If you own a restaurant, you know how important an attractive facade and interior decor are for creating ambiance and memorable customer experiences. A bathroom ultimately reflects your business and your brand and will affect how your clientele perceives your overall restaurant, so it’s important that it’s clean, neat, and as impressive as the rest of your establishment. A beautiful restaurant bathroom can ultimately elevate your customer’s overall experience and shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you are considering a restaurant bathroom renovation, make sure to consider a few things before getting started.
While many never have to consider how accessible a space is, some do. Restaurants especially will have various patrons at any given time and will need to provide accessible bathrooms. When designing your bathroom, note the accessibility codes and requirements and consider going the extra mile to ensure all patrons will be able to access your bathroom. From doorways and floor space that can accommodate wheelchairs to dedicated stalls with grab bars or other accessibility elements, a bathroom that is accessible to everybody should be the very first thing considered.
A restaurant bathroom should fit with the overall ambience of the entire space. For example, if your restaurant is modern and minimal, your bathroom should be too. On the other hand, if your restaurant is decadent and high end, having the decadence reflected in the bathroom just as much as the main seating area is important. You can help tie both spaces together by repeating elements such as colour or decor features.
Guests appreciate feeling like they are entering their own personal oasis, so make your restrooms feel like a bit of a getaway from the hustle of the main space. For privacy, add floor to ceiling stall dividers. If the space allows for it, add a small seating area in the form of a bench or chair. You can add ambience by adding candles or flowers and foliage which will help guests feel welcome.
Don’t forget that many guests use the restroom to touch up hair and makeup, so adding large mirrors won’t just open up the space and make it feel big, it will also be a welcome addition for visitors. Mirrors come in a variety of sizes and styles as well and can become interesting focal points in the space, depending on what your decor goals are.
To help keep the area sanitary, and to also assist in reducing your company’s environmental footprint, look for ways to automate your fixtures. Automatic flushing toilets, and sensor-activated sinks and soap dispensers, for example, are great ways to introduce technology into the bathroom that will help save money by reducing resource usage. Hand dryers may also be a useful addition, as it will cut down on paper waste and will help keep bathroom wastebaskets from overflowing with used towels.
The goal of a restaurant is to get as many seats as possible into the establishment. However, your bathroom may be required to match the occupancy rate according to the codes in your region. When renovating your bathroom, make sure you work with a builder that understands your city’s building code requirements so that you are in compliance with the number of toilets per regular customer.
Once you are sure you are in compliance, find ways to maximise the existing space to make the bathroom feel as big as possible. Mirrors help open the space, as can high ceilings, and neutral colours. You can even “fake” spaciousness by using design tricks as well.
Beautiful lighting can transform a space and change the entire feeling of a room. Spend a bit more money to get the lighting right, and avoid fluorescents at all costs. From pot lighting to statement chandeliers to elegantly backlit mirrors, lighting can really give your bathroom space the wow factor it was missing.
When your restaurant is ready to renovate its bathrooms, we’re here to work with you. It’s not only about knowing the local building requirements and helping design the perfect space. It’s also about working with your business’s schedule to lessen the downtime typically required for renovations. That means handling the work during off-hours or on days when your restaurant is closed. This helps ensure business owners, their customers, and their employees see as little disruption as possible.
With a wide range of product lines and a long history of designing and building stunning custom bathrooms, Crystal Bathrooms is the perfect partner for your restaurant’s restroom renovation. Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms today to discuss how we can help you transform your restaurant or cafe bathrooms.
If your office bathroom is looking a little run down, it may be time for an upgrade. As high-traffic areas of the office, often bathrooms sacrifice comfort or attractiveness for features that offer utility and longevity. However, it is possible to have both a functional and welcoming space without having everything appear too industrial.
Restroom renovations are one of the most common renovations commercial facilities undertake. Upgrades often are designed to bring the space into compliance with accessibility guidelines. Office bathroom renovations can offer a company, a wide range of benefits, including:
When you’re ready to upgrade your office bathroom, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important is to make sure whatever you create is up to code and enough facilities are available for the number of employees in your office. There are other elements to consider as well, which will help ensure you create a space your employees will appreciate. These include:
Germs can easily spread across surfaces in bathrooms, but by adding sensor-activated no-touch features, you can help ensure employees come in contact with less bathroom surfaces. Bathroom fixtures such as toilets, soap dispensers, taps, and hand dryers can all be sensor-driven.
