Looking to turn a basic WC into a small space with big impact? From smart storage to materials that suit WA’s climate, here are refined toilet decorating ideas and renovation tips from the team at Joyce Kitchens — the Perth specialists in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and custom cabinetry.
Core toilet decorating ideas that work in Australian homes
- Choose a light base palette and one bold feature: think warm white walls with a coloured splashback tile or a textured wallpaper above a half-height tile.
- Make the room feel bigger with mirrors: a tall mirror or mirrored wall cabinet reflects light and depth.
- Float it: a wall-hung toilet pan and floating vanity shelf show more floor and feel airier, especially in narrow rooms.
- Add soft, indirect light: LED strip lighting under a shelf or behind a mirror looks premium and improves visibility without glare.
- Bring in natural texture: timber-look laminate cabinetry, terrazzo tiles or brushed nickel tapware soften a clinical space.
- Style simply: one plant, one artwork, a quality hand soap and small tray beat clutter every time.
- Match your home’s style: if you have a shaker kitchen or coastal Hamptons palette, echo that in the powder room for consistency.
- Futureproof with storage: a shallow vanity with soft-close drawers keeps surfaces clear and makes cleaning easier.
Definition: Powder room vs toilet
A “powder room” usually refers to a small toilet room with a hand basin for guests. A “WC” or “toilet room” may be just the pan and cistern. Decorating ideas here apply to both.
How we plan a toilet/powder room renovation
- Measure and brief: We confirm set-out, door swings, services, ventilation and how you use the space (family vs guest powder room).
- Concept design: Layout options (e.g., wall-hung vs close-coupled toilet), styles (modern minimal, shaker-profile, coastal), and lighting plan.
- Selections: Tiles, paint, vanity top (laminate, porcelain/sintered stone or compliant engineered-stone alternative), tapware, mirror, hardware.
- Compliance: We coordinate licensed trades for plumbing and electrical to AS/NZS standards (e.g., AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing; AS 3740 Wet Areas) and the NCC as applicable.
- Custom cabinetry WA-made: Our Perth workshop fabricates custom vanities, mirror cabinets and shelving with durable finishes.
- Installation and clean: Sequenced install with tiling, cabinetry, benchtops, fit-off and final styling.
Integrating your powder room with wider works? Many clients bundle toilet room updates with kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom renovations or laundry upgrades to streamline cost and timing.
Materials and finishes for WA conditions
WA homes can experience strong sunlight and heat. Choose fade-resistant, low-maintenance finishes that deal well with everyday moisture and cleaning.
Benchtops and shelves
For compact toilet vanities or shelf-style basins, durability and budget matter. See the comparison below.
Definition: Engineered stone (regulatory note)
From 2024–2025, Australian jurisdictions have restricted or banned high-silica engineered stone. Joyce Kitchens can specify compliant alternatives such as low-silica options, porcelain/sintered stone or laminate. Always check current WA requirements.
Benchtops for powder rooms: Engineered stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered stone (or compliant sintered/porcelain alternative) | High-pressure laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Stone-like, premium; seamless appearance; pairs with undermount sink | Vast patterns incl. timber- and stone-look; modern square edges; suits drop-in basins |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent with correct fabrication and sealing where required | Very good; protect edges and avoid standing water at joins |
| Heat/UV performance | Sintered/porcelain excellent in WA sun; traditional engineered stone can fade if UV-exposed | Good indoors; avoid direct strong UV/heat to prevent fading or warping |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; non-porous; wipe clean | Low maintenance; gentle cleaners recommended |
| Budget | $$$–$$$$ | $–$$ |
| Best for | Premium powder rooms; integrated aesthetic with bathroom or kitchen stone | Cost-effective toilet refreshes; rental properties; robust family use |
Tiles, paint and wall finishes
- Porcelain tiles are durable and low-porosity; terrazzo-look porcelain delivers texture without sealing.
- Feature splashback tiles behind the basin protect walls; fluted or kit-kat mosaics add interest in small doses.
- Paint: Opt for washable, low-sheen or two-pack paint in humid-adjacent areas; UV-stable whites resist yellowing in WA heat.
Tapware and basins
- WELS rating matters for water efficiency. A WELS 5-star basin mixer saves water and feels great to use.
- Choose finishes that match your home: matte black tapware for modern minimal; brushed nickel or brass for warmer palettes.
- Compact undermount or semi-recessed basins maximise bench space; wall spouts help in narrow benchtops.
Definition: WELS
WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) is Australia’s water-rating scheme for taps, toilets and showers. Higher stars = more efficient.
Lighting and ventilation
- Layered lighting (ceiling + LED strip lighting behind mirrors/shelves) elevates the space and avoids harsh shadows.
