Vanity Units

The bathroom vanity serves as a crucial focal point in both guest and master bathrooms, requiring a harmonious integration of various elements such as water, wood, stone, and metal to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Sandra Diaz-Velasco, principal architect and designer of EOLO Design, emphasizes the vanity's prominence as often the first and last thing one sees, whether looking in the mirror or washing hands. She advocates for a design that complements the home's overall furniture style, citing her award-winning master bathroom design in Coral Gables, Florida, which features a walnut wood vanity, copper-colored tubing, and a round mirror suspended against a glass backdrop for natural light. The design also incorporates a rectangular overmounted sink for dramatic effect, with the wooden structure neatly storing personal items, emphasizing the vanity as a personal space deserving careful attention to lighting and presentation. Faye Nielsen, owner and designer of The Nielsen Collection of Interiors, echoes the sentiment that the vanity is a functional focal point, stressing the importance of organized storage through features like drawer pullouts. Vanities come in diverse shapes and sizes, influencing the bathroom's overall character. Options range from single or double sink configurations to freestanding cupboard/dresser styles, custom contemporary designs with sleek storage, or wall-mounted "shelf" vanities resembling large mantelpieces. The choice of sink also makes a significant statement, with a current trend favoring larger, rectangular trough sinks. Homeowners can select from self-rimming sinks, which are dropped into a custom-cut countertop hole with a waterproof outer lip; undermount sinks, mounted beneath the countertop for a seamless look; or vessel sinks, which sit atop the vanity for dramatic visual impact. The selection of countertop material is equally important for a clean bath design. While marble remains popular, engineered stone or quartz surfaces are highly recommended for their waterproof, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant properties. These materials can mimic natural stone and, lacking surface holes, do not require sealing and inhibit bacterial growth. Glass, concrete, and stone countertops with integrated sinks are also custom choices, with colored glass offering a streamlined style. Nielsen advises that countertops should generally not exceed 3 feet in height and 2 feet in depth. When it comes to fixtures, chrome remains a classic choice, but designers are increasingly incorporating other metal finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, or warm copper. Wall-mounted faucets are gaining popularity for their added aesthetic appeal over traditional top-mounted options. Lighting is another critical aspect, extending beyond faucets. Mirrored medicine cabinets with integrated side lighting are preferred, as a single fixture above the mirror can create harsh shadows. A layered lighting plan, combining ceiling fixtures with task or accent lights on either side of the mirror, is recommended, with finishes matching the faucets. For a cohesive look, knobs or pulls on the vanity should complement the bathroom's accent color or metal finishes. Ultimately, natural light, whether from windows or skylights, is considered the most illuminating element for a captivating vanity, aiming to create a spa-like, clean, austere, yet warm and welcoming atmosphere. #BathroomVanity #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #BathroomFixtures #CountertopMaterials #BathroomLighting #DesignTrends #EoloDesign #NielsenCollection

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for selecting bathroom vanities and mirrors, emphasizing their functional and aesthetic importance in bathroom design. It acknowledges that choosing these fittings can be both exciting and challenging, especially given that bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in a house yet require significant storage solutions. The guide begins by highlighting the multifunctionality of a good bathroom vanity, which provides a surface for daily routines, storage for toiletries, and conceals plumbing, all within a compact space. The article delves into various considerations for selecting a vanity, including the overall bathroom storage plan. It suggests that for bathrooms with existing cupboard space or large shaving cabinets, a slender, tall-legged, or wall-hung vanity can offer a clean look with adequate space for essential items. Conversely, for maximizing storage, a full-height vanity that extends to the floor is recommended. The style of the vanity is also a crucial factor, with options ranging from traditional furniture-like pieces to sleek, high-gloss units available in materials like wood, lacquer, glass, stone, and metal. The article also addresses the choice of tapware, noting that wall-mounted options allow for smaller sinks and vanities, which is beneficial in limited spaces. Furthermore, it points out that most vanity units can be purchased as a base only, allowing for customization with different benchtops, sinks, and tapware. Pedestal sinks are presented as an alternative, offering a way to refresh outdated spaces and suit various styles while visually expanding a small room by exposing more floor space. The guide then provides a curated list of Australian retailers and brands where consumers can purchase vanities and bathroom mirrors, categorizing them by their offerings and price points. ABI Interiors is noted for its sleek, cost-effective, and award-winning designs, featuring soft-closing drawers and integrated cut-outs for plumbing, with customization options for benchtops. Acqua Bathrooms offers compact and water-resistant options suitable for tight spaces, along with shaving cabinets. Boffi is presented as a high-end choice with elegant, minimalist designs by Piero Lissoni, offering customisable floating washbasins and storage with sophisticated handleless panels and various benchtop materials. Bunnings is highlighted for its basic, affordable options in various configurations and sizes, including mirrored shaving cabinets. Cass Bros provides a wide range of freestanding and wall-mounted vanities from multiple brands, including custom Australian-made options. Designer Bathware focuses on good-value, sleek, wall-hung timber vanities. Early Settler offers a diverse range of styles from antique-look to contemporary, rustic, and Art Deco. Harvey Norman stocks a broad selection from leading manufacturers, suitable for all styles and budgets. Ideal Bathroom Centre offers a complete range of vanities and matching mirrored cabinets. IKEA is featured for its affordable, clean-design washstands with customizable features and long guarantees. Reece, one of Australia’s largest plumbing retailers, offers a fantastic selection, including the customizable ISSY collection and the versatile Kado vanities and mirror cabinets. RH, a luxury retailer expanding to Australia, provides rustic-yet-refined washstands with various finishes and countertop options. Rogerseller is mentioned for its high-end bathroom mirrors, including those with integrated storage and LED lighting. Sydney Tap and Bathroomware offers an extensive selection of vanity unit styles, sizes, and finishes. Temple & Webster provides a clean selection of wall-hung vanities. The Blue Space offers custom to readymade vanity units in various configurations and finishes. The English Tapware Company specializes in high-end traditional washstands from brands like Perrin & Rowe and The Water Monopoly, ideal for traditional homes and small bathrooms. West Elm offers classic brass or black wall mirrors and bathroom cabinets designed for moisture resistance. Winnings serves as a source for high-end vanities and washstands from luxury brands, including modern bathroom mirrors. Finally, Yabby is noted for its durable vanities made from quality timbers with soft-close hinges. The article also provides tips for selecting and maintaining bathroom mirrors, such as ensuring the mirror is at least three-quarters the width of the furniture below it, considering antique or vintage mirrors for character, and exploring resilvering services for old mirrors. The overall message is to approach the selection process with careful consideration of both functional needs and aesthetic preferences, leveraging the diverse market offerings to create a well-designed and efficient bathroom space. #BathroomDesign #VanityUnits #BathroomMirrors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #StorageSolutions #AustralianRetailers #LuxuryBathware