Also, think about how fixtures can place less stress on the environment. Low-flow toilets and sinks will use less water. Replacing towel dispensers with hand dryers is also better for the environment and ultimately offers cost savings for the company as fewer resources will be used and less waste will be created on a daily basis.
When designing a bathroom, consider ways to make the space more inviting. For larger shared bathrooms, look for stall dividers that go all the way to the ground and/or ceiling and have less space between the doors and walls so those using the facilities can enjoy a sense of privacy. Have shelves above sinks or coat hooks on doors so that anyone can place their items within reach and away from pooling water. Also, consider choosing soft calming colours and interesting wall elements to keep the space from feeling beak and industrial. By adding floor to ceiling mirrors, the space will feel bigger and more open.
Often, bathroom lighting can feel harsh, especially if it’s fluorescent. Consider adding softer light and in different layers. This will help colours render correctly. Lighting can be added at the back of and above mirrors, in the ceiling, and even on the walls in sconces. The softer light will transform the entire space and help create an environment that’s more comfortable and welcoming.
Don’t forget that upgrading your lighting can also help your company reduce costs and lower its carbon footprint. Consider adding sensors to your lighting so that the bathroom lights are only on when the bathroom is in use.
The most important element of any bathroom is its accessibility. Many of us take for granted that restrooms will be accessible in modern buildings, but this isn’t always the case for those with disabilities. If your building is older, be especially mindful of accessibility and how to make it even easier after a renovation. This may require adding a specialised stall or making sure elements such as doorways or floor space can accommodate individuals with special needs.
When you’re ready to renovate, it’s a good idea to do so during a company’s downtimes so that the disruption to work is kept to a minimum. Our company, for example, can work during off-hours or within specific shut-down periods, like around Christmas and the New Year. That way, employees don’t have their days disrupted by construction work.
The New Year is the perfect time to install a new bathroom. If you have questions about how we can help your company renovate its restrooms, speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms today.
Showers are without question one of the most vital areas of a well-designed and functional bathroom. They may not be the most used fixture, but they have a big impact on your, and your families, daily life. From getting ready for work to cleaning up the kids after a messy day, or easing tired muscles, the shower plays a central role in our all lives, which is why it should be at the forefront of your mind when redesigning and renovating your bathroom.
Planning a shower for its usage in the long-term now will make a world of difference in the future. Designing an accessible shower will not only make things easier in the day-to-day usage today but will also guarantee you and your family can continue to enjoy the ease and convenience for years to come, whatever life throws at you.
Getting in and out of the shower can be tricky at the best of times with tight spaces and wet and slippery floors, and the issue is only compounded with time as mobility decreases as we get older. Making your shower accessible and easy to get in and out of will be a life-saver in the future, but can also make things just that little bit easier now.
A shower by its very nature will be a wet and potentially slippery area, so minimising the effort and risks entering and exiting is, therefore, a must. Try to keep the entrance on the same level as the bathroom floor, avoiding tricky steps. It’s also worth thinking about the door to the shower; sliding doors are both easier to operate and can help to save space compared to hinged versions. Walk-in showers / wet-rooms are another way to make entry easier, removing the need for changing surfaces and doors completely. Finally, standard shower entrances are 800mm, but a wider entrance can make getting in and out easier when accessibility is a factor.
A shower has one goal, provide an easy way to quickly get washed and cleaned. This makes it a highly functional device, and therefore it’s important to consider how it will be used and controlled.
There are only two major factors to consider here: placement of the controls, and type of thermostat. The controls should be placed in an easy to reach location, ideally around chest height, to prevent too much stretching and moving when operating the shower. When it comes to types of controls (e.g. the thermostat), there are several accessible options available. Thermostats with external controls are especially useful, allowing the temperature to be controlled before starting the water, preventing accidental cold-water shocks or hot-water burns. Of course, all these options come in a variety of stylish designs and finishes — there’s no need to sacrifice style for function!