- Ensure an effective exhaust fan, especially for internal powder rooms, to reduce odours and protect paint/joins.
Storage and cabinetry
- Shallow laminate cabinetry with finger-pull or handleless profiles keeps things sleek.
- Soft-close drawers improve usability; a small mirror cabinet hides essentials at eye level.
Layouts and styles Australians love
Smart layouts for small toilet rooms
- Wall-hung toilet with in-wall cistern: frees floor area and looks high-end. Great for tight rooms.
- Corner or slimline basin: maintains the all-important 750 mm front clearance to the toilet.
- Door strategies: Consider an outward swing or pocket door for narrow corridors.
For accessibility, reference AS 1428.1 where relevant. Joyce Kitchens can coordinate compliant layouts with licensed trades.
Style cues to echo the rest of your home
- Hamptons / shaker kitchen continuity: Use shaker-profile doors, soft greys and classic hardware to tie your powder room to adjacent living/kitchen zones.
- Contemporary coastal: White, sandy tones, pale timber-look and brushed nickel tapware.
- Urban minimal: Matte black tapware, large-format porcelain, integrated shelf lighting.
Definition: Wet-area waterproofing
Under AS 3740, waterproofing is required in wet areas. A toilet-only room may not need full waterproofing, but any basin, adjacent shower, or floor wastes can change requirements. We assess each project.
Budget and costs in Perth and WA
- Styling-only refresh: paint, new mirror, decor, towel ring, LED strip lighting — approx. $500–$2,000.
- Cosmetic powder room upgrade: new vanity, tapware, mirror cabinet, splashback tiles — approx. $3,000–$8,000.
- Premium powder room renovation: wall-hung pan, in-wall cistern, custom cabinetry, stone/porcelain benchtop, tiling — approx. $8,000–$18,000+ depending on selections.
Costs vary with access, plumbing moves, tile choice and whether works are combined with a bathroom or laundry renovation. We provide fixed quotes after design sign-off.
Practical toilet room refresh checklist
- Confirm set-out and door swing; ensure comfortable front and side clearances.
- Pick a light base paint; add one hero tile or wallpaper.
- Select compact vanity or shelf; decide on undermount vs drop-in basin.
- Choose a benchtop (laminate or compliant stone alternative) to suit budget.
- Specify WELS-rated tapware and a quality toilet suite.
- Add layered lighting: ceiling + LED strip lighting behind mirror/shelf.
- Ensure adequate exhaust and fresh air.
- Plan storage: mirror cabinet and soft-close drawers.
- Finish with simple decor: tray, plant, artwork, quality towels.
Two quick WA examples
Subiaco terrace powder room
We used a wall-hung toilet, slim vanity with a porcelain slab top, fluted vertical splashback tiles, and warm LED backlighting to create a boutique feel. The palette echoed the client’s shaker kitchen in soft grey and chrome.
Joondalup family WC
For durability, we installed laminate benchtops with a drop-in basin, textured white splashback tiles, matte black tapware and a mirrored cabinet. Easy-clean finishes keep the room fresh for a busy household.
Helpful Australian references: check current guidance from the HIA, Master Builders WA and the national WELS scheme at waterrating.gov.au.
FAQ
What are the best toilet decorating ideas for small powder rooms?
Use a light base colour, one feature tile or wallpaper, a wall-hung toilet, a slim vanity or shelf, a tall mirror, and LED strip lighting for depth. Keep decor minimal — a plant, artwork and quality hand soap elevate the look without clutter.
Is engineered stone or laminate better for a toilet vanity benchtop?
For value and durability, laminate is excellent in a powder room. If you want a premium look and seamless finish, choose compliant stone alternatives such as porcelain/sintered slabs or approved low-silica engineered products. See the comparison above for moisture, UV and budget considerations.
Do I need waterproofing in a toilet room in WA?
A toilet-only room may not require full wet-area waterproofing, but any hand basin, floor waste or adjacency to a shower can trigger requirements under AS 3740 and the NCC. We assess each project and coordinate licensed waterproofers and plumbers to AS/NZS 3500.
How much does a toilet or powder room renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide: styling-only $500–$2,000; cosmetic upgrade $3,000–$8,000; premium powder room with wall-hung pan and custom cabinetry $8,000–$18,000+. Final costs depend on plumbing changes, tile selections and access. We provide fixed quotes after design.
How do I keep a white toilet room looking fresh in WA’s sun and heat?
Choose UV-stable, washable paints; add effective ventilation; avoid leaving harsh cleaners on surfaces; and consider porcelain/sintered stone or quality laminates that resist fading. Regular wipe-downs and good exhaust keep whites bright.
Ready to transform your toilet or powder room? Joyce Kitchens designs and builds custom cabinetry and benchtops locally in WA and manages the full renovation — from concept to completion.
