Bathroom

In part two of our eight-part series on adding value to your home, our expert looks at the importance of bathrooms

Your guide to inspiring bathroom trends, plus quick wins to make an old space shine like new

Even the smallest of bathrooms (or budgets) can be cleverly updated.

Don’t just paint a room, drench it in colour – it’ll look all the better for it

Don't get caught out by a surprise visitor with these simple tricks to make your home always guest-ready.

Once lined wall-to-wall with dull Seventies plastic, this bathroom has been transformed into a black, white and pink room of teenage dreams

Make choosing your bathroom fittings and fixtures a breeze Selecting the right fixtures and fittings for your bathroom can be a stressful task. With so many options on the market, all different styles and price points. We’ve rounded up some of the best bathroom fixtures and fittings from luxurious tapware to budget-friendly showers and accessories, […]

Consider these 10 essential tips if you want to makeover your bathroom for under $10,000 There are a few reasons why you might give your bathroom a facelift. Maybe a big reno will cost too much and you simply want a short-term fix, or perhaps you need to give it a spruce up for sale […]

You can turn a small space into a beautiful bathroom if you employ some clever trickery… Making a small bathroom both functional and stylish can be a challenge. But it’s definitely not impossible! There are a few fail-safe tricks that will help maximise a tight space, trick the eye and give the illusion of scale […]

Love the idea of having curtains in your bathroom but not quite sure if it’s the most practical choice? We ask the experts how to make it work. Love the idea of beautiful, billowy curtains in the bathroom but can’t help but worry about the maintenance involved – or the mould! When it comes to […]

Get ready to make some hard decisions for your walls and floors  With so many tiles available it may feel a bit overwhelming choosing just one. Fortunately, not all tiles are created equal, which makes narrowing down the choice much easier. Bear in mind when looking at tiles that they are priced in dollars per […]

Consider these ten helpful tips before making any big changes to your bathroom 1. Reuse the plumbing If your budget’s tight, do your best to reuse the existing plumbing locations. Try not to move the toilet or shower as this can be a costly exercise by the time the water supply and wastewater pipework is […]

A white bathroom with dated vinyl and a small showerbox simply didn’t cut it for colour-loving Nikki Kettle, who’s transformed the ensuite into an engaging new space     Nikki Kettle doesn’t mind a challenge. The builder, and DIY expert for Your Home and Garden, has already painted and then repainted a giant mural in […]

Interior designer Sarah Foote from Sarah Foote Design shares practical pointers for bathroom design A well-designed loo never goes unnoticed – it has a captive audience, after all. What else is there to do while frequenting the smallest room in the house but admire an exquisite tile choice, a beautiful basin or a sumptuous selection […]

It may be the smallest room in the house, but potentially, it’s the one with the most impact. This is the place to indulge any decorating dreams you may secretly harbour. Here’s how It’s been decades since women used to “go powder their noses”, which was a polite way of saying they needed to use […]

From start to finish, PlaceMakers has everything you could possibly want for your new build, reno and everything in between Comprehensive. That’s one way to describe PlaceMakers amazing range of kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe products. If you’re considering a new kitchen, new home or anything in  between it’s only natural to pay your local […]

Textured, contemporary, geometric or traditional? For colour, pattern and enduring tile style, here’s what’s hot for walls and floors Kiwis have traditionally used tiles for the wet areas of their homes, but these days they’re installing them elsewhere too. It’s a trend that’s growing as home and business owners look for attractive, durable and low-maintainance […]

Pull off a flawless bathroom renovation with Mico’s top 10 tips 1. Consider the lights Poor lighting in a bathroom could spoil all your hard work by casting shadows or making the space feel too cold and clinical. Talk to your Mico consultant about what lights would suit your budget and needs. 2. Plan plenty […]

This dreamy new ensuite proves even a small space can be designed to feel like a luxe sanctuary

Our experts break down how to design the perfect pint-sized bathroom without skimping on style or practicality A small space is no reason to go without when creating the bathroom of your dreams. Whether you’re adding on a new ensuite, modernising a pocket-sized powder room or simply wanting to maximise the potential of a petite […]