Whether accessibility is a necessity or not, making your bathroom and shower area both functional and safe is simply a good idea. Modern solutions allow you to have both a functional and safe shower design, while still retaining a sophisticated and personal look.
Bathrooms and showers are often floored with tiles or PVC-type plastic. While these surfaces are great for making things easy to clean they can become very slippery. Non-slip materials are a great way to provide some extra grip and safety. Likewise, grab rails provide an extra layer of security when moving around and can be styled to fit seamlessly into your design. If you don’t want to commit to grab-rails and other supports right away, consider at least reinforcing your walls to prepare for the future and make installation easy and non-destructive at a later date.
Need help planning an accessible bathroom? Contact Crystal Bathrooms today to see how we can help you.
Bathrooms can be a chaotic mess when kids are involved; from fights about showering to accidents with toilet training, a clean and pristine bathroom can devolve into a messy state in the blink of an eye. Designing a bathroom to be easy for adults and kids to use, and clean, will make bath-time a more enjoyable experience all-round, and will save you time and effort in the aftermath clean-up.
Designing your bathroom layout around its usage only makes sense. A kid’s bathroom should be fun, but more importantly, it should be functional. Designing the bathroom to be easy to use for both the adults and children will make bath-time a much more pleasurable experience for all.
If you have more than one child, consider installing multiple sinks to prevent arguments and fights over who gets to brush their teeth first. Child-sized fixtures can also make life easier but remember they will quickly outgrow them so expect to upgrade regularly — adaptions like safety stools provide a good middle ground, allowing the kids to reach things on their own, but avoiding expensive replacements as they grow.
The biggest layout and space-based decision will almost certainly be whether to opt for a bath, shower, or both, either as a joint unit or individual fixtures. Showers offer a lot of convenience and save space, but baths can be fun for the kids, and a nice relaxing space for the adults. Hybrid units — bathtubs with a showering attachment — can be a great way to get the best of both worlds without taking up extra space.
Making bath-time a fun and entertaining experience will help to ease the inevitable battles over showering and teeth cleaning as your kids grow. Selecting fun and engaging colours can turn bathroom activities into fun events to look forward too rather than something to battle. Involving the kids in the design decisions will further help by letting them put their own unique spin on things and feel included.
When selecting your bathroom storage solutions think about the different types of things to be stored. Child-friendly storage, such as easy to use and reach drawers, are great to enable the kids to have some independence, but you should also think about having some out-of-reach cupboards for storing dangerous items such as cleaning supplies and medication.
Bath-time can be a lot of fun for little ones, but it can also present a number of risks if not handled with care. Here are a few things to take in consideration when designing your child-friendly bathroom to be both fun and safe:
· Bathrooms can be slippery, especially when the kids are excitedly running around, or fighting to avoid a bath. Non-slip surfaces and flooring can help to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
· One or two lockable cabinets will help to keep dangerous cleaning supplies and medications away from interested little hands and mouths.
· Soft close toilet seats, doors, and drawers will help to protect little fingers from getting slammed in painful places.
· Kids are inquisitive by nature, and given the opportunity will likely stick their fingers anywhere they can. Drain covers will prevent small fingers from getting stuck and hurt, while still allowing the water to flow away freely.
· While technically not part of a renovation, lowering your water temperature to 50ºC or less will help avoid nasty scalds when they insist on running the water themselves.
Crystal Bathrooms offer over 30 years of industry experience in designing, building, and installing the perfect bathrooms for you. We pride ourselves on our high-quality service and products, tailoring each bathroom design to the unique needs and requirements of our customers, whatever age.
Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms today to see how we can help transform your bathroom into a kids haven.
Bathrooms are considered to be one of the most popular rooms to renovate in Australia. Renovating your bathroom can have a significant impact on your in-home experience, as well as can boost the value of your property. However, it is important to bare in mind that while a bathroom renovation should be perceived as an investment, upgrading it can come at a cost.
That being said, how much does a bathroom renovation cost?
