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Tapware and fixtures are a pivotal part of any new bathroom or design and can be the focal point of the room. Choosing the right tapware can elevate or even change the overall aesthetic of your home, so it’s essential to do your research and make considered choices when selecting tapware.  

With so many styles, colours and textures available on the market, it can be hard to know where to start, which is why we have outlined five of our favourite tapware trends to give you the best starting point possible. 

1. Brass

Brass is one of the all-time favourite tapware materials and has never really gone out of style due to its versatile look and feel. 

For those looking for a vintage organic feel, a rustic style or a beachy aesthetic, then brass is the style for you. Often we see brass tapware paired with natural finishes like wood, marble and stone in both bathrooms and kitchens alike. Brass tapware can help warm cool-toned bathrooms and can be especially striking in both white and dark bathrooms. 

There are a few different finishes that are popular including polished, and satin brass.

Polished brass fixtures, while more expensive than other finishes, are easy to clean, easy to find, are durable and can easily be matched with other fixtures and accessories in your home to form a cohesive look. 

Satin brass has a smooth matte finish that is subtle yet bold. Satin brass fixtures work great in modern and contemporary rooms and add a little bit of class to any room. The matt finish prevents fingerprints and water spots from showing, great for any high traffic kitchens or bathrooms. However, it can be challenging to match satin brass with other fixtures in the home. 

2. Brushed Metals

Brushed metal tapware is one of the staple tapware trends for 2022. Brushed metal has a more handcrafted appearance, and the texture of the tapware allows more interplay of light and shadows. 

With a timeless look and feel, brushed tapware is a little bit glamorous while still having a contemporary feel depending on the style of your rooms. Popular brushed metal colours include brass, gold, nickel, copper, gum metal and more.  The right colour brushed metal tapware really depends on your desired aesthetic. Brush gold tapware work great in a monochromatic bathroom, while nickel and brass work in almost every type of kitchen and bathroom design.  

All brushed metal finishes hide fingerprints, water spots and smudges better than any other finish due to its textured nature, making it great for high traffic rooms. 

3. Pastels

One of the newest and perhaps the most exciting tapware trends emerging in 2022 is pastel tapware. Pastels are changing the game when it comes to bathroom designs and twists away from the traditional metal and black tapware colour schemes.  

Pastel tapware is versatile and comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, which allows you to introduce soft pops of colours in your kitchen or bathroom. Dreamy blues, pinks and greens perfectly complement classic grey, white and black tones in your rooms and add some more character to any room. 

Pastels are also the perfect tones to mix and match with other accessories in your bathrooms and kitchens and work well with chromes, brushed nickels, mattes and more. 

4. Matte Black 

Black tapware is here to stay for good. Black fittings, especially matte black taps and fixtures, offer style as well as substance. This style of tapware is one of the most versatile choices on the market as it works well with a vast array of styles, colour schemes and textures, enabling it to be a great foundation for a beautiful bathroom or kitchen.

Matte black tapware can be used to achieve an industrial, modern and contemporary theme for your kitchen and bathroom design. In neutral colour schemes, black tapware becomes a key focal point of the room but still works well with natural materials like stone, marble and timber.  Black tapware also pairs well with bolder bathroom designs, especially with teals, millennial pinks and pastel colours. 

If you already have a hero point in the room, matte black fittings are more likely to complement rather than overpower it, making it the perfect supporting colour.

Matte black is a wonderfully low-maintenance option as it does better than most colours at hiding watermarks, dust and stains.

5. Textured Tapware

Much like beachy, earthy colours are becoming popular for interior paint colours; textured tapware is the newest trend hitting Australian shores. With a handcrafted look, textured tapware works well in both rustic and modern bathroom and kitchen designs. 

Serrated groves and knurled surfaces are becoming more and more popular, especially in chrome or gunmetal colours. Texture and patterns can add a playful and homely nature to any room and can create a point of difference in any neutral colour scheme. 

