Bathroom Remodel and Design

The bathroom has always been my sanctuary, a place to rejuvenate for self-care.

When I completely re-modelled our bathrooms in 2021 despite the pandemic, it was far from a quick decision given the bathroom remains one of the most expensive and complex rooms to renovate.

There were two bathrooms to re-model and a small guest powder room, so there was substantial cost involved.

The stimulus to re-build the outdated bathrooms was there for some time, but I seriously conceded it had to be done sooner rather than later when it started posing a health and safety risk (mainly with the water damage affecting the stability of the shower floor in both bathrooms).

Once the decision was made my design mind went to work and the thought of a new ‘sanctuary’ that I get to create was nothing short of exciting; however, I was mindful to stay on budget. 

Are you familiar with that sound, you know the one your partner makes when you approach them about a high tag item and they come back with “Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching” out of their dear mouth (yes that one) well there was plenty of that going on, but we both knew it was time for 'out with the old and in with the new’.                                  

If you are reading this article, it maybe you are contemplating new bathrooms and not sure where to start.

Well, I have some key points that will help you through the journey.

Getting Started

I cannot stress enough the importance of being well researched before entering a contract with a bathroom builder.

Checklist

~ Get at least three quotes.

~ Check credentials.

~ View some completed projects.

~ Ask lots of questions.

If you know someone who has recently undergone a bathroom rebuild, see if you can see the completed bathroom and ask for contact details and names.

Once you have all the nitty gritty out of the way, the rest of the process should be easy enough, but do remain on your toes, as you are going to need your wits about you!

My advice is plan well and go with your needs and be realistic about your budget, in fact, be emphatic about it. A good rule of thumb; you do not know what is underneath a surface until renovations begin. This thought applies to any type of renovation, indoors or out. You need to allow for unforeseen costs that may arise.

A reputable bathroom installer will tell you this very early on. So be mindful, do not fall victim to poor planning, or change of mind, this can delay and incur further costs; ensure this is discussed and finalised before you sign up. It is best to expect there will be further costs involved (this is what I mean by being realistic).

My biggest fear in getting started was the upheaval to my day to day life. I admit the thought of my routine being disrupted does not sit well with me! Be prepared, a good bathroom renovator will take at least 3-4 weeks (yes that is right at least) to complete a full installation –this equated to mental chaos for someone like me sadly. And if you are having two bathrooms done at the same time, expect slightly longer.

An Interior Designer Has a Place  

A bathroom, even a modest one, should flow with your home’s interior.  I, of all people, appreciate not everyone is creative by nature or has the faintest idea where to start. This is where an interior designer can help crystallise a clear vision so you can be confident with your choices moving forward. Entrusting an interior designer (if you have the budget) is money well spent and can avoid costly mistakes for you. Remember, wrong decisions can be hard to reverse or accept when all is said and done.

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Case in point, the flush toilet in the ensuite required a new position to allow for a double walk-in shower (once the antiquated corner spa was gone). This meant the door to the bathroom would require re-positioning. I questioned if the plumbing costs would increase the price by moving the toilet, fortunately it didn’t in this case. However, it did mean moving the door would ultimately change the existing layout of the master bedroom, equating to further costs on top of the bathroom remodel.

You see, considering different options can affect not only the price of the bathroom, but the adjoining space as well, resulting in added expenses all round.  So, if you wish to move a wall, or a door (or both) ensure you raise this early on.

A good bathroom contractor (apart from building your bathroom) should assist in the planning process to help create a suitable space. This can be offered as a free service or included as part of the build. Some (not all) bathroom renovators have in-house designers to provide guidance along the way – this is relevant and one to look out for.

Ensuring small things like covering all the relevant floors and skirtings and cleaning up after each day, is a bonus. Our builder ensured our home was protected and dust free each night (within reason). They provided a ‘builder app’ which was updated daily and accessible on our phones when we were away from the house. Progress photos were part of the service. We experienced as much minimal disruption as possible, and open communication all the way. This helped us remain at ease and confident with our choices. 

