Lessen the stress of a bathroom renovation with these tips. Photo: Beaumont Tiles
Bathrooms are one of the busiest rooms in the home so they need to tick a lot of boxes.
A practical space with good storage and lighting is key, but the room also needs to be a blissful retreat you can escape to for a relaxing bath, or quiet shower at the end of a long day.
It’s also one of the most expensive rooms in the home to renovate, so the design needs to be spot on.
Here we take you through the steps to create your dream bathroom in a stress-free transformation.
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The Atmosphere Gloss tile, priced from $56.65/sq m, is very luxe. Photo: Beaumont Tiles
Beaumont Tiles design specialist Christie Wood said there’s plenty to consider before starting your bathroom makeover.
DREAM DESIGN
Australians are a design-savvy bunch who crave homes with bold style elements and plenty of wow factor, according to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Christie Wood.
“Avoid playing it too safe during your renovations,” she advises.
“So often people get reno remorse, and it ends up costing more in the long run to replace taps, tiles or cabinetry that they didn’t love to begin with.
“While most of us need to stick within a budget, it’s always a good idea to splurge on good materials for your bathroom and hero one item like a fabulous sink or playful tapware.”
Ms Wood says a successful design incorporates style and functionality. She advises to work with the existing layout to avoid moving plumbing, doors and windows, if possible.
“It’s best to workshop different layouts on paper and once you’re ready to finalise it, map it out on the ground with masking tape so you can get a feel for the space and its functionality,” she says.
“Ask yourself if there has been enough consideration for the space required for stepping out of the shower, opening cupboard doors, getting dressed, and opening windows.”
When it comes to selecting tiles for a bathroom, there are a few rules to follow.
“Use repetition in design to connect wet zone areas like bathrooms, laundry, powder rooms and mud rooms in a fun way,” Ms Wood says. “Things like using the same tiled splash back, decorative floor or cabinetry are a great way to create connection and synchronicity across your entire home.”
Secondly, for dark bathrooms with little light, use lighter tones and gloss wall tiles to brighten the space. If there’s an abundance of light in your room, opt for a matt or satin finish so there’s no glare.
Lastly, correctly scaling the bathroom elements is vital.
“Depending on the size of your room, choosing tiles that are too small or too large for the entire space will put the room’s proportions out of sync, potentially drawing attention to its size if it’s on the smaller size,” Ms Wood says.
Pops of colour are becoming popular in bathrooms. Photo: Beaumont Tiles
Property expert and buyer’s agent Nicole Jacobs said black steel framed doors are making their way to the bathroom. Photo: Rachel Devine
IN VOGUE
Prime-time TV buyer’s advocate and property expert Nicole Jacobs says there are some on-trend bathroom inclusions that are getting a big tick of approval from buyers.
“We are seeing more bathrooms with stunning curves in their ceilings, walls and cabinetry (and) the use of arched mirrors,” she says.
“While the white tile is traditional and safe we are seeing more bathrooms exploring colours like peach, light greens and blues either in the tiles, wallpaper or paint.
Baths and black accents are also in.
“Baths have always been in but they are back in a big way,” Ms Jacobs says. “A large deep bath is on trend as buyers want to know this space can be practical for kids’ bath time but as a sanctuary as well.
“For some time, black steel framed doors have been in and this has extended into bathrooms as highlights around shower recesses and shower frames. Extend this with matching tapware, towel rails and other accessories.”
Lighting on a functional and architectural level is also gaining momentum. Skylights placed above the bath or shower are a popular choice, alongside highlighting curved walls or bespoke cabinetry with feature lighting.
Light tiles, like the Grand Atlantis Gold Silk tiles pictured, are good to use in a bathroom where there is little to no light. Photo: Beaumont Tiles
Matthew Menichelli from Elevate Building Group says a good project manager is the key to a successful reno.
ON THE TOOLS
While the fun part of renovating is selecting tiles and tapware, the most important part of a bathroom makeover comes down to careful planning and a good execution from those on the tools.
Builder and owner of Elevate Building Group Matthew Menichelli says a number of trades are required for a bathroom renovation.
“This could include a cabinet maker, plumber, electrician, carpenter, tiler, painter and plasterer,” he says. “You’ll also need a builder who can project manage and oversee the renovation job as a whole.”
Mr Menichelli says to allow a month for the renovation to ensure it’s not rushed. You should also be prepared for some unexpected costs.
“Some potential scenarios include needing to replace your pipes or redo electrical wiring,” he says. “Unfortunately it’s hard to know what is beneath the surface prior to starting a project.”
Bathroom renovations are “very technical” and definitely a job to call the experts in for, according to Hipages chief customer officer Stuart Tucker.
“We know 68 per cent of homeowners have attempted but failed to complete repairs or renovations around the home themselves,” he says. “The bathroom is not the place to be attempting your handyman skills.”
A bathroom renovation can cost between $10,000 and $30,000+, according to Hipages. Photo: Beaumont Tiles
BATHROOM COST GUIDE
$10,000 – $15,000 for a budget or cosmetic renovation of a smaller main bathroom using budget materials and fittings.
$15,000 – $30,000 for an average sized mid-range main bathroom renovation using standard materials and fittings.
$30,000+ for a premium
or luxury main bathroom renovation using top of the range materials, fittings and fixtures.
BUDGET BATHROOM UPDATE
Wanting to revamp your bathroom, but have little budget? Here are some simple tips to transform it without hurting your hip pocket.
1. Clean every surface, including grout. You may need to re-seal areas which is low cost but can add visual and functional benefits.
2. Tired tapware and handles on cabinets can often be replaced with on-trend alternatives. It will give the space a new look for a fraction of the cost of a completely new bathroom.
3. Introduce plants. They are great for colour and often create a feeling of calm.
4. Make sure all lights are working and good voltage for maximum efficiency.
5. Buy new towels that work with the colours and space. Go neutral if the space is busy or vibrant if the space is white and requires a lift.
Source: Nicole Jacobs, buyer’s advocate
hipages.com.au, beaumont-tiles.com.au, nicolejacobs.com, elevatebuilding.com.au
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