DESKTOP
MOBILE
When planning a bathroom renovation, the toilet usually sits low on the priority list. But thanks to new technology and changing expectations, that’s starting to shift. Smart toilets are now offering homeowners a surprising mix of comfort, hygiene and convenience that’s hard to ignore.
Unlike traditional toilets, smart models can include features like automatic flushing, heated seats, deodorisers, built-in bidets and soft-close lids. Some even clean themselves or glow softly at night. Once seen only in luxury builds, these extras are now available in more budget-friendly options too.
These upgrades aren’t just for show. In busy family homes, hands-free functions can help reduce mess and the spread of germs. In homes for ageing-in-place, bidet and drying functions offer added comfort and dignity. And for anyone who hates a cold seat on a winter morning, well, that one explains itself.
While the wow factor appeals to many, there are some practical things to consider. Smart toilets often need a power source nearby and may require a little more planning during installation. Some come as full units, while others can be added onto a standard toilet for a simpler swap-out.
Their appearance is also evolving. Today’s models are sleek and understated, blending easily into both modern and traditional bathrooms. That makes them a versatile choice for renovators wanting a fresh look without compromising on function.
Thinking of selling? Smart toilets can be a subtle way to impress buyers. They signal thoughtfulness, comfort and attention to detail. That said, they’re not for everyone or every space. In smaller bathrooms, simpler designs may still work best. But for an ensuite, guest bathroom or main family space, a smart toilet can offer both daily comfort and long-term value.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.
When planning a bathroom renovation, the toilet usually sits low on the priority list. But thanks to new technology and changing expectations, that’s starting to shift. Smart toilets are now offering homeowners a surprising mix of comfort, hygiene and convenience that’s hard to ignore.
Unlike traditional toilets, smart models can include features like automatic flushing, heated seats, deodorisers, built-in bidets and soft-close lids. Some even clean themselves or glow softly at night. Once seen only in luxury builds, these extras are now available in more budget-friendly options too.
These upgrades aren’t just for show. In busy family homes, hands-free functions can help reduce mess and the spread of germs. In homes for ageing-in-place, bidet and drying functions offer added comfort and dignity. And for anyone who hates a cold seat on a winter morning, well, that one explains itself.
While the wow factor appeals to many, there are some practical things to consider. Smart toilets often need a power source nearby and may require a little more planning during installation. Some come as full units, while others can be added onto a standard toilet for a simpler swap-out.
Their appearance is also evolving. Today’s models are sleek and understated, blending easily into both modern and traditional bathrooms. That makes them a versatile choice for renovators wanting a fresh look without compromising on function.
Thinking of selling? Smart toilets can be a subtle way to impress buyers. They signal thoughtfulness, comfort and attention to detail. That said, they’re not for everyone or every space. In smaller bathrooms, simpler designs may still work best. But for an ensuite, guest bathroom or main family space, a smart toilet can offer both daily comfort and long-term value.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.
[clean_tags]
Related Articles
Toilet Talk: How to Choose the Right One for Your Bathroom
The right toilet strikes a balance of comfort, efficiency, and style, turning a simple essential into a seamless part of your bathroom design.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.
Frontier Pools
We specialise in bespoke concrete swimming pool design and construction.
From infinity-edge showpieces to compact plunge pools in tight city spaces, we create concrete pools in any shape, size, or finish. The possibilities are endless and the quality is uncompromising.
With an expert in-house team, we manage every step, from concept to completion, delivering high-quality pools tailored to your space, style, and lifestyle.
Altus Window Systems
Altus is a leading New Zealand manufacturer and exporter of innovative designs in aluminium extrusions and extrusion-based building systems.
Altus is an award winning leader of the Aluminium extrusion and rolled product market. We specialise in design, manufacture, import and export of extrusion and rolled product, and distribute to both local and International markets.
We’re experts in creating solutions to integrate and partner with our customers across a wide range of sectors; marine, transport, architectural systems, window and door fabrication, mechanical engineering and agricultural industries.
Luxaflex®
Luxaflex® has been adding style and sophistication to New Zealand windows since the 1950s. Our design heritage is founded on innovation for today and tomorrow while taking care to celebrate the beauty in the details. To us, form and function are synonymous. Consistently pushing the boundaries, we are proud to be the market-leaders in daylight regulation and solar heat control solutions.
We combine unique design and practical features to create outstanding products – the essential ingredients for creating any discerning home.
Plantation Bamboo
Building or renovating your space? It’s not just about finding materials that match your values of sustainability and durability; you want them to look fantastic too. But with so many options out there, the search can be daunting.
That’s where Plantation Bamboo comes in.
We understand the challenges you face in navigating through countless choices. That’s why we specialise exclusively in bamboo. Our focus is to simplify your search for the perfect building material that not only meets your sustainability and durability criteria but also adds a touch of natural elegance to your space.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.