Still not sure what style of tapware to choose? Get in touch with your G.J. Gardner colour consultant to help select the right type for you.

Designing a home is one of the most exciting, yet challenging projects we choose to take on in our lives. But falling into the trap of designing your home with current trends is something the majority are guilty of doing. Choosing to design with seasonal trends in mind can end up being a costly mistake. As these elements fall out of fashion, you’re left investing to change your home’s style in a couple of years time. 

Aging Design Trends

After building over 36,000 custom homes, we’ve picked up a thing or two on key design elements that can date a home. Below is our forecast of design trends we expect to go out of style in 2022. 

Bright Carpet Colours

While we’ve well and truly moved past the iconic 70’s orange shag carpets, some are still stuck in the past with coloured statement carpets. But this trend can take away from your home design. To prevent your home from looking dated (and saving yourself carpet installation costs), try incorporating neutral-coloured carpets. This could include grey, black, or cream. Darker colours also show less dirt and staining over the long term. Which makes them a great option in a children’s room or rumpus room. 

Alternatively, replace your carpets with tiles. They are simple to maintain and are more durable than carpeting, particularly in high traffic areas.

Old Cabinetry Colours

Another design trend that can age your home is your kitchen cabinet colour. Choosing bright colours, or orange-toned wooden cabinetry for example, can create a dated kitchen look. Instead, incorporate solid neutral colours such as white or black, or add a pop of colour to a section of cabinetry as an accent. This can help to modernise the space. It also enables you to add trends or coloured features through cabinetry hardware, which is a lot cheaper to change out as your style evolves. 

Heavy  Window Coverings

One aging design element that we often see in homes is heavy window coverings that enclose the space. Styles such as a curtain valance or track panels can cheapen the overall look of the room. Additionally, coverings that do not fit the window panelling take away from the room’s look and feel. Instead, invest in quality curtains and window dressings that will stand the test of time. If you live in warmer climates, invest in block-out roller blinds. This can help to not only keep the light out but cool down your home during warmer days. 

Small Tiles

While long rectangular ‘kit-kat’ style tiles have recently made their way back into the inspo boards of home builders, small-format tiles can actually do more harm than good. Tiling your bathrooms with smaller tiles, particularly when covering entire floors or walls, can overpower the eye. Instead, a smaller accent wall can create a sense of dimension and texture. 

Staircase Balustrades

Another common aging design trend is choosing exorbitant or detailed balustrades that won’t stand the test of time. Staircase balustrades are going to be in your home for a long time and are costly to change out. Pick something simple that complements your home’s interior style and can evolve as you change out furniture pieces.

Common Design Mistakes

At G.J. Gardner Homes we understand the importance of a floorplan that suits your design, lifestyle needs and budget. Our New Home Consultants are experts in this field and have identified some common design mistakes people make when designing their homes:

Making Bathrooms Too Small

In home designs, clients want to maximise their floor space by leaving square footage to main living spaces and bedrooms. However, this typically results in bathrooms that are too small for their needs. 

When designing your home, consider carefully how each space is going to be used and who will be using the space. Bathrooms need enough vanity space and storage. As well as room for key appliances such as a bath, shower, and toilet. 

Formal Living Areas Are Under-Utilised 

While having a formal dining room is still a common feature in floorplans today, this is often under-utilized space. This additional room could be converted into a home office space or another bedroom. 

Laundry Rooms are Too Small 

Another room that is often neglected is the laundry. While this room can be smaller than other spaces, it is vital to consider the functionality. Ensure there is a big enough benchtop and sink space, room for the ironing board and appliances.

How to Transcend Design Trends

Use A Functional Floor Plan

The key to creating a timeless home design is to ensure your floor plan is functional. Consider each space, how you plan to use it and areas of high foot traffic. Additionally, the incorporation of open-plan living space with connected kitchen, dining and alfresco areas can help to create a flow between different zones. 

Also consider furniture placement and powerpoints in the room. This ensures there is enough room dedicated to each space, based on key furniture pieces and the room’s functionality. 

