Next level
Empire Glass is taking shower design outside the box.
Image Kent Homes show home in Rolleston.
For years, bathroom design revolved around the traditional shower cubicle: a bulky, boxed-in space that often dictated the layout of the entire room. Now, contemporary shower design prioritises openness, flow and functionality, helping bathrooms feel larger, brighter and more connected.
“Modern bathroom design is moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and embracing spaces that are tailored to the people who use them,” says Nathan Cadman, company director of Empire Glass in Christchurch.
“One of the greatest advantages of glass showers is their ability to be custom-made to suit a space. Glass panels can be cut to size and configured in numerous ways, from simple shower screens through to inline and corner enclosures.”
This flexibility optimises every square metre while creating a shower that feels like an integrated feature.
When it comes to frameless showers, clear glass is often the first option that comes to mind. Clear glass is popular for good reason, creating a sense of openness and allowing light through the room. However, clear glass is not the only choice. Reeded glass is rapidly gaining popularity.
“We’re seeing a growing demand for reeded glass as customers look for ways to balance privacy with openness. Light moves through the space while adding texture, character and a softer visual separation within the bathroom,” says Nathan.
Reeded glass is particularly well suited to hospitality settings, apartment living and compact urban homes, where bathrooms often need to serve multiple functions. By introducing a level of obscurity, shower areas feel separate while maintaining the openness that modern design demands.
With textured glass, the light itself becomes a design element, creating depth, texture and visual interest. The effect adds character without compromising the clean, minimalist aesthetic that defines many modern bathrooms. Reeded glass also pairs beautifully with the trend of brushed brass and warm metallic finishes, helping to create a bathroom that feels both contemporary and inviting.
Nathan says the flexibility of frameless showers can create safer, easier access for people of all ages. Plus, they are designed with water containment in mind, providing practical performance with a visually seamless result. “When the shower is designed to fit the space, rather than the space being designed around the shower, the entire bathroom benefits.”
