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1. Grey, Grey & More Grey

With Hamptons’ style being so popular over the last couple of years, the glamour of grey has become a common staple in our interiors.

Grey is the ultimate neutral colour that will work well with any furniture and accessories, and the right shade of grey paint will instantly form a subtle backdrop that makes your white skirtings & architraves pop. 

There are many shades of grey that you can work within your home, but it’s important to realise that not all greys are alike. 

To create harmony and a natural flow within your home, it is essential to understand the different types of undertones – warm and cool tones. 

If you are looking for a more modern style home with a lot of natural light, cool greys will work well for you as they can often make a space look larger and feel crisp. 

Cooler greys tend to reflect more blues, but you can also experiment with different strengths of colours to get the right hue. 

When it comes to warmer grey tones, we are spoilt for choice. Warm greys can often be referred to as “greige” and are the perfect mix between pale grey and beige. 

Warm greys are so versatile and are great for creating a more homely or cozy feeling within your house. If you are looking to go for a traditional Hamptons style home, warmer greys will be your palette of choice. 

If you’re unsure if you want to go with a warm or cool undertone, work with your colour consultant to find great chameleon colours that can work alongside a cool or warm colour scheme. 

Tip: Always remember to ground your greys with neutrals to ensure the room does not feel clinical. Greys work well with timber or stone, you can bring this in with floorboards, fireplaces & furniture.

2. White – Light & Bright

As Australians, we always seem to gravitate to the simplicity of whites. It’s a colour that will never go out of style and works in every home. 

We are seeing a massive emergence in white interior colour schemes as homebuilders are looking to create a resort-style atmosphere, and whites are the perfect backdrop to bring the outside in.

The big question is how do you choose the right white, and there is a lot to choose from! Whites come in many different shades, and like grey colours,  the most important thing to remember is all whites have an underlying colour. 

To choose the right white undertone for your home, you need to consider how much light is coming into your rooms, your room size and window placement.

Cool whites have either a blue or green undertone and are great for adding a modern or minimalist edge to your home. They often make your room feel larger, are softer to the eye and are helpful in tempering bright light. 

For a room that is flooded with light or if you are looking to obtain a more coastal look within your home, like our Mandalay display home in North Richmond, cool whites work particularly well. 

Tip: Colours may change when applied to different areas of the home. From ceiling to wall, room-to-room or between walls, the same paint colour can look different. Make sure you test a white sample in various areas to get an idea of how the paint is affected by light in different areas of your current home.

Warm whites have yellow, pink or peach undertones and are the perfect partner for a classic interior or a home with less natural light. Warmer whites are excellent for south-facing rooms as the paint’s tones can warm up any space with their soft illumination.

3. Dark and Moody

Dark interior designs have blown up in 2021, and we expect this trend to continue into 2022. 

Dark colours don’t have to be limited to just greys and blacks. Deep charcoals, bottom of the lake greens, browns and inky blues can deliver depth, strength and warmth and make a room look and feel grander than it is. 

When painting your walls a dark tone remember to keep the tone consistent. Warm undertones can ensure that your rooms are feeling alive and vibrant, while a cooler tone will keep the rooms calm and quiet.

Darker paints can also make other parts of a room stand out. For example, darker paints can draw attention to lighter-coloured furniture like beds, couches and dining tables, while richer-hued kitchen cabinets can make more neutral walls pop. When painting your walls with dark paint, we always recommend using accents of neutrals to ground the space.

If you don’t want to commit to a fully dark aesthetic but want to bring those moody vibes to your home, don’t be afraid to use a feature colour in a room where you are trying to create an ambience. 

One good place to start painting your home with a dark paint is a media room. This is the perfect space to paint in a dark tone to avoid light reflection and ensure your picture on your TV or projector really pops.

Tip: Dark walls can show imperfections, so invest in scrupulous wall prep and high-quality paints.

