Planning a fresh, functional Australian bathroom that will still look sharp in five years? Here’s our expert, Perth-ready playbook for 2025 bathroom trends, durable materials, smart layouts, and realistic costs—backed by Joyce Kitchens’ custom cabinetry and renovation expertise across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
What’s new in Australian bathrooms for 2025
In 2025, Australian bathroom design blends calm, spa‑like comfort with robust, low‑maintenance surfaces—ideal for WA’s coastal climate and busy family homes.
- Curbless walk‑in showers with linear drains for easy cleaning and improved accessibility.
- Natural textures: timber‑look cabinetry, stone‑look porcelain slab splashbacks, and terrazzo tiles.
- Warm metallics: brushed brass or champagne tapware; matte black fixtures still strong but softer tones rising.
- Wall‑hung vanities and in‑wall cisterns to free up floor space in compact ensuites.
- Integrated LED strip lighting for vanities and niches; dimmable task to ambient layering.
- Frameless shower screens for clean sightlines; fluted glass for privacy with style.
- Smart comfort: underfloor heating, heated towel rails, and WELS‑rated water‑saving fixtures.
- Statement basins (integrated or vessel) with finger pull handles and soft‑close drawers.
- Coordinated whole‑home cabinetry aesthetics (e.g., shaker kitchen doors echoing in the bathroom) for cohesive design.
Looking to coordinate across the home? Our team also handles kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation and wardrobe fitouts, so materials and profiles can carry through from your shaker kitchen to a refined ensuite.
Our WA bathroom renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end‑to‑end design, custom cabinetry WA made, and project coordination using licensed trades. Here’s how we keep it smooth:
1) Consultation and measure
We discuss how you use the space, storage needs, ventilation and lighting, plus appliance and fixture sizing common in Australian bathrooms (e.g., 1200–1800 mm vanities, 900 mm showers).
2) Design and selections
3D drawings and material boards: from vanity tops to tiles, mirrors and tapware. We’ll advise on slip ratings, grout sizes and resilient finishes for WA humidity and heat.
3) Compliance and documentation
- Waterproofing to AS 3740 (domestic wet areas) and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500.
- Electrical by licensed electricians with RCDs/smoke alarm compliance per NCC.
- Council or strata approvals as needed (e.g., wall moves, window changes, apartments).
4) Build and install
Demolition and rubbish removal, certified waterproofing, tiling, custom vanity installation, and final fit‑off of tapware and accessories. We protect adjacent areas and keep dust down.
5) Handover and care
We provide care instructions for benchtops, cabinetry and sealants, and a defects walk‑through for complete peace of mind.
Materials and finishes that last
Perth bathrooms benefit from materials that resist moisture, heat and salt‑laden air. Below are our top 2025 picks and how they compare.
Benchtops and vanity surfaces
Popular and compliant choices include sintered/porcelain stone slabs, solid surface (acrylic), compact laminate, and sealed natural stone. While “engineered stone benchtop” is a familiar term, note the national regulatory changes around high‑silica engineered stone—always check current WA requirements and select compliant alternatives.
| Feature | Sintered/Porcelain Stone (Engineered ceramic) | Decorative Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; non‑porous, ideal for wet zones | Very good if edges/seams sealed; avoid standing water |
| Heat resistance | High; tolerates hot hair tools briefly | Moderate; use trivets to prevent marks |
| Scratch/impact | Highly scratch resistant; robust | Good for everyday use; can chip at edges |
| Seam visibility | Minimal with large format slabs | Visible joins; colour‑matched edges help |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe clean, no sealing required | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Typical Perth supply & install | $$$ (premium) | $$ (budget to mid) |
| Lifespan | 15–25+ years | 10–15 years with care |
| Compliance note | Choose compliant products per current AU guidance | Generally compliant; follow manufacturer instructions |
Note: For up‑to‑date safety guidance on engineered stone in Australia, see Safe Work Australia. Always specify compliant products and fabrication methods.
Cabinetry
- 2‑Pac cabinetry for crisp profiles and a premium satin or matte feel.
- Thermo‑laminate and high‑pressure laminate for durability and value.
- Shaker doors add subtle texture; flat doors with finger pull handles suit minimal aesthetics.
- Soft‑close drawers and moisture‑resistant substrates as standard for Perth bathroom vanity Perth projects.
Tiles, walls and floors
- Large‑format porcelain slabs reduce grout and maintenance; matte finishes with R10–R11 slip ratings for floors.
- Terrazzo‑look and stone‑look porcelain bring warmth without sealing.