Light & Bright

One of the most underrated aspects of home design is natural light. Utilising passive design, make the most of your home’s positioning to include as much natural light as possible. If your block of land does not get a lot of sun exposure due to its orientation, be sure to install skylights. This creates the same illusion of a light, bright home design and provides a nice feel to your space. 

Neutral & Natural

Keeping the foundational elements of your room neutral can create a timeless and sophisticated look. This includes cool or warm white coloured walls and ceilings, plus neutral exterior colours. For pops of colour or seasonal styles, swap out artwork, wall décor, furniture and design accessories. 

Utilise natural materials like timber flooring or external stone cladding. While investing in these materials may not be as cost-effective, the quality and durability you will receive as a result will make it well worth it.  

Classic Interior Style

The modern farmhouse and contemporary coastal design styles are great interior design formats. They provide a modern and ageless feel to the space by incorporating simple stylistic elements.

The Top Trends Transcending Time

Vertical Joints 

Vertical joints (aka VJ Lining) are a tongue and groove panelling solution that can be installed on top of plastered walls. It creates a timeless feel and adds texture by providing the illusion of Hamptons or Farmhouse inspired panelling.

Shaker Doors & Cabinetry

Another trend that will stand the test of time is shaker profile doors and cabinetry. This style features a flat centre panel with a square border around the edges. It is particularly popular in kitchens, as it creates a classic and dimensional look to your cabinetry.  

External Cladding

When choosing your home’s exterior finish, external cladding is a great solution. Ensure you choose a classic style that fits your personal style rather than the new products that are on-trend. 

Staying True To You (& Your Design Style):

While all these design tips are important to keep in mind when creating your dream home, the most important thing is to stay true to what you like and what elements speak to your personal style. Your individuality and sense of style is something that won’t date. By ensuring you choose quality pieces and designs that you truly love, regardless of trends, it will become a timeless part of your home. 

Another way to ensure you are staying true to yourself is to create a mood board for your home. Whether you are going old-school and create a collage or use Pinterest, this can help you stay focused. Rather than getting caught up in other people’s ideas and deviating from your own style.

Our top tip to not go overboard in home design is to live by the motto “less is more’. If you’re unsure about something, pair it back and go with your gut. 

Our last suggestion is to select finishes and products that are expensive to change in neutral tones or colours. Then add splashes of colour to smaller features that are cheaper to remove like furniture or splashbacks. Prioritise quality over quantity. 

And there you have it! We hope our guide to transcending home trends can help you elevate your home design and create a space that feels unique to you.  

In recent years, Hamptons style homes have emerged as a beloved source of home inspiration – renowned for their innovative and classical features. Ultimately, the Hamptons style revolves around the feelings of calmness, charm & comfort. 

Ideal for the Australian climate and lifestyle through their refined design elements, G.J. Gardner Homes has your guide to the best features of a Hampton Home.

The Hamptons Style House Exterior

Hamptons Style Facade

Reminiscent of traditional Queenslander homes, the Hampton house style is recognised for its weatherboard exterior. Both functional and appealing, this style element is quintessential to the Hamptons style. 

The weatherboard planks forming the home’s facade provide a unique, textured appearance to the home’s exterior, whilst also weather-proofing for a range of climates. Hamptons style houses offer a coastal charm through this iconic feature. In using either wide or narrow panelling, you have the freedom to decide the contemporary or classic feel of the house whilst still remaining fresh and clean. MultipleG.J. Gardner home designs have embraced the weatherboard exterior, inspired by the Hamptons house style, including the likes of the Montville and Long Bay.

Hamptons Style Entry

A major element of the Hamptons house style is the incorporation of shaker-style design, characterised by clean lines, tapered legs, and minimalist designs, both internally and externally. The inclusion of shaker-style elements in the entryways represents a famed feature of a Hamptons home, offering an inviting entry to the home.