Interior Colour Trends Tips 

The most important thing is to limit the number of colours you use in your home and when you do choose colours, ensure they are from the same family, i.e. either cool or warm tones.

Creating a consistent palette that stretches across rooms can help give your home a more intentional look and create a visual flow of colour from one room to the next.

If you are not sure what colour palette or trend is right for your new home, get in touch with your local G.J. Gardner office and receive professional advice from our colour consultants.

Entertaining in Australia usually means one thing – the outdoors. No matter the season, time of the day or size of the outdoor area, we tend to naturally congregate outside when gathering with family or friends. 

If you’re especially fond of hosting backyard barbecues, afternoon drinks or dinner parties, your home outdoor entertaining area should provide the ultimate atmosphere for you and your guests. 

Whether you’d like to create an extension to your indoor living space, an alfresco dining area or a simple space for backyard seating, we’ve gathered the top outdoor entertainment area ideas in Australia. 

Before you dive into designing your new space, let’s explore the key points you need to consider.  

Let’s pick the layout

When deciding on a layout, it’s important to first think about the main purpose of your outdoor entertaining area. Do you mostly barbecue, gourmet brunch or shake cocktails? You’ll want to design a space that compliments your entertaining style with a layout that’s suited to your needs. 

If an outdoor kitchen or barbecuing area is a must, create a multipurpose layout by dividing your space into zones separated for cooking, eating and drinking, and relaxing. Encourage flow throughout the space by keeping an open area in the centre. 

If you’re limited by space or your entertaining style is a little more laidback, you can create an intimate layout with a few small seating areas for leisurely lounging. 

Mapping out the materials

You can build a modern outdoor living space with materials such as timber, stone and concrete, which can also be weatherproofed to withstand the elements. 

If your outdoor entertainment area is going to be an extension of your home, use the same materials to create architectural cohesion. For more inspiration, read our blog on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Say goodbye to overgrown grass or unsightly pavement and introduce durable and functional flooring that compliments your interior style. Timber decking can add natural style and warmth to your space, or if you’re looking for durable, low maintenance alternatives, consider polished concrete or stone. For an eco-friendly option, ask your builder about using reclaimed timber or recycled wood.

Picking the right plants

Impress your guests with a beautifully planed garden. Greenery will not only create a calming atmosphere, but it will allow you to create a true outdoor experience. 

If you don’t plan on dedicating your weekend to landscaping, or you aren’t the most promising plant parent, opt for native plants. Australian natives are truly breathtaking and will naturally thrive in your backyard- no special treatment required. 

Trending vertical gardens are also easy to maintain and can have an impressive effect on your outdoor entertaining area. You can start with a few simple climbers or completely cover a wall in foliage. If you’d prefer to keep things simple, potted plants are a stylish option. Incorporating potted plants into your landscaping makes a yard not only more low-maintenance but also more versatile. Potted plants are an easy way to add colour to different parts of a yard and can be moved as necessary. Why not plant a few of your favourite herbs for a green finish that’s both fragrant and functional. 

Talking Tech

We’ve come a long way with outdoor entertainment area designs, and they’ll now, more often than not, include tech features to enhance the comfort and functionality of the space. 

Lighting, audio, fans and wifi can transform your space into the ultimate entertaining area. Include fans or heating if you entertain in every season, install an outdoor theatre if you stream sporting events and be sure to extend your wifi to the outdoor area for an uninterrupted connection. 

Smart home technology can add even more value to your entertaining area with automation and energy-saving features. If your garden is your pride and joy, you might want to invest in a smart sprinkler system to schedule your watering. 

Start designing your dream outdoor area

There’s no better space to relax, unwind and entertain than in the great outdoors. Build a seriously great outdoor entertaining area by considering the layout, materials, greenery and tech features. If you’re interested in building your dream outdoor space, team up with one of our new home design consultants, who are experts in collaborating with clients to design and build their dream homes. 

If you’re simply looking to upgrade your existing area, take a look at the outdoor entertaining area ideas on our inspiration page. 

