Beautiful Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne

Bathroom renovations are among the most complex and difficult you can undertake in your home.

In kitchen and bathroom projects, quality components and a functional design are essential for a good result.

Arguably, though, the most important factor in a new bathroom is the workmanship.

In a bathroom every square metre counts. You need to include a bath, shower, vanity, sink, towel rail, mirror, and much more. From the quality of the finish to waterproofing, the skills of the tradespeople doing the work needs to be top notch. Even small blemishes and imperfections stand out more in a new bathroom.

Put simply, a pro will make a better job of updating a bathroom than a determined DIYer. They will be faster too.

At Rosemount, our team is second to none.

Our designers will help you create a space that looks great and meets the needs of you and your family.

Our tradespeople will install your new bathroom to the highest standard of design, function and durability. We manage and coordinate the electricians, plumbers, tilers and other trades to ensure you get a new bathroom as quickly and with as little inconvenience as possible.

And the job won’t be complete until you’re 100% happy.

If you’re considering a new bathroom, here are some essential tips to consider before getting started. They’ll help with your decision making and keep you on the right track throughout the project.

How to get started

So where do you start?

Like any major and complex project, it’s always best to have a clear idea of what you want and how you intend to get there. You should develop a plan.

Ask yourself why you want to renovate. Do you need more space? Is your existing bathroom old and outdated? Are your shower and bath too small? Is there something about the current layout that annoys you?

Take some time to consider what’s most important for you and your family, and how you want the renovated space to work for you.

A great way to get more specific is to research bathroom designs, styles and and layouts, and make a note of what you do and don’t like. You’ll find lots of inspiration in “home” magazines and on websites like Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram.

A couple of key questions to answer are:

How will the bathroom be used?

Are you part of a busy family where the materials will need to be hard-wearing, and the design accommodates more than one person getting ready at the same time in the morning? Or will this be a sanctuary – somewhere to relax and unwind, and luxuriate in the big freestanding bath? Both these scenarios will require very different designs and components.

What is your approximate budget?

As we mentioned earlier, bathroom projects are much more dependent on the trades expertise, and a large part of your budget will be the trade component – which are fixed costs. The variable costs are those that depend on the tiles, fixtures and fittings you choose for the bathroom.

Like kitchens, good bathrooms can boost the value of your home.

Numerous variables dictate the investment required, so it’s impossible to give general figures. On average, our clients spend between the upper $30,000s to $55,000..

As always, you might find some businesses or local tradespeople who can do it for less, but we understand what costs are involved and the care needed in producing a bathroom that not only looks amazing and won’t cause you any problems in the years ahead.

Focus on getting the best value for money from your project rather than the base cost. Dollars invested on quality and workmanship now will also save you in the long run, as you benefit from guarantees and avoid potential problems with issues having to be fixed down the line.

Key areas to consider

Layout:

Are you happy with the existing “footprint” of your bathroom or do you want to move things around to better utilise the space?

Whatever your requirements, our specialist bathroom designers can help you to come up with a bathroom that maximises function for you and your family – and provides a “feel” and flow that makes it a fantastic space to be in.

Plumbing:

When discussing ideas for your new bathroom with a bathroom designer, you might consider a number of options, like wanting to change the position of your shower, toilet, or sink, to accomodate the freestanding bath you’ve always wanted.

Whatever your requirements, we always start at the beginning and take the room back to the stud walls. This allows the plumbers to do all necessary rough-in work. The plumber returns after the tiling is done to fit-off fixtures and fittings.

Electrical:

You’ll also discuss your lighting needs with the designer. For instance – where you would like the power points to be in the new bathoom.

Just like the plumber, the electrician does the rough-in near the beginning of the renovation, just after demolition. The electrician returns to fit-off after the tiling is done.

Lighting:

Using lighting and mirrors effectively can make a big difference in the “feel” of your bathroom. They can make a small space seem bigger and brighter, and create an improved ambience in rooms of all sizes.

Flooring:

When it comes to floor tiles, you’re spoiled for choice with a wide range of textures, colours and designs.

Unlike other parts of the house, whatever you put on your bathroom floor has to be able to withstand large quantities of water.

You won’t go wrong with high quality ceramic, porcelain or marble tiles. Porcelain gets the biggest tick for its water absorption rate, but all of these tiles work well on that front.

