Raw inspiration: the next level in bathroom showrooms

The image that generally comes to mind when you think of a bathroom showroom are rows of tapware, toilets, vanities and the like. They’re often not overtly inspiring spaces or areas one wants to spend extended periods of time in. But that’s about to change in New Zealand with the vibrant new Plumbline Concept Studio opening soon.

The showroom remains in its original Newmarket location, but as of March, Plumbline has taken over the whole building and created something rather special. Drawing inspiration from the world’s best showrooms including the internationally renowned Gessi bathroom showroom in Singapore, it’s a setup worth visiting whether you are building, renovating, work in the design industry or simply want some inspiration.

Housed in a revamped industrial building stripped back to its original form complete with 100-year-old oregon ceiling and floor on the upper level, it’s a place of raw warmth. Materiality is key here, and greenery is a focus throughout, amidst the eclectic range of bathrooms on display, from the very traditional to the overtly contemporary – all styled in intricate detail by Plumbline’s in-house designer.

At 500m2 over 2 floors and with so many unique features Plumbline’s Brad Wallace says it’s one of the largest and definitely the only bathroom showroom of this scale and sort in the country. “When we set out to do this we wanted to create something really special, not only to align with our brand direction but also to re-invent what a bathroom showroom can be. After talking to customers, homeowners and designers it was clear that what everyone wants in a showroom is inspiration; a place to give them ideas,” Wallace says.

Interior architect Mark Gascoigne of Studio Gascoigne worked with Plumbline to design the showroom, which includes over 20 full bathroom settings, each completely set up with different styles of vanities, showers, toilets, baths, tiles and lighting. It’s this feature that sets this showroom apart, “There’s a lot of different layouts and design ideas, including double showers, walk-in showers, matching stone freestanding baths and basins all with stunning lighting and tiling features to bring them to life.” Obviously people’s requirements are different depending on their house, bathroom size and budget, but after perusing the different spaces in the showroom, people can get a clear idea of what sort of style they like which then makes designing and selecting products for your bathroom a dream!”

There’s also a lot of one-off designs that, as Wallace says, many people will have never seen anything similar to before. He describes them as “wow products”, pieces that provoke the imagination and alter people’s perceptions of what can be achieved with bathroomware and design.

The full range of Plumbline’s international brands are showcased in the new showroom, all of which are exclusive to Plumbline in New Zealand. The carefully curated collection showcases some of the finest bathroom products in the New Zealand market from sought-after bathroom brands including Italian names Gessi, Catalano, Fantini, Falper and Bisazza as well as English brand Shaws, and New Zealand bathroomware brand Progetto.

The showroom is designed for guests to wander through and take inspiration from the extensive and detailed bathrooms and separate product selection zones. Touchscreen computers are available throughout for designers or customers to check specific styles and dimensions offered, while a hot desk area with free Wifi is set up as a space for designers and architects to use at their leisure. A large kitchen space complete with coffee machine and a bar area operates for designers to use with their clients.

The showroom opens in March 2017 and is located at 23 Davis Crescent, Newmarket, Auckland. Visit Plumbline on ArchiPro here for some inspiration for your bathroom project and be sure to visit the new showroom.