PRESS & AWARDS
2018 WINNER - HIA Victorian Bathroom of the Year
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Better Bathrooms & Kitchens proud to announce success at the 2018 HIA Victorian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, Winning in the above 2 categories.
Our Award winning bathroom features Design by experienced director Garrett Hebden. It features an abundance of high-quality features to create this luxurious and highly functional space. The soaring stained-glass arched window illuminates the space with natural light while also providing privacy boasting an amazing 60mm ogee demi bullnose marble architrave. The extensive use of Carrara marble throughout the ensuite combined with a high quality selection of fittings including Perrin & Rowe double basins, tapware, octagonal mirror and matching accessories. Also featured is a Hawthorn Hill four leg basin stand & floor mounted towel warmer. Beautiful wall mounted lighting sets off this space to achieve an opulent aesthetic in this ensuite. Custom made cabinetry provides maximum storage solutions yet leaving plenty of room for the magnificent marble wall shower featuring a waterfall and handheld showerhead for optimal luxury.
It takes a dedicated team of individuals to execute such Award Winning, high end retreat. Whatever your tastes or budget Better Bathrooms & Kitchens has the expertise to complete your project, guaranteeing exceptional results every time.
2013 HIA-CSR Finalist - KITCHEN
Up to $40,000
The owners of this home wanted a family-friendly, functional kitchen with cabinetry that looked and felt more like furniture. They imagined an inviting yet practical space, with a place for everything.
Working in conjunction with the client to create an ingeniously designed kitchen, combining the beauty of natural materials with thoughtful design.
Incorporating the kitchen working triangle principle, the design places everything needed at hand, creating a space that is a pleasure to work in. As well as the main kitchen area with an abundance of bench space and ample storage, the design also features a large butler’s pantry.
The furniture-like cabinetry features in-frame Milton American oak doors in both a clear polish and ‘Wattle Sweeney’. With practicality in mind, each cabinet’s internal hardware has been carefully considered in relation to its position and function. Gothic pewter bow handles provide the finishing touch.
Gracefully curving granite benchtops complement the unique curves of the cabinetry. The hard-wearing granite has also been used as the splashback, complemented by the Cerdomus Pietra D’assisi flooring in ‘Noce’.
2013 HIA-CSR Runner Up - KITCHEN
Up to $40,001
Elegantly blending the warmth of American black walnut with luxurious Carrara marble, we created a timeless kitchen that sits perfectly within this period home.
The clients approached Better Bathrooms & Kitchens wanting a classic English-style kitchen to complement their home. It needed to be practical, with a seating/meals option for the family and a look that would blend with the adjacent family area.
Set in a solid timber frame, this manor house-inspired kitchen has a classic in-frame design that lends streamlined sophistication to this timeless space. The exposed-hinge doors feature painted Milton American oak and Jasper clear-polished walnut. Hanson polished chrome pulls and knobs provide the finishing touch.
The curves of the cabinetry give greater storage by allowing full use of the kitchen, especially the island bench, where all sides can be used for storage. The curved cupboards also cleverly conceal electrical power points. Keeping practical storage in mind, two pull-out racks – one for spice and one for bottles – have been placed next to the Falcon stove
For the benchtops, honed Carrara marble is accented by American black walnut feature pieces. Combining the two natural materials prevents the timber dominating the space and making it look to ‘heavy’.
Stepping foot into their unique ensuite, this home’s owners are transported to a bright Mediterranean villa. For this project, we were presented the task of converting a study/sunroom off a bedroom into an ensuite, which would complement the home’s distinct style.
The Mediterranean-influenced style of the home features bright, bold colours and dark rustic furnishings. I set out to create an ensuite that was in keeping with this style, careful not to create a space that would deter any future buyers.
With its scroll-like sill, I saw the room’s window as its standout feature. To highlight this, I chose a unique tile inset to feature under the window, using colours within the tiles as basis for the room’s bright colour palette.
Though a large space, avoiding detracting from the window and tile inset meant making careful decisions about the placement of bathware. The use of a frameless glass shower, featuring a Perrin and Rowe shower set, retains the room’s sense of space and light. The vanity unit and custom mirror were chosen to complement the dark timber furnishings used throughout the home.
The lower half of the room’s feature window was frosted to give privacy, while still allowing in lots of light. We lifted the floor, which assisted in extending plumbing to a new area of the home, and also allowed for a flush shower entry. The neutral tiles used on the floor and wall were selected to complement, but not distract from the feature tiles.