Contact your local G.J. Gardner office to learn more or to get started on adding an outdoor entertaining area to your home design.

FAQs

How much does it cost to build an outdoor entertaining area?

The cost of an outdoor entertaining area will depend largely on the size of the space, whether you’re upgrading an existing area or starting from scratch. You will need to consider the cost of materials, labour, landscaping and any additional tech features you want to include to enhance the space. Speak to your local G.J. Gardner office to organise a personalised quote. 

How do I style my outdoor area?

Your outdoor area should be an extension of your interior design. Choose furniture that’s suited to the size of your space, consider comfort and views when positioning and opt for long-lasting materials and textured fabrics that are suited to outdoor living. 

Mimic your indoor colour scheme and decor to create a cohesive look, and use plants to make your space calm and inviting. 

How can I make an outdoor area more inviting?

Outdoor entertainment designs can be made more inviting with various building and decorating elements. 

Use materials like timber for natural warmth or install a fireplace or pit for cosiness in winter. Colour and pattern, lighting and comfortable furniture can also help to create a welcoming space. 

Try to avoid clutter with furniture that doesn’t suit the size of your space. Choose chairs and tables that allow the area to flow and don’t block entries or pathways.

What makes a great outdoor space? 

Great outdoor entertainment areas are defined by functionality, comfort and style. Your dream space will be one that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle. It should include all the features that are important to you and should align with your entertaining style. 

Ensuring that your outdoor space suits your lifestyle will allow you to make the most of the outdoor space available. Consider how you want to use the space, is the focus entertaining large groups for a Sunday BBQ that would require a large dining table? Or will the area be used for sunbathing, lounging and afternoon drinks? 

A G.J. Gardner consultant can collaborate with you to come up with design ideas that are best for your home and lifestyle.

Why is choosing an interior colour scheme so important?

When you walk into a house, and you feel a sense of “home”, it’s because there is harmony & balance. The space just “feels right”, and everything works together.

The repetition of colours, materials & textures helps create a sense of cohesion in a home and paint colour plays a massive role in this.

The right paint will enhance a style or create a mood. It will create flow, allowing the transition of each room to feel seamless and breathe life into a space. 

Why is colour selection difficult for homeowners?

The idea of being asked to select a paint colour for a feature wall, a whole room or even worse, your entire home can be a daunting experience. It’s one of the main items, along with exterior colours, that causes the most anxiety for home builders and renovators. 

It is crucial to get interior paint colours right; however, it’s hard to imagine how your selections will look just by looking at a paint brochure. And with so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. 

Tone, tint, shade, gloss, where do you begin? We’ve put together our guide on choosing your interior colour scheme to help you on your journey.

How to choose an interior paint colour scheme?

1. Find Your Style

The most important thing about creating an aesthetically pleasing home is to pick a theme or style for your home. Being cohesive with your façade and entire interior style, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, right down to the little details of doors, cornices, and skirtings, all help with the overall look of your home. 

With so many styles of houses available, from Hamptons, to coastal and minimalist, it can be hard to narrow down what style you’d like your home to be and what paints are used to create that style.  

You can find inspiration by walking through display homes, on apps such as Pinterest, Houzz & Instagram and in magazines. 

Even if you don’t know how to define your style, your G.J. Colour Consultant can help walk you through this process and piece together the look that you are going for. 

2. Find Inspiration 

A mood board can help get your ideas organised and on the right path from the start. Pulling together inspiring images and colours can help form a visual for your home and will pull all of your ideas together. It will show your style, provide clarity and give you an overall feel for your space. 

Some apps to get you started include: 

• Canva 
• Pinterest 
• Olioboard 
• Corkulous 
• Moodboard (Gomoodboard) 
• Springpad

3. Think of the House as a Whole

Every room doesn’t need to look the same, but you want to ensure that there is a common theme and style throughout your home so that your rooms feel seamless.

