As the chill of winter settles in across Australia, there's no better time to think about how to make your home more comfortable, especially in those early-morning or late-evening bathroom visits. While stylish tiles and beautiful finishes are often the focus of a renovation, adding a touch of luxury and warmth can completely transform how you use your space in the colder months.
1. Underfloor Heating
At Walkers Design Centre, we’re seeing more homeowners embrace underfloor tile heating, heated towel rails, and other warming solutions that make winter far more bearable and bathrooms far more luxurious.
Underfloor Tile Heating: Invisible Luxury You’ll Feel Every Day
Cold tiles underfoot in winter are a surefire way to start the day on the wrong note. Underfloor heating eliminates that jarring experience and creates a consistent, comfortable warmth that radiates through the room. You might be surprised to know underfloor heating can be supplied by a number of energy sources. These include electric, hydronic and integrated solar, for more detailed information please visit our Underfloor Heating page.
Underfloor Heating Benefits:
- Even heat distribution across the entire floor
- Works well under stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles
- Can be zoned and timer-controlled for energy efficiency
- Adds value and comfort without bulky heating systems
- Silent operation and no dust circulation, great for allergy sufferers
- Dries out bathrooms eliminating excess mould
- Cheap to purchase, install and run
Good to Know:
- Best installed during a renovation (under tiles and screed)
- Can be connected to smart systems or wall-mounted timers
- Installation costs vary depending on room size and layout
Perfect for: Bathrooms, ensuites, powder rooms, and even kitchens.
Walkers supply Devex Underfloor Heating systems.
2. Heated Towel Rails
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm towel. Heated towel rails not only deliver that spa-like experience but also help your towels dry faster and reduce dampness in the bathroom.
Heated Towel Benefits:
- Keeps towels warm, dry and hygienic
- Reduces moisture and mould risk in high-humidity spaces
- Available in ladder, single-bar or freestanding styles
- Can double as a subtle space heater in small bathrooms
- No need to sacrifice style, heated tail rails can look great.
- Modern finishes: brushed nickel, gunmetal, matte black, brass and chrome as well as luxury bespoke living finishes
Style Tip:
Choose a style and finish that complements your tapware or vanity handles for a cohesive look.
Perfect for: Bathrooms, ensuites, powder rooms, and even kitchens.
3. Smart Heating Controls
Smart Heating Controls provides comfort when you want it. As the name suggests controlling your heat is smart, why heat when you don’t need it. Smart Heating Controls can be used for both floor heating and towel rails, consider smart timers or thermostats that let you:
- Program heating to start before you wake up
- Only heat the space when needed (saving energy)
- Adjust temperatures with precision
- Smart controls make these luxuries more efficient and budget-friendly in the long run.
Perfect for: Bathrooms, ensuites, powder rooms, and even kitchens.
Walkers Design Centre are a reseller for Radiant and Devex who both offer a wide range of Smart Heating Controllers. These controllers are available for both 12volt and 240volt products.
4. Warm up with these style suggestions
While heating systems make a big difference, a few thoughtful design choices can help your bathroom feel warmer and more inviting:
Warm-tone finishes:
Natural stone, timber-look tiles or soft taupe and beige tones can make your space visually warm even if the temp drops.
Layered lighting:
Use dimmable lighting, warm LED colour temperatures, and wall sconces to add a cosy glow during darker mornings and evenings.
Soft furnishings:
Add texture with plush bath mats, fabric window coverings, or even a padded bench seat if space allows.
Don't just renovate, Winter Proof.
Renovating in winter or preparing for the next cold season is the perfect opportunity to add warmth and wellness to your space. A small investment in underfloor heating or towel rails can turn a functional bathroom into a sanctuary you love using year-round.
At Walkers Design Centre, we work with designers, builders and homeowners to create spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful, especially when the temperature drops. We can help you plan your heating solutions, choose the right products, and ensure your renovation delivers in every season.