Planning a bathroom renovation? Whether it’s a full overhaul or a clean and simple lift, Mico have the inspiration and the expertise Phoenix Vivid Slimline tapware at Mico The Budget: Before you begin planning your new bathroom, it’s worth ascertaining what elements are essential and where you’d like to splash out. Figure out how much […]

By getting creative with the material palette and hardware, architect Daniel Marshall was able to achieve a crisp new bathroom that maximises storage A good bathroom gets the balance between functionality and luxury just right. And that’s exactly what the bathroom in this new build by Daniel Marshall of Daniel Marshall Architects has achieved. The […]

Busy households and bathrooms don’t usually mix well, so if you’re dreaming of a major makeover here are a couple of things that could make life a bit easier The battle for the bathroom, especially in the mornings, is a never-ending saga in most busy households. The constant queueing, lack of privacy and general mess […]

Tactical game playing and a costly mistake turned this week’s master bedroom room reveal into an absolute nightmare for one team Following a disastrous bathroom week, The Block NZ teams started week four ready to fight tooth and nail to win the battle for their master bedroom and ensuite. With three of the teams not […]

There may have only been two teams that managed to finish in time but both their bathrooms are full of inspiring ideas you can steal for your own home Bathroom week on The Block NZ was a complete shambles, with only two of the five teams finishing their bathrooms in time. But, the two teams […]

Having your very own ensuite doesn’t have to be a pipe dream, here are the three key ways to design a bathroom on a budget 3 ways to design an ensuite you can actually afford When it comes to the number one thing people would add to their homes, having an ensuite is at the […]

Week three of The Block NZ resulted in some of the worst results in Block history, we round up why it all went so terribly wrong Bathroom week on The Block NZ is known as one of the toughest room reveals to pull off, but this year the teams certainly seemed to crumble under the […]

Each unique in style, these six sanctuaries will not only inspire, but they’ll also have you wanting to stay awhile When it comes to kitting out your dream bathroom there’s a number of different elements to think about: from functionality, to use of space, and of course, your bathroom decor. To help inspire your bathroom […]

It seems like a small, insignificant space, but the guest toilet may just be one of the most used rooms in your home. Here’s how to make it a comfortable space to be in The guest toilet, I’m sure you will agree, is not the most glamorous spot in the house. But as insignificant as […]

A hidden oasis that blurs the border between in and out Concealed by dense bushland and a mirage facade, Outhouse bathroom is precisely as Madeleine Blanchfield Architects intended; a space with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape that creates the illusion of being outdoors. Located in Kangaroo Valley, Outhouse bathroom services a small, nearby cabin […]

A standard bathroom needn’t be bland or boring. Our clever stylists show how simple accessories can make a bold style statement in the most neutral of spaces Look 1 – Candy colours Marshmallow shades of pink and white pair with zingy lemon yellow for a sweet and soothing bathroom. Look 2 – Monochromatic black and […]

YH&G editor Kristina Rapley reveals the results of her epic bathroom renovation with Mico Bathrooms – a beautiful blue-green retreat with brass details Meet + greet Kristina Rapley, 32 (editor of Your Home & Garden), and Ashton Lines-Sherwood, 32 (country manager, Starleaton NZ), plus Blue the chocolate Lab and Bell Belles the cat. What didn’t […]

We’ve asked these experts for their top tips on bathroom renovations. Here are some useful insights to know before you embark on your own renovation Jeremy Wynn-Harris Managing director of builderscrack.co.nz Keep costs down by eliminating tiles. Keep the walls simple with paint and opt for vinyl or laminate flooring. A heat-pump hot water cylinder […]

Your Home and Garden editor Kristina Rapley shares how she’s nailed her renovation journey with the help of Mico Bathrooms With the design and planning stage of our bathroom renovation done, now it’s time for the hard work to begin. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look into how our new bathroom is shaping up. Bathroom before. Our poky, […]

When it comes to bathroom design it can be hard to know where to begin. To help you get started, Your Home and Garden editor Kristina Rapley shares her own reno journey with Mico Bathrooms Whether your style is minimalist, maximalist or somewhere in between, it’s important to start your bathroom renovation journey with a […]

Are you into minimalist design and or do you prefer a bit of glitz and glam? Discover your style personality and we’ll show you how to shop your dream bathroom look