The article focuses on the challenge of furnishing tiny spaces, specifically addressing the need for functional and stylish vanities in small bathrooms or powder rooms. It emphasizes that while fitting furniture into such areas can be tricky, it is entirely achievable, presenting the task as a "design challenge" rather than an insurmountable obstacle. The core of the article is a curated list of top vanity picks, catering to various styles and price points. The selection includes options for extremely compact spaces, such as vanities as narrow as 17 inches, as well as more substantial alternatives like single-faucet units inspired by 18th-century French design. This variety ensures that readers can find a vanity that not only fits their spatial constraints but also aligns with their aesthetic preferences and budget. The article also touches upon the installation aspect, noting that some vanities may require professional help, while others are designed for easy self-assembly using basic tools. Specific examples of vanities are provided, including the "Everly Quinn Deon 20'' Single Bathroom Vanity Set," praised for its suitability for small bathrooms. This particular model is highlighted for its availability in multiple finishes (blue, gray, white, and green) and its practical features, such as a small footprint and sufficient storage for essentials like toilet paper. A former Market Editor, Brittney Morgan, is quoted attesting to this vanity's ease of use and its ability to fit a midcentury modern style without custom work. Another featured vanity is the "Winslow Powder Vanity" from Rejuvenation. This clean-lined design is presented as an ideal choice for powder rooms that lack space for traditional cabinets and drawers. The article suggests a design tip for this model: incorporating a decorative storage basket filled with linens beneath the sink to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, it advises keeping the area simple to allow the vanity's glossy metal finishes (polished or brushed steel) to stand out. In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals looking to maximize utility and style in small bathroom environments. It offers practical solutions and diverse choices, debunking the misconception that small spaces must compromise on either functionality or design. The article's approach is to empower readers with information and inspiration to make informed decisions about their small bathroom vanity needs. #SmallBathroomVanity #PowderRoom #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SpaceSavingFurniture #BathroomIdeas #VanitySelection #HomeImprovement

Italian brand Olympia Ceramica has launched the Vinyl collection of sinks and consoles, designed by Gianluca Paludi. This collection draws inspiration from the 1980s, specifically the era of DJs using turntables. The series, revealed at Milan’s Salone del Mobile, offers single or double consoles featuring recessed white basins. An optional album decal is available for the basins, enhancing the authentic turntable aesthetic. The vanities are offered in wenge, honey, or black matte finishes, designed to evoke the appearance of a classic DJ deck. A key design element is the faucet, which is crafted to resemble a tone arm holding a stylus. The water taps are designed to look like turntable knobs, controlling water pressure and temperature. This nostalgic design feature aims to evoke a sense of whimsy for those familiar with retro technology. The functionality of the Vinyl collection is also a central consideration. Paludi integrated a storage drawer for practical use, which also provides space for an amplifier. This amplifier connects via Bluetooth, and discreet holes on the front of the vanity conceal the speaker, completing the aesthetic and functional integration. Further enhancing the collection's theme, the complete Vinyl presentation includes a lower shelf made of tempered glass. A metal frame, available in various colors, serves as a towel bar, and a leather bag is provided for storing toiletries. To maintain the old-school DJ vibe, Paludi also incorporated an LED mirror designed with lights that mimic a music equalizer. The Olympia Ceramica Vinyl collection offers a distinctive alternative to conventional modern bathroom designs, providing a blend of functionality and a unique, themed aesthetic. The article highlights Olympia Ceramica's success in creating a product that is both functional and evocative of its design inspiration. It notes that the collection serves as a break from what it describes as very well-appointed but somewhat featureless contemporary bathroom designs. The design elements, from the basin and finishes to the faucet, taps, and integrated audio system, all contribute to a cohesive and playful theme while maintaining practical utility for a bathroom setting. #BathroomDesign #HomeDesign #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #ItalianDesign #RetroInspired #Turntables #OlympiaCeramica