All posts by instantdesign

When designing a powder room, every millimetre matters. However, nowadays we are lucky enough to have a few different options to help us deal with compact bathrooms and other tiny spaces. For example, you may use cavity sliding doors instead of hinged ones, being able to have a wide doorway to access the room.

Regarding sanitaryware, toilets with in-wall flush systems are great space-savers, for example, as the cistern is concealed inside the wall frame. You may use the standard flush buttons or ones with touchless technology, as you may see here.

Besides compact toilets, there are many models of slim wall-hung vanities in the market, providing clever storage solutions. In saying that, while some may prefer a standard mirror, others may opt for a shaving mirror cabinet. Some shaving cabinets can be semi-recessed in the wall, providing extra storage space.

Aiming to bring some coziness, we suggest using light tones of grey and accents in timber. In this mood board, we have a mirror with a frame in light oak, the same colour chosen for the towel hook and the pendant light. For the tapware, brushed nickel with a contemporary design and straight lines, matching the wallpaper and the floor tiles.

Vanity: Petite 400 Wall Hung (ADP)
Toilet: Roca Inspira (Reece)
Flush button: Geberit Sigma 01 (Reece)
Tapware and accessory: Tono (Fienza)
Hook: Classic Kink Wall Hook (Scandiluxe)
Mirror: Tina Round (Temple & Webster)
Pending light: Juno 1 (Beacon Lighting)
Floor tile: Caparazon Medio (Perini Tiles)
Wallpaper: Maui Leaf Monochrome (World of Wallpaper)

Are you struggling with a small powder room? We are glad to help you optimise your space!

One more snap of the conceptual project we did for a design competition in a conservation area in Fortaleza, Brazil. In this building for a multipurpose cultural centre, we also used eucalyptus poles as the structure system (click here to see the other conceptual project we designed for this same design competition).

However, this time we adopted a circular plan, which goes around an internal patio. The rounded shape, plus the thatched roof, reminds an “oca”, the vernacular architecture of the local indigenous peoples. At the centre, the uncovered patio helps to cool off the internal temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning. In order to increase the passive cooling effect, we proposed a raked ceiling with higher windows facing the internal patio. Therefore, the hot air may escape upwards.

The facade has a combination of certified wood and masonry rustically rendered, evoking traditional constructive techniques. Both materials – timber and brick – provide good insulation, which is desirable in a tropical climate. On the floor, we suggested the use of demolition timber planks, promoting the use of recycled materials.

The building contains a foyer that serves as an art gallery and two exhibition rooms for audiovisual presentations. At the back, there is a small library and a cafeteria, so the users can read a book while enjoying a coffee. Administrative areas and amenities are also part of the building, which is accessed either by ramps or a stairway.

Would you like to know more about passive cooling and bioarchitecture? Are you after eco-friendly ideas for your new project?

Let’s have a chat!

For those who are after a luxurious bathroom, there is nothing better than natural stone and good-quality furniture. Arctic Frost or Nero Marquina, for example, are great choices when selecting a marble for your floor or benchtop. While the first has grey veins on white, the latter is known for its white veins over a deep black background, both being a symbol of elegance and contemporaneity.

However, apart from tiles and benchtops, we can also use marble in other elements of the project, such as door handles and tapware. With a unique design, this vanity in hazelnut oak from Zuster has the option of a marble handle inlay. This feature perfectly matches the tapware from Par Taps, which also has details in marble, either in black or white.

A black basin in glazed steel and a shaving mirror cabinet with a timber frame, from the same range as the vanity. The floor has dark marble tiles, while the walls have white marble. A fluted feature panel is proposed for the dry areas, matching the same dark timber colour as the vanity and the mirror cabinet. Black accessories complement the look, improving the sense of sophistication. For other mood boards where we suggested dark accents, click here and here.

Vanity: Issy Blossom (Reece)
Shaving mirror cabinet: Issy Blossom (Reece)
Basin: Alape Scopio Counter Basin (Reece)
Tapware: IDK Nero Marble (Par Taps)
Towel rail: Mizu Soothe (Reece)
Marble: Arctic Frost & Nero Marquina (CDK Stone)

Are you also after good-quality products for your bathroom renovation, from well-known Australian brands? We can definitely assist you.

