelain walls are another popular choice for both home builders and house renovators. While they are both very resistant to moisture and stains–a must-have in a bathroom for obvious reasons–there is a slight difference between the two. While ceramic is just as appealing for the high end of the market, it is still less expensive than porcelain due to being slightly thinner and thus slightly less water proof.

Nonetheless, both of these materials are incredibly long lasting and when incorporated with grouting offers a reliable and worry-free watertight seal. 

Interior painted bathroom walls

The market really has thought of everything and specifically designed paint for bathrooms is proof of that. With additives that actively counterbalance the effects of mold, moisture and mildew, a bathroom paint is very effective at keeping itself clean, looking new and hygienic.

While bathroom paint can cost somewhere around twice as much as regular paint used in other areas of the house, when you consider the heavy lifting the material needs to do it’s still a very inexpensive option for your bathroom wall.

Tiles

Bathroom tiles are classic in every way, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t opportunity to mix, match and customise your style. From shape to size to pattern, there are so many options you’re sure to find the perfect tile for you. Tiles can come in a variety of materials including slate, ceramic and porcelain but natural stone, in particular marble and granite, is amongst the most premium in terms of longevity, durability and functionality. 

It’s important to note that tiles should be professionally installed by experts. This will ensure not only that it looks straight and perfect on your walls, but will also mean you can rest assured your bathroom wall will be completely waterproof.  

Natural stone

Natural stone is truly in a class of its own as a bathroom wall option. Infused with a natural elegance, this sophisticated building material really looks great and is as durable in a bathroom as you’ll need.

Stone can complement all types of interior styles: modern, classic, rustic… Whether you install stone in your bathroom in the form of a tiled wall or roughly cut stone, you can truly create an eye-popping effect without sacrificing practicality. Of course, natural stone is among the most expensive options in terms of material and labour cost, but when you consider its long term durability, it’s certainly a smart investment. 

Natural stone increases your home’s value, so always keep that in mind.

Single-sheet plastic

Single-sheet plastic is similar to vinyl wallpaper as an option for your bathroom wall in a number of ways. It’s very affordable and can be easily installed yourself. There’s still a lot of flexibility in finding a colour, style and design that suits you and the rest of your home. Two popular materials used in single-sheet plastic wallpapers include acrylic and laminate.

Acrylic

Acrylic sheets are the more commonly used type of single-sheet for bathroom walls. It can come in a single-sheet or multiple pieces depending on what suits your installation ability better.

Laminate

Laminate is another material popular for use in the form of single-sheet plastic. Available in differing gloss intensities or traditional finishes, it’s not hard to match a laminate bathroom wallpaper to the rest of your house’s design–be it ultra-modern or super classic. 

Glass

Glass is certainly a highly waterproof option for use in your bathroom but isn’t always the most practical material option. Depending on the layout and design of your bathroom, using glass for your bathroom wall might compromise your privacy too much to be of use. However, if you are able to use this functional and increasingly trendy option, it will help open up the entirety of your bathroom and add a sense of invaluable spaciousness. 

Beadboard

Beadboard is used to cover the lower half of the wall to help protect the underlying surface from contact and exposure to the moisture that’s inevitable in your bathroom. There are plenty of different options of beadboard out there to suit looks and aesthetics of all kinds. Affordable and easy to install thanks to its separate panels, it makes for an excellent bathroom wall solution.

Tileboard

Tileboard is often made from medium density fibreboard and used in place of real tiles. Without a suitable coating, you may find the tileboard insufficient to repel and resist moisture, but with it it’s a convenient and easy-to-install solution for otherwise poorly functional bathroom drywalls. 

Let’s find the best bathroom wall option for you!

Still not sure which bathroom wall option is the best choice for your particular application? The experienced and passionate team at Euro Marble are here to help. We’d be happy to lend a hand to you and help find the perfect choice of wall for your home. Contact us today to find out more. 

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How to preserve your spectacular marble shower

Marble Shower 1

There’s no getting away from the fact that marble instantly adds luxury to any space in your home, especially bathrooms! And can you imagine anything more refreshing than starting your day in a decadent marble shower?

Neither can we! But how do you know which marble will provide your bathroom with timeless (easy-to-maintain) elegance?

Our comprehensive guide is an excellent source of essential information to assist in the decision-making process. But when you do decide to take the plunge into opulence, speak directly to our stone experts for a custom solution that perfectly suits your needs.

Before delving into the care and maintenance of your marble shower, here are three exquisite installations to whet your appetite!

Verde Guatemala Marble

Verde Guatemala transforms this bathroom into a revitalising sanctuary – both elegant and refreshing. It’s deep moss green colouring, blended with tones of emerald and fern, pairs beautifully with the organic look of the wooden highlight.

Arabescato Marble

Arabescato’s soft white base and slate grey veining always ensure a classic finish that overflows with sophistication. Its understated elegance allows for full bathroom makeovers to create wraparound luxury.

Calacatta Marble

Calacatta remains a trendy beauty that never fails to take your breath away! Its striking icy white facade showcases ribbons of smokey grey that infuses your bathroom with tranquillity and grace.

How do I keep my Marble Bathroom in pristine condition?

Being a natural wonder, marble is an inherently porous material that requires a bit of tender loving care to preserve its exquisiteness. But, rest assured, whichever marble you prefer, your stone professional will apply the ideal sealer to preserve your marble. This sealant locks out all moisture, preventing any water damage that could lead to deterioration.

Our overview below provides a general guide on maintaining marble, but a professional natural stone provider will furnish you with detailed care instructions – including guidance on the ideal interval between re-sealing all marble surfaces.

Cleaning and Day to Day Care

Keeping marble in immaculate condition is quite simple when you keep a few essential tips in mind.

What To Use

The ideal way to keep your marble shower clean is by using a pH neutral (7) detergent or even glycerine soap.

What Not To Use

Never clean marble with vinegar or harsh cleaning detergents, as the chemical make-up and acidity in these items will erode and damage the stone. Further, steer clear of very soapy products that could leave build-up and grime over time.

Extra Tips

Leave your shower door open after use to keep the area properly ventilated. This encourages any water to evaporate, preventing mildew from forming and extending the lifespan of the marble sealant.

Even better? Run an absorbing cloth over especially the shower floor to remove most of the water. This also prevents any watermarks from forming.

Long Term Maintenance

In general, marble should be re-sealed every 2 to 3 years, unless your marble provider suggests a specific alternative interval.

Although it is possible to re-seal your marble surfaces yourself, we suggest calling in the experts to ensure your exquisite stone is perfectly sealed.

To browse our extensive range of marbles and other natural stones, navigate to our products page and discover a treasure cove of natural wonders!