Here are 5 top bespoke bathrooms trends we expect to be big in 2021.

1. Timber accents 

Traditionally, bathrooms have featured a simple white colour palette, sleek surfaces and focused on minimalism. But this kind of design can often feel cold and clinical and after a year spent indoors, we’re seeing home design move towards more natural textures which reflect the outdoors.

In 2021, we think this will translate to more bathrooms incorporating timber. This could be in the form of a simple timber vanity or an entire timber feature wall. Timber helps create a soothing and warm atmosphere, which contrasts perfectly with more traditional and colder elements of a bathroom.

2. Textured surfaces

Tactical and dynamic, textured surfaces add interest and excitement to any space. This type of design also recalls the 1970s when design was more focused on curves and shapes as opposed to sleek, clean lines.

Texture can be achieved through a range of different materials – timber, tiles and glass all add great texture to a bathroom and can be installed in creative patterns and styles to match your design.

3. Bringing in the outdoors 

Similar to the rise of timber in the bathroom, interior designers and builders are looking at more ways to bring the outdoors into the home, and this includes the bathroom. With discretion a top priority in this space, many are opting for large skylights and windows so clients can enjoy natural light and views, without compromising on privacy.

We’re also expecting to see more natural greenery brought indoors, with small and large pot plants added into the bathroom. Expect feathery ferns, thriving lilies and eye-catching snake plants – anything that flourishes in a warm, humid area.

4. Statement lighting

While home design may still be focused on modernism and simplicity, we’re seeing many designers being more playful things like with statement lighting. While traditionally more common in the kitchen, pendant lighting is now being utilised in the bathroom to add a touch of glamour and achieve a relaxed ambience. 

5. Colourful tiles and metal-toned tapware

In the details department, we’re seeing a move away from white tiles with greens, reds, oranges, browns, teals, greys and blues becoming the colours of choice for clients. Not only do these create a bold look and feel in the bathroom, they’ll help shake off that cold bathroom atmosphere and instead inspire feelings of tranquillity and cosiness.

We’re also seeing changes in tapware choices – chrome and matte are on the out, with brushed nickel, gunmetal, bronze and brass becoming popular choices in 2021. This will give bathroom spaces a more rustic, vintage and homely style.

Are you looking to craft a bespoke bathroom within in your new luxury home? Reach out to the team at BCM Aust today.

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Here’s how you can ensure your dream home benefits from a fruitful collaboration between architect, builder, designer and more…

Work with both your builder and architect at the beginning

Oftentimes, clients work with architects to draw up plans before they engage a builder. While this makes sense in theory, you’ll be missing out a range of benefits that come with working collaboratively with your architect and builder.

Architects and builders have different skills. Architects, for one, are able to take your rough ideas and concepts and create an incredible, aesthetic, functional home design that ticks all your boxes.

Builders, on the other hand, have a more robust understanding of materials and the real-time cost of contractors and can bring this knowledge to the table during the crucial design stage. Having multiple minds with different strengths come together during the planning stages will make for a well-thought-out house plan that falls within your budget.

Everyone will be on the same page

There are many different parties involved in a home build. This means a range of different people passing on information and updates to other suppliers, contractors and partners. A structure like this means significant room for error.

When you don’t have a single point of contact, or you have various parties unsure about the specifics of their role, complications may arise that could potentially impact your budget and cause delays to your build.

Having your architect and builder collaborating from the early stages of your project means everyone is on the same page and your process is more likely to be seamless, with your home delivered on time.

Less chance of variations

When you engage a builder, architect, designer and engineer separately, it’s far more likely that you’ll need to make changes to your project during construction. This will result in a variation and will be your responsibility to pay for on top of the contract cost.

This is why it’s essential to have your entire team on the same page from the get-go. By having your architect and builder working harmoniously as a team during the conceptual part of the building process, they’ll be able to come across any issues or complications together before they become a major issue during construction.

Collaboration is always best

A team that works collaboratively will be able to rise to any challenge, without interrupting the timeline of a build. This can easily be achieved through regularly scheduled meetings between everyone involved, and by ensuring that honest and open communication is prioritised from the very beginning.

A custom home build is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people so you want to make sure you get it right, achieving a timeless and beautiful home.

