Share

cover art for From Showroom to Shower - How to Get Your Bathroom Done Right with Jennifer Price

Trends Property Insight Series

From Showroom to Shower - How to Get Your Bathroom Done Right with Jennifer Price

Season 1

You can also watch this episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast


In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager at Plumbing World — New Zealand’s largest 100% locally owned plumbing merchant. With over 60 years of history and a nationwide network of 58 branches, Plumbing World is proudly built on a cooperative model, owned by the very tradespeople it serves. Jennifer unpacks what makes this model unique and how it shapes the way Plumbing World brings high-quality, regulation-compliant products to both tradies and everyday homeowners.


From taps to toilets, showers to vanities, Jennifer shares deep insights into how New Zealanders are using their bathrooms in 2025, and how design, functionality, wellness, and long-term planning are all converging in this crucial part of the home.


Throughout the episode, Jennifer offers expert guidance on:


  • Navigating the renovation journey, including where to start, how early to plan, and what timelines are often underestimated.
  • The growing shift toward wellness, low-maintenance materials, and natural colour palettes in bathroom design.
  • Common mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid regret through better planning and professional advice.
  • The differences between mains and low-pressure plumbing, and how to tell what you have.
  • Choosing tapware, showers, and toilets that suit your specific space, lifestyle, and budget, without compromising quality


Jennifer also explains how Plumbing World’s exclusive brands — including LeVivi, Toto, and Metrix — are carefully handpicked and tailored for Kiwi homes, combining global design with local expertise. She shares practical tips for making smart upgrades (such as changing tapware or vanities for instant impact) and discusses the growing popularity of high-tech options like bidet toilets and cold-start tap technology.


For listeners planning a renovation, Jennifer provides valuable context around:


  • Understanding space and user needs (ensuite vs family bathroom vs powder room).
  • Coordinating product styles across multiple bathrooms while varying investment levels.
  • The pros and cons of vessel vs inset basins.
  • How to size and select a shower or bath that fits your needs (and why you should always try them in person!).
  • Ventilation, maintenance, and how to keep your bathroom looking newer, longer.

She also encourages homeowners to take full advantage of Plumbing World’s free consultation service — available in every branch and online — and to use resources like the Plumbing World Helps guide, catalogues, and product planners to help build confidence and clarity throughout the renovation process.


Whether you’re completely overhauling a bathroom or just updating a few fixtures, Jennifer’s practical, down-to-earth advice is invaluable. Her message is clear: start early, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and come into the showroom, where experienced consultants are ready to help you create a bathroom that works beautifully for your lifestyle, your budget, and your home.


You can also watch this episode by visiting: TrendsProperty.com/Podcast

More episodes

View all episodes

  • The Entrepreneur’s Template: How Trends Went Global with David Johnson

    47:18||Season 1
    You can watch the full episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/about-usIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with David Johnson, founder and CEO of Trends, to unpack the entrepreneur’s template that took a New Zealand idea global. We explore how a simple, repeatable format — clear headlines, useful stories, disciplined layouts, and strict guardrails — scaled across countries and cultures.You’ll hear the pivotal moments: selling on talkback radio, inventing “advertorial” as education-first marketing, templating pages so journalists could ship quality at speed, and pairing print with early web video years before YouTube. We connect those lessons to today: why systems thinking beats guesswork, why distribution is strategy, and how to protect product integrity as you grow.Set in the context of New Zealand’s design and building sector, this conversation shows how a focus on clarity, trust, and audience respect can travel from Auckland to Asia, the US, and beyond — and why those same principles power TrendsProperty.com today.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a marketer, or a builder of teams and platforms, you’ll take away a practical playbook for turning one good idea into many durable wins.You can watch the full episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/about-us
  • From Why to What: The Journey that Built Trends Property with Andrew Johnson

    01:08:55||Season 1
    You can watch the full episode by visiting Trendsproperty.com/about-usIn this special episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, the roles switch. Broadcaster Dom Harvey takes the host chair and interviews Andrew Johnson about the real story behind Trends Property. Andrew shares how growing up in a family publishing business, building early digital video platforms, and weathering his own buying, selling, and renovating challenges led to a national platform designed to make the property journey clearer and less stressful.They unpack why Trends Property is free to use, how the ecosystem works from journeys and guides to the myTrends account and team collaboration, and why better communication between homeowners and professionals lifts outcomes. Andrew explains the practical gaps he saw first-hand, the human side of decision-making under pressure, and the value of unbiased tools that help you take the right steps in the right order.Looking ahead, Andrew outlines what is coming next, including conversational tools, smarter assistants, and richer ways to learn and plan. Whether you are renovating where you live, preparing to sell, buying with intent, or considering a new build, this episode gives you the context behind the platform and a clear sense of why this work matters.You can watch the full episode by visiting Trendsproperty.com/about-us
  • How Timeless Kitchen Craftsmanship Meets Modern Innovation with Ross Longney

