Caroma Contura II Basins: Your Guide for a Top-Notch Bathroom Reno
So, you're redoing the bathroom. It's a big job, but it's also one of the most rewarding. You get to rip out the old and create a space that’s just for you. And right in the middle of all your plans is the basin. You probably use it more than anything else in the bathroom, so it's got to be right. It needs to look good, feel good to use, and handle everything family life throws at it. That's where a brand like Caroma pops up. They’re an Aussie classic for a reason. Here at The Blue Space, we see a ton of bathroom basins, and we can tell you, the Contura II range is one that people keep coming back to. It just gets that mix of stunning looks and daily usability spot on.
What’s the Deal with the Caroma Contura II Basin Range?
Let's get straight to it. What makes the Caroma Contura II range special? In a word: softness. The whole design is built around smooth, flowing lines and organic shapes. You won't find any sharp, aggressive corners here. Everything is gently curved, almost like something shaped by water over time. The result is a basin that feels incredibly calm and welcoming. It's modern, for sure, but in a way that’s warm and timeless, not cold and sterile. You know it’s not going to look dated in five years.
And it's not just a standalone piece. It’s part of a whole family of products, including toilets and baths, so you can get that clean, consistent look across the whole room. They're made from vitreous china, which is a fancy name for a really tough, glossy ceramic. It’s a breeze to clean and tough enough to resist scratches. It's this smart Aussie design mixed with tough-as-nails build quality that makes all Caroma basins, especially this range, a really solid choice for your home.
Where Would You Put a Contura II Basin?
The best part about the Contura II’s simple, elegant shape is that it’s not locked into one style. It’s a bit of a chameleon. It can fit into all sorts of bathroom vibes and just… work. It’s a great starting point that lets you build your own look around it. Let's look at a few examples.
The Clean and Simple Minimalist Bathroom
If you're after that clean, uncluttered, spa-at-home feel, this basin gets it. Minimalism is all about focusing on quality shapes, not flashy decorations. The Contura II's smooth form is perfect for this. It doesn’t scream for attention; it just looks beautiful. Pop it on a floating vanity with some simple wall-mounted taps, and you've got a space that feels open and calming. Plus, let's be honest, fewer fiddly bits means less to clean. Win-win.
The Relaxed Coastal Vibe
You know that breezy, chilled-out feeling of a beach house? A coastal style tries to capture that with natural textures and light colours. The Contura II's soft, almost wave-like curves fit into that theme perfectly. It feels natural. Imagine it on a light timber vanity top, with some brushed nickel taps. It complements the whole look instead of fighting it. It helps turn your bathroom into a little escape from the world.
The Hectic Family Bathroom
The main family bathroom needs to be tough. It’s the epicentre of morning chaos and bath time fun. The Contura II is more than up to the task. The bowls are nice and deep, which means less water gets splashed everywhere by the kids. The rounded corners are a small detail, but they're safer for little ones running about. And that super smooth ceramic surface? A quick wipe and it’s clean. It's proof you can have a bathroom that looks amazing but is also built for the realities of family life.
The Small but Mighty Powder Room
A powder room might be tiny, but it's a chance to do something cool. A great-looking basin can be the star of the show. An above counter basin from the Contura II range, for example, feels really luxe and draws the eye, making the room feel more special. Because the design is so refined, it adds a touch of class for your guests without making the small space feel cramped.
Your Own Private Ensuite
Your ensuite is your space. It should feel a bit like a hotel, a place to relax. The Contura II basin fits that role perfectly. Its sculptural form looks incredible sitting on a stone benchtop, maybe even two of them side-by-side. It’s one of those simple upgrades that makes your daily routine feel a little bit more luxurious. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
Let’s Look at the Contura II Basin Types
The Contura II range isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. There are a couple of main styles, and picking the right one depends on your vanity and the look you're going for.
The Above Counter Showpiece
This is the style you're seeing everywhere right now, and for good reason. An above counter basin sits right on top of your vanity like a beautiful bowl. It puts the whole shape of the basin on display. The Contura II really shines in this setup because you can appreciate all its soft curves. The thing to remember here is your tapware. You'll need either a tall basin mixer that can reach up and over the side, or taps that come out of the wall behind it. Its classic oval shape is a popular pick, as it brings a gentle feel to the room.
