Renovate a bathroom like a designer

Renovating vs. new build

Whether renovating or a new build, Jolly advises, “The overall style of the existing house should be considered when selecting the colour and style of tapware and accessories so that a cohesive look can be achieved throughout the home,” she says.

When renovating a bathroom, Rachel Collard, interior designer at R&Co Design Studio, emphasises the importance of preserving the existing bathroom footprint and meticulous material selection.

“Consideration of the existing footprint is necessary when taking on a renovation. Keeping plumbing and waste in their existing location will help to keep costs at a minimum,” says Collard. “Consideration of desirable materials and finishes that reflect your style will enhance the space and have the most impact.”

Tips for small bathroom design

Renovating a smaller bathroom poses unique challenges. Collard suggests incorporating a floating vanity to create an illusion of space. Frameless shower screens keep the visual flow, and smart storage solutions contribute to a sense of abundance, overcoming the limitations of a compact space.

“Keep tile choices consistent on floors and walls. Opting for larger tiles in smaller bathrooms reduces grout lines that break the eye line, giving the illusion of a more expansive space,” says Collard.

Jolly stresses that the layout of the space is crucial, ensuring that all of the elements needed will fit into the space with plenty of room for moving around and opening entry and shower doors.

“Space for towel rails is an often forgotten but must-have requirement in a bathroom, so it’s important to allocate a spot for at least one,” says Jolly. “A shaving cabinet mirror is a great idea for extra storage.”

Where to invest time and money

Choosing where to invest in a bathroom renovation requires careful consideration. Collard suggests prioritising impactful elements. “Splurge on high-end tapware, invest in quality tiles, and pare back on joinery, opting for cost-effective solutions without compromising aesthetics,” she says.

Jolly explains that the most significant changes would be incorporating new tiles and keeping the colour palette light, making the space feel like new.

“Coloured tapware is a great way to bring colour into the space and have some fun,” says Jolly. “Draw in natural light with larger windows or a skylight to make the space more welcoming and open.”

Bathroom renovation mistakes to avoid

When reducing costs on a bathroom renovation, don’t compromise on key design elements like stone, tile or tapware choices. 

“Some of the biggest mistakes I have seen clients make when completing a bathroom renovation is stripping the design of the key aspects that make for an amazing bathroom. These key components can make or break a space – so spend on the important items and pare back on those that don't have as much impact,” says Collard.

“Also, services like drains and ventilation are often forgotten, so be sure you think about them, particularly their location. Lastly, remember to add appropriate working and feature lighting. It’s important to create an ambience in the space.”

Jolly’s top mistake to avoid would be not preparing the space properly, making sure that the waterproofing is done correctly and using an experienced plumber to work on the project is crucial. “Taking the time to plan the space well and incorporating little extras like underfloor heating and an attractive and quiet exhaust fan are important considerations,” says Jolly.