Ready to bring relaxed, timeless country style into your bathroom? This guide distils the best country bathroom design ideas for Australian conditions, with practical advice from Joyce Kitchens—Perth and WA specialists in custom cabinetry, bathroom renovations, laundry makeovers and wardrobe fit-outs. Whether you’re renovating a heritage cottage or creating modern country warmth in a new build, you’ll find clear steps, materials advice, layouts, costs and FAQs tailored to WA homes.
Country bathroom inspiration: what defines the look?
Country bathroom designs layer natural textures, classic profiles and a calm, practical layout. Think soft whites, warm neutrals and timber, paired with subway tiles, VJ panelling, beadboard or wainscoting. Cabinetry often uses a Shaker-style profile (you might know it from a classic Shaker kitchen) with cup pulls or simple knobs. Add a freestanding or clawfoot bath, a walk-in shower with a clear screen, and warm metal finishes such as brushed brass or aged bronze tapware. For modern country, matte black tapware and stone-look porcelain tiles add crisp contrast.
- Surfaces: stone-look porcelain, terrazzo-look tiles, timber accents
- Cabinetry: Shaker doors, soft-close drawers, custom cabinetry WA-made
- Colours: classic white, cream, sage, duck-egg blue, earthy greiges
- Details: barn door, open shelves, woven baskets, tongue-and-groove/VJ
- Fixtures: under-mount or inset basins, framed mirrors, sconce lighting
Vertical-joint (VJ) panelling is a tongue-and-groove timber or MDF lining that creates classic vertical lines—perfect for country bathrooms when sealed and painted in wet-area grades.
Australian Standard AS 3740 sets the minimum waterproofing requirements for domestic wet areas. In WA, use licensed trades and ensure membranes are certified for compliance.
Local note for WA homes: with strong afternoon sun and heat, choose UV-stable finishes and moisture-resistant boards, and consider heat-resistant surfaces where western-facing windows bring in summer warmth.
Your bathroom renovation process in WA
- Design consultation and measure – We assess your space, discuss country bathroom design ideas, storage priorities and budget.
- Concepts and selections – 3D drawings, tile and paint palettes, vanity style, benchtop options, tapware finishes, lighting.
- Compliance planning – Waterproofing per AS 3740, electrical to AS/NZS 3000, slip resistance to AS 4586, plumbing to AS/NZS 3500. We can work with HIA contracts for clarity on scope and timeline.
- Demolition and rough-in – Safe strip-out, check structure, set falls for drainage, move services as needed.
- Waterproofing and tiling – Certified membranes, screed, set-out, tile installation with movement joints, grout sealing as specified.
- Cabinetry and benchtops – WA-made custom cabinetry, soft-close hardware, benchtop install, mirrors and shaving cabinets.
- Fixtures, glazing and lighting – Walk-in shower screens, WELS-rated tapware, warm LED lighting, extraction fan ducted outside.
- Clean, test and handover – QA checks, care instructions and warranties.
Typical duration: 3–6 weeks for a full bathroom renovation, depending on complexity and lead times.
Useful authorities for Australian renovators:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
Australian Building Codes Board (NCC).
Materials and finishes for country style
Vanity benchtops: alternatives to suit Australian regulations
Country bathrooms favour tactile benchtops with a durable, low-maintenance finish. Australia introduced a national prohibition on most engineered stone products from 1 July 2024. Consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, laminate, or sealed timber for the look you want.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (see 2024 AU ban note) | Laminate (modern high-pressure laminate) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance in AU | Nationally prohibited from 1 July 2024 in most forms. Check current WA rules and approved alternatives. | Compliant when installed per manufacturer guidelines. |
| Look and feel | Stone-like appearance; now generally replaced by porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface. | Huge range of realistic stone/timber patterns with post-formed or square edges. |
| Moisture resistance | High; depends on alternative selected (e.g., porcelain/sintered stone is excellent). | Good for bathrooms with proper sealing at joins and regular care. |
| Heat/UV | Porcelain/sintered alternatives have high heat/UV resistance—great for WA sun. | Improved heat resistance; avoid direct hot items and prolonged UV exposure. |
| Cost | Porcelain/sintered and solid surface range mid to high. | Budget to mid-range; excellent value. |
Recommended today: porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, quality laminate, or sealed timber for character. We’ll advise on what suits your family and budget.
Ultra-dense surfaces made from minerals fired at high temperatures. They’re non-porous, stain/UV/heat resistant—ideal for WA bathrooms and laundries.
Tiles and wall panelling
- Subway tiles in brick bond or herringbone for classic charm
- Stone-look porcelain floors for durability and country warmth
- Terrazzo-look for a contemporary country twist
- VJ/beadboard in dry zones (or wet-area rated products), capped with a chair rail
For safety, choose floor tiles with appropriate slip resistance (refer to AS 4586 classifications). Large-format tiles reduce grout lines for easier cleaning.
Tapware and fixtures
- Brushed brass, brushed nickel or matte black tapware to suit your palette
- WELS 4–5 Star fittings to save water and meet Australian efficiency standards
- Classic gooseneck spouts, cross handles or minimalist mixers for modern country
Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme rates how water‑efficient taps, showers and toilets are. Aim for WELS 4–5 Star in family bathrooms.
