Designing a spacious bathroom is a chance to create a resort-level retreat at home. Below, our Perth-based team shares practical, large bathroom design ideas—plus costs, materials, and a step-by-step renovation process tailored to Western Australia.
What Makes a Large Bathroom Work
Great large bathroom designs balance comfort, circulation and storage with a clear, spa-like look. Keep these principles front of mind:
1) Smart Zoning
- Dry zone (vanity, storage, makeup bench) vs wet zone (shower, bath) to control moisture and improve safety.
- Separate WC or a privacy nib wall for everyday practicality.
- Consider a double vanity with soft-close drawers and a recessed shaving cabinet for extra organisation.
2) Allowances and Circulation
- Vanity depth: 500–600 mm is common; allow 900–1000 mm clear in front of vanities and showers for comfortable movement.
- Freestanding bath lengths in Australia: 1500–1800 mm; ensure at least 100 mm clearance around for cleaning.
- Door swings: pocket doors or barn sliders can save space in tight entries.
3) Light, Ventilation and Acoustics
- Layered lighting: ceiling lighting, task LED strip lighting under mirrors, and low-glare night lighting.
- Ventilation sized to room volume and Perth’s humidity spikes; choose quiet fans and verify IP ratings for wet areas.
- Acoustic treatment (insulation, soft furnishings) to calm echo in larger rooms.
The WA Renovation Process: From Design to Handover
Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—across bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes. Here’s how a typical large bathroom renovation runs in Perth.
1) Discovery and Measure
- We assess plumbing, fall to waste, ventilation and structure. We capture appliance and fixture sizes (e.g., 1700 mm bath, 1200 mm double vanity).
2) Concept, Layout and Selections
- We model multiple large bathroom design ideas, vanity storage solutions and lighting plans.
- Selections include tiles, vanity benchtops (engineered stone benchtop, porcelain), tapware (matte black or brushed nickel), and shower screens.
3) Compliance and Documentation
- Waterproofing to AS 3740; plumbing to AS/NZS 3500; electrical by licensed trades.
- We recommend HIA contracts and using Master Builders WA resources for consumer guidance.
4) Fixed-Price Quote and Programme
- Transparent inclusions and allowances for PC items; typical large bathroom duration 3–6 weeks on site.
5) Build and Handover
- We install custom vanities with Blum hardware, fit frameless shower screens, and commission all fixtures. You receive a waterproofing certificate.
Case study – Heritage elegance, Mt Lawley
Goal: A classic, Hamptons-style space with a freestanding bath. We used shaker-profile doors (a nod to a shaker kitchen look), Caesarstone vanity top, subway splashback tiles, and brushed nickel tapware. The result balanced period charm with modern storage and soft-close drawers.
Materials and Finishes That Last in Perth Homes
Moisture, heat and cleaning chemicals demand durable finishes. These are our proven choices for large bathroom decorating ideas:
Vanity Benchtops
- Engineered stone (e.g., Caesarstone, Essastone): highly durable and elegant.
- High-pressure laminate: budget-friendly, extensive patterns, now with impressive water resistance.
- Porcelain slabs: ultra-hard, heat- and UV-resistant; great for a contemporary minimalist look.
Cabinetry
- Moisture-resistant substrates, quality edging, and sealed cut-outs around basins.
- Finishes: 2-pack satin, textured melamine, or timber veneer for a resort feel.
Tiles and Surfaces
- Porcelain floor tiles (slip resistance for wet zones), and large-format wall tiles to reduce grout lines.
- Feature ideas: mosaic niche, marble-look porcelain, or a stone-tiled plinth for the bath.
Tapware and Fittings
- Choose WELS 4–5 star for water efficiency; consider heated towel rails and in-wall cisterns for a sleek finish.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate for Vanity Benchtops
| Feature | Engineered Stone | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Perth supply & install | $850–$1,400 per m² | $250–$450 per m² |
| Water & stain resistance | Excellent; low porosity | Very good; edges must be sealed |
| Heat resistance | Good; avoid direct high heat | Moderate; use heat mats |
| Look & feel | Premium, stone-like | Wide patterns incl. stone-look |
| Maintenance | Low; non-abrasive cleaners | Low; avoid harsh chemicals |
| Warranty | 10–25 years (brand dependent) | 7–15 years (brand dependent) |
Note: If you’re pairing your bathroom with kitchen renovations Perth or laundry renovations, we can continue the same surface across rooms for cohesion.
Layouts and Styles: Bathroom Ideas for a Large Bathroom
Use the scale of your room to create zones, add storage and showcase beautiful fixtures. Here are proven large bathroom decorating ideas that suit Perth homes.