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Are you ready to engage a builder with high-quality architects and designers in Sydney? Get in touch with the team at BCM Aust today.

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Naturally, the next question is – renovate or knockdown and build new? There are lots of elements to take into account, with a different answer for every home, based on the individual situation.

There is no blanket rule when it comes to cost – each project requires specific costings, as they have unique considerations. A renovation can range from aesthetic to structural changes, so the costs can vary widely. Building a completely new home will incur expenses that you wouldn’t necessarily need in a renovation, such as installing brand-new utilities throughout the entire home.

At BCM Aust, we try to take the guesswork and mystery out of building, so you feel confident making every decision throughout the construction process. When it comes to making this choice, here are our top tips to consider.

Do you have a choice?

The first question to consider when deciding to renovate or knockdown and rebuild is whether knocking down your existing home is actually allowed!

Any heritage-listed homes are out of the question – they are protected by heritage laws that prevent demolition. You will therefore need to conduct some research into the status of your home to establish the scope of work you’d be allowed to do.

If your home has any heritage-listed aspects, it’s important you find out exactly what needs to be protected and what can change, as this will influence your project.

Benefits of renovating

A renovation allows you to keep the elements of your home that you love and cherish while bringing it into the modern day with a number of changes. You can leave the bedrooms as is and expand the living areas to be in-line with open-plan spaces or add additional rooms by going up and out.

When deciding on what your renovation will involve, it’s important to consider how long you plan on remaining in this home, and what significant lifestyle changes will happen in this time. For example, is your family still growing, or will your children be moving out of home in the next few years? If yes, you may need to consider flexible spaces that can be transformed depending on their need. If you’re unable to introduce these spaces in your existing home, a renovation may not be the best option.

In the case of a fairly straightforward renovation, it can be cheaper than knocking everything down and starting again. But in some cases, it’s impossible to know what’s waiting in the foundations of the home – if any structural damage is found, your bills may skyrocket.

Depending on the scope of work, you could remain in the home while renovating, which saves you money and the disruption of moving elsewhere temporarily.

Benefits of building new

A knockdown and rebuild means a blank canvas, allowing you to create your dream home from scratch. It doesn’t require adapting to the specifications of your existing home, so you can create a brand-new look, with a design that doesn’t require compromise. It also means no maintenance costs for the immediate future, as everything is brand-new!

As a rule of thumb, a brand new, high-quality home is going to attract a higher resale price than a renovation, so can end up being a better investment. This is generally due to the guaranteed structural stability– buyers understand that everything is new and therefore, shouldn’t require attention in the near future.

However, resale prices are quite area-dependent, so it’s worth doing some research into how properties in your local neighbourhood are selling and what buyers are looking for.

There are a couple of additional costs outside of the actual building when it comes to a knockdown rebuild too. First is the cost of relocating elsewhere for the duration of the project – unlike a renovation, there’s no living on site! The second is the demolition and clearing away of debris of your existing home – a builder can do this for you but will likely charge extra. 

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If you’re thinking about renovating or rebuilding your home, get in touch with the team at BCM Aust. We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your existing home and chat through which option might be best.

The post Should I Renovate or Build New? appeared first on BCM Projects.

The two most common are an architect or a building designer. Understanding the difference between the two can save you money and time, resulting in a seamless and stress-free project.

Architects

Residential architects are generally more qualified and more experienced at designing homes than building designers, but with that expertise, comes a higher price.

To be legally identified as an architect, a professional must have completed a degree in architecture, which translates to five years at university and two years of practical work, plus oral and written exams. They must also have the necessary liability insurances and be registered with the governing body of their state.

It is this last point that makes all the difference – if an architect isn’t registered, the number of years studying, or years of practical experience, will mean nothing.

The extensive experience of architects means they are usually best placed to deal with larger complex projects. In most states, they are required if the project is over three stories, or commissioned by the government. As architects study both the art and science of building design, they are able to invest lots of time in identifying solutions that satisfy your brief both aesthetically and functionally. As such, a great architect will take both a big-picture and a small-detail approach.

Engaging an architect can also help you ensure that your entire project complies with Australia’s building rules and regulations and increase the resale value of your home. Architecturally designed homes attract a premium due to their integration of sustainable or energy-efficient features, outstanding materials and unique floorplans.

