Thinking about a fresh bathroom, or coordinating a whole-of-home makeover across kitchen, laundry and wardrobes? Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates spaces across Perth and WA, blending smart bathroom layouts with the same custom cabinetry, finishes and attention to detail we bring to kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love.
Core insights: new bathtub ideas Australians love in 2025
Today’s best bathrooms balance relaxation, resilience, and resale. Here are the standout new bathtub ideas we’re building into Perth homes:
- Back-to-wall baths for hotel-style impact without awkward cleaning gaps. They offer the sculptural feel of a freestanding tub with easier maintenance.
- Slim-edge freestanding tubs that maximise internal space in narrow rooms and align with frameless shower screen aesthetics.
- Stone-look acrylics to emulate cast stone at a lighter weight—ideal for upper floors without structural upgrades.
- Shower–bath combos with full-height waterproofing and anti-slip flooring, perfect for compact family bathrooms.
- Universal design touches—lower tub lips, grab-rail blocking in walls and P3–P4 slip-rated floors for aging-in-place.
- Tapware consistency with the kitchen: matte black tapware, brushed nickel, or warm metallics repeat across your undermount sink, splashback zone and bath area for cohesive open-plan living.
A freestanding-style tub set flush against a wall. You get the ‘freestanding look’ while minimising dust gaps and simplifying waterproofing junctions.
Bathtub shower combination ideas and designs
Smart bathtub shower combination ideas for small and family bathrooms
- Curved shower-bath profiles to widen shoulder space where you stand.
- Back-to-wall shower-bath for a neat, family-friendly footprint and easy cleaning.
- Frameless panel + rail rather than a full enclosure to reduce visual bulk.
- Overhead + hand shower for flexibility with kids, pets, and quick rinses; pick WELS 3–4 star for water efficiency.
- Raised niche above the tub line for bottles—aligns with soft-close drawers and custom cabinetry WA homeowners choose for tidy storage.
- Slip-resistant floor (P3) adjacent to the tub with a linear drain to manage splash.
Bathtub shower combination designs that look high-end
- Large-format porcelain slab walls for minimal grout, paired with a subtle waterfall edge detail on your vanity top for a consistent language.
- Hampton-style detailing—shaker-style vanity fronts and a back-to-wall bath in a coastal style palette that echoes your shaker kitchen.
- Mixed metals: brushed nickel taps with matte black accessories for depth, carried through to kitchen and laundry renovation fixtures for continuity.
An approach that makes spaces usable by as many people as possible—think wider clearances, reinforced walls for future rails, and simple step-free transitions.
Your renovation process in Perth/WA
- In-home measure and concept—we map plumbing, ventilation, and structure, then align bathroom choices with your kitchen, scullery or butler’s pantry palette.
- Selections—tub style, shower screen, tiles (vitrified tiles are great for durability), vanity with soft-close drawers, engineered stone benchtop or laminate, and tapware.
- Compliance and documentation—we work to the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage) and specify a compliant waterproofing membrane. For guidance, see the NCC at the ABCB (external).
- Build—demolition, plumbing rough-in, electrical, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry install, bath set, silicone and finishing.
- Handover—care guides and warranty paperwork.
For added assurance, many Perth homeowners reference industry bodies such as HIA and Master Builders WA when choosing licensed trades.
Helpful authorities (external):
ABCB – National Construction Code |
HIA |
Master Builders WA
A continuous protective layer applied under and behind wet area finishes to prevent water ingress. In WA, it must be installed to the NCC and relevant AS/NZS standards by qualified applicators.
Materials and finishes
The right tub material should match your floor structure, cleaning routine and budget. Here’s a quick comparison of popular choices.
Comparison: Common bathtub materials
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Typical WA Price Range (supply) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Warm to touch, light weight, wide shapes, family-friendly pricing. | Can scratch—use non-abrasive cleaners; choose reinforced bases. | $400–$1,800 |
| Steel enamel | Hard-wearing, glossy finish, thinner profile. | Cooler to touch; enamel can chip if impacted. | $800–$2,500 |
| Cast iron | Classic look, excellent heat retention, very durable. | Very heavy—check floor capacity; more costly to install. | $2,500–$6,000+ |
| Composite stone/solid surface | Stone-like feel, contemporary shapes, good heat retention. | Mid–high price; weight varies by brand. | $1,800–$5,500 |
Finishing touches that elevate the space
- Frameless shower screen over a shower-bath combo for a clean line with fewer seals.
- Porcelain slab or large-format tiles on walls; vitrified tiles on floors with a P3 slip rating near wet zones.
- Heating and comfort: heated towel rails and proper ventilation for WA’s coastal humidity.