Design the perfect stylish bathroom with Mico’s expert service and quality products Designing a bathroom is all about finding a balance between your dreams, your functional needs and your budget. Bathrooms need to work efficiently but ideally, they also need to give you a little bit of enjoyable me-time amid a busy day. Take time […]

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 […]

For those who love a minimalist design that still has some character, this look is for you. Discover how to shop the bathroom look for Japanese Minimalism with Mico Bathrooms Take inspiration from the rich heritage of Japan and create a Zen space to unwind. Clean lines, a neutral palette and unfussy styling anchor this […]

It’s easy to transform your bathroom into a dreamy Bali-inspired escape with these expert style tips from Mico Bathrooms Your bathroom is where you unwind after a long, busy day and this look encourages escapism. Built on a clean, white backdrop, this style is all about the accessories – greenery and natural textures such as […]

Taking inspiration from the mid-century style of California’s resort town, it’s easy to design a dreamy Palm Springs retreat with Mico Bathrooms This trend is not going anywhere, folks! All you need for this look is a touch of desert pink, a gleam of glossy gold and a little luxe by way of some marble […]

This look is all about going bold or going home. Find out how you can remodel your bathroom with fun Modern Memphis style with Mico Bathrooms Embrace colour with this graphic, fun and quirky look. Bring the striking 1980s Memphis aesthetic up to date with a statement candyfloss-pink tile as the hero element. Black accents […]

Two showstopping windows rescued from Trade Me make an incredible centrepiece in this Devonport home’s elegant bathroom makeover. Two windows rescued from Trademe add major character to this bathroom Who lives here? Melissa Boshier, 55 (former lawyer, sometime legal researcher and casual interior designer), Peter Tomlinson, 64 (lawyer), Luke, 17, Dom, 15, and Heath, 13, […]

We asked four designers to modernise this small family bathroom with a budget of $28,000. Check out what they came up with and discover how you can shop the look for your own bathroom makeover We got 4 designers to redo a tired family bathroom – here are the results We asked four designers to […]

Whether it’s a complete kitchen makeover or simply painting your front door, these interior tips will make you happy and boost your home’s value in the process How to spruce up your interior (and increase your home’s value) While the thought of completely transforming your home is pretty exciting the reality of the cost, time […]

A bathroom renovation can run the risk of being a tad bland, but with the right vanity, storage and seating you can create a space that’s uniquely yours 3 pieces of bathroom furniture every home needs If you’re planning a bathroom reno, you’ve probably got your gorgeous new shower and bath all picked out, complete […]

There was sage green, botanical wallpaper and feature LED handrails – here’s how to shop the looks from The Block NZ’s powder rooms, staircases and entrances Where to shop The Block NZ entrances and powder rooms This week The Block NZ teams finished the interior of their houses when they polished off their entrances, staircases […]

In another down-to-the-wire finish this week, The Block NZ teams battled to finish their entrances, staircases and powder rooms. Here’s a closer look at the four completely different spaces they created The Block NZ teams reveal their entrances, staircases and powder rooms This week The Block NZ teams tackled the few remaining interior rooms in […]

Practicality shouldn’t forfeit style, and these soap dispensers deliver both. See our gallery to inspire your next purchase 14 soap dispensers that deliver style as well as suds A stylish soap dispenser is the best (and cheapest) way to add instant sophistication to your bathroom. With so many colours, textures and materials available these days, […]

It’s safe to say Bathroom Week on The Block NZ lived up to it’s stressful reputation. Catch up on the judges’ scores and discover how you can shop the look The Block NZ: Week Two family bathroom room reveal Bathroom week is always stressful on The Block NZ and this week proved to be an […]

From bathrooms to kitchens, the matte interiors trend is proving to be extremely versatile. 7 ways to make a statement with stunning matte finishes This year is all about finishes with the matte trend continuing to make waves. Bidding farewell to glossy surfaces that once reigned supreme within kitchens and bathrooms, interiors are adopting matte’s […]

These tips and inspiring examples of  design from Mico Bathrooms will help you to choose the right tapware for your home How to choose the best statement tapware to transform your bathroom Whether you’re looking for a quick update or you’re planning a major makeover, your secret weapon for creating a stylish bathroom is statement […]

