Let’s chat about the bathroom – a sanctuary of self-care and a place for personal rejuvenation.
A bathroom needs to be not only beautiful, but also functional, durable, and easy to maintain. That’s why we partner with Robertson Bathware, who have been providing quality bathrooms since 1987. Robertson brings the highest standards of quality, style and innovation to the space you create.
Here is some of their top design tips:
1. What is the difference between a $200 tap and a $600 tap – and is it actually worth the upgrade?
At Robertson Bathware, it really comes down to materials, finishes, and craftsmanship. Take the Elementi Uno Basin Mixer, for example – crafted from solid brass with durable ceramic disc cartridges, it’s a reliable choice for everyday use. But when you step up to the Zucchetti Pan range, you’re not just getting European precision engineering and thicker PVD finishes for exceptional durability – you’re also experiencing the refined design sensibility of renowned Italian designer Roberto Palomba.
His influence brings a level sophistication that elevates your bathroom. If you’re looking for long-term quality and a touch of designer flair, that upgrade is well worth it, especially in your main bathroom.
2. How do I know the fixtures I choose now will still look good and work well in 10 years?
Start by choosing brands known for long-term durability and reliable performance—like Zucchetti and Elementi. Both use high-quality brass and advanced ceramic disc cartridges to ensure smooth operation over time.
Advanced plating procedures, including the latest in PVD, Electroplating, and Powder Coating technologies, provide superior resistance to wear, corrosion, and fading. For example, our Elementi Matt Black range features a robust PVD coating that helps maintain its sleek finish for years to come.
3. Are matte black fixtures high maintenance in real life?
Matte black does tend to show more water spots and fingerprints compared to brushed finishes. However, our Elementi Matt Black range, with its PVD coating, makes cleaning easier – just a quick wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap. It’s a small trade-off for that modern, statement-making look.
4. What is the most low-maintenance tapware and shower finish you offer?
Brushed nickel and brushed stainless finishes are the most forgiving in busy households. Elementi’s Brushed Nickel range is a favourite for this reason — it’s great at hiding water spots and fingerprints, so you’ll spend less time wiping and more time enjoying.
5. If I am going to spend a little extra on fixtures, where is the best place to do that — taps, showers, or vanities?
We recommend putting that extra budget towards your taps and showers first. You’ll feel the difference in performance every day. For example, a Zucchetti shower mixer with refined controls and beautiful finishing is an investment in comfort and longevity. For vanities and basins, consider Flaminia’s Italian ceramics or Apaiser’s sculptural stone basins and baths — both add serious wow-factor and timeless appeal.
6. Can I get a designer look without going for premium designer prices?
Absolutely! The Elementi ranges especially their Uno Collection are modern and architectural, delivering great style at a more accessible price. If you’re after that high-end European feel, Zucchetti and Flaminia are more of an investment, but they’re worth considering for key pieces.
7. How can I keep the style consistent across the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry — without over-complicating it?
Stick to a single finish or a limited palette of finishes. For instance, Elementi’s ranges come in matching finishes for basin mixers, kitchen mixers, and showers. If you’re leaning toward a luxury look, Zucchetti also offers coordinated lines across these spaces, which makes it easy to get a seamless, consistent feel without being too matchy-matchy.
8. How easy is it to get replacement parts if something breaks?
At Robertson Bathware, we pride ourselves on supporting our customers well beyond their finished bathroom. Our After Sales Support team includes qualified plumbing technicians and thousands of spare parts to ensure we can service your bathware products for years to come. We believe that repairing, rather than replacing, extends the life of your fixtures and supports a more sustainable approach to bathroom design. This way, you can have confidence that your investment will continue to perform beautifully, while caring for the environment.
9. Your new Elementi Calora heated towel rails look great – but what actually sets them apart?
The Elementi Calora Heated Towel Rails bring luxury and performance together with features that truly stand out. Crafted from 304 Grade Stainless Steel for superior durability and corrosion resistance, they’re designed to withstand daily bathroom use for years to come.
The collection’s brushed finishes, including the standout Brushed Chocolate, offer an elegant, modern look that give you more options to tie your bathroom design together. With concealed wiring, universal hardwiring for flexible installation, and an IP55 safety rating, the Calora range blends style, safety, and practicality. Plus the collection is all backed by a 10-year product warranty for long-term peace of mind.
10. We see a lot of beautiful freestanding baths — but are there practical differences we should know about before choosing one?
Absolutely! Our Apaiser freestanding baths, crafted from luxurious composite stone, offer incredible comfort thanks to their ergonomic shapes and smooth, warm-to-the-touch surfaces. They’re also easier to clean and maintain than acrylic baths, although you do need to plan for a bit more cleaning around them (freestanding baths sit away from the wall, so you’ll want to ensure there’s good access). The visual impact and bathing comfort, though, make them a highlight of any bathroom.
