About us | Caracalla Kitchens & Bathrooms

history of caracalla

History Behind 
the Name Caracalla

These included hot and cold water pools, saunas, gyms, and various relaxation areas. The Baths of Caracalla embodied the principles of luxury, comfort and functionality, which are all essential elements in our bathroom and kitchen spaces today.

We like to think that we are continuing the work of our ancestors and feel, the name Caracalla is fitting, as it reflects the ideals of luxury and comfort that people in ancient times sought in such structures, which we aim to achieve through our design and renovation services.

The Baths of Caracalla also remind us of the timeless beauty and precision that is put into structures of architectural excellence and draws parallels to the artistry involved in our craftsmanship.

Phillip grew up in the industry as a young boy, in the early seventies coming home from school, meant going straight to the bathroom and tile showroom that his parents Pasquale and Rosa ran as part of the business, he would watch as his mother would liaise with clients in assisting with tile bathroom product selections.

Once he completed his schooling in the mid-eighties He worked alongside his father for many years doing his trade as a wall and floor tiler and Builder Renovator, but Phillip also had strong interests In other aspects of the business going on to study design and business management at university. Phillip’s exposure to all aspects of the construction and design industry has gone a long way in shaping him into the person he is in his professional field today.

Ultimately Phillip’s passion is in design and consistently exploring new products and materials to work with and implement into each of his individual projects, however, its because he comes from a trade and construction background that gives him the confidence to consistently push the boundaries of what can be achieved in design implementation and solutions to his clients project briefs. Phillip does not consider this just a skill, to him it’s more of a mindset that permeates throughout the company and becomes the essence of what Caracalla design and renovation is today.

Anita Justins is an interior designer known for her dynamic approach to interior spaces which are both beautiful and functional.

As a PA turned interior designer, Anita has incorporated much of her outstanding attention to detail skills into her work. The importance of being organised and the ability to multi-task have been skills well honed as a PA which have seamlessly transferred to interior design.

With an innate desire to be creative and a desire to design a large part of her psyche, Anita finally fulfilled a long held dream and undertook a Bachelor of Interior Design at Billy Blue / Torrens University.

Anita’s design philosophy centres around the idea that every space should reflect the personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants. Anita’s work is characterised by its harmonious balance, using a mix of textures, colours and patterns to create environments that are both inviting and functional.

Anita listens carefully to her clients to incorporate design elements that are both innovative and functional to maximise whatever space she is designing. Anita’s keen eye for detail and understanding of spatial dynamics have allowed her to produce bespoke design solutions, tailored to each client’s needs and space.

When she’s not designing, Anita enjoys exploring the latest design trends, traveling to find new inspirations, and spending time with her family and friends.

Phil and Anita at Caracalla were fantastic. They helped us renovate the kitchen and bathroom from beginning to end – from layouts, planning, sourcing materials and trades etc. They were easy to deal with, and nothing was ever a problem. Their extended team of trades were all lovely to deal with. The end result is everything we hoped for. Would highly recommend them to anyone undertaking a renovation.

Isobel Gray

I recently had the pleasure of working with Phil and the Caracalla Design and Bathroom Renovation Team for a complete overhaul of my bathrooms, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the results. From the initial consultation to the final touches, every step of the process was marked by professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

The Caracalla Design team’s craftsmanship is truly second to none. From plumbing and tiling work to electrical was executed with precision and care.

Throughout the project, Phil and his team maintained open lines of communication, providing regular updates on progress and promptly addressing any concerns or questions that arose.
Their dedication to customer satisfaction was evident in every interaction, and they went above and beyond to ensure that I was completely satisfied with the final outcome.

In conclusion, my experience with Phil and the Caracalla Design and Bathroom Renovation Team exceeded all expectations. There was attention to detail, great craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Ilona Dubiniec

I’m delighted indeed with Caracalla’s renovations of my apartment. Phil was always easy to talk to and listened to my requests and concerns: nothing was ever an issue. The renovations went ahead smoothly and were recently completed and I am thrilled with the result: I now live in a brand new place and I didn’t have to move! I’d like to also acknowledge Anita, Phil’s interior designer, as she was a delight to work with and always happy to listen and suggest ideas. If I will ever need to renovate another place, I would not hesitate to engage Caracalla Design and Renovation again.

Margherita CANTAFIO

To Phil Occhiuto & the Caracalla Bathroom Renovation Team Thank you for installing our new bathroom with skill, patience and persistence. You are a very pleasant team of skilled professionals who are obliging, hardworking, cheerful and reliable. Nothing was too much trouble and you were very keen to ensure that we were informed and consulted on each step of the way. The result is amazing and we are really enjoying our new bathroom. Well done on a job well done.

James & Margaret

We cannot say enough to highly recommend Phillip Occhiuto of Caracalla Design. Phillip has far exceeded our expectations and has gone above and beyond to accommodate our needs. His integrity is above reproach.