    29:12||Season 1
    You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Ross Longney, longtime kitchen specialist at Poggenpohl Studio Auckland, to unpack how design discipline and quality systems turn a busy room into the most reliable space in your home. From 130-plus years of German engineering heritage to what that means on site in New Zealand, Ross explains why “the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”He breaks down the decisions that matter most: establishing a clear brief, choosing appliances early because they drive the layout, and prioritising workflow as a “work circle.” Think storage, prep, cook, clean, and put away, rather than a dated triangle. We explore why drawers beat under-bench cupboards, how tall kitchens are changing storage, and the real-world benefits of good hardware, integrated appliances, and durable benchtops.Ross also demystifies installation, the critical last mile that makes everything line up, glide, and last. He shares how to avoid common regrets, such as corner clashes and noisy plant rooms, why branded kitchens can lift resale, and how to balance timeless materials with future-ready tech such as induction through porcelain hobs and high-performance refrigeration.Whether you are planning a compact upgrade or a full open plan showpiece, you will learn where to spend, where to simplify, and how to work with a trained kitchen designer and specialist installer so your kitchen looks serene and performs beautifully for decades.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast
  • Outside the Box Thinking - Inside the Budget Building with Nat Jakich

    41:20||Season 1
    You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Nat Jakich of Box to unpack what really makes a residential project run well. Drawing on decades across site and office, Nat explains why getting the builder involved early with the designer and engineer turns a good concept into a deliverable plan, with clearer pricing, fewer surprises, and a smoother path through consent and construction.Nat breaks down the decisions that matter most: foundations and structure that suit the site, access and excavation planning while heavy machinery is on hand, and simple, durable detailing that keeps homes warm, dry, and easy to maintain. He shares how direct, honest communication with homeowners prevents small issues from becoming costly problems, and why showing a realistic schedule early — then tightening it at pre-line — keeps confidence high.We explore the renovate-versus-rebuild call, including when retaining character makes sense and when starting fresh delivers better performance and value. Nat also lifts the curtain on Box’s team model, from long-term subcontractor relationships to training apprentices, so quality stays consistent from framing to handover.Whether you are planning a careful renovation or a new architectural build, this conversation shows how early collaboration, practical sequencing, and transparent client updates protect budgets, save time, and deliver homes that work beautifully for New Zealand living.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast
  • Beyond the Swim: Designing Your Backyard for Family, Friends, and Resale Value with Damian Francis

    30:22||Season 1
    You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Damian Francis from Frontier Pools to unpack the full journey from first idea to first swim. With a background in landscaping and concrete, he explains why the best pools begin with a solid design, clear goals, and a site plan that considers access, fencing, and the entire backyard — not just the water.Damian walks through the early steps: engaging a landscape architect, shaping a concept that reflects how you actually want to live, and navigating consent with pool fencing in mind. He demystifies common decisions — pool size, shape, filtration, heating, and finishes — and shares when features like infinity edges or integrated spas make sense.We dig into the build realities many homeowners miss: tight Auckland sites, rock excavation, machinery access, and sequencing the dig so landscaping benefits from the same window of work. Damian outlines typical timelines from construction to handover and explains why planning for a concealed cover early can save money and improve the look while reducing evaporation and running costs.Finally, he breaks down water care options (salt-to-chlorine, mineral systems, automation), the basics of maintenance and valet services, and the simple habits that keep water clear with minimal effort. Throughout, Damian returns to the real payoff — time together. A well-planned pool becomes a daily ritual for kids, teens, and parents alike, turning the backyard into a place to connect, unplug, and make memories for decades.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast
  • Beyond the Script Selling Homes with Style, Psychology & Real-World Reno Smarts with Elaine Ferguson

