Renovating Bathrooms Ideas

As you plan your bathroom renovation, browse photos on Houzz Australia for bathroom design ideas, and get acquainted with the specialist behind your favourite picks. You can also bookmark and share your favourite photos with everyone involved in your renovation. For more bathroom ideas, make sure you check out the Stories section on Houzz, too.

What bathroom layouts will work best for you?

As you renovate, think about how your household will use the bathroom. If you have young children, a bathtub will help make bathing easy. You may, however, prefer to use the space for a double vanity instead, opting for a shower only with detachable hose. If several people will be using the bathroom at once, consider separating the toilet and shower from the sink.

Once you know what you want to include, give first consideration to where you will position the shower. If you plan on having a screen-free or semi-open shower, take into account the direction of spray when water is running – the last thing you want is a toilet or vanity covered in water. If you plan on having a closed-in shower, allow enough room for doors to swing open.

From here, you can decide where to position the toilet. Provide enough distance between the toilet and shower to avoid a wet mess, or install a floor-to-ceiling glass screen to create a barrier. If space is tight, a concealed cistern is a practical choice and won’t overwhelm the space. Toilets should never be the focal point in a bathroom design, either. Show off other features like a bathtub or vanity, by positioning them where the eye will most likely be drawn to first.

How can you get the most out of small bathroom designs?

Wall-hung furniture will help create the illusion of more space, as will mirrors – one of the oldest tricks in the book. Consider expanding the mirror past your vanity, and, if you don’t have any natural light in your bathroom, add lights to either side to amplify the effect. As mentioned before, a cistern toilet is great for tiny spaces, as is a round vanity. Stick to a glass panel instead of a shower door, and mount the towel rail on the back of it. Add some flair to a small bathroom design with feature floor tiles, which will distract your attention from the small square metreage.

What bathroom designs will ensure you can ‘age in place’?

One of the most common hazards in the bathroom is water on the floor from showering. As mentioned previously, carefully consider where you position the shower for this reason specifically. Non-slip tiles are also essential. Fortunately, sealants and special non-slip applications on bathroom tiles allow us a wider breadth of material choices than ever. A large shower area with somewhere to sit is more ideal than a bathtub.

Removing internal barriers and opting for an open-plan with no steps will ensure ease of movement for those with little mobility. When choosing bathroom features, look for those with rounded edges, especially on your vanity and basin. When thinking layout, provide enough space at the entry for wheelchair and walker access.

Finally, if you’re planning a bathroom design for an elderly person, it’s best to seek advice from bathroom professionals. They will be able to assess your needs specifically, and provide you with bathroom ideas that are as functional as they are attractive.

What materials will enhance your bathroom design?

Tiles are a great way to enhance a bathroom design. With so many colours and styles on offer, there’s lots of room to be creative. Tiles are a popular flooring choice, while mosaic tiles are common in showers. Bathrooms designs are usually subdued, but you can add a splash of colour through a splashback or benchtop. Tapware is another way to make a bold statement – think bright-coloured or ink black taps and showerheads.