The addition of a front porch or an arbour serves to enhance the welcoming charm of the Hamptons style. Shaker-style pillars and eaves create continuity between the Hamptons style interior and exterior. Our range of homes provides the opportunity to include this subtle yet classic Hamptons feature within your own home by incorporating front porches and customised entry designs. 

The Hamptons Style House Interior 

Hamptons Style Colour Palette

Inspired by coastal styles, Hampton style homes use muted colours to provide a calming and naturalist experience. The use of soft tones from pale greys, blues, and greens to simply all-white palettes provide a versatile and fresh foundation for your home. 

The use of natural colours, akin to the colours of sand, sky and stone, accompanied by bold accents, impart the classic Hampton style. Offering you the freedom to design your own Hamptons inspired colour palette, all G.J. Gardner Homes allow you to customise your own paint colours. 

Natural Materials of the Hampton Home

Influenced by the aesthetics of the natural coastal environment, Hampton style homes incorporate various natural materials. To enhance its calmness and charm, the Hamptons style draws on stone accents, timber additions and linen textures to foster a beach-like haven. 

Natural materials are incorporated into the style through exposed stone walls and features as well as timber staircases and flooring. Different material tones impart different feelings; the use of light oak floors maintains a classic casual coastal appearance, while darker flooring provides a more sophisticated finish to enhance the fresh colour palette. G.J. Gardner Homes’ design styles support the use of a range of natural materials in our custom homes, from bold stone fireplaces to timber focal points.

Furnishing choices from wicker chairs to woven rugs can serve to enrich the addition of natural materials and represent a classic and accessible element of the Hampton style. 

Layers of Light

Whilst embracing the natural setting, the Hamptons house style seeks to bring the outdoors in through the use of open living spaces, which encourages abundant natural light. 

Natural light serves to enhance the fresh and bright feeling of the home whilst making it an airy and open space. Design features such as verandahs, open plan living and large scale windows provide the feeling of summer. The use of a light colour palette allows light to bounce from the walls,enhancing the role of natural light. In Hampton’s home, most design decisions seek to enhance the natural light and brighten the space. G.J. Gardner Homes specialises in large alfresco spaces leading off from the spacious open plan dining and family rooms, which provides an ideal space to hero natural light. 

Finer Details

The considered use of finishes and details serve to make the Hamptons style. Elements such as shaker-style cabinetry throughout kitchens, bathrooms and offices as well as decorative mouldings and cornices have served to enrich the heritage undertone of the Hamptons style. Moreover, the use of panelled or vaulted ceilings serves to create height and support the airy and open Hamptons feature. 

The Hamptons style is mastered through these simple stylistic choices by providing touches of classical elegance with modern innovation. 

Are you dreaming of a Hamptons style home? With over 36,000 quality, customised homes built over the past 35 years, we can find the perfect Hamptons home for your lifestyle. Get in touch with a G.J. consultant today.

When we think of our dream home, the designs and styles of the Hamptons often come to mind: expansive open plan living, airy spaces with natural light and earthy colour palettes.  

Australian homes continue to embrace the Hamptons style, providing the perfect balance between comfort and contemporary design. The kitchen is the ultimate space to adopt a few of the simple but sleek Hamptons elements, making the heart of your home feel beautiful and luxurious. Here’s G.J. Gardner’s Homes’ guide to creating the perfect Hamptons kitchen. 

Natural Colours

Originating from a coastal town, Hamptons aesthetics have been influenced widely by the natural environment. Hamptons colours embrace natural tones, inspired by stone, sand, sky and foliage. Hamptons kitchens are characterised by relaxing colours, with the considered use of bold accents to create depth. Our Samsara home has mastered this palette with bright white cabinetry and a muted blue tile splashback. Colour can be a simple way to foster the Hamptons style in your home by making it feel both refined and relaxed. 

Space

Hamptons kitchens are recognised for their generous and airy use of space. Design techniques can help make your kitchen space feel open and free-flowing. High ceilings, such as a vaulted style, help your kitchen appear expansive and generous. Open plan living spaces are a key pillar of most G.J. Gardner homes. This feature lets your kitchen feel connected to the rest of the home, fostering a plentiful family zone. This design feature is a hallmark of the Hamptons style.

