Caroma Liano II Basins: A Guide to Coloured Basins & Style
You know that point in a bathroom reno where you're just staring at a wall of white things, and they all start to look the same? The basin is a big decision. Get it right, and it pulls the whole room together. Get it wrong, and it’s just… there. That's why we at The Blue Space find ourselves talking about the Caroma Liano II range so much. It’s one of those collections that just gets it. It’s stylish without being difficult, and it has enough options to feel personal. If you want a basin that does more than just hold water, you’re in the right place. Let's dig in.
So, What's the Secret Sauce with Caroma Liano II?
Alright, let's break it down. Caroma Liano II is from Caroma, a brand most Aussies have grown up with. It's the follow-up act to their original Liano range, which was known for being very clean and architectural. This new collection takes that idea, softens the edges a bit, and throws in a bunch of new shapes and colours. And the colours are a big deal.
The first thing you’ll probably notice is the rim. It’s super thin. It makes the basin look refined, almost like a piece of handmade pottery, but it’s tough enough to handle daily life. That’s the whole idea behind Liano II, really. Giving you choice. It’s about making sure you can find a basin that fits the bathroom you’ve got in your head, not just the one that fits the plumbing. It’s designer looks, without the scary price tag or the fear it’ll be too fragile to actually use. It's a standout in the world of bathroom basins.
Where Do These Basins Actually Work Best?
Honestly? Pretty much anywhere. They're total chameleons. In a super-modern apartment, a sharp-edged rectangular Liano II looks killer. It just works with all the other clean lines. But then, think about a busy family home. That’s where something like a big inset Liano II basin is a lifesaver. It’s built into the counter, so you can just wipe messes straight into it. No annoying lip for toothpaste and grime to get stuck in. It’s practical style.
They’re not just for minimalist spaces, either. Picture a coastal bach or a country cottage. You could take a soft oval Liano II, maybe in that awesome dusty green colour, and sit it on a timber benchtop. It immediately feels warm and modern all at once. The colour turns it from a boring utility into the centrepiece of the room. Even the smallest spaces can benefit. A little powder room can feel twice the size with a wall-hung basin that floats off the ground. It’s clever design that solves a real problem.
Finding Your Type: A Basin for Every Reno
Caroma knew that not everyone has the same layout or the same taste. So they didn't just make one style of basin. They made a whole bunch, and how you mount it completely changes the room. Here’s the nitty-gritty.
The Show-Off: Above Counter Basins
If you want your basin to be the star, this is your guy. An above counter basin sits right on top of your vanity like a feature bowl. It’s the best way to show off a great shape or a bold coloured basin. The Liano II range has round, oval, and rectangular ones that all look fantastic. They create a bit of a fancy, day-spa feel and look great with a tall tap on the bench or one that comes straight out of the wall.
The All-Rounder: Inset Basins
This is probably the most common and practical style you’ll see. The inset basin gets ‘dropped in’ to a hole in the benchtop, so the rim sits flat on the surface. Super easy to clean around. The Liano II versions keep it looking fresh with that skinny rim, so it doesn't feel clunky or dated. A solid, can't-go-wrong choice for a main bathroom.
The Minimalist: Undermount Basins
For that super-clean, seamless bench, you want an undermount basin. It’s installed from underneath, so there’s no rim at all on top of the counter. This is the dream for wiping down the bench—everything goes straight into the sink. You’ll need a solid stone or quartz-type benchtop for this style, but the end result is sleek and so easy to live with.
The Space-Saver: Wall Hung & Small Basins
Got a tiny bathroom? The wall-hung basin is your secret weapon. It bolts straight onto the wall, freeing up the floor space underneath and making the room feel bigger. They’re a perfect solution for powder rooms. Whether you need a tiny spot to wash your hands or just generally need to look at small basins, this style delivers without cramping your space.
The Problem-Solver: Semi-Recessed Basins
This one's a bit of a genius design for awkward spaces. A semi-recessed basin is designed for narrow vanities. The back half is set into the benchtop, but the front half hangs over the edge. It means you can have a nice, deep basin to use without needing a big, bulky cabinet that juts out into the room. A total game-changer for tight spots.
Other Ways to Make a Splash
While Liano II is all about clean, integrated style, don't forget other showstoppers like freestanding basins, which are dramatic floor-mounted columns. Or mounting a basin on a slim console frame for an open, airy vibe. It’s a different look to the modern Liano II, but a world away from fussy, traditional basins.