Building Designers

A building designer should be able to do the same job as an architect, albeit with a little less finesse. They tend to have fewer qualifications, but as a result, are less expensive.

The pathway to becoming a building designer is varied – some ex-builders transition to this position, while others complete degrees in building design or architecture but never register with their governing body. However, in NSW, there are no registration or licensing requirements, which means technically, anyone can operate as a building designer.

Therefore, should you be looking for a building designer, it’s best to opt for someone who is a member of a professional association like the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA). This will demonstrate that they are able to perform a range of tasks within their framework.

A building designer’s background often means they have plenty of on-site experience and practical knowledge – especially if they are an ex-builder! Therefore, should you have a relatively straightforward build in mind, they can still provide a quality option.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you’re after in your new home. For something unique or complex, an architect is the way to go. But if you have a simple design in mind, a building designer could be the person for you.

Get in touch with the team at BCM Aust to find out who we recommend for your dream home.

The post What’s the Difference Between an Architect and a Building Designer? appeared first on BCM Projects.

Working with a narrow block may seem like a challenge, but it simply means you have to get a little more creative. Read on to find out how you can create a beautiful bespoke home that’s big on personality even when it’s small on square footage.

Light

It’s incredible how natural light can transform a space. This is particularly true for narrow homes, which tend to be surrounded by other buildings that block out light.

Skylights are a fantastic solution for opening up small spaces. If you have an internal staircase, strategically positioning a skylight above it allows sunshine into all storeys of your home. You could even have a glass ceiling custom made to flood the house with natural light.

Clerestory windows are another clever trick that can help create bright, open interiors. Positioned well above eye level, these perfectly placed windows let in ambient lighting and leave walls free for artwork or shelving.

Aim to place windows on the north-facing side to maximise natural light. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, using sliding glass doors here can really help to bring the outside in and create the illusion of a larger home.

Build up not out

Using clever tricks may not always be enough – sometimes you really do need to make more room. Building up and adding another storey is a great way to add space and value to your home.

Whether you want to add another bathroom, are creating a nursery for a new family addition or simply need more storage, a multi-storey home allows you to spread out without encroaching on precious outdoor areas.

You could also consider a split-level design or mezzanine if adding another storey isn’t an option in your space.

Open-plan living

Open-plan areas immediately feel warmer, more inviting and – crucially – bigger. Optimise the flow of your home and the space you have by opening up rooms and creating multi-purpose spaces.

Merging the kitchen, dining room and living area is one of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate open-plan living into your home. By minimising the use of walls, you can let natural light stream through the entirety of your living space, creating an airy, open atmosphere. Open-plan living areas often become the heart of a home, where friends and family can cook, socialise and dine together.

Clever colours

The colours you use can play a big part in making your narrow home appear more spacious. Paint walls in soft, neutral tones such as off-white, blue and green. Light, bright walls are more reflective and help a space feel open and airy.

You can also try painting any wall trims and mouldings in lighter colours than your walls. This helps walls appear farther back, making your home look larger than it is.

Splashes of darker colours are best added in the form of artworks and pieces of furniture.

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If you’re ready to design a home on a narrow block in Sydney, our team can help. Get in touch with BCM Aust to find out more today!

The post How to Design for a Narrow Block appeared first on BCM Projects.

One of the most crucial decisions to make early on is whether you should approach an architect or a builder first. Here at BCM Aust, we are firm believers in engaging a builder before you do anything else. Keep reading to discover why…

The key to a carefully designed and expertly built home is collaboration.

You want everyone involved in your home build – from the architect and interior designer, to the builder, tradespeople and contractors on site – to understand your vision and work collaboratively towards a single goal. These homes are the ones that emanate harmony and synergy throughout.

This can be achieved by engaging a builder at the beginning. Alongside your chosen builder you can discuss ideas and plan for your home, while they can draw upon their experience and well-established relationships to help you select an architect who understands your projects. This gives you the best chance of finding an architect who can execute your ideas exactly as you imagined. While your house plans are being drafted, your builder can consult with your architect, offering their knowledge on material costs and building techniques to make the future building process simpler, faster or simply more cost effective.

Communication is key in any successful build.