- Feature niches, half‑height wainscotting, and microcement accents for texture.
Fixtures and lighting
- WELS‑rated mixers and showers to save water without sacrificing pressure.
- Frameless shower screen glass with easy‑clean coatings.
- Layered lighting: overhead + vanity task + LED strip lighting to shelves and mirrors.
- Heated towel rails and underfloor heating for winter comfort in WA.
We’ll help you align bathroom finishes with adjacent spaces—think a stone‑look vanity that complements your kitchen splashback or laundry renovation—building a cohesive, whole‑home scheme.
Layouts and styles that work
Small bathrooms and powder rooms
- Wall‑hung vanity and in‑wall cistern free up floor area and improve sightlines.
- Walk‑in shower with a single glass panel simplifies cleaning.
- Light, warm neutrals and continuous floor tile run enlarge the feel.
Family bathrooms
- Double vanity with deep drawers and internal organisers.
- Robust porcelain or compact laminate tops; integrated laundry chute if layout allows.
- Tile niches for bottle storage; curved corners for kid safety.
Luxe ensuites
- Freestanding bath (where space permits) with feature wall lighting.
- Curbless shower, rain and hand shower combo, and brushed brass tapware.
- Warm layered lighting and fluted glass for privacy and ambience.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Costs vary by scope, selections and site access. As a 2025 snapshot for Perth and surrounds:
- Cosmetic refresh: $10k–$20k (tapware, vanity swap, minor tiling, paint).
- Mid‑range renovation: $20k–$35k (custom vanity, new tiling, walk‑in shower, quality fixtures).
- Premium renovation: $35k–$60k+ (large‑format porcelain slabs, underfloor heating, bespoke storage, premium tapware).
Typical timelines: 2–4 weeks (cosmetic), 4–6 weeks (mid), 6–8+ weeks (premium/structural). Allow extra time for apartment access and long‑lead items.
Joyce Kitchens can bundle services—kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes—to streamline trades and shorten your total program.
Two quick WA case examples
Cottesloe coastal ensuite
A tight ensuite became calm and low‑maintenance with a wall‑hung vanity in 2‑Pac, porcelain stone vanity top, brushed brass hardware and a frameless walk‑in shower. LED strip lighting under the vanity adds night‑time function.
Mount Lawley apartment bathroom
To manage strata rules and access, we specified compact laminate tops, large‑format porcelain wall tiles to minimise grout, and a niche over the in‑wall cistern for storage—achieving a premium feel within a mid‑range budget.
Quick definitions
Practical bathroom renovation checklist
- Define your priorities: more storage, easier cleaning, accessibility, or a luxe retreat.
- Set a realistic budget range and contingency (10–15%).
- Capture site details: ventilation, natural light, ceiling height, door swing.
- Choose moisture‑resistant cabinetry and durable benchtops suited to WA conditions.
- Confirm compliance: AS 3740 waterproofing, licensed plumbing/electrical, strata approvals.
- Select WELS‑rated tapware, shower sets and a toilet to save water.
- Plan lighting layers and power points for electric toothbrushes, shavers and hair tools.
- Consider future‑proofing: curbless shower, wider clearances, grip textures.
- Coordinate finishes with adjacent spaces (kitchen splashback, laundry, wardrobes).
- Book your start date early; confirm lead times for tiles, screens and custom cabinetry.
Standards and resources (Australia/WA)
FAQ
What are the latest bathroom trends for 2025 in Australia?
Top trends include curbless walk‑in showers, warm metallic tapware, large‑format porcelain slabs, wall‑hung vanities, layered LED lighting, fluted glass, and water‑saving WELS fixtures for spa‑like function and easy cleaning.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Perth in 2025?
As a guide: $10k–$20k for a cosmetic refresh, $20k–$35k for mid‑range, and $35k–$60k+ for premium. Program times run 2–8+ weeks depending on scope, selections and approvals.
What materials are best for a Perth bathroom vanity top in 2025?
Sintered/porcelain stone, solid surface and compact laminate are durable, moisture‑resistant choices. If considering engineered stone, ensure products and fabrication comply with current Australian regulations.
Do I need approvals or licensed trades for a bathroom renovation in WA?
Waterproofing should meet AS 3740, plumbing and electrical must be done by licensed trades, and some homes or strata properties require approvals. Your Joyce Kitchens designer will advise on compliance.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate my kitchen, bathroom and laundry in one project?
Yes—our team designs and delivers custom cabinetry across kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe fitouts, streamlining trades and finishes for cohesive whole‑home results.