Tiling:

Of course, in a bathroom the tiles aren’t only on the floors. They are also on the walls, and you’ve got lots of options.

For instance, you could choose floor-to-ceiling tiles on all walls or simply tile the shower and vanity splashback with a tile skirt around the floor – leaving the rest of the walls to be painted.

Bear in mind, the more tiles you use, the higher the cost – for both the tiles and the tradesmen to lay the tiles.

Shower:

One of the questions we get asked most is: “Can I have a shower that is easy to clean?”

We all know a bathroom will always need cleaning, but minimising those hard-to-clean corners and crevices in the shower area is a bonus.

The most popular choices are walk-in showers with a glass panel, and semi-frameless and frameless showers.

Advice from a bathroom designer is invaluable for choosing a shower and making the best use of the space.

Whatever your choice, always look for a water saving shower head that still produces good pressure.

Bath:

Most people who’ve got the space love to include a bath in their bathroom. For some it’s great for the family, for others it’s just the sheer pleasure of taking a bath.

A freestanding bath is a real statement piece that can enhance the design and add some luxury to the space.

And all is not lost if you don’t feel you have the space or budget. These days freestanding baths are produced by multiple brands in various sizes and catering to a wide range of budgets. It’s well worth researching the options.

Another great option is a back-to-wall bath, which has a luxurious look and save space because it has one straight side. As a bonus, it’s also easier to clean.

Vanity and Sink / Basin:

Once again, there’s a mind-boggling choice these days. Store bought vanities come in all shapes and sizes, and can be enhanced brilliantly with the careful choice of a mirror and lighting. If you want your new bathroom to be the best it can possibly be, we recommend having your vanity custom-designed and manufactured. It’s what we do, and you get a magnificent piece of joinery that is perfect for your space.

In more practical terms, think about whether you need one basin or two? Undermount basins – which sit under the benchtop – help create an uncluttered look while above-benchtop basins can be an important design feature in your bathroom.

Will your vanity be wall or floor mounted (the latter can help the bathroom seem bigger). And consider having drawers rather than cupboards. Just like in a kitchen, drawers are easier to access and can store much more than a typical cupboard – which can make a particularly big difference in the smaller bathroom space.

Toilet:

Yes, even your toilet can make a statement these days; quite literally, if you buy a Japanese toilet that might play music or the sound of fake flushes to drown out any “embarrassing” noises. Premium options more commonly available in Australia have the cistern hidden behind a wall or in the cavity so only the flush buttons can be seen. Alternatively, wall suites – where the cisterns sits “flush” against the wall – provide a clean, attractive look.

Rimless toilets – which have been used in Europe for a long time – have also recently become a very popular choice in Australia.

A rimless toilet – as the name suggests – doesn’t have the traditional rim around the top of the pan where the water flows out to clean the bowl.

Anyone who has cleaned a toilet knows how hard this area is to reach, clean and keep clean. The rimless alternative is easier to clean and more hygienic.

Tapware:

Taps are an fixture that – if chosen well – can make a real aesthetic and design impact in a bathroom. They’re also the most handled fixture in a bathroom, so they need to be able to stand up to day-to-day family life. You want them to work well and to last (choose taps with good warranties) and to feel good to the touch.

You’ll probably go for either three-piece traditional or mixer taps. Until recently, most bathroom taps were made of chrome but that’s all changing too. You can make a statement with matte-finish black monochrome or a more classic look with decorative brass, copper or gold finish.

Storage:

A good designer will make productive use of every square inch in a bathroom. We can never have too much storage and, in a typical bathroom, storage is at a premium. From a wall recess niche in your shower to creative shelf space in your vanity, there are many ways to create extra space. Even more creative solutions – like a cavity sliding door – can add more useable space to the bathroom.

Turn your plan into action:

If you want to avoid common mistakes, these are some of the main areas you need to consider before embarking on your new bathroom.

Before your project begins, it’s important to talk to a specialist company like Rosemount who can listen to your needs and offer advice on the best way to achieve your goals.

You should also visit shops like E&S Trading and Beaumont Tiles to find baths, showers, flooring, and so on.

Along with advice from our bathroom design professionals, that’ll give you a real feel for what’s available and possible.

Then we can help you finalise the plan – and let the excitement around your new dream bathroom really begin.

It’s an enticing thought. Lying back and relaxing in your new bathtub, enjoying the soothing atmosphere of your new bathroom.