We have been extremely pleased as to how he has been able to manage to the original budget and stay on schedule despite the restrictions and complexities that Covid created. His design skills are exceptional, and his recommended layouts have been far better than we could have imagined (bathrooms, laundry, kitchen and bedrooms). We would not hesitate to work with Phillip in any capacity again. This has been a very positive experience for us.

Kevin Morris

I can’t recommend this company any higher I wish I could. It’s not very often that you get the design service offered by Phillip anywhere let alone a beautiful bathroom at the end of it. Phillip took the pain out of everything helped us select all the bathroom products from Harvey Norman it wasn’t a quick process but it wasn’t long either. The bathroom build which included knocking down a wall and rebuilding it left us with a fabulous result. The whole bathroom Reno went smoothly all the trades were terrific, they cleaned up everyday, everything went like clockwork, we are so pleased we went through Harvey Norman to get Caracalla Design to do our bathroom. Would I use this process again and use this company absolutely I would.

Steve Packer

The cost for an average bathroom design and renovation can be broken
down as follows:

Bathroom design concept, production design, and product specification: $2,500.00
Labor costs, including demolition, plumbing, electrical work, cement rendering, wall sheeting, waterproofing, tiling, and complete reinstatement: $19,500.00
Supply of all prime cost items, including tiles, taps, toilet, vanity, shower screen, fittings, and fixtures: $12,500.00

Total estimated cost: $34,500.00

The average cost for a kitchen design and renovation is broken down as follows:

Kitchen design concept, production design, and product specification: $3,500.00
Complete labor costs (including all demolition, plumbing, electrical work, cement rendering, wall sheeting, waterproofing, tiling, and reinstatement): $17,500.00
Kitchen cabinetry supply and installation: $18,500.00
Stone bench-top supply and installation: $5,500.00
Supply of all kitchen appliances (oven, cooktop, range hood, sink, taps, and dishwasher): $8,500.00

Total estimated cost: $53,500.00

The design and specification phase typically spans three to five weeks. However, for more complex renovations, several factors may extend this timeframe, including compliance with building or strata regulations, as well as obtaining the necessary permits and approvals.

Additionally, the use of specialty products, unique materials, and intricate design details can further prolong the renovation timeline.

Therefore the overall duration of the renovation can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months, contingent upon the project’s complexity. For instance, tasks such as wall removal or reconfiguration can add considerable time to the process.

On average, a bathroom renovation is expected to take approximately four to five weeks, while a kitchen renovation typically requires six to seven weeks to complete.

In general, homeowners undertaking the removal and reinstatement of a bathroom or kitchen typically do not require permits or approvals. However, for apartment units, it is essential to obtain approval from your strata management prior to commencing any renovations.

Minor reconfigurations and adjustments within an existing space can usually be completed without the need for permits or approvals. Nonetheless, more extensive renovations that involve complex layouts or significant structural reconfigurations may necessitate the submission of plans for regulatory approval, along with the acquisition of required permits.

Any modifications that significantly alter the structure of your home or apartment will likely require additional specifications from a qualified engineer.

Furthermore, properties of local heritage significance may be subject to
additional regulations and requirements, which could include the necessity of
obtaining special permits.

Design trends in the bathroom and kitchen sectors are continuously evolving, with Europe often setting the benchmark for innovation and style. When planning a renovation for your kitchen or bathroom, it is often desirable to incorporate the latest and most sophisticated design elements; however, it is crucial to approach the design process thoughtfully and comprehensively.

Before focusing on current trends, it is important to meticulously assess the space you intend to renovate. This assessment should consider the existing design elements and aesthetics throughout your home or apartment. By taking these factors into account, you establish a solid foundation from which to work.

Once you have a clear understanding of your space, you can explore and integrate contemporary design trends that are gaining popularity in both Europe and Australia. The key is to ensure that these innovations align seamlessly with the overall style and character of your living environment.
This approach will result in a beautifully designed space that is both trendy and cohesive with the rest of your home.

Prior to the commencement of construction, dedicating time to meticulously plan and assess the renovation schedule and site requirements can significantly mitigate disruptions. Careful preparation at this early stage sets the groundwork for a smoother renovation process.

Typically, the most disruptive phase of a renovation occurs during the initial demolition. This stage is often characterised by considerable noise and activity, so it is beneficial to execute the demolition work promptly and efficiently to facilitate an effective start to the overall renovation.

There may be brief periods during the renovation when your water and power supply could be temporarily interrupted. However, you will receive advance notice regarding any such disruptions to minimise inconvenience.

To protect your existing floors and walls, protective coverings will be installed at the outset of the renovation and removed only upon project completion.

Additionally, certain areas of your home or apartment may need to be designated for the storage of materials and products throughout the renovation process. Planning for this aspect will help ensure that the workspace remains organised and efficient.

Design and construction in perfect harmony

The services we offer

Design and construction in perfect harmony

The services we offer