We’ve created a list of some of our favourite bathroom designs from the past few years, take a look for the ultimate-inspo.  1. Ensuite with an industrial edge A generous ensuite with an industrial edge was the brief for this inner-city Auckland home, a finalist for 2016’s Home of the Year Awards. The results are […]

A tired bathroom in Kaiapoi gets the luxe floor-to-ceiling tile treatment. Get inspired by the before and after pics and discover this family’s renovation story Snapshot  Who lives here? Kerry Stevenson, manager/director, Ben Stevenson, builder, Knox, 6, and Frankie, 3, plus pugs Gavin and Moe. See how this tired bathroom in Kaiapoi received a luxe […]

Check out these 10 inspiring black and white bathrooms which prove a simple colour palette is anything but boring 10 black and white bathrooms that prove monochrome style is timeless While bathroom trends can run the risk of becoming outdated, a black and white colour scheme proves timeless. With tricky colour ruled out, monochrome allow for stunning […]

Think outside the clean white box and try some contrast, bold colour and unexpected materials in your bathroom. Here’s how to do it successfully. How to use bold colour and materials in your bathroom like a designer While the focus of a bathroom has traditionally been more on function than form, we shouldn’t forget that […]

Handy hacks and expert advice on the latest bathroom trends to fire your imagination 18 affordable and effective bathroom updates to try at home Updating your bathroom doesn’t necessarily mean renovating. From treating yourself to some fresh new fluffy towels to introducing some on-trend tapware, there are plenty of ways to up the style stakes in your […]

Minimalism rules in this simple scheme perfect for a beautifully modern home. We show you where to shop and how to style this look How to give your bathroom a minimalist look that’s not boring Having a neutral colour scheme doesn’t have to be boring. By using the right mix of materials and adding interest […]

Organise the chaos in your bathroom today with these five simple storage ideas. Both stylish and effective, these storage tips from Mico Bathrooms will transform your space How to organise your bathroom like a pro using clever storage Bathrooms are often imagined as restful sanctuaries where we can wash away the stress of the day. […]

Unleash your inner drama queen and go bold in the bathroom with statement tiles, luxe accessories and materials that will stand the test of time These tips will give you the confidence to be bold with your bathroom style This is one style of bathroom design that requires bravery and vision – commit to the […]

Your bathroom is a sanctuary, the place where you can relax, unwind and let the stresses of the day go. So, what’s the number one must-have for the most relaxing bathroom? A bathtub This is the number one must-have item for a relaxing bathroom Bathroom trends come and go but one key feature is always […]

When it comes to bathrooms, how retro can you go? We discuss the fixtures and fittings you may want to keep when considering a reno How to give your new bathroom character by embracing vintage style Retro bathrooms are a special breed. They can be so wrong, but aspects of them can be so good […]

Interior designers Katie Scott and Lucy Sargent tell us their top four picks for fab bathroom flooring. Here’s how to style and shop each look 8 stylish bathroom flooring ideas chosen by interior designers Our first interior designer is Katie Scott from Caro Design. She rounds up her four favourite bathroom flooring options, which are practical, stylish and […]

Whether you’re starting from scratch or planning a new update, these design ideas from Mico Bathrooms will help you to create a space you’ll love using 1. Love your layout A well-designed bathroom should be easy to use and simple to clean. The key to creating a comfortable, functional space is to pay close attention […]

From warming accessories to budget-friendly ideas, our practical and stylish tips from Mico Bathrooms will help you to beat the bathroom blues this winter How to make your bathroom feel warmer this winter We’ve all experienced the bathroom blues. It’s that jolt you feel when your feet touch the cold bathroom floor, that sharp gasp […]

Take design cues from the past and inject some old-time luxury into your bathroom with a statement bathtub, rose gold accents and a monochrome colour palette How to create an old world glamour look in your bathroom Whether your home is heritage, brand spanking new or somewhere comfortably in between, every bathroom can benefit from […]

Statement tapware is on trend and having a moment in the spotlight – and we can’t get enough. Here are five reasons why you need statement tap in your bathroom Why statement tapware should be your new favourite bathroom trend Attempting to hide or blend in your tapware and fixtures are a thing of the […]