The cost of a bathroom renovation will depend on several factors, including:
Bathroom renovations can vary from $5,000-$15,000 for basic renovations (small bathroom), to around $15,000-30,000 for standard bathroom renovations (medium-sized bathroom) and +$30,000 for high-end renovations (large bathroom). A basic bathroom renovation will largely involve replacing only a few items with budget-friendly products. However, it will also involve having to make some compromises, such as keeping plumbing and electrical work in place. For a standard bathroom renovation, you can benefit from materials and fittings of higher quality. You can also make some minor alterations to plumbing or electrical work. Finally, for a high-end renovation, you can completely re-do your bathroom in terms of the design and layout with premium materials and fittings such as a free-standing bath, a floating sink, and more.
In 2018, the Housing Industry Association, also known as the HIA, released results from their survey which showed found that the average bathroom renovation cost in Australia was $17,522.
Timeframe
Once you have researched and planned out your bathroom renovation budget, you will want to have a time frame in mind for when you can expect the work to be completed. In general, the entire process of a bathroom renovation can take anywhere between 1-3 weeks. Of course, factors that can affect this time frame include any structural work that takes more time, unforeseen events, etc.
A step-by-step guide
Having a checklist handy is a great start to planning a bathroom renovation project at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get a better sense of what needs to get done:
If you wish to spend as little as possible on your bathroom, a partial renovation, including putting a fresh coat of paint and installing new tapware, can make a world of difference. Naturally, costs go up when you have to cover more space with materials such as tiles and vanities – to name a few. A full renovation will also depend on the scope of the work required and how much you are willing to spend on premium materials and fittings.
At the end of the day, plan carefully and be creative with your choices so that you can enjoy a beautifully renovated bathroom that fits your taste, needs, and budget.
Wondering who to call to help you get the job done?
Bathroom renovation specialists cover all aspects of the job, from planning through to completion. If you would like to discuss your options for your next bathroom renovation project, our team at Crystal Bathrooms will be more than happy to help! As a bathroom renovation Sydney leader, we deliver exceptional renovation services utilising the very latest high-quality materials, thereby leaving our clientele completely satisfied.
Contact the team at Crystal Bathrooms to learn more about bathroom renovation pricing and to receive a quote.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation project, you may have a lot of ideas in mind. You may also have just as many questions, including whether it would be wiser to hire a bathroom renovation company or to tackle the job yourself.
Once you factor in the costs associated with new plumbing, a new bathtub, a new toilet, and more – it can be tempting to want to do the work yourself. However, before jumping to any conclusions, you need to consider a few things first:
There are some major features of a do-it-yourself (DIY) bathroom renovation that are relatively easy to perform and include:
Bathroom renovations that are better left to the professionals include:
Renovating bathroom spaces, both large and small, can be a lengthy and stressful process. You can take on an entire renovation project yourself, but unless you have significant experience, you can expect it to take longer, cost more, and take up much of your needed space.
When all is said and done, you want to make sure that any updates made to your home are done properly and in a way that will increase the functionality of your space and the value of your property.
Know when to call in the professionals
Most DIYers with a moderate amount of experience can easily do a surface-level bathroom remodel, especially if they use the same top-notch materials that the professionals depend on. But the bottom line is that not everyone is a handyman. Anyone can tile a bathroom, but how can you be certain of the end result? Anyone can waterproof, but how can you be certain that a leak will never occur? If you do not get the project right the first time around, it can result in a lot of headaches and money spent on repairs in the long-run.
While you can certainly purchase your own materials, fixtures, and accessories, you will want to have a bathroom renovation team consisting of reliable and experienced professionals by your side. At Crystal Bathrooms, our clients recognise us as Sydney’s leader in bathroom renovations. We take pride in our workmanship, which is backed up by 30 years of combined industry experience. Our projects are more than ideas – they are as unique as every client we serve. We know that a bathroom is one of the most complex spaces in your home, which is why we strive to provide you with peace of mind while creating the bathroom of your dreams.
Contact Crystal Bathrooms for your next renovation.
Homes need to adapt to the changing needs of those living in them over time. However, there is a fear that adapting a bathroom to make it more accessible is a costly endeavour. It doesn’t need to be if it’s well planned and carefully thought out.