Are You a Round or a Square? Finding Your Shape
The shape of your basin matters more than you think. It sets a mood. Are you going for something soft and relaxed, or something sharp and structured? The Liano II range has the building blocks for whatever you're trying to create.
The Straight-Laced: Rectangular & Square
If you like things neat and tidy, a rectangular basin will probably speak to you. It feels organised and modern. A square basin gives you the same clean vibe in a more compact shape. These look great when you line them up with your tiles and vanity for a really cohesive feel.
The Softy: Round & Oval
Curves make a room feel more relaxed. An oval basin is classic and elegant, and it’s a great way to soften up a room that has a lot of hard edges. Round basins are a bit more modern and fun, especially as a counter-top feature. They just feel a bit more friendly and welcoming.
The New Kids: Pill & Arch Shapes
There are some really cool shapes coming through in design right now, and Liano II is on top of it. The pill shape—like a rectangle with soft, rounded ends—is hugely popular. It's the perfect middle ground. You also see lots of arch shapes appearing in mirrors and niches, and an arch-shaped basin ties into that trend beautifully. And while you're looking at new trends, keep an eye out for textured fluted basins, which add another layer of detail.
The Fun Part: Let's Talk Colour
White is fine. White is safe. But colour… colour is where the magic happens. A coloured basin is probably the single easiest way to make your bathroom look unique and intentional. Caroma’s colour choices for the Liano II are spot on—they’re all in a chalky matte finish that looks and feels amazing.
The Whites Done Right
Of course, there’s still classic gloss white. It’s timeless for a reason. But the real star is the matte white. It’s softer, less glary, and has a real architectural quality to it. It looks incredible with natural timber or stone.
Go Bold with Matte Black
A matte black basin is pure confidence. It’s dramatic, it feels expensive, and it immediately becomes the focal point of the room. Pair it with black taps for a full-on stealth look, or make it pop with brushed brass taps. It’s a power move.
The Earthy Tones
This is where you can have some real fun. The Liano II colours feel like they’re pulled from the Australian landscape. There’s a soft, sage-like green that is instantly calming. There's a dusty pink that’s more like clay or terracotta—it’s warm and sophisticated. And the grey is a perfect, soft concrete colour that goes with absolutely everything. It’s a modern neutral that’s more interesting than white.
But Is It Tough? Let's Talk Materials
A pretty basin that chips in five seconds is useless. Luckily, these aren't that. The Liano II range is made from vitreous china. That’s the classic ceramic material you know, but it's been fired at ridiculously high temperatures, so the glaze basically melts into the clay. The result? It's tough as nails. It won't stain from makeup or hair dye, it's hard to scratch, and it's a breeze to clean. While there are other materials out there like solid surface, raw concrete, or natural stone, this advanced ceramic gives you the best of all worlds: great looks and bomb-proof durability.
So, Is a Liano II Basin a Good Choice?
When you add it all up, choosing a basin from the Caroma Liano II range is a bit of a no-brainer for a few solid reasons.
You Can Actually Make It Yours
With all the shapes, sizes, and colours, you can mix and match to create something that feels like you. Your bathroom won't look like a cookie-cutter display home.
It's Built for Real Life
Caroma makes things that last. This isn't fast-fashion for your bathroom. It's a solid investment that will handle the daily grind for years and years.
Looks More Expensive Than It Is
That thin rim is a detail you usually only find on much pricier designer basins. It’s a little touch of luxury that makes the whole space feel more special.
You Can Get a Matching Set
Caroma has designed Liano II toilets, baths, and taps that all share the same design DNA. So you can get a whole coordinated look without the headache of trying to match different brands.
Right, The Boring (But Important) Final Bits
Before you go, just a couple of practical things to keep in your back pocket. Taps. Some of these basins don’t have a hole for the tap. That means you’ll need a tall tap that stands on the bench or one that comes out of the wall. Just check the product description so you know what you’re working with.
Also, the plug thingy in the bottom—it’s called a waste. They’re usually sold separately so you can match the colour to your taps. The only thing you need to know is whether your basin has an overflow (that little hole near the top to stop floods). If it does, get a ‘slotted’ waste. No overflow? Get an ‘unslotted’ waste. Easy.
And last of all, get your tape measure out. Check the basin’s dimensions against your vanity. Make sure it all fits and feels right. A few minutes of checking now saves a lot of headaches later. Get these little details right, and you'll end up with a bathroom you'll love walking into every morning.