The right bathroom vanity can help you showcase your style and personality. Shelley Ferguson rounds up some of her favourite Mico Bathrooms designs to inspire your space Which vanity are you? How to match your bathroom to your personality Bathrooms have become one of the most exciting rooms in the home to design. Once all […]

Sign up to the Your Home & Garden newsletter to receive inspiration between issues and be in to win this incredible Breville prize pack worth $1700! Win the ultimate Breville prize pack worth $1700 Black is making its way back into the kitchen and is set to be THE colour for 2018. Whether you’re doing […]

From clever fixtures to finishing touches, we round up practical bathroom hacks to help you create that at-home spa feel without breaking the bank 7 ways to make your bathroom feel luxurious without breaking the bank You don’t need to totally revamp your bathroom to achieve luxurious style. These seven small changes will make a […]

The flexibility to have a bathroom anywhere in your home is something home owners often just dream about. However, with one small product, it is possible to defy gravity and achieve your dreams Why this one product will change your bathroom renovation How often have you flipped through the pages of your favourite renovation magazines, […]

Bathroom design in 2018 is all about you! Mico Bathrooms has teamed up with Shelley Ferguson to show us how to create a space that’s both hardworking and beautiful – and most importantly, makes it easy to relax in 5 of Shelley Ferguson’s favourite bathroom trends for 2018 Bye bye, boring bathrooms! It may be […]

A high contrast, monochrome colour scheme can make a seriously stylish design statement. We get insider secrets from Mico Bathrooms expert Louise Cook on how to nail black and white style How to design a chic bathroom with contrasting black and white About to embark on a bathroom reno? This is one room in the […]

After decluttering your laundry room it’s time to get organised. Natalie Jane of Be Organised provides some easy tips to help you add style to this utilitarian space This area is all about functionality, so take some time to look around your laundry. Think about where it would make sense for items to live. After […]

If you have an ensuite make sure you don’t miss it out when you’re doing a big bathroom blitz. Here are some practical tips from Natalie Jane to keep it clean and organised Bathrooms can be black spots for clutter and badly utilised storage. Items tend to get shoved into drawers and forgotten, while others […]

Organise the chaos in your bathroom today with these simple yet effective decluttering tips from expert organiser Natalie Jane The main bathroom is a high-traffic area and, especially if you have kids, can become a disaster zone within moments of being used. Having kid-friendly storage solutions makes life easier for everyone and tidying up a […]

Create your own open-air retreat to soak up resort-style luxury at home. Here are four outdoor bathrooms to inspire your style 1. Decked out  Luxury fittings and furnishings take a heavily wooded outdoor space to new heights of comfort. Quality, simplicity and a dash of quirk are key – think a grand freestanding bathtub, high-grade […]

If you love a bit of bling but don’t want your bathroom to seem ostentatious, this modern luxe look is just the ticket. Louise Cook from Mico Bathrooms shows us how to create a stylish contemporary look How to add drama to your bathroom design with modern luxe style A monochrome colour palette doesn’t have to […]

­­ Discover how award-winning designer Natalie Du Bois added sophisticated Blum storage and warm, nature inspired style to this generous master bedroom ensuite Natalie Du Bois redesigns a master bedroom ensuite with warm style My clients wanted their renovated master bedroom to feel natural and warm. It also needed to be a relaxing, shared space […]

Take design cues from nature to create a restful, earthy bathroom sanctuary. Louise Cook from Mico Bathrooms tells us how to create our own oasis of paradise at home How to design a restful bathroom inspired by nature The bathroom is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. It’s where you begin the day, […]

Statement tiles can create major impact in your home but it’s easy to get lost in the array of colours and shapes. Let us smooth the way with these top tile tips  6 of the hottest statement tile trends to inspire your next project To make a statement with tiles, you needn’t choose a brash […]

A luxurious bathroom is possible even if you have limited room. Here are four stylish ways to create the illusion of space in your little bathroom 4 ways to trick your small bathroom into feeling bigger 1. Add mirrors Nothing else creates a feeling of never-ending space like a mirror. Glass doors and decor can also […]