While tackling an accessible bathroom renovation, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered that you may not even have to worry about when designing a typical bathroom. The changes will largely depend on the needs of the homeowner. The needs of the user will dictate the general design to accommodate each individual’s situation.
Why Accessibility is So Important
While most people don’t need to think about whether or not their bathrooms are accessible, many do. Accessible toilets, sinks, and showers are integral to people with disabilities. It’s not only a daily necessity, but it also allows for a certain amount of independence that might not have otherwise been possible in the space. While a grab bar or door width may not be something another person would even think important, for some, it’s the difference between being able to maneuver with space, or not.
How to Design an Accessible Bathroom
The first thing to consider is who the bathroom needs to be accessible for. This will determine what types of accessibility features need to be considered or added. For example, are you designing the bathroom for:
While a wheelchair user may need specific mobility considerations, like a wider doorway or more room to maneuver in the bathroom’s space, a user with balance or grip issues may require a slightly different layout and handle features in completely different areas of the space to help them better navigate.
Before beginning to design the space, ask the user:
This will help you discover valuable information, such as the positioning of grab bars or whether a bath or shower is a better design decision.
The Basics of Accessibility
While each individual space will be unique to cater to the user’s specific needs, there are some standards to take into consideration. These include:
Potential Design Features
Functionality can also be beautiful. Accessible bathrooms don’t have to appear industrial or hospital-like in order to comply with a user’s unique requirements. Simple design features, such as having the shower floor flush with the regular floor (so there is no obstructive lip) is both functional and modern, for example.
Think about other typical bathroom elements as well, and how they can be adjusted for the user:
Mirrors and Sinks
Typically, for those who need wheelchair accessibility, sinks and mirrors will need to be placed a bit lower.
Storage
Make sure storage options take into consideration height or reach restrictions to ensure the users are able to take advantage of storage solutions and can use them safely.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Think about the materials used in places like floors, showers or bathtubs. Find non-slip solutions that can help mitigate slips and falls.
Vanity Handles or Taps
For those that may face grip issues, look for solutions that might assist them with simple tasks like opening doors or turning water on and off.
Even when adjusting details to suit the user, the array of solutions available can be made to feel light and modern, while remaining accessible and safe.
By understanding your client’s long-term needs and incorporating elements that help them navigate their space with ease, you’re helping the environment adapt to them. If you have questions about how to renovate or create your own accessible bathroom, let’s talk. Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms to learn more about installing items that make a bathroom both compliant and accessible.
When Dannielle Miller read a story that included a section on the state of school bathrooms, she was inspired to make school bathrooms more welcoming and nurturing. From there, The School Toilet Project was born.
After a bit of research Dannielle discovered:
While not universally true, many school toilets are either sterile and industrial-feeling or covered in filth. Because of this, schools across Australia are working towards redesigning their school bathrooms to make them more welcoming, less sterile in appearance, and less prone to filth.
If your school is considering a renovation, it’s a good time to reimagine the space to consider what may be in the best interest of the students.
Here are a few things to consider when tackling school bathroom renovations:
Bathroom Fixtures
To make cleaning easier, look for fixtures that are wall-mounted. Sink counters accumulate standing water, so it may be a good idea to add an accompanying shallow shelf where students can place their personal items.
To save water and energy, look for low-flow pressure-assisted toilets, Self closing mixer taps or sensor taps, hands-free faucets, automatic soap dispensers, and motion-detecting hand dryers. Fixtures that are sensor operated save water, electricity and heating costs. They also improve hygiene and can help control vandalism.
Cubicle Partitions
Cubicle partitions should guarantee a certain level of privacy. Many school bathrooms have smaller partitions, allowing students to crawl underneath or reach over existing walls. It’s best to ensure the final design lessens gaps on either side of cubicle doors. Partitions should come closer to the floor and be tall enough so that no one can reach over them. The materials used should be easy to clean, rust-proof, and able to withstand vandalism. Cubicle doors can lose their alignment over time. Therefore, they should have sufficient clearance and good lock latch length and function.