Limit the number of different paint colours to three or four (you can use varying shades of these) to ensure you help create an effortless flow. You don’t need to be boring; you can still experiment with textures and tones.

4. Keep it Personal

Designers, influencers, and colour consultants can produce beautiful colour palettes, but it won’t feel like home unless this palette represents your style.

Keep true to your own style, and don’t be overly influenced by today’s trends – as they will likely change in a couple of years. 

Our Expert Tips For Choosing Paint Colours

Keep it simple

Stick to neutral colours on your walls and introduce your personality to the room with colour & style in your accessories, throws, cushions, rugs & artwork. That way, you can easily change your look when trends or your taste change.

Choosing a small number of colours and working with cohesive tones are the best way to form a working colour scheme. 

Find inspiration

Do your homework and find your style. Pinterest is a really good place to start as you can create a board for each room and start pinning homes or rooms that you like the look of. 

You’ll soon see what colour trends you are leaning towards. The more inspiration you can bring to your colour appointment with your G.J. Gardner Homes Colour Consultant, the more we can help you find the perfect colours for your home.

Obtain colour samples

It’s hard to get a good idea of what a paint colour will really look like from a small colour swatch. Use sample pots of your colour choices on a white A4 sheet of paper to test your chosen colours. Remember to use three coats, reapplying only after each has fully dried.

Test Paint Samples

Test your paint samples in different light areas and against furniture, flooring and fabrics you are thinking of using in your room.

To see an undertone of a paint, compare swatches next to each other. You will soon see the undertone of a colour you are looking at.

If you need a helping hand to further see what your home will look like with certain paints, Dulux has created a Colour App for you to virtually paint your room. It is the ideal tool to help see how colour can create impact, softness or transform a space in your home before you even lift a brush.

Have Fun

This will be one of the best experiences you will have in your new home building journey. Always remember to find joy in the process. You will have experts to guide you along the way to take the stress out of the selection process.

What is the colour selection process at G.J. Gardners Homes?

One of the most exciting times leading up to building your new home is the colour selection process. It’s the final stage before your new home construction begins and is a time where you will feel like your new home journey is becoming very real.

Once plans have been finalised for submission to the council, the internal colour selection process can begin. You can rest with the knowledge that a team of experts in assisting you through every part of this process, so you are not alone. You will have expert guidance from our Colour Consultants. Our team draws from the latest trends and matches them with your personal preferences to ensure we create a home where you love to live.

Along with all internal paint selections, you will be guided by the G.J. team to select kitchen cabinets, bathrooms tiles, flooring, stairs, electrical layouts – pretty much anything that relates to the look and feel of your home’s interior.

Generally, this is a two-day process, and we will put together a flat lay of your chosen colours to see how all your selections work together.

Any items you choose will be priced for your review. You will be asked to sign off on your colour selections, and your new home build can commence!

There are so many decisions to make when it comes to designing and building your new kitchen, choosing a backsplash can often be put on the back burner. While it’s first and foremost a kitchen practicality, a backsplash (or splashback) is also an important element in the overall aesthetic of your space. 

The kitchen design experts at G.J. Gardner Homes have explored the latest trends and gathered the best splashback ideas for kitchens in Australia. Whether your style is contemporary, classic or somewhere in between, we’ll help you decide on the perfect backsplash option for your kitchen.

Trend One: Tile

Tiles are crowd pleasers when it comes to kitchen splashback ideas, and there are no surprises why. Practical, easy to clean and available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours; tiles are a great option that can be adapted to suit almost any style of kitchen. 

Mosaic tiles

A mosaic tile design can be a show-stopper in the kitchen. Generally made from porcelain, ceramic or clay, mosaics can be used to create interesting patterns that will become the focal point of the room. 

Subway tiles

Subway tiles are popularly staggered in a brick-like pattern and can be used as either a minimalist backsplash option or a bold statement, depending on the chosen colour. Plain white creates a clean and simple finish; however, if you’d like to be a little more adventurous when exploring splashback ideas, opt for subway tiles in a bright colour. 