Finishes 

The magic is definitely in the details of the Hamptons kitchens. Whilst space and colour are the foundation, cabinetry styles, accents, and lighting bring the Hamptons feel to fruition. A key part of Hamptons homes is the addition of shaker style accents throughout the space. Shaker style refers to the use of recessed panels, creating a framed profile. For the kitchen, shaker style cabinetry gives a classic quality to your kitchen space, bringing in traditional American design elements. 

Your kitchen tapware and handles give you an opportunity to enhance the Hamptons theme. G.J. Gardner Homes have adopted the Hamptons style with tapware and finishes toned brass or matte black to contrast against the use of white. To strengthen the generous and airy feel, the use of utilitarian pendant lighting is a classic aspect of Hamptons homes. This gives the best effect when cascading from vaulted ceilings. As always, it’s the stylistic choices that enhance the Hamptons theme of your kitchen, particularly when paired with white and neutral foundations. 

Want to know more about Hamptons style?  

Customise Your Dream Kitchen

Looking to design your own Hamptons inspired kitchen in your new home? With over 36,000 quality, customised homes built over the past 35 years, we can find the perfect Hamptons home for your lifestyle. Get in touch with a G.J.Gardner homes consultant today.

The skillion roof style continues to grow in popularity as homes embrace modern and edgy facades. It’s likely you’ve seen a skillion roof recently but have yet to learn of its name. 

A hallmark of Australian architectural design for suburban living, the skillion roof could be the perfect accent to elevate and modernise your home.

What is a skillion roof?

Skillion roofs are characterised by a steep single flat surface. This is unlike your traditional roof style, whereby it will be two sloping sides meeting to make a peak. Generally built with streamlined roofing materials, such as rubber skins or metal finishes, their innovative designs don’t require the same waterproofing processes as traditional roofs. 

Single-sloped, the surface of a skillion roof isn’t attached to any other roof surface to create an angular and minimalist look. They are the perfect solution for home extensions or outbuildings, designed to stay independent from any other roof fragment. 

Why use a skillion roof?

Aesthetics

A skillion roof’s main source of popularity comes from its bold and aesthetic look. As a modernised version of your classic roof, they provide an eye-catching and angular accent to your home. They are the perfect choice for those wanting a minimalist home with a contemporary and clean design style. Their unique shape adds volume and slope in simple yet elegant ways.

Functionality 

Due to their unique design, a skillion roof can perform efficiently and effectively to maintain your home. The steeply pitched shape means they support quick drainage, less likely to suffer water damage like other flat minimalist styles. It also can support rainwater collection.

They are ideal if you intend to install solar panels to power your home by maximising sun exposure along their slopes. 

With the appropriate materials, a skillion roof is set to be durable and weather resistant. Although they require considered construction techniques, they require fewer materials, are long-lasting and are often easier to build. 

Cost

The skillion roof is known to be a cost-effective roofing option. Requiring few materials and a quick building process, they are economically friendly to construct. If you are on a limited budget, the skillion roof usually requires less maintenance and is durable long term. The option of efficient solar panels can further reduce the overall performance cost of your home daily.  

Why might the skillion roof not be right for you?

Lack of extra space

Unlike your traditional peaked roof structure, the skillion roof means your home will not include the extra storage offered by an attic space. Whilst this ensures high ceilings, the skillion structure will not provide such extra space for your home. 

Wind Damage

As with traditional roofs, skillion roofs are at risk of damage by high winds or hurricanes. G.J. Gardner Homes understands the risk of poor installation and completes our roofing process with our team of industry professionals. Considered and expert construction methods can help maintain your home against the elements so that you can achieve the home of your dreams. 

Get in touch! 

With over 36,000 quality, customised homes built over the past 35 years, we can find the perfect roof design for your home and lifestyle. Get in touch with a G.J. Gardner Homes consultant today.