2011 HIA-CSR Finalist
BATHROOM $25,000 - $40,000
Your bathroom is a private and personal space, and you should feel completely at ease when you’re in there. The featured bathroom provides the owners with a relaxing escape in their own home; however, the real triumph is the way this stylish room cleverly hides the home’s unsightly laundry appliances.
Winner of numerous awards, including the 2010 HIA Victorian Bathroom of the Year, Better Bathrooms and Kitchens is the proud designer of this peaceful bathroom retreat. The owners wanted to combine their bathroom with their laundry facilities keeping the space practical, while maintaining a relaxing and open atmosphere. The expert selection of products and materials used in the project allowed the designers to create this functional and serene space. The floor-entry shower features a fixed showerhead, a wall-to-ceiling glass panel and stainless steel fittings. The blend of minimalist fittings and glass in the shower ensures the room appears uncluttered, contributing to its openness. The simple lines of the wall-hung vanity and mirror ensure the bathroom is clean and easy to maintain. The black Laminex on the vanity contrasts against the white colour of the Linha Washplane basin, drawing attention to the tiled feature wall.
Stretching across the floor and climbing up the wall, the natural colour of the Overland tiles builds on the room’s restful ambience, while the large size reduces unsightly grout lines and minimises cleaning. The bathroom’s most distinguishing feature is its seamless inclusion of the laundry facilities, without compromising on design.
This was achieved through the inclusion of the storage cabinet, which conceals the laundry appliances and harmonises with the colour and style of the vanity. Better Bathrooms and Kitchens services metropolitan Melbourne, completing approximately 50 renovations a year. Founder Garrett Hebden has 23 years of experience completing quality renovations and internal works. Better Bathrooms and Kitchens specialises in all design styles and also designs laundries, cabinetry and wardrobes. The company is also skilled in removing and adding walls, doors, windows, ceilings and floors. Better Bathrooms and Kitchens is a versatile company that ensures perfect design, every time.
2011 HIA-CSR Finalist
KITCHEN $25,000 - $40,000
For the featured project, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens’ clients had a simple brief – they wanted their new kitchen to blend aesthetic appeal with functionality.
Our designer took care to ensure the kitchen was visually appealing as well as being spacious, accessible and contemporary. A simple colour palette has been used to great effect, providing a crisp, clean look that will stand the test of time. Stainless steel tones have been used for the kitchen cabinetry and provides a sleek backdrop to the space, while the stunning glass stone mosaic tiled splashback is the room’s standout feature. With integrated appliances and plenty of storage space around the room, the kitchen is free of clutter and offers generous bench space for food preparation and serving, and for entertaining guests.
State-of-the-art mechanisms were incorporated into the design, with full extension soft-close drawers and hinges, pull-out pantries, a large island bench and task lights all used. High quality products were used throughout the room, including Tesrol Series 100 brushed stainless gloss vinyl wrap on cabinets and kickboards, Hettich Pro Décor handles and Caesarstone white shimmer with a 60mm mitred edge for the benchtop. The Everstone glass stone mosaic tiles that were used to comprise the splashback offer a contemporary centrepiece in the kitchen, while polished floorboards provide a sleek, smooth aesthetic.
Better Bathrooms & Kitchens specialises in designing and building all styles of kitchens. Working throughout metropolitan Melbourne, the company completes about 50 renovations each year. Established by Garrett Hebden, who has worked in the kitchen and bathroom industry for 24 years, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens has been awarded many industry accolades since it began. This includes 2010 HIA Awards for Victorian Bathroom of the Year and Victorian Laundry of the Year. The business also won the 2011 HIA South East Victoria Regional Kitchen Project Over $40,000. Whether you want a classic, contemporary, French provincial or country-style kitchen or bathroom, the team at Better Bathrooms & Kitchens can design and construct your project.
2011 HIA-CSR Finalist
KITCHEN OVER $40,000
A senior designer of the team at Better Bathrooms & Kitchens has created a beautiful kitchen with loads of innovative mechanisms to make it interesting and functional.
Given the brief to rejuvenate a tired kitchen that was lacking practicality, storage and a ‘wow’ factor, planning started by determining how the ideal kitchen could be achieved for the homeowners. The homeowners wanted to convert their current kitchen into a modern one with the latest fittings and appliances to blend in with the rest of the newly renovated home.