Textured tiles

If your kitchen colour palette is neutral, texture is the key to creating interest. There’s a huge variety of patterned and textured tiles available in designs that are suited to every aesthetic. However, you can still embrace the textured trend if colour plays a strong part in your kitchen design. Create contrast with colour and texture for a modern finish. 

Handcrafted tiles 

We love handcrafted tiles for their raw, authentic characteristics. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and handcrafted details can help it to live up to the name. Handmade tiles come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours; and will give your kitchen a unique and personal finish.

Trend Two: Window

A window splashback is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Plus, it lets in natural light and helps to make the space feel bigger. A window splashback is a relatively new trend when it comes to kitchen design, and is an excellent choice if your outdoor area offers a scenic view or lush greenery. 

There are a few options to choose from when installing a window splashback. Cut-out windows can be measured to fit the size of your area; otherwise, a benchtop to ceiling style window can be installed to make your kitchen a truly breathtaking space. 

Trend Three: Stone

If you’re not completely sold on tiles, a stone splashback is a great alternative. Stone is a natural material that we love to use in kitchens. It’s durable, long-lasting and very forgiving when it comes to splashes of all sorts. 

Sandstone is best suited in cool, coastal homes, whereas naturally darker stone like slate is complementary to a modern style home. 

If your kitchen countertops are stone, you’ll have the option to extend them up the wall to create a cohesive look. However, if you’ve used another material for your countertops, stone can be used to create a dramatic effect in your kitchen, thanks to its unique grain and texture.

Trend Four: Glass and Mirror 

Similarly to a window splashback, glass and mirror options are an excellent choice for creating the illusion of space or brightening a kitchen. They offer a smooth, reflective surface that bounces light around the room and are free from grout lines or textures. 

Choose from white glass, black glass or a completely reflective mirror to create your desired finish. Glass kitchen splashback ideas are minimal and ideal if your aim is to design a light-filled, contemporary kitchen.

We also love glass and mirrors for their ease in cleaning! A simple wipe down will remove any grime or watermarks, and you don’t need to worry about grout. 

Trend Five: Marble

If a luxe kitchen is more your style, a marble splashback is a must-have. Marble is timeless and sophisticated, durable and long-lasting. 

Marble splashbacks come in several designs, including classic white and black, inverse black and white, or coloured marble. Pink marble is a major modern trend in new builds.

A word of warning from our design team – there is such a thing as too much marble. If you’ve opted for marble benchtops, we recommend exploring alternative kitchen splashback ideas such as glass or windows. 

How to Pick the Perfect Backsplash 

We’ve taken you through the trends; now it’s time to pick the perfect backsplash. Before you make the all-important decision on what material to use, there are a few key points to consider.

Measure your space

How much space in your kitchen requires a backsplash? Each section above the counters should also be measured, and remember to measure each space between power outlets separately. 

Your space’s size will also help determine which design trend is best suited to your kitchen. Benchtop to ceiling style windows are beautiful in a big kitchen with higher ceilings, whereas mosaic tiles or bright-coloured subway tiles are better suited on a small surface area.   

Consider your countertops

If you’re at the stage of exploring splashback ideas for kitchens, you should have already decided on your countertop material. In most cases, a splashback will meet your counter, so they need to work well together in terms of colour and texture. 

Stone benchtops and splashbacks are a perfect combination for a clean, seamless finish. When in doubt, choose tiles – they suit just about every type of kitchen countertop material. 

Determine your budget 

Your budget will also play a part in your backsplash choice. Glass and marble are up there with the most costly options, whereas tile and stone are available in various price ranges. Your choice of backsplash can also add some real value to your kitchen, so consider this if you’re renovating or building an investment property. 

Be practical 

Lastly, but certainly not least, consider your lifestyle. Are you a gourmet chef, do your kids run the kitchen, or do you entertain guests in the kitchen often? 