The Tidy Inset Basin
An inset basin gets "dropped in" to a cutout in your benchtop, so the rim sits flush on the surface. This gives you a more built-in, traditional look. The big practical win here is cleaning. You can just wipe water and spills from the bench straight into the sink. Easy. The Contura II inset models keep the range's signature curves inside the bowl, so you still get that soft, elegant look.
What Other Basin Styles Are Out There?
While Contura II nails the above counter and inset looks, it’s good to know what else is on the market. A semi-recessed basin juts out from the front of a shallow vanity, which is a clever space-saver. For a super-slick bench, an undermount basin hides underneath. A wall hung basin makes a room feel bigger by showing the floor underneath. For pure drama, a freestanding basin is like a piece of sculpture. You can also find basins integrated into elegant consoles for a furniture feel. For those who prefer a more classic look, there's a world of traditional basins with heritage details. And for the smallest rooms, there are specific small hand basins and other compact small basins designed to fit tight spots.
A Quick Word on Shapes
Basins come in all shapes and sizes these days. The soft form of a pill shape basin is a cool, modern take on an oval. You've got your sharp rectangular basins and square basins for a more architectural look. Simple round basins never go out of style. And now we're seeing really interesting new designs like arch shape basins and ones with textured, fluted basins sides. The Contura II's gentle design is a great alternative if you want something modern but not harsh.
So, Why Should You Pick a Contura II Basin?
When you're trying to make a final decision, it's good to just list out the pros. What are the big wins with a Contura II?
A Design That Lasts
First off, it just looks fantastic. It’s got a sculptural feel that makes it look more expensive than it is. But it’s not a flashy, "look at me" design that will feel silly in a few years. It's modern, yes, but its simple, organic lines are classic. It has staying power. It can be the quiet, classy anchor for your whole bathroom design.
Made for Real, Messy Life
Looks are one thing, but a basin has a job to do. These are designed for actual use. The deep bowl stops water from going everywhere. The solid ceramic material can take the knocks of daily life. And with no sharp corners for grime to get stuck in, cleaning is so much faster. It's a genuinely practical choice.
Get a Co-ordinated Look, Easy
Trying to match different bathroom fixtures can be a headache. Do these whites match? Do these curves go together? Caroma solves that. The Contura II basins are designed to be a perfect match for the toilets and baths in the same range. It makes getting that consistent, professionally designed look really straightforward.
You're Buying a Brand You Can Trust
Let's be real, there's a lot of comfort in buying from a brand with a great track record. Caroma has been a household name in Australia for ages. They know how to make products that last, and they stand behind them with a proper warranty. You're not taking a gamble; you're buying a piece of quality that's proven to perform.
A Few Final Things to Think About
You've picked the basin. Awesome. Now a couple of final details will pull the whole look together and make sure everything works perfectly.
Colours and Finishes
The Contura II range sticks to a classic, clean look with its beautiful white basins. Some models also offer a modern matte white basins finish, which feels amazing to the touch. But if you're feeling adventurous, the wider basin world is full of colour now. Bold black basins look incredible, while colours like grey, green, and even soft pink basins can add a huge amount of personality. Sticking with a white Contura II gives you a perfect canvas to play with colour in your tiles or paint.
What It's Made Of
We've talked about the Contura II being made of tough ceramic, the go-to material for most basins. But just so you know your options, you can also get basins made from other cool stuff. Solid surface basins have a smooth, matte feel and can be repaired if you scratch them. Concrete basins give you a raw, industrial vibe. And for pure luxury, stone basins are carved from blocks of marble or travertine. The Contura II's ceramic gives you that perfect mix of great looks, toughness, and value.
The Perfect Partners: Taps and Vanities
Your basin doesn't live in isolation. Think about its partners. For an above counter Contura II, you'll need a tall mixer tap. A classic chrome one always works, but brushed nickel or matte black can look amazing too. For the vanity, the basin's soft shape looks great with the warmth of timber. It also looks super sharp on a plain white or black top, or you could go for a coloured vanity to really make a statement.
Some Quick Install Tips
Your plumber will handle the hard work, but it's good to know the basics. They should always use the paper template that comes in the box to cut the hole in the vanity. It’s got to be the right size. Make sure the vanity is perfectly level before the basin goes on, otherwise, it won't drain properly. Finally, a neat bead of bathroom silicone around the base is crucial to stop water from sneaking underneath. It's these little details that give you a professional job that will last for years.