What makes a classic bathroom?

Classic bathrooms balance proportion, symmetry and quality craftsmanship with a restrained palette. They lean on enduring details — Shaker-style doors, subway tiles, marble‑look porcelain, framed mirrors, and tapware in polished chrome or brushed brass — to create rooms that feel calm and purposeful. The look translates beautifully across Hamptons, Federation and coastal interiors and pairs well with adjoining spaces like a shaker kitchen or a classic laundry.

• Neutral base colours with warm textures (timber accents, stone or stone‑look finishes)
• Simple profiles: Shaker or V‑groove panel cabinetry, wainscoting, pencil‑round edges
• Timeless fixtures: freestanding bath or inset bath, walk‑in shower, semi‑frameless shower screen
• Durable, easy‑clean surfaces suited to Australian conditions
• Thoughtful lighting: sconces + task lights + soft LED strip lighting under shaving cabinets

Our renovation process in Perth/WA

1) Design consultation and measure

We visit your home to discuss traditional bathroom styles and layout options, capture site measurements and understand services. You’ll receive concept ideas, mood boards and 3D design renders.

2) Materials and compliance

We specify finishes that meet Australian conditions and codes — from waterproofing to WELS tapware. All wet area detailing follows AS/NZS 3740 waterproofing, plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, and electrical to AS/NZS 3000 with appropriate IP ratings near showers and baths.

3) Fixed‑price proposal

We provide a detailed scope with inclusions, timelines and a fixed price. We can work under HIA-style contracts and coordinate with strata where required.

4) Manufacturing and installation

Our custom cabinetry WA team manufactures your vanity, tall storage and shaving cabinets with soft‑close drawers. We schedule and manage licensed trades, including waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and electrical.

5) Quality assurance and handover

We test fixtures, check fall to wastes, confirm silicone and grout quality, then walk through the room with you for final sign‑off.

Materials and finishes that last

Classic bathrooms deserve materials that look refined and cope with heat, humidity and Perth’s coastal conditions.

Vanity tops and benchtops

• Porcelain / sintered stone: Stone‑like appearance, highly heat/UV/stain resistant; excellent for WA climate.
• Natural stone (marble, granite): Timeless and beautiful; requires sealing and mindful care.
• Laminate: Budget‑friendly with many classic décors; specify moisture‑resistant substrates and tight edge detailing.

Engineered stone vs laminate (and current WA alternatives)

Engineered stone benchtops were long used in classic bathrooms. Australia has introduced a national prohibition on engineered stone products containing crystalline silica (2024+). In WA, we recommend porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface alternatives for new projects.

Compliance note: For current guidance, see the National Construction Code via the ABCB and check WA advisories from Building and Energy.

Cabinetry and storage

• Moisture‑resistant board carcases with 2‑pack painted Shaker or V‑groove fronts
• Internals with adjustable shelves, drawer organisers and integrated laundry hampers
• Shaving cabinets 120–150 mm deep to suit Aussie recesses and power GPOs

Tiles, walls and floors

• Subway tiles (classic 75×150 mm) with soft grey grout for definition
• Marble‑look porcelain on walls or floors; tessellated tiles for Federation flair
• Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740, with certified membranes and flood testing

Tapware and accessories

• Classic shapes in polished chrome, brushed brass or matte black tapware
• WELS 4–5 star mixers to balance water efficiency with good flow
• Heated towel rail, robe hooks and toilet roll holders in matching finish

Lighting and ventilation

• Wall sconces at eye level for grooming; downlights for general light; LED strip lighting for mirror and toe‑kick wash
• Exhaust fan sized to room volume; consider timer or humidity sensor to protect paintwork
• Underfloor heating for winter comfort (Perth mornings can be chilly)

Layouts and traditional bathroom styles

Popular layouts

• Small bathrooms and ensuites (as little as 1.8 × 2.2 m): Wall‑hung vanity, walk‑in shower 900 × 900 mm, niche storage, mirrored cabinets to bounce light.
• Family bathrooms: Double vanity (1200–1500 mm), shower + bath combination or separate freestanding bath, tall linen cabinet.
• Accessible classic: Wider doorways (at least 870 mm leaf), hobless shower, grab‑rail reinforcement behind tiles, lever handles.