Tapware and Finishes

I scheduled visits to showrooms and suppliers to experience the finishes and gain an understanding of what would work, and visualise the intent of the design. Admittedly, my husband left the styling and layout to me, but I still needed his input on the finishes and materials, especially with the ensuite bathroom, as I wanted the elements to personalise us.

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More About My Bathroom Design

My new bathrooms reflect where my family and I are going in terms of the future. They meet our daily needs, without compromising on style.

I essentially wanted an art deco influence with a blend of mixing the past with the present, achieving a seamlessly modern vibe. This worked in keeping with the style of my home, rather than what is in the now.  I do not follow trends or fads; I preferred a tactile approach with this project, and immersed colours and hues that I had a connection with, and knew would fit the brief, not intrude in it.

I settled on white subway tiles, selected intentionally to be the unsung hero to mosaic floor, I wanted the floor to take centre stage.

Mosaic tiles are a great choice if you want a strong, durable and stain resistant floor, well worth the money and strikingly beautiful at the same time. An eye will always be drawn to a bathroom floor, it is an important base.

Workmanship when installing a bathroom floor is crucial for a seamless and polished look. The head tile setter who meticulously installed the mosaic floor, came highly experienced and made all the difference to the finish.

I had my own ideas on how I wanted the design to go in terms of a border around the mosiacs. Typically the addition of a border would only accentuate the design, so I chose to leave it out, with the end result lending itself to the organic side of my bathroom design. My other reasoning was if we kept the mosaics ‘understated’ this would result in a subtle yet alluring floor. If that makes sense.

Back to the subway tile – this style of tile is a warm and a classic favourite and can be applied in different ways. Subway tiles are not always the feature, as I mentioned, but play a notable role if laid correctly. We went with a horizontal stack all the way up to the ceiling, a good companion with the matt finish tap ware and the minimalist wall light.

I was initially hesitant with natural timber vanities (it’s what we had previously). I was adamant I was going to change it up for practicality reasons. I was totally receptive to new materials, but decided I would stick with natural timber, as it suited our home. Consider double basins in your ensuite if your space and budget allows. It can also save valuable time in the morning rush (think relationship bliss).

My bathroom vanities were custom made in Spotted Gum and each custom-made piece is uniquely beautiful.

My selection of round basins and mirrors worked with the natural vanities and natural quartz tops. The round theme kept the elements soft, so the floor and soft gold fixtures remained the key features.

My Gravitation to Lighting

Lighting will make or break a bathroom after dark, and one of the things I disliked the most about our previous bathrooms was the lack of it. Good even lighting is so important.

Speak to your electrician after your fittings have been selected. He/she should be able to give you options that will not alter the price too much, if at all, before installation. Discuss where you need the light the most and the best location for the power outlet/s and switch. You will need 2-3 down lights (depending on how big your space is).  Settle on a couple of different switch positions for ease of use.

For example, your ambient lighting should be separate to the rest of the lighting for obvious reasons. 

Important Points to Consider

~ Avoid fads when it comes to colour selection of taps and hardware. There are options out there that are sure to date, and unless you are prepared to re-model your bathroom after 10 years – my advice is to keep it classic, simple and eliminate the unimportant.

~ Choose tap ware that is water efficient.

~ Avoid buying bathroom ware and accessories online, unless you have physically gone into the showroom first. Feel the quality and go with a reputable brand, this will make a difference with daily use. Your bathroom builder should be able to guide you as to the best possible price they can do with their supplier.

~ Consider the number of people who live in the home when it comes to selecting your bathtub and shower size. A shower can take up a lot of space in a bathroom. A double shower is a great asset, but only if the area allows it. Always consider the option of a spacing saving shower over the bath, with a frameless screen.You can  even have your shower over the bath custom designed as an L-shape to increase the space within the shower area.