If you have an architect and builder collaborating from the beginning, you’re less likely to have issues communication, which is another huge factor in a successful build. Particularly if your builder puts you in touch with an architect they’ve worked with before, communication will be emphasised from the beginning.

Many times, clients who hire separate architects and builders are forced to play the mediator and ensure they are across all updates, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Working from a builder from the start means they can act as mediator and communicate clearly and effectively with you and your architect at all times.

An exciting and beautiful build can turn stressful when the budget begins to blow out.

This can be avoided by engaging a builder before an architect. This way, your builder can consult with your architect during the design process and use their building knowledge and experience to ensure that the proposed design, materials, fixtures and fitting all align with your specific budget. If you work with a builder from the earliest stages of your project , you can stress-less about your budget and simply enjoy the thrilling experience of seeing your bespoke, one-of-a-kind home come to life.

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At BCM Aust, we work regularly with architects on bespoke custom homes and renovations across the inner suburbs of Sydney. If you’re looking to craft an architecturally-designed home, but don’t know where to start, get in touch with our team today.

The post Architect or Builder: Who Do I Approach First? appeared first on BCM Projects.

Our clients brief for this project was simple – to create a Hamptons-inspired home that is sympathetic to the local street scape, location and with an Australian twist that would not dominate the local landscape. We knew there was only one company who could bring this concept to life in the best way possible, so we enlisted the help of Wolski Coppin Architects. The team at Wolski Coppin worked closely with our client to create an open-plan home design that would capitalise on views and available space.

As it is surrounded by heritage homes, the team were careful not to be too overt in their design. For this reason, we used cladding solely as a feature on the upper exterior and within the balcony’s to create a warming atmosphere. Inside, we featured timber-lined ceilings to bring a subtle Hamptons feel to the home. The integration of large windows and doors, and a first-floor balcony with bi-fold doors, makes for a cohesive connection between indoors and out. A feature window on the second storey provides exceptional views out to sea.

The design of the interior is largely neutral, with marble splashbacks and benchtops, oak flooring, sandstone feature wall and white herringbone tiles, to name a few elements. The home includes many exciting and high-tech features including smart home technology, lift and car-stacker.

This subtle Hamptons-inspired home is full of natural light and features a number of spaces for entertaining. From the balcony, with views over the beach, to the indoor living room and kitchen, there is no shortage of social possibility in this home – something that truly defines the Hamptons style.

We are so proud of the home that we have been able to build on the beachside here in Manly and wish to extend a big thank you to all of our contractors, suppliers and partners on this project.

If you’re looking to craft your own Hamptons-style home with an Australian twist, feel free to reach out to the team at BCM today.

The post Project Feature: Manly appeared first on BCM Projects.

Design choices have real tangible effects on our happiness and mood. This idea factors into holistic home design, which considers the effect that design elements have on our overall health. There are many ways you can use to design to create a calm, welcoming and holistic home. Keep reading to hear our top suggestions.

Colour

One of the most important elements of a holistic home is colour choice. When deciding on a colour palette you should think about what kind of feelings you want to provoke in different parts of the home. For instance, where in the home do you want to feel inspired, restful or safe?

Natural colours, such as green and blue are calming and make us feel secure. Yellow can help brighten our mood. Reds, oranges and deep browns create cosy spaces for conversation. Bright tones can stimulate brain activity and make us feel more inspired. Employ a colour palette that draws upon these reactions and you’ll create spaces that support your general wellbeing.

Open-plan living and air flow

No one likes the feeling of being stuck in a small, cluttered space; that’s why one of the best ways to create a holistic home is through an open floor plan, with minimal doors and walls between communal areas. A spacious home not only feels more welcoming, but also inspires us to convene with members of the household more regularly.

Open plan living is also better for air flow and just as a stuffy home can make us feel fatigued and discontent, effective air circulation can make a home feel fresh and healthy, leaving us feeling more energetic. Better air flow can also be helped through the addition of large windows that allow fresh air into the home.

Nature and natural light

Is there a better feeling than walking out into the sunshine after a day stuck indoors? Nothing is more restorative. The great news is you can evoke this feeling in your home by flooding your space with plenty of natural light. This can be achieved through large windows placed within the home to maximise your exposure to natural light. In spaces where this may be difficult, we’re seeing more homeowners opt for skylights, which help bring the outdoors into even the smallest of spaces.

