Planning a bathroom renovation in Perth or across WA? From clever shower-over-bath ideas to sleek walk‑in designs, this guide covers the best bathroom shower ideas, compliant waterproofing, materials that last in Australian conditions and realistic costs—backed by the experienced team at Joyce Kitchens.
Core Shower Ideas and Trends
Whether you’re updating an ensuite, family bathroom or a compact shower room, consider these modern shower ideas that balance style, safety and easy maintenance.
1) Walk‑in, frameless and low‑maintenance
- Walk‑in showers with a single glass panel reduce visual clutter and make cleaning a breeze.
- Frameless shower screens create a spacious, contemporary bath shower look and minimise mould‑catching seals.
- Linear drains deliver a consistent fall and look sleek “inside the shower”.
2) Shower over bath ideas (family‑friendly)
Short on space? A shower over bath can be highly practical. Choose an inset bath with a tile flange and a semi‑frameless screen so splashes stay within the wet area. For a more premium result, consider a bath and shower combo with a back‑to‑wall bath and a curved screen for better elbow room.
3) Inside the shower: storage and comfort
- Tiled niches keep bottles off the floor; align the niche height to your rain shower or hand shower rail for best ergonomics.
- Bench seats or a corner perch add comfort without dominating a small space.
- Dual outlets (rain + rail) provide spa‑like versatility; target WELS 4‑star or better for water efficiency.
4) Safety, slip resistance and accessibility
- Use slip‑rated tiles (commonly P4 for residential wet areas) for confident footing.
- Curbless entries help future‑proof for mobility while maintaining a modern shower aesthetic.
- Include blocking behind walls for future grab rails—even if you don’t install them now.
The Renovation Process (WA‑ready)
At Joyce Kitchens, we manage design, custom cabinetry and finishes for bathroom renovations Perth homeowners rely on—alongside kitchens, laundries and wardrobes.
- Design consult and measure: We discuss function, aesthetics and your plumbing points, then capture accurate site dimensions.
- Concept and 3D: See your bathroom shower designs in context with vanities, mirrors and lighting.
- Selections: Choose tiles, tapware, shower screens and cabinetry. We’ll advise on WA‑suitable materials, storage and custom cabinetry WA solutions.
- Compliance and waterproofing: Work is completed to AS/NZS 3740 wet area requirements with licensed trades. We follow best practice from bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA.
- Build and fit‑off: Efficient scheduling to minimise downtime, with careful set‑out so tiles, niches and shower hardware align perfectly.
Materials and Finishes
Materials should handle WA heat, hard water and daily wear. Below are popular, durable options for a shower modern bathroom ideas brief.
Tiles and slabs
- Porcelain tiles/sintered stone slabs: Extremely durable, UV and heat resistant—ideal for shower walls and floors.
- Terrazzo (porcelain look or real): Delivers texture and character; confirm slip rating for floors.
- Large‑format panels: Fewer grout lines = easier cleaning; excellent for a contemporary bath shower aesthetic.
Cabinetry and benchtops (vanities)
- Moisture‑resistant board with high‑pressure laminate or 2‑pack paint for doors—think durable, family‑proof finishes.
- Sintered stone or porcelain benchtops: A robust alternative now widely preferred across Australia. Note: due to the national prohibition on engineered stone, we recommend sintered stone, porcelain slab, solid surface, compact laminate or natural stone for wet areas.
- Hardware such as soft‑close drawers and quality runners (e.g. Blum) ensures longevity.
Tapware, screens and drains
- Matte black or satin brass tapware adds character; choose reputable brands with WELS 4‑star or better.
- Frameless or semi‑frameless screens keep lines minimal. Consider easy‑clean coatings.
- Linear or centre wastes: Linear drains pair well with large tiles; centre wastes suit smaller format tiles or mosaics.
Comparison: Sintered/Porcelain Slab vs High‑Pressure Laminate (HPL)
| Feature | Sintered/Porcelain Slab | High‑Pressure Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat/UV resistance | Excellent; stable in WA summers | Good indoors; avoid prolonged heat |
| Use inside shower | Yes (as wall panels) | No (not suitable inside wet zone) |
| Benchtops (vanities) | Premium, highly durable | Cost‑effective, wide design range |
| Maintenance | Very low; minimal grout when using panels | Low; avoid standing water on seams |
| Budget | $$$–$$$$ | $–$$ |
Layouts and Styles
Good shower design starts with the room’s shape and how the family uses it. Here are proven design for shower room approaches:
Small bathrooms and ensuites
- Corner walk‑in with a single pane to free up circulation.