~ If you have an oversized bathroom, go for a double shower area, or consider a bathroom wet room. Do try to fill up the space as much as possible. Remember an oversized bathroom can look and feel cold and uninviting if the layout is poor.

~ Select wall and floor tiles which are easy to maintain. If you have small children or the elderly living with you, consider some stain and slip-resistant floor tile options. If you are after a designer look, keep the wall tiles minimalist, and go for an eye-catching floor, or vice versa.

~ Choose cabinetry and vanity tops sensibly. Vanity tops have evolved so much and there are many to suit all tastes and budgets. Think about ventilation, a big factor when selecting materials for your bathroom.

~ Select tempered glass mirrors for durability, which aid sudden temperature changes. If you have limited space, consider a mirrored cabinet (aka medicine cabinet) preferably with a well-placed power outlet, for added storage and convenience.  

~ A large mirror will complement your small new bathroom area. If you select an oval basin team it up with an oval mirror, if you have a round basin, go for a round mirror. Consistency is key.

Selecting quality products and materials will increase the financial value of your home. If re-sale value of your home is important to you, then take all the above into careful consideration.

Installation

We enlisted a bathroom builder with an excellent reputation for quality workmanship. They worked with us all the step of the way. We trusted their advice, and they did not disappoint; they were extremely professional and friendly.

They simplified the process, ensuring it was tailored to our needs. All tradespeople involved were approachable and trustworthy. They met all our expectations and delivered like a dream, on time, on point and within budget.

For our wall and floor tiles, the consignment was separate to the bathroom builder (who we were fortunate enough to have worked with us on this).

We assigned Australia’s leading supplier of old-world style tiles. Their knowledge and experience of tile design and installation has been called upon by the National Trust, local governments and leading Australian designers.

We knew we were in good hands from the moment we met with them. Their fastidious attention to detail was second to none. Their tireless work ethics resulted in bespoke mosaic floor and walls that are timeless and a testament to their name.

Conclusion

My new bathrooms have a presence of natural and artificial lighting, with better use of space. This has made a difference to my wellbeing.

Now when the day light streams in there is as sense of calmness and appreciation, and when the night falls I am no longer left in a poorly lit space.

I enjoy all the elements established through a combination of careful planning and attention to detail.  I have a place for everything, and it is easy to be organised!

The style of my bathrooms have characteristics of an art décor flare consisting of bold geometric and detailed elements, whilst maintaining a undeniable modern vibe.

They are a true reflection of the great team of individuals who had a part in the project, although I feel content having added my own signature blend.

My aim for this article is for you to be well informed, so you too can create an ensuing warm and inviting bathroom you will appreciate for years to come.

My advice is to keep it simple yet interesting, choose quality products within your budget, and go with what ultimately work best for you and your family.

Most importantly, ensure every aspect of the build is exactly what you signed up for.

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Article Written by Marina Mura for MoodBlogs

All mood boards curated by Evoke Interior Decorating

Image credits: Novale Bathrooms and Olde English Tiles

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If you have any questions regarding this renovation, or if you are interested in some e-design advice or service, please reach out to me

by email at evokeinteriordecorating@gmail.com

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Get the Look ~ Bathroom Inclusions

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Mosaic Floor – The Ritz 20 in black and white

Subway Wall Tile in white

Olde English Tiles

Custom Natural Timber Vanity in Spotted Gum

Round basin

Just in Place

Custom Vanity top from the Toledo Collection in QuartzCalcutta Manhattan

Smartstone

Round black edged mirrors

Tap ware and Accessories Scala – Sussex Taps in brush pure gold.

Reece

Mirrors

Reece

Wall Light in black and white

Lighting Collective

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Bathroom Builder

Novale Bathroom

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Floor and Wall Tiles - Installation and Supplier

Olde English Tiles

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Bathroom Designer

Evoke Interior Decorating

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Photography by ^{Novale Bathrooms and Olde English Tiles}

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