Traditional bathroom styles we design

• Hamptons style: White Shaker vanity, marble‑look porcelain, brushed nickel tapware, pale blue/stone accents.
• Federation bathroom: Tessellated floors, subway walls with wainscoting, clawfoot or roll‑top bath, chrome fittings.
• Coastal classic: V‑groove panels, soft sand‑tone tiles, matte white tapware, rattan details.
• Contemporary classic: Streamlined Shaker, satin profiles, minimal frames, semi‑frameless shower screen.

Costs and timelines in WA

Every bathroom is unique, but these ranges reflect typical bathroom renovations Perth today. All figures are indicative and include GST.

• Cosmetic refresh (retain layout): $15,000–$25,000
• Mid‑range classic (quality tiles, custom vanity): $25,000–$40,000
• Premium classic (sintered stone, bespoke cabinetry, feature lighting): $40,000–$65,000+

Timelines: 2–3 weeks for minor refresh; 4–6 weeks for standard renovations; 6–8+ weeks for complex layouts or stone/feature tile programs.

Allow for design and approvals up‑front. We coordinate with Master Builders WA‑aligned practices, and we’ll advise where certification or strata permissions are needed.

Short WA case examples

Subiaco Federation cottage

A narrow 2.1 m room became a bright classic bathroom with a 900 mm Shaker vanity, marble‑look porcelain to 1200 mm, subway walls above, chrome tapware and a re‑enamelled clawfoot bath. We added LED strip lighting behind the mirror and a heated towel rail. Result: period‑correct charm with modern function.

Joondalup family bathroom

A 1990s space was re‑planned to fit a 1500 mm double vanity with soft‑close drawers, porcelain benchtop, walk‑in shower and built‑in bath. Classic Hamptons style palette, WELS 4‑star mixers and a durable grout system cut maintenance for a busy household.

Classic bathroom renovation checklist

• Define your look: Hamptons, Federation, coastal or contemporary classic
• Confirm layout priorities: shower size, bath yes/no, double vanity
• Specify compliant waterproofing (AS/NZS 3740) and ventilation strategy
• Choose vanity construction: Shaker/V‑groove fronts, moisture‑resistant board, quality hardware
• Pick your benchtop: porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone or laminate
• Lock in tile scheme: floor, feature wall, grout colour, edge trims
• Select tapware/ware: finish, WELS rating, basin style, toilet suite
• Plan lighting layers: sconces, downlights, LED strips, dimmers
• Storage: shaving cabinet depth, tall linen, in‑shower niches
• Program and budget: allow contingency 10–15% for surprises

Why Joyce Kitchens for classic bathrooms?

• Design‑led, custom builds by an experienced cabinetmaker Perth team
• End‑to‑end project management with licensed trades
• Expertise across kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes for a cohesive home
• Local knowledge of WA standards, salt‑air considerations and product availability

Ready to explore classic bathroom ideas? Book a design consultation and we’ll create a refined, practical space tailored to your home.

For code and industry guidance in Australia, see the ABCB/NCC and the HIA. WA homeowners can also check Building and Energy for local advisories.

FAQ

What defines a classic bathroom and will it date quickly?

A classic bathroom uses enduring elements — Shaker profiles, subway tiles, marble‑look porcelain, framed mirrors and balanced lighting — in neutral colours. Because it avoids short‑lived trends and prioritises proportion and quality, it stays current for a decade or more with only minor refreshes like new paint or accessories.

How much does a classic bathroom renovation cost in Perth?

As a guide, expect $15k–$25k for a cosmetic refresh, $25k–$40k for a mid‑range classic, and $40k–$65k+ for premium finishes and bespoke details. Site access, services, tile selection and custom work influence the final price.

What materials suit a classic bathroom in Australia, given the engineered stone ban?

Choose porcelain/sintered stone for heat/UV performance and realistic marble looks, laminate for value, or natural stone with care and sealing. Engineered stone benchtops containing crystalline silica are subject to a national prohibition (2024+), so we specify compliant alternatives for WA projects.

Can you customise classic bathroom vanities and storage?

Yes. Our custom cabinetry WA team builds Shaker or V‑groove vanities, shaving cabinets and linen towers with soft‑close drawers, integrated power, organisers and moisture‑resistant construction to suit your exact room and style.

How long does a bathroom renovation take and do you manage trades?

Most classic bathrooms take 4–6 weeks on site. We manage the full program — demolition, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and electrical — and handover after thorough QA against AS/NZS standards.