If you’re a messy cook or cleaning isn’t on the top of your to-do list, try to avoid porous materials or anything with grout. If you’re clean or the kitchen isn’t used as often, you can be a little more adventurous with your selection. 

A backsplash is an exciting addition to the kitchen that should be considered carefully! We recommend doing your research and seeking design advice if you’re unsure which material, colour, and finish best suits your space.

If you’re building a new home, connect with a G.J. Gardner home design consultant. Our experienced team can collaborate with you to make your dream kitchen a reality. If you’re simply looking to refresh your existing kitchen, take a look at our inspiration hub for home design and styling ideas. 

If you’re ready to incorporate backsplash into your home design, get in touch with your local G.J. Gardner office to learn more. 

FAQs

What’s the easiest backsplash to install?

If you’re considering a DIY backsplash project, tiling is the easiest option to install in your kitchen. Before you begin, follow our guide to picking the perfect backsplash and ensure you’ve accurately measured the surface area you’ll be tiling. 

Do you have to match your backsplash to your countertop?

It’s important to consider your countertops when choosing the perfect backsplash for your kitchen. Consider colour and texture when exploring your options and ensure your kitchen design is cohesive and considerate of all design elements in the space. 

How high is a standard kitchen backsplash? 

In Australia, the standard height of kitchen backsplash is 600mm for electric cooktops and 700mm for gas cooktops. These standards are important for fire safety reasons and are the minimum requirement. You are able to adjust the height of your backsplash; however, it needs to meet the minimum requirements. 

Whether you’re after a year-round holiday feeling or a home design that compliments the climate; coastal style homes are a great option for new builds in Australia.

Beach house designs are the perfect match for our laidback way of life, and you don’t need to live a stone’s throw from the beach to enjoy this style of living. Coastal homes can also be adapted to suit your personal style, whether you prefer modern, classic, country or Hamptons. 

The G.J. Gardner team has an impressive portfolio of beach house floor plans and display homes. If you’re considering a coastal layout for your new build, take a look at the options below and learn more about what makes each design so livable. 

What makes a coastal home?

Before we launch into our designs, let’s take a look at the specific features that make up coastal homes. Open plan living, neutral and airy colours, natural materials and simplistic design are key to creating a truly coastal feel. 

Streamlined design

Simple lines and minimalist architectural features are commonly used in contemporary coastal home builds. Streamlined designs include waterfall benchtops, concealed cabinets, consistent material across the flooring and a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor areas. Less is definitely more in simple beach house designs.  

Natural materials, textures and tones

Coastal design elements should seek inspiration from seaside locations. This means incorporating natural tones and textures, and building with natural materials such as timber and stone. Interior design, decor and furnishings should also embrace neutral elements to create a cohesive and calming aesthetic. 

Open plan living

One of the main characteristics of coastal home designs is an open floor plan. Fewer walls mean less light-blocking, allowing sunshine to fill the room from every angle. Open plan designs are also great for natural airflow, utilising a fresh breeze as a natural way of cooling the home, making it less reliant on cooling systems in the summer.  Bigger windows and glass elements also complement open plan living, adding to the light and airy feeling. 

Our coastal home designs

Our expert team has designed a range of coastal homes, each with unique and impressive features that create a comfortable and laid back coastal living style.

Pine Rivers 239

Pine Rivers is an open plan design, with large double sliding doors merging interior and exterior entertaining areas. The resort-style master bedroom creates that year-round holiday feeling and the family areas are the perfect space to relax and unwind, any day of the week. 

Complete with a wood panelling exterior, an upstairs balcony and an Alfresco area; Pine Rivers is the perfect home for families looking to create a seaside oasis.

Banksia 225

Banksia is a simple and elegant design, ideal for growing families looking to combine a coastal feel with contemporary style. Neutral tones are combined with light coloured wooden accents throughout the home. A centrally located courtyard creates an airy interior, allowing natural light and breeze to flow through the living area. 