Prior to the renovations, the kitchen was outdated and lacked storage space and functionality. The new design overcame this challenge by including plenty of drawers and by including hidden pockets for appliances such as the microwave and coffee machine. A clever plan led to the designing of the motorised lift mechanisms to drop the microwave and coffee machine down to the benchtop when in use and to lift them back up into their permanent place. This was done to allow for more room when preparing meals while having the convenience of having those appliances at hand.
The kitchen is special and has become the talking point of the home thanks to its integration of materials, colours and hidden appliances. Better Bathrooms and Kitchens’ wealth of experience can be seen throughout this kitchen’s beautifully finished style. The result of this renovation meant that the kitchen is a place to congregate for dinners, quick breakfasts before work and Sunday afternoon lunches. It’s become a pleasure to be in and has given a place for the homeowners to come home to, while its innovative gadgets keep the mystery and excitement alive.
2011 HIA-CSR Finalist
BATHROOM OF THE YEAR
Better Bathrooms & Kitchens have a flair for creative agility, using quality fittings and materials which have been brilliantly showcased in the featured bathroom.
Their track record of creating outstanding custom built bathrooms in an endless range of styles is assuring when considering your own needs. Building up to 50 renovations in metropolitan Melbourne annually, Better Bathrooms not only transform bathrooms, they also specialise in designing kitchens, laundries and all internal works, including the removal and adding of walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows.
The owners of the featured space wanted a bathroom to be created which included a bath, clean lines, privacy and an aesthetically appealing atmosphere. Some of the standout features that were implemented to help achieve this look included the frequent use of circular shapes, which soften the modern surrounding of black and white tones. The curved, oval shaped bath stands out yet is seamlessly aligned in unison with the Catalano white oval basin. This theme is maintained throughout and this blended pattern is heightened by the use of a stunning, round mirror situated over the basin.
The wall-hung vanity divides the wall for the shower and toilet areas, elegantly styled to create the privacy needed in a bathroom. The space can hence accommodate more than one person at any time thanks to the separate, strategically designed areas, making it highly functional. The bathroom is decked out with all the comforts modern day living has to offer, including under floor heating, which eliminates the temperature shock when stepping out of the shower. The comfort is extended to even the smallest details, including finger groove handles. The owner’s request for clean lines is accomplished skilfully and artistically. Sharply contrasting with the rounded shapes is the square, high gloss, vinyl wrap vanity and cabinets. The use of white intensifies the clean look created. The clean lines are extended in the deliberately present, modern chrome tap ware. The tap for the bath and basin are square rods protruding from the walls, mimicking the consistent chrome lines of the wall mounted towel rack.
The use of marble benchtops and tiles allows for easy cleaning and guaranteed durability so worrying about the deterioration of the bathroom will be a thing of the past. In a space where water is ever-present, high quality lasting materials are a must. The lighting was intended to be a spectacle when this space was designed – and it certainly is. Downlights are installed throughout and above the shower, as well as night lights decked under the vanity. As one of the most used rooms of the house, such attention to detail, as displayed in this featured bathroom, is more of a necessity than an added benefit – resulting in an efficient space that you spend less time in and fussing over. With more than 22 years of kitchen and bathroom renovation experience, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens have created a highly credible name for themselves, which can be seen in each of their unique creations.
2011 HIA-CSR Runner Up
BATHROOM UP TO $25,000
A Newly Created Elegant Ensuite perfect for any Elegant Lady
2011 WINNER
KITCHEN OVER $40,000
Striking design elements help this kitchen stand out from the crowd. So many modern kitchens look almost identical to each other, so when something fresh and different comes along, it really makes you sit up and take notice. This is one such kitchen. Built by Better Bathrooms and Kitchens, the space is the most attractive feature of this new home.
The owners wanted their new kitchen to be designed for practicality, but they also wanted it to reflect a sense of uniqueness. An island bench with a second sink was at the top of their kitchen wish list, as was an Innotech soft-close drawer system to help achieve the desire for functionality and it’s the combination of day-to-day usefulness with innovative style that really makes this kitchen a winner. Fresh and inviting, the space stands out from the crowd with its inviting French Provincial style and many glass display cabinets.
Granite benchtops and Tesrol two-pack doors are just a couple of the impressive design elements incorporated into the area. From a practical standpoint, the owners are able to take care of all their cooking needs with ease. There’s room for a couple to move about without colliding and there’s plenty of bench space to make food preparation a breeze. And with ample storage options on offer, there’s no excuse not to keep the area clean and uncluttered.
