Trends & inspiration
Latest ideas and inspo for bathroom and kitchen renovations and design, especially for small spaces (more coming soon!)
Kitchen
3 kitchen trends you'll be seeing more of in 2025
The moods and moments that are helping to create calming, warm and inviting homes.
Design journalist Pip Rich, editor of interiors bible Livingetc.
Kitchen
How to create a minimalist kitchen in a small space
Smaller kitchen footprints don't have to be cluttered.
Design journalist Pip Rich, editor of interiors bible Livingetc.
Bathroom
How to create a spa bathroom even in a small space
Peace might come from within, but it's certainly helped if your immediate surroundings are calm and collected.
Design journalist Pip Rich, editor of interiors bible Livingetc.
On a budget
Working out a realistic budget is where it all starts. Save your skin, find the ways to save money and get your renovation project done on budget.
Lounge
Understanding the costs of a Lounge renovation
Renovating a lounge / living room is one of the most impactful ways to refresh your home.
All rooms
Save money. Save energy. Save water.
You've got the vision for your dream room - colours, tiles, that perfect finish. But have you thought about how it's going to perform?
Bathroom
Top green and energy saving tips for bathroom renovations from the Energy Saving Trust
Published February 2023 – here's a quick summary.
Managing the renovation to do list
Start with a solid to-do list and some fresh ideas, we've got the order figured out for you from budgeting to when the plumbing and tiling decisions need to be made. Wondering how long it'll take?
Planning your layout
Getting that floor plan right is golden, especially when it comes to small and demanding spaces like our bathrooms. Get layout inspiration and ideas to nail that bathroom, kitchen (and any other rooms) reno!
Bathroom
How do I find the best bathroom layout for my space?
Here's a pro tip: start with the toilet. Why? Because it's the one fixture that's hardest to move.
Bathroom
I only have a small bathroom, what can I do to make the most of the space?
There are lots of smart ways to design a bathroom to make the most of the space that also make it feel larger.
Bathroom
Why moving a toilet is a big decision
It will add to the overall time required to complete the project, which, in turn, increases the cost.
All rooms
How do I tell if my wall is solid or stud?
Knowing the difference between different wall types is important for understanding the work needed to mount anything to it.
Bathroom
Bath or shower?
Accountable for the highest water consumption in the home - effecting your power and heating bills as well as water usage.
Bathroom
Wet room or enclosed shower?
Wet rooms are likely to consume more water, and in our experience get colder faster than an enclosed shower...
Bathroom
Dimensions and understanding the space needed around your bathroom items
You'll want at least 700mm of clear floor space in front of your basin, toilet, shower, or bath—basically enough room to use them comfortably.
Kitchen
Planning the best layout for your kitchen
One of the first steps in kitchen planning is understanding the room's physical features.
Bedroom
Planning the best layout for your bedroom
Sometimes it can be helpful to start from the outside and work your way in.
Ensuite
How to add an ensuite bathroom to a small bedroom
This requires careful planning and design to make the most of the available space. Here are some key considerations...
Lounge
Planning the best layout for your lounge / living room
Begin your lounge layout by identifying the room's focal point.
Home office
Finding the best layout for your Home Office
Start with the desk - the desk is the focal point of your workspace, and its placement will influence the flow and functionality.
Hallway
10 tips to make your hallway appear larger
Often one of the most overlooked areas in a home, yet it plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the entire space.
Choosing sanitaryware
Bathroom
What is the difference between the types of toilet?
When replacing your toilet, look for highly efficient (HET) or ultra-low flush (ULF) toilets to minimise water use.
Bathroom
Freestanding or standard bath?
Swap your shower head for a water efficient one to save on your bills, water and energy usage.
Bathroom
Choosing the right type of shower, shower head and thermostatic control
Choosing the right type of shower, shower head and thermostatic control.
Bathroom
Choosing the right type of over bath shower screen
Glass and metal are 100% recyclable and can be recycled forever, whereas plastic ends up in landfill.
Bathroom
Recycling showers
It's about to get easier to make more sustainable choices for our bathrooms with the innovative water recycling shower solution.
Choosing appliances
Utility
A comprehensive guide to choosing a washing machine
Washing machines can be a significant investment and if you get a good one it will likely serve you for 7 years or more.
Utility
A comprehensive guide to choosing a tumble dryer
This guide walks you through the important factors to consider when choosing a tumble dryer, helping you to make an informed decision.
Electrics
Bathroom
Bathroom lighting and electrical zones
Resist the temptation to “just put spotlights everywhere”!
Bedroom
Mastering bedroom lighting, what do I need to know?
One thing that everyone seems to agree on is to make sure you have different types of lighting in your bedroom, also known as layering.
Dining
How to effectively light your dining room
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right mood and functionality in your dining room.
Home cinema
Choosing the right TV / Screen size for a home cinema
When setting up a home cinema, selecting the appropriate screen size for your room is essential for a truly immersive experience.
Heating
Bathroom
Should I consider underfloor heating for my bathroom?
Adding underfloor heating to your bathroom can transform it into a cosy, comfortable oasis, especially during chilly mornings.
Walls, floors, decor, tiling and cabinetry
Bathroom
Pros and cons of different surface materials for the bathroom
Materials that require low energy to produce, or natural materials delivered without intensive mining, have the least impact on the planet.
Kitchen
Pros and cons of different surface materials for the kitchen / utility room
Choosing the right surface materials for your kitchen is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Bathroom
Pros and cons of different metals for the bathroom
Looking at resistance to corrosion, cost, how durable it is and how easy it is to keep clean.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
The importance of tile edging
Not all tiles come with a finished edge, so you need to do some planning up front to avoid an incomplete look in your space!
All rooms
What materials are best for custom made furniture
Solid wood, MFC, MDF, plywood, glass and mirrors are the most common materials.
Bedroom
What flooring is best for a bedroom
When choosing what flooring to have, consider how it will feel under foot, think about noise issues and how you want to feel in the room.
Decorating and finishing
Bathroom
Creating a mood board for your bathroom design
Before you start buying tiles or paint samples or even parts of your bathroom suite, you need to work out the basics of what look you are trying to achieve and why!
Bathroom
Do I need to use 'bathroom paint' rather than emulsion?
Here's a list of reasons why using a bathroom paint is a good idea – and what you should be looking for in the paint you choose.
Kitchens and Utilities
Do I need to use 'kitchen paint' for my kitchen / utility?
For rooms prone to high humidity levels and moisture accumulation due to steam from cooking, dish washing and cleaning.
Bedroom
Creating a mood board for your bedroom design
Start from the bottom, be a thief, follow your eye, create zones and follow some rules!
Working with trades
Bathroom
Should I hire trades or can I do it myself?
Bathroom renovation projects can involve many individual trades, including builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, tilers, carpenters and decorators.
Bathroom
How do I find good trades for my project?
Our top 5 tips for finding the right trades for your bathroom renovation project.
Bathroom
How to work well with your trades
Based on many years of experience working with trades and learning lots of painful lessons along the way.
Bathroom
Tips for surviving a bathroom renovation
Our tips for staying fresh and stress-free!
Material supply and waste
Save thousands and finish faster. Renovation planner app with recommendations and tips.
Start your renovation with Reno