Back in 2001, we were engaged to design a house extension on a sloped lot. With minimal interference on the existing structure, we were able to create three ensuites and plenty of living areas. This was possible by simply knocking out a few walls in order to create doorways and open up the space.

Additionally, we proposed an extension towards the back of the lot. This addition allowed for a new ensuite and a balcony for the master bedroom. The biggest change, though, was building a staircase to connect the main floor with the undercroft. Previously unused, this level now lodges an entertainment room and space for a home office.

At the back of the lot, we proposed a 3-car garage next to the maid’s room. Both are separated from the house by a backyard. To assist with the everyday hop-in and off, a porte cochere sits beside the house, accessed by a side door.

Regarding the facade, we kept the house style, with a high-pitched roof and a gable end over the front door. To reinforce the classic look, we added white mouldings around the windows, contrasting with a darker colour on the walls.

PS. A maid’s room was something common in Brazil until the late 2000s. Not only in upper-class houses but also in middle-class apartments, which is quite curious. Even though a live-in maid was already rare in those days, many families would still have it as a requirement. Nowadays, the idea of having a maid’s room practically disappeared from the project briefing. On the other hand, other spaces have been gaining popularity, such as mudrooms and home offices.

Are you thinking of renovating your house? Get in touch, and we will be more than happy to assist you with plans.

If you never considered an orange bathroom, you should think twice. This colour can definitely bring a boost of energy and joy to your day! However, the secret is using orange as an accent colour, matching it with the right hues. In this mood board, we opted for different tones of grey for a more contemporary atmosphere.

For example, you may have a feature wall with orange mosaic tiles, combined with a concrete-look basin and freestanding bath. Or, you may prefer accessories in bright tangerine, such as the towel rails in acrylic and the mirror from Laufen, which go well with encaustic tiles in different tones of grey. Either way, the outcome will be vibrant and joyful.

For the tapware, you can go with brushed nickel, opting for models with a more futuristic design. Alternatively, you may prefer chrome, such as in this mood board here, which will also provide a good match. Finishing the selection, cement-look tiles on the floor, in a light neutral colour.

Bathtub: Chelsea 1600 (Pietra Bianca)
Basin: Omvivo Villa Above Counter with Shelf 600 in Cove Grey (Reece)
Wall tap: Axia Wall Basin Mixer Set (Phoenix)
Mirror: Laufen Kartell Tangerine Orange (Reece)
Towel rails: Laufen Kartell Tangerine Orange (Reece)
Mosaic tiles: SM 10.46 (Bisazza)
Encaustic tiles: Revival Stachus 200×200 (National Tiles)

Are you thinking of different colours for your bathroom but hesitant about the result? Give us a call and we can assist you! Colour consulting is one of our specialties at Instant Design.

Another one of our favourites: transforming a 3-bedroom house into a 4-bedroom one. From a small house with only one bathroom, the owners would now have a master suite. Through a walk-in robe, they gain access to their ensuite, where a curved wall forms the perfect scenario for the walk-in shower.

Attending to their request, an existing patio made room for the new kitchen, with opens to a balcony facing the mountain views. Aiming to assist with storage and keep the kitchen nice and tidy, we proposed a walk-in pantry. It has two doorways, to both sides of the counter, making it easier to get the necessary ingredients when cooking.

Walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries are a must nowadays, some of them with auxiliary sinks and dishwashers. In this case, we didn’t have too much space, so it only lodges the fridge and small appliances. For other projects where we suggested a walk-in pantry, you may click here and here.

Taking advantage of the sloping lot, we proposed a new garage on the undercroft, reducing the existing one to create two new bedrooms. One of them would be a spare room, doubling as a home office. At the same time, we joined two existing bedrooms to form the master suite.

In the front yard, we proposed a firepit area with access both to the kitchen and to the master suite. The wide sliding doors help bring the outdoors inside the house, creating a perfect home for a growing family.

Did you like our concept for this house renovation? Would you like to have your dream project designed by us? Let’s have a chat!

This week’s mood board is all about squares and circles, or a combination of both. Aiming for a sleek design, we suggest basins, toilets, and baths in a squarish shape with soft round corners. For the tapware, wall mixers with square cover plates matching the showerhead from Grohe. While you may go with other colours, such as black or brushed nickel, we suggest chrome, which is timeless and elegant.