With ample space to relax and a large, covered Alfresco area; Banksia is a beautiful home for coastal living. 

Long Bay 301

Long Bay is a classic Hamptons style design with an open plan living space and an outdoor, covered Alfresco area. Large vertical windows and floor to ceiling glass sliding doors create an abundance of light throughout the entirety of the home. Cool, calming colours and textures are used to achieve a Hamptons look that’s the perfect balance of elegance and effortless style.  

Beachlands 270

Beachlands brings warmth and joy to family living through a flowing and spacious open plan layout. It features dedicated areas for entertaining, rest and rejuvenation, and precious family time. Natural colours and earthy textures are featured throughout to create a modern coastal aesthetic, while the layout ensures widespread natural light and airflow. If you’re looking to build a beach house, this exclusive design will create the coastal atmosphere you’re seeking. 

Coastal Homes At G.J. Gardner Homes

Feeling inspired by one of our display homes? View each of our completed coastal homes to learn more about the design details and features.  

Can you feel the breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes? Build a beach house that transports you to a place of serenity. Enjoy all the aspects of a laid back Australian lifestyle in your dream home. 

If you’re considering a coastal home for your new build, our G.J. Gardner design consultants will happily talk you through our extensive range of beach house floor plans. Our expert knowledge and exclusive home designs will help you build a space that reflects your own personal style. 

Looking to update your current home to a coastal design? Take a look at our inspiration section for styling ideas and easy ways to give your space a refresh. 

If you’re ready to take your home design ideas coastal, talk to your local G.J. Gardner office to get started.

FAQs

What is a coastal style house?

A coastal style house is one that helps you to achieve a laid back and relaxing lifestyle. The floor plan of a coastal style home is carefully considered to ensure an abundance of natural light and cool coastal breezes, and natural building materials such as timber or stone are often used. 

How are coastal homes built?

Coastal homes are built with close consideration to location, orientation, layout and the overall flow of the house. Depending on how close your home is to the coast; builders may choose materials that are more durable in coastal conditions, and likely to better withstand the elements over time. 

What are the elements of coastal design?

Coastal or beach house designs are characterised by a number of features, including floorplan, materials and colours, natural lighting and plenty of airflow. Furnishing and interior decorating also play a big role in creating an overall coastal atmosphere. Neutral colours, natural textures and minimalist styling are all key in achieving your desired look.

Get in touch with your G.J. Homes builder today!

If you’re embarking on your first home building journey, choosing the right tiling for your bathroom can often leave you with more questions than answers. 

This guide aims to provide a starting point for planning out your perfect bathroom. Complete with tips, tricks, and advice from some of our very own new home design experts, who know more than a thing or two about bathroom builds!

Tip #1: Preparation is Key

As the saying goes, preparation is key, and this applies to bathroom builds, too. Before setting foot into a showroom or tiling store, it’s important to get your game plan sorted first. Creating a mood board is a great place to start, and Pinterest will become your new best friend! 

A mood board can help you get a sense of the design style as well as specific elements you’d like within your space. It also lets you see how your bathroom’s look and feel can reflect the rest of your home, to create a consistent and cohesive flow between your spaces.  

At G.J. Gardner Homes, we have a Pinterest account with plenty of mood boards to get you into the styling spirit! Other places to find inspiration could include your favourite interior design Instagram accounts or tiling websites, lifestyle influencers and more. 

If you’re stuck on where to start, interactive quizzes are available online, so you can easily find your own tile style. This can give you the jumping board you need to dive into the other avenues of bathroom design inspiration. 

Tip #2: Choosing the Right Tile Style

When choosing the right tile material to go with, it’s important to remember function over form. Choosing a handmade tile might look beautiful, but it is essential to consider cleaning and wear and tear, especially in high traffic areas. So, let’s break down the different types of tiles:

Ceramic Tiles:

Ceramic tiles are dense and non-porous; they are super durable and are stain, fire and slip-resistant. They are great for bathrooms with light to moderate traffic. 