There’s no accurate measure for the satisfaction a beautiful bathroom renovation can bring.

Equally, there’s no accurate measure for the heartache when a renovation doesn’t go to plan, and the blow out in time, effort and costs in order to get it fixed.

No prizes for guessing which of these scenarios appeals to our customers, so here are some useful pointers on how to avoid common mistakes we’ve seen in many bathroom projects.

1. What’s the plan, Stan?

Stan, believe it or not, is a real person. And when he asked us to renovate his bathroom you could have written his requirements on the back of the shower head, and still had room left over.

Did he want a bath? “Haven’t decided,” said Stan.

What kind of vanity did he have in mind? “What’s a vanity?” he asked.

The only thing Stan was sure about was how many people would be using the new bathroom. Just him … and his elderly parents when they came to visit.

Our designer sat down with Stan, fleshed out his needs, requirements and budget, and came up with a bathroom design that, once installed, got a big thumbs up from a very satisfied customer.

The moral of this story? Well, there are a couple … but here’s the first: always have a solid plan in place before you begin any renovation?

Enthusiasm is vital but shouldn’t trump preparation if you want to avoid unnecessary frustration and costly mistakes that are a product of poor forward planning.

Important areas to consider carefully in advance include:

Layout:

Most bathrooms have a reasonably tight footprint, so it’s important to get your bath, shower, sink(s), vanity, towel rails etc in exactly the right place for your space.

If you don’t, what starts out as a minor irritant can over time become a major frustration and you’ll be looking for ways to get the problem fixed – which will cost you time and money.

Storage:

Many people don’t think about storage space when planning their bathroom, but it is hugely important.

Ask yourself where you are going to store everything you use when getting ready in the morning or relaxing at night.

From your hairdryer to shampoos, make-up to medicines, there are loads of items that need somewhere to live in your new bathroom.

Will you store extra towels or toilet paper in the bathroom? They’ll need somewhere to go too.

Budget:

How much money do you want to spend renovating your bathroom? What areas will you “splash out” on, and where will you look to save?

Which ties in with the next two common mistakes …

2. Think twice about DIY

A lot of people think that because a bathroom is smaller than a kitchen it must be easier to renovate yourself.

If you’ve got the appropriate trades skills then this could be an option, although don’t forget that getting the design right is also very important.

Experienced tradespeople are worth their weight in gold for a reason. They do a quality job, they do it with accuracy and finesse, and they do it quickly. Even the most determined DIYers struggle to complete a renovation that’s sufficiently up to scratch.

Is that the kind of result you want for your new bathroom?

Saving some money to start with might sound appealing, but it will probably cost you in the long run with unanticipated water issues or other fixes.

And don’t forget your growing dissatisfaction over time with an end result that wasn’t quite good enough.

Do you really want to be left wondering about the quality of the vital aspects of your new bathroom like the quality of the electrical work, plumbing, waterproofing or tiling?

You’ll avoid these potential issues by using well-reviewed licensed professionals who do the job right first time.

And even if is there is an issue down the track, you have peace of mind that a reputable company like Rosemount will do their utmost to make it right.

3. Poor quality fittings and finishes

Here’s another area where people come a cropper because of the appeal of saving some cash upfront.

Cheap low quality fittings and finishes might look good to start with, but they are generally cheap because they’ll wear out or fail more quickly.

Lower quality products are not made to stand up to the day-to-day usage in arguably the “busiest” room in the house.

At Rosemount, we use the best quality products on the market because we know from experience that they’ll stand the test of time and cause a minimum of fuss.

4. Don’t over design your new bathroom

Most bathrooms aren’t very big, so there’s limited space for the essentials – like a shower, vanity and mirror, and depending on the configuration of your bathroom, a bath and toilet.

In graphic design “white space” is an important part of the overall look. When it’s done well, the viewer doesn’t notice.

The same principles apply to physical design, and layouts of bathrooms and kitchens.

Less is often not only more visually appealing, but makes for a space that’s more comfortable and relaxing to be in.

Getting the assistance of a bathroom designer is invaluable. They’ll come up with ideas you hadn’t thought of as well as a visually appealing design that balances your practical requirements with excellent function.

5. Consistency is not a fad

Trends come and go. Yes, there was a time when garish bathrooms like the one above were all the rage.