For the floor, terrazzo tiles with different shades of grey. Even though some people consider terrazzo tiles outdated, we definitely love them! Have a look here for another mood board where we suggested this material. Cabinetry may be either in white or light grey, in gloss or matt finish. Completing the look, 100×100 gloss white tiles on the wall and a mirror with a geometric shape and black metal frame.

Bathtub: Posh Domaine Back to Wall 1700 (Reece)
Basin: Roca Inspira Square Rectangle Above Counter (Reece)
Toilet: Munich Back to Wall (Oliveri)
Wall tap and shower mixer: Grohe Lineare (Reece)
Showerhead: Grohe Rainshower Smartactive Square (Reece)
Terrazzo tiles: Alchemy (Fibonacci)

Are you hesitant between square and round? Or maybe you want a bit of both? Get in touch to book an appointment and we can help you to decide!

No job is too small when we love what we do! Be it designing a whole new house or a custom-made screen like in this project. In this example, the clients had recently added a third floor to their house, an extension designed by others. In order to provide independent access to the new floor – which has a self-contained unit – a stairway was built to the side of the house.

Aiming to improve the look of the side facade, the clients wanted to install privacy screens. Therefore, they hired us to explore a few ideas. The goal was to visually reduce the impact of the long stairway, taking advantage of the existing columns to support the screens. Their initial idea was to have two types of screens: vertical slats and a perforated decorative pattern. So the first step was to explore a few different combinations regarding size and shapes.

After they decided on the screen pattern (Reptilia, from Decorative Screens Direct), we did a few colour simulations. Since the screens are in aluminium, we worked based on the available Dulux Powdercoating colour chart. Among the options we suggested, were either Paperback – matching the window frames – or Woodland Grey – contrasting with the white walls.

Which one do you prefer? And which one do you think they went for?

Are you also thinking of installing privacy screens in your house? Are you finding it difficult to choose either the right model or colour? Let’s have a chat!

At the end of the day, we just want to get home and relax, either soaking in a bath or under a nice waterfall shower. If you have the right colour in your bathroom, the experience is even more enjoyable! Sage green is perfect to create the feeling of relaxation, be it on the fishscale tiles, the freestanding bathtub or the cabinetry.

This colour goes along very well with whites and light greys, creating the perfect environment for relaxation. So you won’t go wrong if you mix this earthy greyish tone of green with a light cement-look floor tile. Or, alternatively, with a white-washed timber tone.

To complement the look, we suggest round basins in matte white, the same material as for the vanity countertop. Regarding accessories, we suggest brushed gold, such as a round mirror and a pendant wall light. For the tapware, wall taps and mixers would follow the same colour scheme.

In saying that, golden accessories offer a perfect match with many other colours, as you may see in other mood boards (here and here).

Vanity: ADP Flo by Alisa & Lysandra Topiary Smooth (Reece)
Bath: Bayley Concrete 1800mm Seafoam (Stonebaths)
Floor Tile: Omniform Grey Textured (Beaumont Tiles)
Wall Tile: Flounder Dip Mint Fishscale (Perini Tiles)
Tapware: Mizu Drift Brushed Brass (Reece)
Wall light: MFL Artisan LED Dimmable (Beacon Lighting)

If you also want to create a wellness retreat at your home, give us a call! We can assist with plans as well as the selection of colours and finishes. Then the only thing you will need is to get home and relax!

We’re in love with the warmness of this modern mid-century bedroom, where pieces of contemporary furniture meet others inspired by the 60s. And all tied together by earthy tones! In this renovation project, the owner asked for a new master bedroom on the 2nd floor. Then, he wanted to transform the existing one into a studio and guest room. Above all, though, he was a big fan of the modern mid-century look and would like this style for his master bedroom.

The proposed extension comprised a generous master bedroom with a walk-in robe and an ensuite. For the bedroom, we proposed a hybrid vinyl floor matching the timber of the existing staircase. Behind the bed, an accent wall in grey contrasts with the other walls in white.

Beside the chest of drawers, a comfortable armchair provides the perfect environment for reading a book, one of the owner’s favourite hobbies. Book shelves are in every corner, to lodge the owner’s huge collection. The modernist vibe continues through the artwork, the tapestry, and the lighting features, making this bedroom comfy & cozy.

Did you also enjoy the warm colours of this bedroom? Are you after some inspiration for your home renovation? We would love to help you! Get in touch today and book your consultation.