Top tips for selecting tapware and fittings that are as practical as they are beautiful
The delight is in the detail when you’re planning a bathroom, kitchen, scullery or laundry fit-out. After all that hard slog getting the layout right and choosing tiles and other surfaces, it’s fun to choose the finishing touches, including taps and basins.
The tapware and fittings you choose can dramatically change the look of a room. We asked two experts for their advice on getting it right:
Get your bathtub size right
Freestanding baths are highly fashionable and look gorgeous, although you will need to allow more space in your bathroom than for a standard drop-in bath. Marcus Wycherley from bathroomware manufacturer and supplier Newtech recommends keeping freestanding baths well away from the wall so you can clean from all angles. The back-to-wall bath is a fashionable option for a slightly smaller bathroom.
Match your tap to your water pressure
John Doherty from Voda Plumbingware says the most common mistake people make when choosing tapware is buying a tap or shower that is not suited to the water pressure in their home. New Zealand is quite unique, with low, unequal or high water pressure, and imported tapware usually only works on high water pressure – so if you have low or unequal pressure let your retailer know so they can point you in the direction of something that will work in your home.
Decide on colour and finishing
With a wide range of tapware colours and finishes available these days, you can choose taps to suit your style. Chrome is timeless but black is very much on-trend at the moment. John Doherty says Voda’s new finishes, including brushed stainless steel, brushed nickel, brushed gunmetal and their new mirrored black, had a huge response at the latest Auckland Home Show.
Get inspired by on trend vanity style
Clean lines and negative detailing are current trends in vanities, and durable plywood is a popular choice if you’re after a modern look.
Thin rims are on-trend for basins and baths. They give a lighter visual effect and help ensure that the basin doesn’t overpower the vanity. If you’re using a vessel basin you’ll need a wall-mounted or tall basin mixer to work with it – look for Voda’s new basin mixer that swivels.
Choose hygienic options for the bathroom
Look for a toilet that’s easy to clean. Newtech’s latest rimless technology has removed the overhanging rim and the waterfall wash at the back of the pan, which leaves fewer corners where bacteria can hide, making it easier to clean.
Look out for practical solutions
Avoid foggy mirrors with a built-in demister. The hottest new technology at Newtech is mirrors with LED lights around the rim – as you activate the light it activates the heat demister too.
Don’t forget your warranty
Look for a good warranty so that if anything does go wrong, you have the back-up to get it sorted. Voda Plumbingware has a full 10-year warranty including labour.
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For on-trend bathroom and ensuite fittings visit Newtech and Voda Plumbingware