Walkers Design Centre Renovation
Walkers Design Centre recently underwent a major upgrade with their product displays. The in-house Interior Stylists have been scouring Australia and the globe in search of beautifully designed and innovative products. Now on display are the fruits of this search, drop in to the Newtown Walkes Design Centre for a closer look.
Walkers Design Centre Design Gala
Walkers Design Award Night 2025
Walkers Design Centre recently held their inaugural Design Award night. The event was attended by over 120 people from the building industry. Attendees where able to see first hand the design centre renovation which includes new brand and ranges we had sourced from around Australia and the world.
The award night is driven by the need to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation of Walker’s clients. The quality of the entrants was extremely high and the task of choosing the most suitable winners was not easy. Our judges consisted of:
Judges
- Kayla (Haus of Teasdale)
- Bronte Panckridge (Architect – Watson Young Architects)
- Stretch Kontelj (Geelong Mayor)
- Tess (GT Magazine)
- Lachlan Shepherd (Lachlan Shepherd Architects)
- Tracey Pocock (Interior Stylist)
- Tim Walker (Director)
- Ryan Walker (Director)
While there are many hundreds of categories we could provide awards for, we wanted to focus on the major categories. After much debate we settled on the following categories for our inaugural design night.
Award Categories
- Designer of the Year
- Renovation of the Year
- Commercial Project of the Year
- Home of the Year Under $2 miliion
- Home of the Year Over $2 million
- Peoples Choice Award
Category:
New Build Over $2 million
Evans Building Group
Heated Bathroom Comforts
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.
Hottest Bathroom Trends 2025
Trends come and go, but that doesn't mean we can't indulge in what is making us excited for 2025. We've compiled five of our favourite trends we believe will make any bathroom more exciting.
1. Spa-Like & Wellness Centric Features
In 2025, the bathroom is no longer just a functional space—it’s becoming a personal sanctuary centered around wellness and relaxation. Homeowners are embracing spa-inspired design elements that turn everyday routines into luxurious rituals.
Think soothing rainfall shower-heads that replicate the calming effect of a waterfall, steam showers that help melt away the stress of the day, and advanced temperature controls that let you customise your ideal comfort level.
Bathtubs are also getting a major upgrade. Deep soaking tubs and sculptural freestanding bathtubs are rising in popularity, offering not only a serene soaking experience but also serving as elegant focal points within the space.
As more people seek comfort and tranquility at home, these wellness-focused features, along with additions like heated towel racks are becoming essential elements in the modern bathroom.
Pro Tip: Adding spa-like features to your bathroom enhances both luxury and well-being. So consider incorporating aromatherapy and colour therapy to boost mood and energy, creating a retreat that nurtures both body and mind. Wellness features go beyond showers and lighting. Add heated towel racks for comfort or a bidet for better hygiene, creating a bathroom that’s both stylish and health-focused.
2. Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is no longer just a trend, it’s a necessity, and in 2025, it’s taking center stage in bathroom design. Homeowners are becoming more eco-conscious, and the shift toward environmentally friendly materials is driving both innovation and style.
Expect to see bathrooms featuring renewable and recycled materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, cork flooring, recycled glass, and natural stone. These choices not only reduce environmental impact but also bring warmth, texture, and character to the space.
Water-saving features are also gaining traction, with low-flow toilets, water-efficient faucets, and smart fixtures becoming must-haves. Eco-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on style, in fact, these sustainable elements add a unique and thoughtful aesthetic that aligns beautifully with modern, mindful living.
Pro Tip: Choose materials that strike the perfect balance between style and sustainability. Reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and other eco-friendly options not only reduce your environmental footprint but also add rich texture and character to your bathroom design.
3. Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors In
“Biophilic” design stems from our innate human desire to connect with nature and living things, a connection that’s becoming increasingly important in the spaces where we live and unwind.
In 2025, this nature-inspired approach is gaining momentum in bathroom design, blending the soothing elements of the outdoors with everyday wellness.
Biophilic bathrooms embrace natural elements like lush greenery, abundant natural light, and gentle water features to create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Houseplants not only elevate the visual appeal but also improve air quality and promote calm. Think large windows, skylights, or even living walls to let in the sunshine, while indoor fountains or trickling water features enhance the overall sense of tranquility.
Pro Tip: Complement the biophilic look with natural materials like wood and stone. Choose sustainably sourced finishes, and you’ll effortlessly combine this nature-inspired trend with eco-conscious design.
4. Clever Smart Lighting
In 2025, lighting in the bathroom is getting a high-tech glow-up. No longer just a functional necessity, lighting has become a powerful design tool and smart technology is leading the charge. Today’s bathrooms blend style, convenience, and innovation with features that elevate both form and function.
Accent lighting, like under-cabinet LEDs or chic pendant lights, adds warmth and depth, while statement fixtures and backlit mirrors serve as both art and illumination. Smart lighting systems allow users to control brightness, colour temperature, and ambiance with just a tap or voice command, creating a personalised experience that shifts from energising morning routines to calming nighttime rituals.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out with smart tech, begin with small additions like smart bulbs or thermostats. You can always build up to a fully connected bathroom that works beautifully and efficiently with your lifestyle.
5. Clever Storage Designs
5. Clever Storage Designs
From energizing morning routines to winding down at night, the bathroom plays a central role in our daily lives and there’s nothing more frustrating than a space overrun with clutter. In 2025, smart storage solutions are taking the spotlight, helping to keep bathrooms calm, organised, and effortlessly functional.
Whether you’re working with a compact ensuite or a spacious master bath, the key is to maximise every inch. Built-in shelving, recessed cabinets, and multi-purpose vanities are becoming go-to options for keeping essentials out of sight but close at hand. A well-organised bathroom not only reduces visual clutter but also restores a sense of order and calm, exactly what this space should offer.
Pro Tip: Keep your most-used items in easy-to-reach spots and store less frequently used products in higher or lower areas that require a bit more effort. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference in your daily flow.