Bringing nature into the home can also have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. You could do this by filling your home with indoors plants; opting for bi-folding windows and doors to bring the outside in; or using natural, recycled materials as fixtures in your home. Simple and sustainable inclusions like these can connect you to nature, providing a sense of calm and wholesomeness.

If you’d ready to get started on the design and build of your very own holistic home in Sydney, get in touch with the team at BCM Aust today.

The post Elements Of A Holistic Home appeared first on BCM Projects.

With any renovation, there’s plenty to consider. Here are the five essentials, specific to the terrace, to start with.

1. Lights

There’s a high chance that your terrace sits on a narrow block and either shares a wall with your neighbour, or only has a small space between each terrace. Therefore, it can be difficult to capture natural light from the sides.

This is where skylights come into play! Incorporating skylights into your living spaces, such as your kitchen or living room, can open up the space, allowing sunlight to filter straight through. However, a skylight isn’t just suitable for the living area. It can also work in a bathroom, in the form of an open shower, or in bedrooms.

2. Layout

When many original terraces were first built, the bathroom was often situated outside, or at the very least, at the rear of the property. As such, the layout was often living spaces at the front, kitchen in the middle and bathroom at the back.

This layout isn’t conducive to the open-plan living style that’s popular with modern houses, so when renovating your terrace, it’s worth considering re-arranging the layout to suit your needs. Relocating the living areas to the back of the house introduces the possibility of seamless indoor-outdoor living, as well as providing more space for an open-plan design.

3. Quality

Terraces were built to last, so any renovation should be of the same high standard. It’s important that your builder use the highest-quality materials that budget allows, ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy your home for years to come. The workmanship levels should also be exceptional, as your home needs to withstand the wear and tear of everyday living.

4. Outdoor Living

The backyard was once a utility-first space, used for hanging out laundry and a bathroom. These days, it’s very much an extension of your living space, so your renovation should reflect this.

Now’s the time to redesign the relationship between the indoor and outdoor living spaces, making it as easy as possible to move between the two. This can be achieved through bi-fold or stacking doors, which also improve ventilation throughout the home. Traditionally, terrace backyards aren’t huge spaces, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality landscaper who can take advantage of every centimetre!

5. Heritage

The façade of many terraces are a snapshot of times gone by and as such, are often heritage listed. Terrace renovations often require the front to remain untouched, while more extensive work can be completed inside. When designing your renovation, consider how you can combine the heritage features of the front of your home with the more modern aspects at the rear. This will result in a seamless aesthetic and encourage flow in your new home.

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If you’re thinking about renovating your home in 2020 or beyond, get in touch with the BCM team today. We’re happy to help with any questions you may have.

The post 5 Essential Considerations When Renovating A Terrace appeared first on BCM Projects.

An Excuse to De-Clutter

At its simplest, having less objects means less maintenance! A minimalist design means taking a considered approach to every object that you place in your home – everything from the initial cabinetry and flooring to the final touches. By limiting how much you incorporate in your design, and emphasising a less is more approach, you’ll reduce the need for regular maintenance down the line

Easier to Clean

Generally, a minimalist home features clean lines, smooth surfaces and an emphasis on open-plan spaces. By proxy, this also means your home is easier to clean, as there are less places for dirt to fall. Forget fiddly furnishings and complex surfaces that are difficult to maintain – a minimalist home is designed to be low-fuss.

More for Less

Embracing the minimalist aesthetic means limiting the amount of objects you bring to your home. This has the potential to save you money, as you reduce the number of accents that you may normally purchase. No more pillows, throws or other accessories that you only use for a season and then store away!

Find Your Zen 

Your home is meant to be a space where you can truly turn off, leaving the outside world and all its stressors behind. However, when your home is cluttered and disorganised, it can exacerbate anxious feelings, instead of relieving them.

Therefore, a minimalist home can help induce feelings of calm, giving you the space to de-clutter your mind! Various psychological studies have found that having an organised space can help both your brain and body relax, allowing you to truly enjoy some time away from the stressing elements of your life.

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If you’re thinking about a minimalist design for your new home, we can help! Get in touch today to find out more.

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