Thinking about a bathroom refresh that looks brilliant in before-and-after photos and functions beautifully day to day? Below is an expert, WA-focused guide from Joyce Kitchens covering design ideas, finishes, timelines, costs, and compliance so your renovation is stunning, practical and built to last.
Bathroom remodeling ideas before and after (that wow in photos and in real life)
From dated beige tiles to a fresh, WA-ready sanctuary, these bathroom renovation ideas deliver dramatic before-and-after improvements without blowing the budget.
High-impact upgrades
- Full-height tiling: run porcelain tiles to the ceiling for a luxe, easy-clean finish.
- Wall-hung vanity: creates floor space and a modern “floating” look; add soft-close drawers and internal organisers.
- Frameless shower screen: opens up compact rooms and showcases feature tiles.
- Feature wall or niche: a textured or patterned tile behind the vanity or in the shower elevates your photos and daily routine.
- LED strip lighting: under-vanity or mirror backlighting improves ambience and visibility.
- Matte black or brushed nickel tapware: timeless accents that suit coastal and urban Perth homes.
- Mirrored shaving cabinet: doubles as storage and a light enhancer for selfie-ready after shots.
- Heated towel rail: practical warmth for winter mornings without cluttering the space.
Case examples (Perth)
Case 1: Small ensuite, Scarborough. Before: cramped shower, yellowing laminate top, low storage. After: wall-hung vanity with engineered-look sintered stone benchtop, frameless shower, full-height stone-look porcelain tiles, LED mirror. Result: visually larger, 35% more storage, easy to clean.
Case 2: Family bathroom, Como. Before: shower-over-bath, dated chrome, mismatched tiles. After: walk-in shower with linear drain, P4 slip-rated floor tiles, brushed nickel tapware, niche shelving, custom cabinetry WA with soft-close drawers. Result: safer, brighter, and functional for kids and guests.
Tip: If you’re compiling bathroom renovation photos, capture consistent angles pre- and post-renovation to show clear bathroom before and after comparisons. For kitchens, the same applies—whether it’s a classic shaker kitchen refresh or a modern open-plan redesign.
Our WA renovation process (design to handover)
- In-home consult and measure: We assess plumbing, ventilation, storage, and layout constraints common in Perth homes.
- Concept design and selections: Choose vanity, tiles, shower screen, lighting, and hardware. We coordinate styles across bathrooms, kitchen renovations Perth and laundry renovation if desired.
- Detailed quote and schedule: Transparent scope with allowances for tiles, fittings, and custom cabinetry WA.
- Compliance: Waterproofing to AS 3740; electrical to AS/NZS 3000; plumbing to AS/NZS 3500. Licensed trades only.
- Build and install: Demolition, services rough-in, screed and waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry, benchtops, glazing, fit-off, and clean.
- Handover: Final checks, care instructions, and warranty details.
Approvals: Bathroom remodels inside the existing footprint typically don’t need council approval in WA, but strata approval may be required for apartments. Always check with your builder/designer or consult Building and Energy WA. Industry guidance: HIA and Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes that work in Western Australia
Perth’s climate, UV, and beach lifestyle call for durable, low-maintenance choices. Below are proven options for bathrooms and coordinating spaces like the laundry or a shaker kitchen nearby.
Vanity tops and benchtops
Sintered stone/porcelain: Heat-, stain- and UV-resistant; excellent for wet areas. Available in marble or concrete looks to match engineered stone benchtop aesthetics without silica-related issues.
High-moisture resistant laminate (HMR): Cost-effective, broad colour range, reliable with proper sealing and care.
Natural stone: Premium look; periodic sealing and careful maintenance recommended.
Tiles and grout
- Porcelain tiles: Dense and low-porosity. Choose P4 slip rating for wet floors.
- Lappato or matte finishes: Great traction for family bathrooms.
- Epoxy grout: Highly stain-resistant; perfect for light grout looks.
Tapware and accessories
- PVD finishes: Durable coatings for matte black, brushed nickel, or brass.
- WELS-rated fixtures: Save water; look for at least 4-star where practical (WELS).
- Heated towel rails and underfloor heating: Consider for winter comfort and quick drying.
