Looking for smart, modern bathroom ideas tailored to Australian homes? Whether you’re planning a modern ensuite, refreshing a family bathroom or creating a luxury spa-style retreat, this expert guide from Joyce Kitchens brings together the best bathroom design ideas Australia has to offer — from layouts and materials to costs, compliance and on-trend styles. It’s practical, WA-focused, and built to help you make confident renovation decisions.
How to plan a bathroom renovation in WA: step-by-step
Great bathrooms balance function, durability and style. Here’s the proven process our Perth designers follow to turn bathroom inspiration into a seamless upgrade.
1) Discovery and bathroom inspiration
- Collect bathroom design ideas from our showroom, our bathroom ideas photo gallery, and modern baths pictures for references.
- Define who uses the space (kids, guests, mobility considerations) and shortlist your bathroom style ideas and modern bathroom themes.
2) Site measure and compliance
- We check existing plumbing and electrical, ventilation paths, ceiling height, and fall-to-drain. We design to relevant codes such as AS 3740 (waterproofing) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical).
3) Concept design
- Layout options to suit your goals: walk-in shower, freestanding bath, double vanity, modern ensuite, or compact powder room.
4) Selections
- Vanity benchtops (engineered stone, porcelain/sintered slab, laminate), custom cabinetry, tiles, tapware, basins and lighting to achieve your modern bathroom luxury look.
5) Pricing and proposal
- Transparent quoting with prime cost and provisional sum allowances for fixtures and tiles appropriate for bathroom designs Australia-wide.
6) Approvals
- For structural changes, window alterations or moving wet areas, we can guide you on approvals with your builder and local council (see approvals section below).
7) Demolition and preparation
- Careful removal, waste management, substrate repair, and fall preparation to drains.
8) Rough-in
- Licenced WA trades complete plumbing and electrical rough-ins with placements checked against the final cabinetry drawings.
9) Waterproofing and tiling
- Membrane installation, flood testing, then tiling and grout (epoxy options available for superior stain resistance).
10) Cabinetry, stone and fit-off
- Install custom vanity and storage, then benchtops, mirrors, shower screens and final fixtures. We finish with QA and cleaning.
Materials and finishes that perform in Australian bathrooms
Humidity, heat and cleaning frequency are tough on finishes. Here’s how popular options stack up for modern bathroom designs and modern bathroom decor ideas.
Vanity benchtops
- Engineered stone: Hard-wearing and consistent look; great for a luxury modern bathroom design. Heat mats are recommended beneath hair tools.
- Porcelain/sintered stone: Excellent heat and UV resistance; thin, sleek profiles suit contemporary bathrooms Australia trends.
- Laminate: Cost-effective, wide decor range; modern laminates resist moisture but require careful sealing at cut-outs.
- Solid surface: Seamless joins and repairable; warm to touch; excellent for curved modern bath design details.
- Timber: Beautiful and natural; requires vigilant sealing and maintenance in wet zones.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (Vanity Benchtops)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | High, but use heat mats under appliances | Moderate; avoid direct heat |
| Stain/scratch resistance | Excellent day-to-day durability | Good; improved with premium finishes |
| Moisture performance | Very good when properly sealed at cut-outs | Good; ensure edges and joints are sealed |
| Aesthetics | Luxury look, stone patterns and solid colours | Vast decor range, including stone-look |
| Typical cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous surface | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
Cabinetry and storage
- Carcasses: Moisture-resistant board for Australian bathroom ideas AU contexts.
- Fronts: 2-pack painted, thermofoil, melamine or timber veneer. Shaker-profile fronts (often seen in a shaker kitchen) create classic Hamptons-style vanities.
- Hardware: Soft-close hinges and drawers; internal organisers; integrated laundry hampers for family bathrooms.
Tiles, grout and glass
- Porcelain tiles for high traffic durability; choose appropriate slip ratings for floors.
- Large-format tiles minimise grout lines in modern big bathrooms.
- Epoxy grout resists stains and is ideal for modern bathrooms Australia-wide.
- Shower screens in toughened safety glass compliant with AS/NZS 2208.
Tapware, basins and baths
- Choose WELS-rated tapware and showers to save water without sacrificing modern bathroom luxury.
- Undermount basins suit clean, modern bathroom ideas; above-counter bowls add sculpture.
- Freestanding baths are striking in new bathroom designs; inset tubs save space in compact rooms.
Lighting, power and ventilation
- Task + ambient lighting with correct IP ratings in wet zones.
- Heated towel rails and demister mirrors elevate luxury bathroom styles.
- Ventilation via exhaust to exterior; consider humidity sensors for low-maintenance comfort.
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme rates water-using products in Australia. Higher stars mean better water efficiency.
Ingress Protection ratings indicate moisture protection for electrical fittings. Bathrooms require suitable IP ratings in zones around water.
The Australian Standard for waterproofing of domestic wet areas. It sets minimum requirements for membranes, set-downs and falls to drain.
Layouts and modern bathroom styles Australians love
Small bathrooms and powder rooms
- Wall-hung vanities to free floor area and enhance modern bathroom designs.
- Walk-in showers with frameless glass keep lines clean; niche storage reduces clutter.
- Light porcelain tiles with subtle texture for slip resistance.
Family bathrooms and modern big bathrooms
- Double vanities, generous drawers and tall linen cabinets for storage.
- Separate bath and shower, with modern bath design choices like back-to-wall freestanding tubs.
Modern ensuite ideas
- Hotel-style luxury modern bathroom designs: slab porcelain walls, integrated lighting, and floating vanities.
- Sliding doors or pocket doors maximise space in contemporary bathrooms Australia floor plans.
Modern bathroom themes and decor ideas
- Coastal: Light timbers, white-and-sand palette, brushed nickel tapware.
- Hamptons: Shaker fronts, engineered stone benchtops, elegant wall sconces.
- Scandi: Matt finishes, pale timber veneers, simple lines.
- Industrial: Concrete-look porcelain, black fixtures, exposed textures.
- Luxury spa: Large-format stone-look tiles, rain showers, underfloor heating.
For cohesive whole-home styling, we can echo your shaker kitchen profiles or engineered stone benchtop selection in your vanity — perfect for renovations that encompass kitchen renovations Perth, laundry, wardrobes and bathrooms.
Perth case-style examples
Cottesloe Coastal Ensuite
A compact ensuite transformed into a modern ensuite with a wall-hung vanity in 2-pack white, engineered stone top, and a walk-in shower with linear drain. Porcelain tiles in a soft sand tone deliver a calm, beachside feel. Result: bigger visual space, better storage, and hotel-style luxury.
Fremantle Family Bathroom Refresh
A busy household needed durable finishes and modern bathroom ideas Australia-proof. We specified melamine cabinetry with anti-fingerprint doors, a solid-surface top, and epoxy grout to withstand daily use. A freestanding bath created a focal point while keeping cleaning simple.
Costs, timing and approvals in Perth and WA
Typical bathroom renovation costs
- Cosmetic update (keeping services in place): from approx. $12,000–$20,000+
- Full renovation (new layout/fixtures): from approx. $18,000–$35,000+
- High-end/luxury bathroom: $35,000–$60,000+ depending on selections
Allowances vary with tile choice, stone or laminate benchtops, custom cabinetry complexity, shower screens and fixtures. We’ll detail prime cost items and provisional sums in your quote.
Timeframes
- Design and selections: 1–3 weeks
- On-site works: typically 2–4 weeks for a standard bathroom, longer for complex layouts
Approvals, compliance and licenced trades
- Structural changes and window alterations may need council approval via your builder.
- Waterproofing to AS 3740, electrical to AS/NZS 3000, glass to AS/NZS 2208, and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500.
- Always use appropriately licenced WA trades and request waterproofing certificates and product warranties.
Helpful resources (external):
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
ABCB/NCC updates.
Practical bathroom renovation checklist
- Confirm your layout (shower, bath, toilet positions) and clearances.
- Choose a vanity benchtop material: engineered stone, porcelain/sintered, laminate or solid surface.
- Select moisture-resistant cabinetry, soft-close hardware and internal organisers.
- Pick tiles with appropriate slip rating; consider epoxy grout for low maintenance.
- Confirm WELS-rated tapware, shower and toilet for water efficiency.
- Specify lighting with correct IP ratings; plan power points away from wet zones.
- Ventilation: size an exhaust fan vented externally; consider humidity sensors.
- Ensure quotes include waterproofing to AS 3740 and a written warranty.
- Schedule trades in order: demo → rough-in → waterproof → tile → cabinetry → stone → fit-off.
- Plan for temporary facilities during the renovation period.
Why Joyce Kitchens for custom bathrooms in Perth
- Custom cabinetry WA built for moisture-prone spaces, with premium hardware and durable finishes.
- Experienced designers who deliver cohesive, modern bathroom ideas Australia-wide, plus kitchens, laundries and wardrobes.
- Locally made, measured to your space, with transparent timelines and warranties.
- We coordinate with trusted licenced trades and align with HIA and Master Builders best practice.
From bathroom renovation ideas Australia to detailed install drawings, we make the process simple — and beautiful.
FAQ
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, cosmetic updates start around $12,000–$20,000+, full renovations from $18,000–$35,000+, and luxury bathrooms from $35,000–$60,000+. Your final cost depends on layout changes, tile and stone selections, custom cabinetry scope and fixture choices.
Do I need approvals or certificates for a bathroom renovation?
Structural changes or window alterations may require council approval via your builder. Waterproofing must meet AS 3740, electrical must meet AS/NZS 3000 and plumbing must meet AS/NZS 3500. Always request a waterproofing certificate and use licenced WA trades.
What vanity benchtop material is best for Australian bathrooms?
Engineered stone and porcelain/sintered slabs deliver durability and a luxury look. Laminate is a cost-effective alternative with wide decor choice. Solid surface offers seamless joins and can be repaired. We’ll recommend what suits your style, budget and maintenance preferences.
How long will my bathroom renovation take?
Most Perth bathrooms take 2–4 weeks on-site once works begin, depending on complexity and lead times. Design and selections usually add 1–3 weeks before construction.
Can you match my kitchen style in the bathroom?
Yes. We often echo shaker kitchen profiles, engineered stone benchtops and hardware finishes to create a cohesive whole-home look across kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobes.
