The Block Bathrooms Inspiration from the 2020 Season of ‘The Block’
Bathroom Design Inspiration from the 2020 Season of ‘The Block’
Another year and another enthralling season of ‘The Block’ is done and dusted. With a unique spin on this year’s theme which saw each house styled towards a particular era, the the block bathrooms contestants came up with some sensational design schemes.
Nowhere was this more obvious than in their bathrooms and ensuites, which is why we’ve decided to compile a collection of our favourite bathroom inspiration ideas inspired by ‘The Block’.
The Block Bathrooms Ensuite Ideas
1. Colour Scheme
Colour can play an important role in any renovation, but particularly so in a bathroom since it’s such a small space. Jimmy and Tam dealt with this in their family bathroom by pairing a bright wall colour with natural stone terrazzo tiles, creating a good sense of balance.
In Jimmy & Tam’s master ensuite we saw pink feature tiles used just in the shower, creating a pop of colour against an otherwise white wall of tiles. The key in any colour scheme is to achieve a sense of balance, so use feature colours sparingly.
2. Tile Choice
This season saw plenty of variation in tiles, including fish scale feature tiles, textured tiles and ‘macro’ terrazzo. But the two most popular trends would have to be the white subway tiles and the natural terrazzo floor tiles which featured prominently in several bathrooms.
Once again, balance is critical when it comes to mixing and matching bathroom tiles. This was demonstrated in Daniel and Jade’s family bathroom, where the concrete, marble and subway tiles “fight against each other”, as noted by one judge. In contrast, Sarah and George’s upstairs bathroom used four different tiles, but they work well together without clashing.
3. Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked in the block bathrooms design because it isn’t the first thing you appreciate when you walk into the room. But when you’re trying to get ready in the morning and you’re struggling in front of a poorly lit mirror, suddenly lighting becomes very important.
Unfortunately, poor lighting was a recurring theme throughout the season. In Jimmy and Tam’s master ensuite the judges commented on the insufficient lighting, while in Daniel and Jade’s family bathroom the lighting was misplaced under the vanity (where the only thing it highlighted were the plumbing connections).
4. Functionality
When you think about how often you use your bathroom you suddenly start to appreciate why functionality is so important. A poorly designed bathroom may feel cramped, lack sufficient storage space or just look slightly odd.
If you’re unsure how a design on a plan is going to translate in real life, then working with a designer using 3D technology may give you a better idea. This could have saved Luke and Jasmine’s master ensuite, which ended up with a vanity that was much too close to the shower screen.
Meanwhile, Sarah and George’s guest ensuite was commended for its excellent functionality and layout.
5. Vanities & Fixtures:
Floating timber vanities were a big design trend this season, and it’s easy to see why. The timber finish looks fantastic when paired with a wide selection of tiles and it brings a natural element into what can otherwise feel like quite a clinical room.
Thanks to recent advances in timber veneer cabinetry (such as Polytec’s Woodmatt laminates range), this design trend is easier to clean, more durable and more affordable. Another popular trend was the use of statement accessories.
Gold fixtures added a touch of old school glamour (although black fixtures remain very popular), a cleverly positioned towel rail added style and functionality, while a fluted spout added a touch of flair.
Corey Cameron, Director of McColl Cabinetmakers, brings with him 25 years of experience in cabinetmaking and home renovations. This extensive exposure to hands-on work has ensured the highest standards in home and bathroom renovations.