Create a bold statement and discover how to experiment with pattern and texture with our guide to black and white bathroom style Ideas for your bathroom: Create a timeless statement with Black and White Sticking to a black and white palette gives you the freedom to mix patterns and tones. Here we have used black, […]

Add some blissful Bali vibes to your bathroom with natural textures and tropical plants. Here’s how style and shop the look Ideas for your bathroom: Blissful Bali style Create a sense of serenity in your bathroom with pared-back pieces in neutral tones and a variety of natural textures. Tropical plants and scattered shells will enhance […]

Bathrooms have evolved from utilitarian spaces to themed rooms designed for indulgence. Take inspiration from six of the latest international looks  1. Neo classic   This moody, masculine look is grounded by a rich, dark base broken up with the use of luxe textures. A bright white ceiling offsets the richness of the base colour and […]

If you watch the room reveals each week and you’re left wondering “how do I get this look right at home?” then you’ll want to check this out. Shelley shares some expert advice from the bathrooms on The Block NZ Lessons from The Block NZ bathrooms with Shelley Ferguson Each week on The Block NZ […]

Finding the right piece to make a colourful splash in a family bathroom is all about research and creative thinking, says Alex  How to add colour to your bathroom with Alex Fulton Adding colour into a neutral space such as a bathroom is about balance and being clever with your colour palette. It’s also about planning […]

Indulge your feminine side with a modern take on old-Hollywood glamour inspired by the sophisticated mid-century style of California’s resort town How to create a bathroom look inspired by Palm Springs + Opt for functional pieces in brass for a luxe yet utilitarian aesthetic. In this space the light fixture, vase, stools and hooks are […]

Take a trip down memory lane as we look back at some of our favourite bathrooms, from pamper-worthy powder rooms to rustic retreats Industrial glamour  Who lives here? Jo Clelland (hair and makeup artist) and Mat Vermeulen (MD of Ceva Logistics) Jo Clelland and Mat Vermeulen had to think smart when adding a second bathroom […]

A well-worn Auckland bathroom is given a $40,000 makeover, with a neutral colour palette and a few savvy storage solutions Savvy storage and sleek design has freshened up this Auckland bathroom Who lives here? Robert and Lisa Davis, plus Persian cat Mr Grits. Robert is a semi-retired engineer and Lisa works in sales. Where is […]

A fresh grey-green palette and accessories in natural textures have made a world of difference to a once cold and clinical bathroom The Budget $3323.82 ($496.82 without the vanity) The problem The bathroom, although only 10 years old, felt shabby and dated. The tiles were in good condition but had a slight peach tint to […]

Ben and Andy’s modern, monochrome master bathroom impressed the judges on The Block AU, but they made one small mistake that cost them a lot The Block AU: Ben and Andy’s master bathroom From textured tiles to statement tapware and elegant colour palettes, teams on The Block Australia served up five standout bathrooms. We take a tour through Ben […]

Get inspired by this ensuite bathroom by Kim and Chris from The Block AU and discover you can create the perfect urban retreat at home The Block AU: Kim and Chris’s ensuite The Block Australia served up five bathrooms that got us in a lather. There was plenty to covet during the renovating reveals, from […]

From its statement tiles to its grey grouting the judges loved everything about this guest bathroom on The Block AU. We round up our top tips for recreating their style The Block AU: Carleen and Dan’s master bathroom Blinding whites with hints of black and metallics were the order of the day on The Block Australia. All […]

Art deco-style and statement tiles were on display Julia and Sasha’s master bathroom. We take a closer look at the design and get some style tips The Block AU: Julia and Sasha’s master bathroom There was plenty to covet during the renovating reveals for The Block Australia. All five teams went for a simple and […]

Described as young, modern and sophisticated, The Block AU judges were impressed by Will and Karlie’s bathroom. Here’s how you can recreate the look at home The Block AU: Will and Karlie’s master bathroom The Block Australia served up five bathrooms that got us in a lather. There was plenty to covet during the renovating […]

After a whirlwind week on The Block NZ, the teams completed their second room reveal challenge. We take a closer look at their bathroom style The Block NZ: Week two bathroom reveal It was bathroom week on The Block NZ and the stress and budgets were high. Last week’s winners Andy and Nate didn’t do […]