Floors
When considering flooring options, avoid Vinyl Composition Tile or sheet vinyl that has been proven to crack, tear, and attract bacteria. A smarter choice might be porcelain tiles in larger formats that are much more durable and more modern in appearance. When choosing grout, understand that it will darken with time. Starting with a darker grout is a good idea. Think about corners as well. By using curved tiles where the walls and/or floor meet, you will help make future cleaning easier.
Walls and Ceilings
Ensure that ceilings are treated with anti-fungus and anti-mildew additives. The surface should be able to be cleaned with mild detergent and water, as opposed to an industrial cleaning agent. Similarly, walls should have some sort of non-absorbant covering. Some regions may have stipulations for materials used around sinks or toilets. Walls with at least a partial covering of ceramic tile will help ensure moisture cannot build up and cause the formation of mould or mildew on surfaces. Check local building codes as well to see if there are recommendations on the use of tiles and any specific requirements for tiled walls.
Lighting
Where possible, daylight will help with a school bathroom’s ambiance. Adding in skylights or clerestory glass will help the area appear cleaner while doing the double duty of reducing lighting requirements. More energy savings can be found by choosing motion sensor lights that will turn off when no one is using the space.
Design Elements
While functionality and longevity often trump design in places like schools that need to ensure a bathroom renovation stands the test of time due to a relatively high volume of traffic, some design elements can be included to help personalise the space for the students. A simple choice, like choosing a lighter colour palette, for example, will help elevate the space, making it feel more open and inviting. Choosing wall decals or adding school-specific design elements (like accent colours matching a school’s official colours) can help liven up the space, making it feel less institutional.
When considering a school bathroom upgrade, it’s a good idea to seek out professional assistance. Experts will be able to ensure the proper permits are submitted and that any state or local regulations are taken into consideration so that the final result isn’t only welcoming for the students, it’s up to code and in line with legal requirements.
Considering renovating your schools’ bathrooms? Contact the team at Crystal Bathrooms today to see how we can help!
In any home, and for that matter in any public space, one of the most commonly used areas is the bathroom. With its constant exposure to high humidity, bacteria, and chemicals, it stands to reason that this particular room requires attentive and frequent maintenance. Add to this the issue that interior design styles are constantly changing, the idea of remodelling and renovating becomes appealing.
Yet, renovating is anything but easy. Bathroom essentials are pricey – not to mention the costs associated with plastering, tiling, installation, etc.
With all of this in mind, have you ever wanted to have a simple bathroom design that would never go out of style and would always look fresh and elegant? Here are a few ways in which you can keep your bathroom looking timeless:
It is equally important to bare in mind that aside from having lighting that will create a warm and cozy ambience, it needs to provide safety and functionality when specific tasks need to be performed.
With the aforementioned tips in mind, the number one rule of how to keep your bathroom looking timeless is to keep things neat and minimal. Creating an impactful minimalist bathroom with simple chrome fixtures, classical materials, and natural lighting will make your bathroom stand the test of time.
For help in bringing luxury and style into any bathroom interior, our team at Crystal Bathrooms will deliver more than ideas. With our choice of fixtures, fittings, and colours, we aim to create unique designs that inspire and reflect each client’s personal taste. We add timeless value to commercial bathroom renovations to complement the evolving style of today’s modern world.
Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms to see how we can help you create a timeless bathroom.
Not everyone is a fan of cleaning – especially when it comes to cleaning bathrooms. However, it is a chore that we simply cannot avoid. And seeing as how the bathroom is one of the most commonly used areas – at home and in public spaces – regular maintenance is necessary to keep it spick and span, thereby reducing exposure to mould and improving hygiene.
Here are 6 easy ways to keep your bathroom cleaner:
For every bathroom, new and old, there is no need to go overboard and add too much. It is merely necessary to make better use of what needs to be there. With the aforementioned tips, you can keep your bathroom sparkling clean, all the while preserving its pleasant look and hygienic feel.
When in doubt, an experienced bathroom renovation specialist, such as Crystal Bathrooms, can help! We aim to take the stress away from bathroom renovations by providing you with high-quality services at affordable prices. We believe that every bathroom tells a story, so let us tell yours with a unique creation that will ensure your comfort and health.
The Crystal Bathrooms team can help you design a commercial bathroom that is easy to keep clean while still looking amazing. Speak to us today to learn more.