Porcelain Tiles:

Porcelain tiles are a hard and dense tile, even more so than ceramic tiles. They are great for higher traffic areas and pets. As they are easy to maintain, resistant to stains and scratches. 

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also easier to lay down and don’t need regular sealing to protect the tiles. 

Stone & Handmade Tiles

Natural stones are more porous than other tiles, which means they require regular re-sealing to protect the material from corroding. Harsh cleaning chemicals can also damage or stain this tile. 

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are hard to clean and maintain due to the many grout lines it takes to lay them. They are also known to be more slippery when wet. So be sure to check the slip resistance standards for if the mosaic tile is suitable for your bathroom. 

However, this stunning tile would make a great backsplash or shower cavity accent for a pop of colour. 

Tip #3: Scale to the Size

A key consideration when choosing your bathroom tile is the size of the space. For smaller bathrooms, large format tiles can make the room appear bigger. While lighter and neutral colours can create a brighter and larger feeling to the space. Floor to ceiling tiles can also draw the eye upwards and add height to your bathroom if it’s on the smaller side. 

While accent tiles in larger bathrooms can be used to create different zones, adding a different feature tile to the shower cavity can visually separate the room into sections, creating a more purposeful design flow. 

Some mobile apps even allow you to plan out your space using AI and virtual reality. So you can try new colours with your bathroom’s size and dimensions in consideration. 

Tip #4: Choose Your Colours Carefully

Colour can also create an impact in your bathroom. While darker colours can add warmth, drama, and ambience, they can also enclose the space. On the other hand, light colours add a simple yet sophisticated touch. They also can make your bathroom appear more open and brighter. 

Tip #5: Shower Space & Drainage

Something that is not often thought about in the tiling picking process is drainage. Drainage points can break up the flow of your design. Large tiles will need more grout lines as they need to create a curve around a circular drain space while choosing a slip drain can create cleaner lines and is a more discrete option. 

Tip #6: Try Before You Buy

Once you understand your style, types of tiles, the right size for your space and colour, it’s time to shop for samples! 

When you first go into a showroom or trade store, you may be overwhelmed with options. This is where your mood board comes back into play! It will be a great reference point to show the staff when they ask what you’re after. 

Once you’ve come across a couple of different tile options, ask to grab a sample of the tile. This is great as you can get a sense of the tile’s size too. After shopping around different stores (which we recommend), take the tiles home to your space. Sit them on the floor or by the wall where you’re thinking about placing them in your design. 

Check-in on them throughout different times of the day to see how the colour and finish might change. Turn on your lights in the bathroom to test how this changes the look and feel of the tile. 

Tile Hack: You should choose no more than three different tiles to go into your bathroom. Any more than this, and the space can be overwhelming. 

Tip #7: Measure Twice, Buy Once

After choosing your tiles, measure your space with the size in mind … and then measure it all again. Once you’re sure you have got the correct measurements, then you can order your tiles. 

Top Tiling Trends for 2022 

Below are some tiling trends we believe will continue well and truly into 2022:

• Shelf Height Tiles: Taking the tile and continuing it from the floor to the vanity and shelf height has quickly become a top tiling trend. This creates a sense of purpose and style in the space. 

• Shiplap Panelling: Using vertical shiplap panelling in your bathroom can help to create a modern farmhouse or coastal feel to your space. It is also a very seamless design element and blends into the bathroom easily. 

• Let the tapware do the talking: Choosing an accent tapware colour such as brushed brass or bronze and pairing it with neutral tiling and colours can add a nice finishing touch to your space. 

• Powder rooms: As this is a smaller space, it’s often a time people take risks. Whether it’s a bold patterned tile or wallpaper, it can create an intimate and stylish space. 

If you’ve read this far, you should be well on your way to creating your dream bathroom. Tiling is the perfect time to let your personality and sense of style shine through. So don’t be afraid to take a risk or two!