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With a seemingly endless array of choices in New Zealand, picking the best modern shower design can feel a bit overwhelming initially, and that’s even before exploring the more unusual avenues.  

When considering a design, the most important factor is the available space in the bathroom and the current layout if one is remodelling rather than starting from scratch.  

Homeowners in New Zealand can construct an entirely free-standing outdoor shower or break out the external wall of an existing bathroom to forge a dramatic indoor/outdoor element. This would then be used on a daily basis without too much exposure. 

If that feels a little extreme, portable showers are a great option. These can be moved to different areas of the yard or swimming pool area. This is a great option for that next camping trip.

Regardless of space or budget constraints, there are quite a few options to consider

Shower Box 

With any renovation or new build in New Zealand, the first consideration should be about the overall size and shape of the shower box that will best fit the area. This will affect the type of materials one can use and whether there’s space for that unusual, curved corner shower. 

Obviously, the primary function is to ensure that the water stays firmly on the inside, preventing unnecessary flooding. However,  the base design also has an impact on virtually every other aspect, including bathroom heating & ventilation. 

Although it seems like a good idea to purchase a prefabricated shower box, it’s advisable to instead build something that can be adjusted and measured to fit around the current bathroom furniture, plumbing layout, or building plans. 

Building something custom is also crucial when taking into account shower placement in relation to existing elements such as toilets, cabinets, and bidets. 

Shower Trays 

Generally speaking, unless a proper wet room is being built, shower trays matching the stall dimensions will need to be chosen, and they come with either corner or central drainage. 

Trays can be recessed so that the lip is level with the rest of the floor, creating a small step down into the shower or installed at floor height so that it’s necessary to take a step over the lip and into the shower.  

They come in various finishes, ranging from the standard white acrylic to ultra-modern exposed stainless steel, all of which have different profile ranges depending on whether they are recessed. 

When the idea of a visible tray doesn’t appeal, an alternative is to go for a seamless walk-in where the tray is hidden from view by the shower tiles.  

For a walk in shower in New Zealand, a specially designed shower tray must be chosen along with the same brand of drain and drain cover, as this guarantees optimal fit and function of the system.  

Glass showers, in particular, benefit from these hidden drainage systems, minimising visual clutter and adding a more sophisticated feel.  

The only instance in which a shower tray may not be essential is when constructing a wet room. Usually, the floor is built at an angle, and the drainage is built directly into the plumbing, circumventing the need for water to collect in a shower tray. 

Shower Doors 

Unless one is envisioning a quirky retro look, that shower curtain has to go. Frameless glass showers are a real statement piece that, thanks to an array of shower doors, are not only affordable but can easily be installed by attaching a glass door directly to an existing wall. 

Additionally, doors can swing inwards or outwards from either side, and pivot hinges can allow doors to open both ways simultaneously. If the layout allows, a spectacular revolving door can be created by positioning the pivot hinge in the centre of the door. 

Sliding doors are best suited to smaller bathrooms where there may not be enough room for a hinged door to swing open.  

If opting for a simple, uncluttered style, a doorless shower is a great way to reduce the number of panels needed whilst eliminating the visual interference of additional hinges or frames.  

However, going doorless does require a fair amount of space so that a large enough shower screen can be fitted, preventing water from splashing into the rest of the bathroom. 

Bath and Shower Screens

In the case of remodelling and upgrading existing baths or showers in New Zealand, a budget-friendly but effective course of action is to refurbish the surface or tiles and then incorporate bath and shower screens to add a more contemporary feel. 

Due to a continual update in technology in hinge and glass strength, one can choose framed or frameless, depending on the number of glass panels that need to be incorporated.  

Glass can either be clear, frosted or even stained depending on the aesthetic. Clear glass, however, is usually better suited when trying to make a small space feel larger.

Shower Accessories 

Remember that bathrooms are first and foremost a functional space; therefore, it’s vital to choose shower accessories that address practical issues like where to hang towels or store bath products. 

That being said, opt for towel racks, shower door handles, and hinges that match or stylishly contrast the other fittings such as shower systems, bathroom taps, and shelving.

Shower Shelves 

The most prominent feature and the quickest way to ruin a perfectly designed shower are incorrectly chosen shower shelves.  

Built-in shelves are a much better long-term solution in New Zealand compared to a cheap DIY caddy with a spring-loaded pole that holds the shelving unit in place between the ceiling and floor.  

If space is an issue or a sleeker finish is preferred, one can also build shower niches into the walls to hold all manner of products. 

These can be custom-built, or there are prefabricated ones that can be inserted into the wall. 

It’s also imperative to think about adding other items such as shower seats, handrails, or footrests that enhance bathroom accessibility for those family members who are less mobile.  

Highlight bold design aspects in strategic spots by adding a splash of colour or touch of whimsy using bathroom accessories. These can include greenery in pretty vases, along with mirrors and beautiful soap dispensers. 

If you are still having trouble deciding on what kind of self-care oasis you want, please contact one of our professionals to help put together something functional and elegant.  

ArchiPro offers a wide range of showers and other accessories in New Zealand to make that dream bathroom a reality.