- Curved glass or sliding doors to save space.
- Shower over bath ideas: Use an inset tub with a straight, full‑height screen and a rail shower for daily convenience.
Family bathrooms
- Bath and shower combo ideas with a full‑length niche that serves both wet zones.
- Double vanity and a mirrored shaving cabinet to keep benches tidy.
- Robust finishes and P4 slip tiles for safe, everyday use.
Luxury and “spa” briefs
- Oversized rain shower plus rail, a tiled bench and underfloor heating for winter comfort.
- Skylight or high‑level window for natural light without sacrificing privacy.
- Statement porcelain slab walls with minimal joints.
Two short WA case examples
Subiaco apartment ensuite: We replaced a cramped cubicle with a 1.4 m walk‑in, linear drain, and a porcelain slab back wall. The frameless screen and a shaving cabinet made the space feel twice as large while keeping cleaning simple.
Joondalup family bathroom: An inset bath with a straight screen and rail shower created a flexible zone for kids’ bath time. P4 floor tiles and compact laminate vanity sides coped well with daily splashes.
Costs in Perth and WA
Actual costs vary by scope, access, plumbing changes and product selection. Typical ranges (labour and materials):
- Refresh shower only: $5,000–$9,000 (new screen, rail/rain shower, minor tiling repairs).
- Mid‑range shower rebuild: $9,000–$18,000 (retile floor/walls, new waterproofing, drain, screen, tapware, niche).
- Premium wet area: $18,000–$35,000+ (large‑format slabs, custom glass, underfloor heating, plumbing relocations).
- Bath and shower combo add‑on: +$1,500–$4,000 (inset bath, mixer/diverter, screen).
Bundle savings: Combining bathroom, laundry renovation and minor wardrobe works can reduce total project overheads and speed up the schedule.
Practical Shower Renovation Checklist
- Measure existing space and confirm door swing, window positions and ceiling height.
- Decide on walk‑in vs shower‑over‑bath based on family needs.
- Choose a drain type (linear or centre) and confirm fall to waste.
- Select slip‑rated floor tiles (aim P4) and easy‑clean wall finishes.
- Plan storage: niche size, height and location relative to the shower rail.
- Confirm waterproofing scope to AS/NZS 3740 and allow for waterstops.
- Pre‑block walls for future grab rails or shower seat if desired.
- Pick WELS‑rated tapware and confirm water pressure compatibility.
- Add task lighting and a heat/fan/light unit if required.
- Lock cabinetry specs: moisture‑resistant boards, soft‑close hardware and benchtop material.
Ready to design your shower?
From shower room ideas to complete bathroom transformations, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs with care. We also deliver standout kitchens, laundries and wardrobes—end‑to‑end. Talk to our Perth team about a personalised plan that fits your home, timeline and budget.
FAQ
What is the best shower for a small Australian bathroom?
A walk‑in shower with a single frameless panel maximises space and light. If you need a tub, choose a shower over an inset bath with a full‑height straight screen and a rail shower to keep water in and cleaning simple.
How much does it cost to renovate a shower in Perth?
Allow roughly $9,000–$18,000 for a typical shower rebuild including waterproofing, retile, screen and tapware. Simple refreshes can start from $5,000–$9,000, while premium builds with slabs or layout changes may reach $18,000–$35,000+.
Can I put a shower over a freestanding bath?
It’s not recommended. Freestanding baths are hard to waterproof and contain splashes. For a reliable bath/shower combo, use a back‑to‑wall inset bath with a tile flange, full‑height tiling and a properly sealed screen.
What waterproofing is required in WA?
Under AS/NZS 3740, shower floors and walls to at least 1800mm are waterproofed; other wet walls are typically protected to 150mm, with waterstop angles at entries or step‑downs. Always use licensed contractors who certify the membrane system.
Do I need council approval for a shower renovation?
Like‑for‑like updates usually don’t need council approval, but any structural works, window changes or major plumbing moves may. Plumbing must be done by a licensed plumber, and electrical by a licensed electrician. Your designer will advise on permits.