Better Bathrooms and Kitchens is a multi-award winning company with a dedicated team of highly professional tradespeople. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship and friendly service, the company was at the top of the list for these homeowners and it’s no surprise that they’re thrilled with the result.
This kitchen is special because it has everything it needs to attract attention. It’s more than just another area of the home; it’s a unique space with its own individual style. From the beautiful cabinetry to the distinctive colouring, with the red fittings and fixtures adding a twist to the modern black-and-white motif, this kitchen rises head and shoulders above the competition.
2010 HIA-CSR Finalist
BATHROOM $25,000 - &40,000
When renovating the bathroom in their Victorian house in Moonee Ponds, the client felt it was not only important to consider its unusual structural design, but also the renovation done nearly 20 years ago by architect Vincent Interlandi.
Bold colour accents and an abundance of natural light are just two elements of a renovation that transformed this single-fronted Victorian cottage. Two original elements worth retaining were the soaring high ceiling, dominated by a large skylight and a spectacular bright-red beam, and the wonderful curved wall. Ready to go were the mosaic tiles, granite floors, open shower, and glass wall dividing the shower and toilet. “The mosaic tiles were terrible to clean, the granite floor was cold and faded and there was no privacy,” Jane says. “And although it was once an amazing bathroom, it was really a cavernous space with a riot of colours that was in desperate need of an update.”
The couple enlisted Garrett Hebden, of Better Bathrooms & Kitchens, for the job. And it was his respect for the original design and his innovative storage and layout ideas that made this bathroom so successful. Changing the layout was Garrett’s first call. The toilet and shower swapped places and were hidden behind large custom-made cabinets (constructed from Polytec Barron Alder material), and a Matelux glass shower screen was installed. A panel of sparkling glass tiles works beautifully with the luxurious bath and elegant chrome Ideal Standard Tonic spa spout from Reece. “I definitely wanted something special on this wall, but nothing too ornate. This whole wall lights up when the sunlight hits it,” Jane says.
Every element in this bathroom has been carefully considered for its design and functionality, including the elegant basins, stylish mirrors with inbuilt lights and gleaming stainless-steel Kado Lure Square heated towel rails.
2010 HIA-CSR Finalist
BATHROOM OVER $40,000
The brief from the owners of this classic bathroom was simple: they wanted a bigger bathroom that incorporated a toilet and they wanted a multi-functional bathroom that also included a European-style laundry. Practicality, spaciousness, sophistication and relaxation were all words high on the owners’ agenda for this important renovation.
The previous bathroom was cramped and the renovation work included removing an internal dividing wall, a door and a window to create the new bathroom. The artful use of tiles in off-dark hues, gleaming white fittings and dimmer downlights that are strategically placed in the specially built recessed areas of the bathroom have now created a secluded, private space in the home. The shapes, shades and sleek lines apparent in this bathroom hold immense visual appeal and the large and beautiful oval bath is a place in which to relax while enjoying the elegant surroundings.
Two cone-shaped pedestal basins are a key design feature and each has matching recessed mirror cabinets. The oval freestanding bath is showcased with downlights recessed above the bath. The floor-level shower and fixed panel are practical but do not encroach on available floor space in the bathroom. Stylish chrome tapware and the floor-to-ceiling tiles are reminiscent of those found in the best five-star hotels around the world. The laundry cabinet with an internal laundry hamper drawer ensures this bathroom is always practical and is about much more than just good looks.
2010 HIA Laundry of the Year
This laundry offers many purposes.The laminate cabinetry featuring a caesarstone benchtop creates a pleasant work place for every day chores.
Bi-fold windows were installed to bring the outside in, and an entry was created through a cupboard for the cat to come and go as it pleases. Lots of storage and an under bench washing machine makes this laundry very modern.
Better Bathrooms & Kitchens have a flair for creative agility, using quality fittings and materials which have been brilliantly showcased in the featured bathroom.
Their track record of creating outstanding custom built bathrooms in an endless range of styles is assuring when considering your own needs. Building up to 50 renovations in metropolitan Melbourne annually, Better Bathrooms not only transform bathrooms, they also specialise in designing kitchens, laundries and all internal works, including the removal and adding of walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows.
The owners of the featured space wanted a bathroom to be created which included a bath, clean lines, privacy and an aesthetically appealing atmosphere. Some of the standout features that were implemented to help achieve this look included the frequent use of circular shapes, which soften the modern surrounding of black and white tones. The curved, oval shaped bath is a stand out while seamlessly aligning in unison with the Catalano white oval basin. This theme is maintained throughout and this blended pattern is heightened by the use of a stunning, round mirror situated over the basin.