Cabinetry and storage
Country style shines with custom cabinetry WA made: Shaker doors, appliance-quality finishes, moisture-resistant E0 board, dovetail or soft-close drawers, and thoughtful storage like pull-out hampers or linen towers. Open shelves add casual charm; a tall cabinet can hide broom and vacuum if the bathroom adjoins a laundry renovation.
Lighting and ventilation
- Warm LED (2700–3000K) for ambience; brighter task lighting at the mirror
- IP-rated fittings in wet zones and fans ducted to the exterior (AS/NZS 3000)
- Consider a skylight or solar tube for natural light in heritage cottages
Colour and styling
Pair soft whites with timber and a hint of colour—sage, duck-egg, or clay. Add woven baskets, ceramic canisters, and a vintage rug for warmth.
Layouts and styles to suit your space
Small bathrooms and ensuites
- Wall-hung vanity to increase floor visibility and storage
- Walk-in shower with frameless screen or a single fixed panel to reduce visual bulk
- Recessed shaving cabinet for extra storage without crowding
- Lighter wall colours and continuous floor tiling to open the room
Family bathrooms
- Back-to-wall freestanding bath for country charm and easy cleaning
- Double vanity (1200–1500mm) if space allows; standard vanity height ~850–900mm
- Robust finishes and rounded edges for kids
Powder rooms
- Statement wallpaper above wainscoting for instant country character
- Pedestal or furniture-style vanity with heritage tapware
Country sub-styles
- Country-Hamptons: crisp white Shaker doors, marble-look porcelain, polished nickel tapware
- Farmhouse rustic: sealed timber accents, stone-look floors, aged brass hardware
- Modern country: slimline profiles, matte black tapware, terrazzo-look features
Real WA examples
Cottesloe cottage ensuite: We reworked a tight 2.1 × 2.4m layout with a wall-hung Shaker vanity, porcelain benchtop, VJ to 1200mm and a nib wall walk-in shower. Light sage paint and brushed nickel tapware delivered a fresh country feel without clutter.
Swan Valley farmhouse family bathroom: A 1700mm back-to-wall clawfoot bath, 1500mm double vanity in warm white, stone-look floor tiles and barn-door entry. Timber shelves and woven baskets added everyday practicality for a busy family.
How much does a country bathroom cost in Perth/WA?
- Cosmetic refresh: $8,000–$15,000 (paint, simple tapware, minor fixtures, resurfacing/selective tiling)
- Mid-range full renovation: $18,000–$35,000 (custom vanity, quality tiles, porcelain/laminate benchtop, new shower screen, compliant waterproofing)
- High-end: $35,000–$60,000+ (premium porcelain/sintered stone, underfloor heating, bespoke cabinetry, detailed tiling, premium fixtures)
Costs vary with layout changes, tile format, plumbing moves, and fixture selections. We provide detailed quotes and timelines after a site visit.
Country bathroom renovation checklist
- Define your style: Hamptons, farmhouse rustic or modern country
- Set priorities: bath vs larger shower, double vs single vanity
- Pick durable surfaces: porcelain/sintered, solid surface, quality laminate
- Confirm compliance: AS 3740 waterproofing, AS/NZS 3000 electrical, AS 4586 slip
- Choose WELS 4–5 Star tapware/showerheads
- Plan storage: drawers, mirror cabinets, linen tower, niches
- Ventilation and lighting: ducted exhaust and warm task lighting
- Book trades and allow contingency (10–15%)
- Schedule with adjacent works (laundry or kitchen renovations Perth) to minimise disruption
Why Joyce Kitchens
With decades crafting WA cabinetry, we deliver bathrooms that feel beautiful and work hard. From classic Shaker doors to modern country minimalism, our in-house designers tailor vanities, shaving cabinets and storage to your family’s routine. We also design and install kitchens, laundries and wardrobes—so your whole home flows.
FAQ
What are the essential elements of country bathroom design?
Start with classic Shaker-style cabinetry, soft whites and warm neutrals, and tactile surfaces like stone-look porcelain or sealed timber. Add subway tiles or VJ panelling, a freestanding or clawfoot bath if space allows, and warm metal finishes such as brushed brass or nickel. Keep the layout practical with a walk-in shower, good storage and warm LED lighting for an inviting feel.
What is the best benchtop material for a country bathroom in WA?
Given Australia’s 2024 prohibition on most engineered stone, we recommend porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, high-pressure laminate or carefully sealed timber for country character. Porcelain/sintered offers excellent heat, stain and UV resistance for WA conditions; laminate delivers great value with convincing country patterns when edges and joins are sealed correctly.
How much does a country bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $18,000–$35,000 for a mid-range full renovation and $35,000–$60,000+ for high-end selections. Cosmetic refreshes can start around $8,000–$15,000. Your final cost depends on layout changes, tile format, joinery scope and fixture choices. We provide a detailed, itemised quote after measuring your space.
How can I make a small bathroom feel country without looking cluttered?
Choose a wall-hung Shaker vanity with drawers, a walk-in shower with a clear screen, light-coloured tiles and a recessed mirror cabinet. Limit the palette to two or three tones, use open shelves sparingly, and add country character through brass hardware, a timber stool and a woven basket or two.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in WA?
A typical bathroom takes 3–6 weeks from demolition to completion, depending on scope, tile complexity and lead times for custom cabinetry and screens. Allow extra time if you’re moving plumbing or adding features like underfloor heating.
