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Description

In this episode of the podcast, Frances walks through the different types of vanity options available, along with custom Vs off-the-shelf designs discussing what may work best for your requirements. She also looks at material types and what to consider when specifying for wet areas. 

 

SHOWNOTES: 

 

Vanities are strong focal point that can make or break the overall design and functionality of a bathroom.  

 

Custom Design Vanity 

Allows you to customise the design, shape, configuration of the material and the material being used for the vanity.  

  • Flexible in design  
  • Scaled for the space 
  • Created based on your needs, storage requirements, and bathroom usage . 
  • Custom materials – any combinations – i.e colours, styles 
  • Customise size and configuration 
 

Off the shelf 

  • Sometimes able to  customise certain elements 
  • Choose between different stone tops 
  • If you want a coloured cabinetry, choices are limited 
  • Generally available in standard sizes- 600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800 mm.  
  • Standard size may not be the right scale for the room, so it may not be ideal 
  • You may not be able to choose the material type that you want 
  • Limited colour choices – specific colours may not be available with off the shelf products. 

Storage Configurations 

What you need to store is going to drive the design and functionality of your vanity.  

  • Drawers- How deep and wide you need your drawers Open Shelving- Combination- For instances, a combination of drawers, cupboards and open shelves. 
  • Cupboards 

Benchtop only with exposed pipework 

Freeform concrete or a piece of stone that forms a vanitytop 

  • No storage – very minimal look 
  • Can be used in bathrooms where storage is not critical- i.e guest powder room  

 

Different Types of Vanities 

Floating/wall hung vanity 

  • Creates an illusion of space as you can see the floor underneath. 
  • Ideally 25-30 cm off the floor.  
  • Looks a lot more sophisticated as things don’t feel bulky Ideal for smaller bathroom space  
  • Has a more refined, superior finish If you have a well-designed floating vanity, then you are going to get much more functionality and usability 
  • More often than not, more expensive than floor mounted vanity 

Floor Mounted vanity 

  • Has a kicker at the bottom  
  • It can look bulkier 
  • Doesn’t maximise on creating an illusion of space 

Benchtops 

  • Stone- all types of stone 
  • Opt for a lighter coloured stone  if you don’t like the watermarks 
  • Laminate 
  • If you like an under mounted sink, laminate will not be a great choice 
  • Timber 
  • Need to be sealed to prevent watermarking and damage 

Cabinetry 

  • Laminate 
  • 2pac 
  • Thermo wrap 
  • Timber- veneer and solid timber needs sealing as moisture can affect it. 
 

 

Links mentioned in the podcast: 

 

Episode 36: Kitchen Design Essentials – Benchtops part 1 

Episode 38: Kitchen Design Essentials-Benchtop Criteria and Materials – Part 2 

Episode 41: Kitchen Design Essentials – Cabinetry Materials 

 

 

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