UPDATE IT
B
eing the centrepiece of
many bathrooms, baths
need to not only look
good, but be functional
and practical. With an
array of shapes, styles and materials
available, there’s a lot to consider
before buying. Here are some tips
on how to choose the ideal soaker.
advises. Luke Di Michiel, industrial
designer at Caroma, agrees it’s crucial
to balance the size of your bathroom
with your choice of bath. “That will
mean less chance of the bathtub
impacting the traffic and flow to
the basin, shower or toilet,” he says.
Soaking style
Space considerations
You may love the idea of a luxurious
spa-like freestanding bath, but interior
designer Shannon Pepper of Shannon
Pepper Design (spdesign.co.nz), who
specialises in bathroom design, says
this may not be the tub for you if your
bathroom is compact. “A back-towall bath or an inset one would be
a better option in that case,” she
If you love indulgent soaks and space is
not an issue, a freestanding bath could
be best. Or check out the Caroma
Newbury inset bath that comes with
an optional head and backrest.
If your tub is primarily practical – for
example, getting kids clean – an inset
bath fits the bill. Their design means
they have a ledge that’s ideal for
keeping shampoos and soaps handy,
which freestanding baths don’t have.
BATHROOM HEROES
“Don’t be shy about
testing out the tub
you’re thinking about
buying. Climbing
inside and lying down
will show you how
comfortable it is,
and also if there are
any issues getting
in and out of it”
Luke Di Michiel, Caroma
TUB TYPES
There are three main bath styles to choose from
Bath, for similar try Caroma ‘Cube’
1600mm freestanding back to wall
bath in White, $2,321.70. I/N: 4821433†.
Some products are not available at all
Bunnings stores, but may be ordered
Caroma ‘Contura’ 1700mm
freestanding bath in White,
$3,977, I/N: 0302914†
Photography Caroma; Clearlite Bathrooms; (opposite page) Larnie Nicolson,
styling Sam van Kan. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other
than Bunnings. †Available to order at the Special Orders Desk.
Bath, for similar try
Estilo 1675mm x 700mm
x 420mm drop in bathtub,
$231, I/N: 4821915
Freestanding baths
Deep, freestanding baths in
striking shapes – rectangular,
oval and slipper-style – have
grown increasingly popular
because they make a strong
design statement. The Caroma
‘Contura’ (above) creates a
striking focal point. However, due
to their generous dimensions,
they need plenty of room, says
Luke. “Bear in mind freestanding
baths need space around them
so you can fit a mop or vacuum
cleaner,” he says.
Inset baths
Also known as built-in baths,
these are fitted flush against a
wall, enclosed by a customised
surround. “If you’re restricted
when it comes to space then it
is better to go with this because
they take up less room,” says
Shannon. Baths like the Estilo
acrylic bath tub are great if you
don’t have enough room for a
separate shower and bath. Its
edge is designed to redirect
spray run-off from the shower
back into the bath.
Back-to-wall (D-shaped) baths
These models are a blend of
inset and freestanding baths.
“For those who love the look of
a freestanding bath, but don’t
have the space in the bathroom,
a solution is a D-shaped tub
that looks like it is freestanding
from the front but actually sits
flush against the wall,” says
Luke. “This saves space and
also means you don’t need to
clean behind it.” In addition,
their design means these can
be easier to plumb.
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