But before you had time to put on a pair of shades to dull the avocado glow they had dropped out of fashion again, and owners were left with a lemon (or in this case a lime).

Don’t make the mistake of falling for the latest fad. Everyone is different, but we usually recommend building on a white or neutral base with flashes of colour, texture and well-placed accessories.

That way you’ll have a bathroom you won’t feel the need to overhaul again in a couple of years time.

What’s your vision for a fantastic bathroom renovation?

If you’re considering a bold look, think carefully before taking the plunge.

Strong statement colours can drop out of fashion just as quickly as they came in, but you can be sure white and neutral tones will stand the test of time.

You should reasonably expect your bathroom – just like a new kitchen – to last at least 15 years, and that’s one reason we recommend embracing a more neutral palate for the main backdrop to your space.

That said, there are still a number of current and emerging bathroom trends that we think will either make a great long-lasting addition or be easy to replace when necessary.
Read on for our take on a magnificent seven areas where you can take your bathroom to the next level.

1. Big freestanding bath

Who doesn’t want a big beautiful bath to lie back and relax in?

That, of course, needs space – and creating more space is one of the big reasons people choose to renovate their bathrooms.

If you’ve got or can get the space, a freestanding bath is a no-brainer – an impressive statement piece that will enhance and add a sense of luxury to your room.

The wide array of baths available today means there will be one that’s the right size and budget for your needs.

Check out retailers like e&s for extensive bath ranges.

2. Wet room and rain showers

Gone are the days when you need to pull pack a shower curtain or even step into a cubicle.

Open showers – sometimes referred to as wet rooms – give you the space to shower in luxury, and the luxury feel of a 5-star hotel.

To increase that sprinkle of indulgence, add a wide-headed rain shower with a secondary attachment that has a more focused nozzle – just like this example from a renovation we completed in Mount Martha.

Just beautiful.

3. Statement basins and tapware

Vanities have come a long way in recent years.

For instance, we love the look of the timber vanity with twin basins that are in themselves a real feature of this Fitzroy bathroom.

Bowl-style basins mounted on top of vanity benchtops have become increasingly popular in recent years.

This is an area where you can experiment with colour and texture if you’re planning to renovate your bathroom.

For example, the vanity can be floating or wall-mounted, and the basin could be anything from a printed ceramic to glass, metallic or natural stone.

You can also splash out on upscale tapware that will draw the eye and add a luxurious feel. Chrome might still be the most popular choice, but think about the look you could achieve with gunmetal grey, brushed nickel or classic brass taps.

And don’t stop at the taps. We’re now seeing metallic finishes across the bathroom, from pendant lighting to tiling grout.

4. Feature walls

This is another easy way to add a great focal point or point of difference to your room.

It could be as simple as painting one wall a different colour to choosing darker or patterned tiles around a mirror and/or vanity.

Another idea that works well in older heritage style homes is a wallpaper print – adding colour and elegance to an otherwise neutral space.

The example above is from the TV show House Rules, where contestants Chiara and David chose Majorca Press style from Beaumont Tiles for a wall and the floor.

5. Mirror on the wall

Remember when the only useable mirror in the bathroom was the front of a small ugly shaving cabinet.

Not any more. Mirrors appear in many shapes and sizes in today’s bathrooms. They can be the room’s main focal point and make the room seem significantly bigger than it is.

Round or oval shaped mirrors are popular at the moment, as are timber frames sometimes recessed into the wall cavity, creating an extra shelf.

And they’re often backlit, which is useful from both an aesthetic and practical point of view.

6. Underfloor heating

We get cold winters here in Melbourne, so the idea of underfloor heating on a chilly July evening certainly appeals.

After all, the prospect of stepping out of a hot bath or shower onto cold tiles is hardly appealing.

If you have the budget, and want something more than a pair of slippers, then add this to your wishlist.

You can install a heating system under most bathroom floor types – including tile, vinyl, timber and concrete.

Cold concrete? No thanks.

7. Storage space

We’ve yet to meet anyone who wants their new bathroom to be messy and cluttered.

So storage is an important part of any bathroom design – no matter if the room is big or small.

Professional bathroom designers know how to make productive use of every square inch in a bathroom.

Cavities hidden behind sliding doors, mirrored cabinets, wall shelving and creative shelf space in your vanity can all provide great storage solutions while retaining a clean, uncluttered look.