Comparison: benchtop options for WA bathrooms
| Surface | Key benefits | Considerations | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sintered stone / Porcelain | Heat, stain and UV resistant; low maintenance; broad designs | Requires experienced fabricator for clean edges and cut-outs | Premium vanity tops, niches, feature walls |
| Laminate (HMR) | Budget-friendly; huge colour range; quick turnaround | Edge protection and careful sealing near basins needed | Rental properties, secondary bathrooms, laundries |
| Natural stone | Unique veining; luxury appeal | Needs sealing; can etch with acids and harsh cleaners | High-end ensuites, statement vanities |
Layouts and styles that elevate before-and-after results
Layouts
- Single-wall layout: Efficient for small bathrooms; align vanity, toilet and shower to minimise plumbing changes.
- Walk-in shower: Linear drain and frameless glass to maximise space and accessibility.
- Shower-bath combo: Choose a flatter tub base and P4 tile surround for safety with kids.
Styles
- Coastal contemporary: Stone-look porcelain, light timbers, brushed nickel tapware.
- Modern classic: Shaker-style vanity fronts to echo a shaker kitchen nearby, with marble-look porcelain and matte black accents.
- Minimalist: Wall-hung vanity, finger-pull drawers, concealed cistern, neutral palette.
Coordinate finishes with adjacent spaces (kitchen splashback, laundry cabinetry) for a cohesive home story. Our team handles bathrooms, kitchen renovations Perth, laundries and wardrobes to streamline selections and scheduling.
Costs and timelines: bathroom renovation Perth
Indicative costs (inc. GST)
- Cosmetic refresh: $12,000–$25,000 (retain layout; new vanity, fittings, screens, partial tiling/paint).
- Standard full renovation: $25,000–$45,000 (new layout, full-height tiling, custom cabinetry, quality fixtures).
- Premium / complex: $45,000–$75,000+ (high-end tiles, sintered stone, underfloor heating, bespoke glazing, structural tweaks).
Variables: size, tile selection, plumbing changes, glazing complexity, ventilation upgrades, and building type (apartment vs freestanding).
Timeline
- Lead time for materials: 2–6 weeks depending on tiles and cabinetry.
- On-site works: 3–6 weeks typical from demolition to handover.
Tip: Ordering long-lead items (custom shower screens, specialty tiles, sintered stone) early avoids delays.
Bathroom renovation checklist (WA-ready)
- Define scope: light refresh or full reconfiguration?
- Set budget range and a 10–15% contingency.
- Confirm compliance: AS 3740 waterproofing; AS/NZS 3500 plumbing; AS/NZS 3000 electrical.
- Choose surfaces: sintered stone/porcelain or HMR laminate; P4 slip-rated floor tiles; epoxy grout.
- Ventilation: ensure adequate extraction for mould control.
- Storage: wall-hung vanity, mirrored shaving cabinet, niche shelving.
- Lighting: task at mirror, ambient under-vanity LED strip lighting.
- Tapware: PVD-coated finishes; WELS-rated mixers and showers.
- Shower screen: frameless glass with quality hardware.
- Book licensed trades and confirm warranties and waterproofing certificates.
FAQ
What are the best bathroom remodeling ideas before and after to make a big visual impact?
Go full-height with porcelain tiles, choose a wall-hung vanity with soft-close drawers, add a frameless shower screen, introduce a feature tile or niche, and use LED strip lighting behind mirrors or under vanities. These upgrades look fantastic in bathroom renovation photos and make daily use easier.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Perth and wider WA?
As a guide, allow $12,000–$25,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $25,000–$45,000 for a standard full renovation, and $45,000–$75,000+ for premium or complex projects. Size, tile choice, plumbing changes and glazing drive the final price.
Do I need council approval or building permits for a bathroom renovation in WA?
Most like-for-like bathroom renovations within the existing footprint do not need council approval. Structural changes, new windows, or major plumbing relocations may require approvals, and strata approvals are often needed in apartments. Waterproofing must meet AS 3740, plumbing AS/NZS 3500, and electrical AS/NZS 3000, and all work should be by licensed trades.
How long does a bathroom remodel take before and after demolition to handover?
On-site works typically take 3–6 weeks from demolition to handover, with 2–6 weeks prior for design, selections, and ordering of long-lead items like custom shower screens, cabinetry and specialty tiles.
What materials and finishes suit WA bathrooms for durability and low maintenance?
Sintered stone/porcelain for benchtops, P4 slip-rated porcelain floor tiles, epoxy grout, PVD-coated tapware and wall-hung vanities perform well. Due to national changes, choose engineered-stone alternatives such as sintered stone or natural stone for compliant, long-lasting results.