    47:38||Season 1
    You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Elaine Ferguson, licensed real estate agent, former TVNZ designer, and trained psychotherapist, to explore what truly drives a successful sale. From the first phone call to settlement day, Elaine shares a practice built on authenticity, proportion, and an experience that feels as good in person as it looks online.Elaine explains why editing a home often beats over-staging, and how clean sightlines, natural light, and a clear entry sequence shape buyer perception within seconds. She walks through the small presentation wins that compound, including house washing, window cleaning, a freshly painted front door, and furniture placement that supports flow. You will also hear how to match the campaign to the most likely buyer, with practical guidance on auctions, tenders, deadline sales, and price by negotiation in a New Zealand context.Drawing on her background in psychotherapy, Elaine unpacks the psychology of trust at open homes and the art of honest feedback without dwelling on known negatives. She shows how to run a no-surprises campaign using realistic timelines, builder checkpoints, and pricing conversations that keep momentum. For sellers, she sets out a simple path from declutter to photography. For buyers, she offers open-home etiquette, smarter feedback for agents, and a research method that beats algorithms through real comparisons and sold results.To round out the episode, Elaine shares lessons from 19 personal renovations, including why layout comes first, how a master plan prevents throwaway spend, and where to invest when budgets are tight. Whether you are preparing to sell, hunting for your next place, or refreshing the rooms you live in now, Elaine’s message is clear: the best results come from calm preparation, clear communication, and spaces that welcome people the moment they arrive.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast
  • Energy, Water & Wellness: More Soak for Less Spend with Aaron Sampson

    32:11||Season 1
    You watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Aaron Sampson from Hot Spring to talk about the real choices that make a spa a smart everyday wellness tool, not just a backyard luxury. We look past the brochure specs and into what actually lowers running costs, insulation that works as a system, efficient pumps and heaters, and the humble cover (plus a lift assist) that keeps heat where it belongs.Instead of juggling chemicals, we explore saltwater care that creates chlorine naturally and can keep water sparkling for up to a year. Aaron explains why that means less fuss, fewer additives, and a gentler soak. We also cover practicalities people miss: how a site visit can solve access, orientation, and views; when a plug-in model is enough; and why “closer to the house” often means more winter use.We get into layouts and living: open-plan seating that suits families, when lounges help (and when they don’t), and the growing world of aquatic fitness, from compact models used as plunge pools to full swim systems and even underwater treadmills. Aaron also shares why Hot Spring is adding a new old plunge and soon a sauna, completing a home routine that’s about recovery, calm, and time together away from screens.If you’re spa-curious, we finish with a simple path: research the options, sit in a few shells (dry and wet tests), and lean on the dealer network for delivery, power, and deck checks. Whether you’re carving out a small courtyard nook or planning a full backyard wellness zone, this conversation will help you choose well, use it more, and make every day a little better.You watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast
  • The Calm, Clever Way to Design Your Interior Spaces with Jennie Dunlop

    47:00||Season 1
    You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jennie Dunlop, a spatial designer, to discuss the fundamentals that make a home feel effortless on a day-to-day basis.Rather than jumping to cushions and colours, we look at the moves that really matter: how flow, light and storage shape behaviour, why small courtyards and powder rooms are ripe for impact, and when a glass and steel partition gives separation without losing connection. Jennie shares practical ways to find space you didn’t know you had, question the wish-list, and reuse heirlooms so rooms feel personal instead of staged.We also cover why it’s important to “plan-plan-plan”, the art of decision-making as a couple, and how to work with trades so choices stay on brief and on budget. From timelines and contingencies to the order of selections, you’ll hear where projects go wrong and how to steer them back with simple structure.Whether you’re renovating a villa, fitting out an apartment, or puzzling over a tricky nook, this conversation will help you see in 3D, spot opportunities in every cavity, and create spaces that are more beautiful, practical and uniquely yours too.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast
  • Detail, Budget & Trust: How Award-Winning Architecture Gets Built with Michael Cooper

    52:29||Season 1
    You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Michael Cooper, principal of Michael Cooper Architects, to talk through the practical decisions that turn good ideas into great buildings you can actually live in.Instead of chasing showy gestures, we explore the quiet levers that matter: how a master plan stops piecemeal renovations, why fixed fees align everyone on budget. The way builder relationships and careful details keep a design beautiful and buildable. Michael explains his “use space twice” mindset, the checks that prevent cost creep, and the simple way he gets to a real budget number early.We also cover coastal smarts (materials, wind, sun, and multiple outdoor zones), the feel of natural finishes and human scale, and what to expect from concept to consent to site meetings. Michael shares why you should choose an architect with whom you gel, stay involved as a client, and trust the process, right down to the last details that make a house sing.Whether you’re mapping a renovation, sketching a new build, or adding a small pavilion or boathouse, this conversation will help you see the big picture, stage decisions sensibly, and move forward with confidence.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast