Ready to turn a tired space into a fresh new bathroom? Below you’ll find practical, Australian-ready bathroom renovation ideas that balance style, budget and build quality—ideal whether you want a basic bathroom renovation, a budget bathroom remodel, or a full bathroom reconstruction. As a Perth specialist in custom cabinetry and bathroom design and renovation, Joyce Kitchens brings the same design expertise we apply to kitchen renovations Perth-wide to ensuites, family bathrooms and powder rooms across WA.
Core bathroom renovation ideas that work in Australia
- Go walk‑in: A level‑entry, walk‑in shower with a frameless screen feels bigger, is easier to clean, and suits multigenerational homes.
- Choose wall‑hung: A wall‑hung vanity and toilet improve floor visibility and make mopping faster, ideal for toilet remodeling or a quick bathroom refurbishment.
- Maximise storage: Custom cabinetry WA‑made shaving cabinets, mirrored doors, and deep soft‑close drawers reduce clutter.
- Light in layers: Combine downlights with LED strip lighting in niches or under vanities for task and mood light.
- Ventilate well: Ensure an effective exhaust vented outdoors—critical in Perth’s humid summers and winter condensation.
- Use water‑wise fixtures: Choose WELS 4–5 star showers and mixers to cut bills without sacrificing comfort.
- Low‑maintenance surfaces: Large‑format porcelain tiles, epoxy grout, and durable benchtop surfaces reduce cleaning time.
- Timeless style cues: Shaker profiles, Hampton tones, or Scandi minimalism align with popular shaker kitchen looks for a cohesive home.
- Keep plumbing where possible: Retaining waste and water points can significantly reduce bathroom plumbing renovations costs.
- Add future‑proofing: Consider wider shower entries, slip‑resistant tiles (P3–P4), and room for grab rails later.
Renovation process (Perth & WA)
1) Plan and measure
We start by measuring, noting existing plumbing and electrical, ceiling heights, and ventilation. For planning a bathroom renovation, bring any bathroom reno images, bathroom reno pictures or bathroom renovation pics to your consult.
2) Design and selections
Your designer will discuss bathroom redo ideas and bath reno ideas including vanities, benchtops, tiles, fixtures, lighting and storage. If your home has a Shaker kitchen or engineered stone benchtop in the kitchen, we’ll help echo those finishes for a cohesive look.
3) Compliance & approvals
- Waterproofing to AS 3740 (domestic wet areas).
- Plumbing to AS/NZS 3500 and WA plumbing regulations.
- Electrical by a licensed electrician (RCDs, IP ratings in wet zones).
- Council approvals may be required for structural changes or window alterations.
4) Build & install
Typical sequence: protect areas, demolition, first‑fix plumbing/electrical, screed and waterproof, tiling, cabinetry install, benchtop template, second‑fix plumbing/electrical, glazing, silicone and clean.
5) Handover
We provide a practical completion check, care guides, and warranty info. You’ll get professional photos—perfect if you love collecting pics of bathroom remodels and bathroom renovation images for inspiration.
Materials & finishes for WA conditions
Vanities & benchtops
In our experience designing bathrooms and kitchens, your vanity is the hardest‑working piece of furniture. Consider door profiles, moisture‑resistant substrates, and benchtops that handle heat and humidity. Note WA/Australia’s evolving position on engineered stone.
| Feature | Engineered Stone | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Stone‑like, consistent patterns | Vast range incl. stone, timber and matte finishes |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent surface resistance | Excellent surface; edges must be sealed well |
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid direct high heat | Good daily performance; avoid hot tools |
| Cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Notes | Subject to Australia‑wide restrictions/ban (2024+)—confirm current WA regulations and safe alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface | Great for discount bathroom remodel or basic bathroom remodel |
Popular alternatives in Australia: porcelain/sintered stone (very heat and stain resistant), solid surface (renewable, seamless basins), natural stone (requires sealing), and compact laminate (water‑resistant cores).
Tiles, grout & waterproofing
- Large‑format porcelain with minimal grout for low maintenance in bathroom renovations Australia.
- Feature options: terrazzo‑look, marble‑look or kit‑kat mosaics in niches.
- Epoxy or high‑performance grout in showers to combat mould.
- Slab‑format porcelain sheets reduce joints for a premium feel.
Tapware & fixtures
- WELS‑rated mixers and showers; choose reputable brands with strong WA service networks.
- Back‑to‑wall or rimless toilets simplify renovation for toilet and cleaning.
- Wall‑hung pans paired with an in‑wall cistern create space in toilet remodeling.
Ventilation & heating
- Duct exhausts outdoors, not into the ceiling cavity—crucial for timber homes across Perth.
- Consider underfloor heating for winter comfort, especially on ground floors.
Layouts & styles: from small bathrooms to ensuites
Small bathroom redo ideas
- Swap the bath for a generous walk‑in shower unless it’s your home’s only tub.
- Use a 400–450 mm deep vanity with drawers; add a recessed shaving cabinet.
- Choose lighter tiles and continuous floor lines to visually expand space.
Ensuite renovation ideas
- Twin basins or a wide single with double mixers.
- Brushed nickel or brass tapware for warmth; pair with Shaker or V‑groove vanity fronts (tying into a shaker kitchen style elsewhere).
- Acoustic considerations if the ensuite backs onto living spaces.
Family or new bathroom planning
- Durable finishes (porcelain tiles, compact laminate internals) and plenty of storage.
- Consider a freestanding or back‑to‑wall bath for kids.
- Future‑proof niches and wider entries for accessibility.
For more ideas, ask our team to show bathroom reno images and bathroom renovation pictures from recent projects around Perth and regional WA. Shortlist with confidence by reading bathroom renovations reviews and learning how to interpret them.
Costs & budgeting in Perth
Every project differs by scope, selections and site conditions, but these ballparks help:
- Basic/budget bathroom remodel or bathroom refurbishment: from $15k–$25k (retain layout; value materials; quick bathroom reno).
- Mid‑range bathroom renovations and makeovers: $25k–$40k (custom vanity, quality tiles, feature tapware).
- Premium/new bathroom: $40k+ (structural changes, slab porcelain, bespoke lighting, underfloor heating).
Cost savers: keep plumbing points, select large‑format tiles to reduce labour, consider laminate or solid surface over restricted engineered stone, and plan selections early to prevent delays. If you’re pairing a bathroom with a kitchen project, consolidated scheduling through one Perth team (Joyce Kitchens) saves time and disruption across your home.
Two quick WA project snapshots
City Beach ensuite refresh: We replaced a cramped hob shower with a level‑entry walk‑in, added a wall‑hung vanity with V‑groove fronts to mirror the client’s Hampton‑style kitchen, and used marble‑look porcelain. Result: brighter space, easier cleaning, and improved airflow.
Fremantle family bathroom: Keeping the S‑trap toilet position, we redirected the budget to a custom shaving cabinet, epoxy grout and a compact free‑standing bath. A classic white‑and‑oak palette echoed the client’s custom cabinetry WA kitchen for a cohesive whole‑home feel.
Practical bathroom renovation checklist
- Measure the room and note plumbing/electrical points and trap type (S or P).
- Decide: keep or move shower, vanity and toilet?
- Shortlist styles: Hampton/Shaker, Scandi, Minimal, Contemporary.
- Select surfaces: tiles, benchtop, vanity finishes, shower screen.
- Pick fixtures: basin, mixers, shower hardware, WELS‑rated toilet.
- Plan lighting and ventilation (exhaust ducted outside).
- Confirm waterproofing, falls to waste, and WA compliance.
- Set a realistic budget with a contingency (10–15%).
- Book a designer consult and request bathroom renovation inspiration with bathroom reno pictures.
- Schedule trades and lead times (tiles, cabinetry, benchtops, glazing).
Ready to move from ideas to action? Walk through bathroom renovation stages from measure to handover.
Useful Australian resources:
HIA,
WA Building and Energy,
WELS water rating.
FAQ
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a basic bathroom renovation starts around $15k–$25k, mid‑range $25k–$40k, and premium/new bathrooms from $40k+. Final costs depend on layout changes, tile choices, custom cabinetry, and fixture selections.
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
Allow 2–4 weeks for most bathroom renovations in Perth once demolition starts. Add time for design, selections and lead times (tiles, custom vanity, benchtops, glass). Complex waterproofing and feature tiles can extend timelines.
Do I need council approval or a building permit in WA?
Simple like‑for‑like bathroom renovations usually don’t require a building permit. Structural changes, new windows or major plumbing/electrical alterations may need approvals. Your designer/builder can advise against WA rules and AS/NZS standards.
What are good low‑maintenance materials for Australian bathrooms?
Porcelain tiles, epoxy grout, wall‑hung toilets, and durable benchtops like porcelain/sintered stone or high‑pressure laminate are easy to clean. Choose WELS 4–5 star fittings for performance and efficiency.
Is engineered stone still okay for bathroom benchtops in Australia?
Australia has introduced restrictions/ban on engineered stone (2024+). Many Perth projects now choose alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, or compact laminate. Always confirm the current WA regulations before specifying.