- Vanity tops: engineered stone benchtop for a premium look, or modern laminate as a budget-savvy option—both can tie back to your kitchen splashback and waterfall edge detailing.
Layouts and styles that work
Layouts
- Alcove bath (three-wall) for compact rooms; ideal for bathtub shower combination designs.
- Drop-in bath in a tiled hob for classic family bathrooms.
- Freestanding tub as a hero in larger ensuites—allow at least 100 mm breathing space from walls for cleaning.
- Back-to-wall bath when you want the freestanding look without cleaning gaps.
Styles
- Hampton-style bathrooms: shaker fronts to echo a shaker kitchen, pale timbers and soft blues.
- Coastal style: sandy neutrals, brushed nickel hardware and textured tiles to suit WA light.
- Minimal luxe: matte black tapware, porcelain slab walls and a slim-edge freestanding tub.
- Family-first: shower–bath combo, robust cabinetry, and storage to match your laundry renovation solutions.
Costs in Perth and WA
Indicative figures only—final pricing depends on selections, access and scope:
- Bath supply: $400–$6,000+ (see table above).
- Installation (set, plumb, silicone): $650–$1,800 for like-for-like; more if relocating services.
- Shower screen: $450–$1,500 for a panel or slider over bath.
- Tiling/waterproofing: $1,800–$5,500 depending on area and tile selection.
- Full bathroom refresh: $16,000–$38,000+ for typical bathroom renovations Perth homeowners undertake; premium ensuites can exceed this.
Tip: Coordinating bathroom finishes with your kitchen and wardrobe project can streamline procurement across custom cabinetry WA manufacturing and reduce scheduling gaps.
Two quick WA case-style examples
Subiaco ensuite, 2.1 m × 2.6 m
Brief: Luxe feel without major structural work. Outcome: Back-to-wall bath, frameless screen panel, porcelain slab walls, engineered stone benchtop vanity with soft-close drawers, matte black tapware to match the client’s new kitchen splashback hardware. Time on site: 14 working days.
Fremantle family bathroom, 2.4 m × 3.0 m
Brief: Keep bath for kids; improve storage. Outcome: Curved shower–bath, P3 floor tiles, tall linen cabinet tying in with their butler’s pantry doors, brushed nickel fittings for a coastal style. Time on site: 16 working days.
Practical checklist: choosing and installing your new bath
- Confirm door widths (often 820 mm in WA) to ensure tub access.
- Check floor load if selecting cast iron or heavy composite stone.
- Plan tap position (wall, hob, or floor) and mixer reach for safe filling.
- Specify a compliant waterproofing membrane and P3 slip-rated flooring near the bath.
- Choose WELS-rated showers/taps for water efficiency (3–4 star is common).
- Align finishes with your kitchen and laundry palette for whole-home cohesion.
- Allow for niche heights, grab-rail blocking, and storage to match long-term needs.
- Schedule around other trades—cabinetry, tiling, and glazing—to minimise downtime.
The Australian/New Zealand standard series for plumbing and drainage. It sets out requirements for water services, sanitary plumbing, and roof drainage that licensed trades must follow.
Ready to plan your bathroom with Joyce Kitchens?
From new bathtub ideas and bathtub shower combination designs to coordinated kitchen, laundry and wardrobe upgrades, our Perth designers specify durable, beautiful solutions that suit WA living. Book a design consultation to see materials in person and map your project timeline.
FAQ
What are the best new bathtub ideas for small Australian bathrooms?
Choose a back-to-wall bath or a curved shower–bath to maximise internal space. Use a frameless screen panel, a raised niche for storage, and P3 slip-rated floor tiles near the tub. Keep finishes consistent with your kitchen and laundry for a cohesive whole-home look.
Are bathtub shower combination designs practical and compliant in WA?
Yes—when set out correctly. We install full-height waterproofing around wet walls, specify P3–P4 slip-rated flooring beside the tub, and ensure plumbing meets AS/NZS 3500 and the NCC. A quality frameless screen and WELS-rated showers improve function and safety.
Which bathtub material is best for Perth homes?
Acrylic is a popular, warm-to-touch and budget-friendly choice for families. Steel enamel is thin and durable; composite stone offers a premium feel without the weight of cast iron. Always consider floor capacity, cleaning preference and budget.
How much does it cost to add or replace a bath in Perth?
As a guide, bath supply ranges from $400–$6,000+ and installation (set and plumb) from $650–$1,800 for like-for-like. Full bathroom renovations typically start around $16,000 in Perth, scaling with finishes and layout changes.
How long does a bath replacement take and do I need council approval?
Like-for-like swaps are often completed within 1–3 days, while bathroom renovations take 12–20 working days on site. Council approval is usually not required for internal like-for-like plumbing; structural changes or reconfiguration may need additional approvals—our team can advise.