The wall-hung vanity divides the wall for the shower and toilet areas, elegantly styled to create the privacy needed in a bathroom. The space can accommodate more than one person at any time thanks to the separate, strategically designed areas, making it highly functional. The bathroom is decked out with all the comforts modern day living has to offer, including under floor heating, which eliminates the temperature shock when stepping out of the shower. The comfort is extended to even the smallest details, including finger groove handles. The owner’s request for clean lines is accomplished skilfully and artistically. Sharply contrasting with the rounded shapes is the square, high gloss, vinyl wrap vanity and cabinets. The use of white intensifies the clean look created. The clean lines are extended in the deliberately present, modern chrome tap ware. The tap for the bath and basin are square rods protruding from the walls, mimicking the consistent chrome lines of the wall mounted towel rack.
The use of marble benchtops and tiles allows for easy cleaning and guaranteed durability so worrying about the deterioration of the bathroom will be a thing of the past. In a space where water is ever-present, high quality lasting materials are a must. The lighting was intended to be a spectacle when this space was designed – and it certainly is. Downlights are installed throughout and above the shower, as well as night lights decked under the vanity. As one of the most used rooms of the house, such attention to detail, as displayed in this featured bathroom, is more of a necessity than an added benefit – resulting in an efficient space that you spend less time in and fussing over. With many years of kitchen and bathroom renovation experience, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens have created a highly credible name for themselves, which can be seen in each of their unique creations.
They will make sure your renovation or new creation is stress free, as they cover carpentry, electrical, tiling, waterproofing and plumbing needs as required. They also custom build furnishings like desks, bookcases, vanities and cabinets – therefore, you need not look anywhere else for a fully completed design. Better Bathrooms & Kitchens will drive your project from the design concept through to a fantastic finished project, working under tight deadlines to provide unmatched customer service. They can guarantee to add grand value to the most important areas of your home.
Amongst the clutter of uniformed, modern kitchens, lies hope in difference and exceptional unique design.
Leaning on the classy historic elements of great old Victorian homes, while incorporating innovative design techniques and appliances, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens have produced a dazzling sight. Amazing for its warmth and homely aesthetic appeal, the featured kitchen shines amongst others for being the exact opposite of a stark kitchen, comprised of sharp lines and creating a modern clinical aura. Sometimes, even the most modern and creative designs can lack warm characteristics that make a home, a home. Designed by Garrett Hebden, director of Better Bathrooms & Kitchens, this kitchen is functional and practical because of its design and the many state-of-the-art mechanisms used throughout, such as full extension soft-close drawers. Little details like this make a world of difference when working in your kitchen.
The owners wanted a kitchen that was much lighter in colour than their previous one. They spoke to Garrett Hebden about what they wanted and asked that it also blend in with the rest of the Victorian home’s interior. A complete transformation was in order and Better Bathrooms & Kitchens provided it, achieving a stunning end result. The major features that help it achieve this are the gloss effect of the hand painted surfaces in a café latte colour and the stunning antique brown granite benchtop with edged-detailing. The benchtop provides elegance and a fresh contrast to the glass-faced cabinetry, while the vintage-looking Task lighting complements the cabinetry. The light-toned splashback, constituted of marble tiles is fronted with a gorgeous feature of Botticino honed tiles, strategically placed to create an interesting design. Adding a splash of colour and slightly integrating a modern feel into the kitchen is the burgundy oven, situated below the splashback.
Other exceptional attributes included by Better Bathrooms & Kitchens are the delicate beige tiles in a matte finish used for the floor, and the beautiful Shaws classic double bowl sink, fitted with high quality curved pewter taps. Better Bathrooms & Kitchens specialise in custom-built kitchens in all styles. They build throughout metropolitan Melbourne, completing around 50 renovations each year. With many years of experience under his belt, Garrett Hebden designs fantastic kitchens that never disappoint. In addition to the ever-flourishing kitchen designs, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens also renovate and build bathrooms, laundries and all internal work including removal and adding of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and the list goes on. Whether it is just your ceiling that you look up and wish to transform, or your entire kitchen, Better Bathrooms & Kitchens are fully equipped with expertise, customer service skills and pure talent.
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Home Kitchen & Bathroom Design Magazine
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Designer Bathrooms Design Guide
