Houzz Contributor, Sam Ferris, provides the 7 design essentials to create your perfect shower, below.

1. The Size Of Your Shower

If you’re renovating an existing shower and are not planning to expand, the size will already be predetermined. But if you’re building a new home or tearing down your bathroom down to the joists, you’ll have to determine the best size for your space. Minimum shower tray sizes in Australia and New Zealand are approximately 700 x 700 millimetres, which should provide just enough space to stash shampoo and have a little wriggle room, but many homeowners prefer a bigger area.

You can also create super-sized showers with trays as big as 1800 x 1000 millimetres. These spaces can fit multiple benches and shower heads and will never feel cramped. And of course, you have the option to do away with readymade shower trays altogether and size your shower to fit the dimensions of your bathroom. By tiling your showering space instead of opting for a shower tray, you will also achieve a luxe finish.

If you’re building a new home or renovating, ask your architect to incorporate a large shower into your bathroom. If you’re renovating, you could perhaps get rid of a bath you don’t use and convert the space into a shower with ample dimensions.

2. Glass Shower Screens

Although some showers have just one full-height wall, the majority have at least two. Contemporary designs often group shower fixtures and tapware together on a single plumbed wall. This means homeowners, whether they’re renovating or building a new home, will probably have the option to include a glass shower screen in their design.

Glass can instantly make a bathroom feel larger and more open. The effect can be more dramatic in smaller spaces. It does, however, involve more maintenance than a tiled wall. Glass must be cleaned frequently to avoid streaks and can also cost more, depending on your design and the comparable price of tiles.

You may prefer an enclosed shower design for privacy, or you may already have a shower enclosure and don’t want the added expense of knocking down walls. This type of shower normally has three walls with an open space for a glass door or shower curtain. If you want an open-shower design but aren’t sold on an all-glass enclosure, half walls or even frosted glass are good compromises.

3. Your Tile Design

There are literally thousands of options available for your wall tile design. This can include porcelain and ceramic, natural stones such as travertine and marble, or glass tiles and mosaics. Porcelain usually trumps ceramic and natural stone in terms of maintenance, as it excels at water resistance and offers low maintenance. Natural stones must be sealed but have a beauty that’s hard to beat.

As there are so many options out there, you may find yourself overwhelmed when you’re designing the look of your shower. Here are a few ideas to inspire you. In love with two tiles or shapes? Incorporate them both into your shower with a wainscotting design. Or you can use different tiles as an accent inside shower niches.

A natural stone, such as marble or travertine, is another option that can adorn your shower. Mixed colours or shapes will showcase the stone’s natural beauty and variety. No matter what kind of natural stone you install, always seal it. If you’re looking for a sleek and minimal design, stick with the same style of tiles throughout your shower.

4. Shower Bench Seats

Including a bench seat in your shower helps create a cosy and comfortable design and offers a convenient place to sit. It also provides a safe space for older or disabled homeowners to sit and can reduce slipping hazards. Larger showers can fit long benches that have ample seating space.

If your shower is on the smaller side, a corner bench may be the best solution to conserve space. Corner benches can be built in or portable. A portable bench might save you money, but it won’t be as stable as a built-in one. Older or less-mobile homeowners may wish to install a bench underneath a handheld showerhead to make bathing an easier and safer experience.

5. Your Type Of Flooring

Slip resistance is usually a top priority for homeowners of all ages. Low-maintenance finishes are also high on the wish list. The type of material you select will affect both of these factors.

Tumbled travertine or textured porcelain tiles, for example, have enough grip to reduce slipping and falling, but they might need more maintenance because they require grout. That said, the more grout required, the more maintenance is needed.

6. Your Ideal Fixtures

It isn’t just about the style and finish of your fixtures, though these decisions matter. One of the most important things to work out is what kind of shower head and how many, you’ll require. Most showers have one showerhead, while some have two or more. Some homeowners install rain heads to give their space an extra spa-like feel; others love the convenience of a handheld design. Consider the best option for your needs and lifestyle.

That said, the finish and style of your fixtures can make or break your design. Sleek fixtures can maintain the simplicity of contemporary schemes; ornate fixtures will complement details in traditional, rustic or farmhouse-style showers. Brushed brass, chrome and even bronze and nickel are considered contemporary styles, though they can all work in traditional and rustic spaces too.

7. Soap & Shampoo Storage

Do you prefer a built-in niche or wall-mounted shampoo corners, which protrude slightly into the shower? Built-in niches fit more seamlessly within your shower design and can offer more storage space. But they’re also more costly and require additional planning, such as knowing which wall you’re going to place them on. On the other hand, shampoo corners can save you money and don’t take up much space.

Did you know shower niches are one of our standard inclusions here at Hurst Homes? Our standard inclusions are of a very high quality as we selected appliances and fixtures that we would want and do have in our own homes. Just another reason why we are considered Waggas best builder. With over 30 years in the industry as a Wagga Builder you can trust Hurst Homes with your dream home. For information on our upcoming custom Wagga house & land packages, contact us today on 0438 692 962 or fill out the contact us page on our website.

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