Popular Layouts
- Resort spa: Centre a freestanding bath, add a walk-in shower with twin rain heads, and a double vanity with undermount basins.
- Family-friendly: Generous shower with a bench seat, abundant drawers, and easy-clean back-to-wall bath.
- Universal design: Level entry shower, wider clearances, and well-placed grab rails—future-proofing without sacrificing style.
Style Directions
- Hamptons style: Shaker-profile vanity fronts, soft whites, brushed nickel tapware, and subway splashback tiles.
- Contemporary minimalist: Porcelain slab benchtops, wall-hung vanity, frameless shower screen, matte black tapware.
- Natural resort: Timber-look tiles, warm neutrals, greenery and a skylight for daylighting.
Bathtub Design Ideas
- Freestanding oval bath to soften lines; or a back-to-wall bath for easier cleaning and efficient space use.
- Stone composite baths hold heat well—ideal for Perth winter evenings.
- Include a tiled ledge for candles and wine—practical and luxurious. For inspiration, explore bathtub design ideas pictures in your mood board or our showroom.
Case study – Coastal calm, Joondalup
We transformed a large family bathroom with a wall-hung double vanity in textured melamine, a porcelain benchtop, and LED strip lighting under a mirrored cabinet. A walk-in shower with a full-height niche and a 1700 mm back-to-wall bath maximise storage and easy cleaning.
Costs: Large Bathroom Renovation in Perth & WA
Budgets vary with size, selections and services upgrades. Indicative totals for a large bathroom (10–14 m²) in Perth:
- Cosmetic refresh: $12,000–$20,000
- Mid-range renovation: $25,000–$40,000
- Premium/custom: $45,000–$80,000+
Typical cost drivers:
- Structural changes, relocating plumbing, and premium fixtures.
- Surface area (tiling up to ceiling, large-format tiles, porcelain slabs).
- Custom cabinetry and engineered stone or porcelain benchtops.
Tip for WA homes: Allow a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen works (e.g., subfloor repairs). We recommend formal HIA contracts and scheduling around lead times for custom cabinetry and shower screens.
Practical Planning Checklist for Large Bathroom Designs
- Confirm your must-haves: double vanity, freestanding bath, walk-in shower, heated towel rails.
- Measure accurately: window heights, door swings, and existing services locations.
- Select moisture-resilient cabinetry and benchtops; decide on engineered stone vs laminate.
- Choose WELS-rated tapware and ensure correct IP-rated lighting for wet zones.
- Plan storage: soft-close drawers, tall linen cabinet, and mirrored shaving cabinet.
- Decide on ventilation (fan capacity and ducting) and natural light (skylight or larger window).
- Document finishes: tiles, grout colours, niches, shower screen type, and accessories.
- Book licensed trades and waterproofing to AS 3740; request certificates at handover.
- Set budget ranges and contingency; confirm timeline (typically 3–6 weeks on site).
- If coordinating with kitchen or laundry upgrades, align materials for a cohesive whole-home look.
Ready to Plan Your Large Bathroom?
From bathroom renovations Perth to custom cabinetry across kitchens, laundries and wardrobes, Joyce Kitchens delivers design-led craftsmanship. Book a design consult in our Perth showroom and let’s turn your large bathroom design ideas into a beautiful, durable space.
WA & Australia Resources
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) – contracts, consumer guides
- Master Builders Western Australia – builder selection and advice
- WA Building and Energy – building standards and consumer info
FAQ
What is the best layout for a large bathroom?
The best layout separates wet and dry zones, provides at least 900–1000 mm circulation spaces, and includes a double vanity, a generous walk-in shower, and either a freestanding or back-to-wall bath. Add storage (drawers, tall linen) and a privacy solution for the WC if the room allows.
How much does a large bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
Most large bathrooms in Perth range from $25,000–$40,000 for mid-range finishes, and $45,000–$80,000+ for premium selections and layout changes. Complex plumbing relocations, porcelain slabs, and custom glass can increase costs.
What materials are best for large bathroom vanities in WA?
Moisture-resistant cabinetry with quality edging, and benchtops in engineered stone or porcelain perform best. High-pressure laminate is a strong budget option. Pair with durable hardware (e.g., Blum), and seal all cut-outs around basins.
Do I need council approval for a large bathroom renovation in WA?
Like-for-like bathroom renovations typically proceed without a building permit, but structural changes, new windows, or altering plumbing layouts may require approvals. Always use licensed trades and waterproofing to AS 3740 and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500.
How long does a large bathroom renovation take?
Allow 3–6 weeks on site for a large bathroom, excluding design and lead times. Custom cabinetry, porcelain benchtops, and frameless shower screens can extend timelines, so lock in selections early.