52 bathroom renovation ideas to inspire your next project

With water views, a sense of seclusion and the luxury of ample space, this build was basically begging for a renovation that would imbue the space with resort vibes. That’s exactly what homeowner and designer Kristy did. Inspired by Mediterranean and Mexican villas, she infused the interior with neutral tones, timber, rendered surfaces and natural stone. This style carried right through to the luxurious ensuite.

The ensuite floor features tiles from Darling Downs Brick Sales, walls warmed with horizontal timber VJ panelling and wet areas such as the vanity benchtop and shower alcove enveloped in rendered microcement. The freestanding bath from Renovation Kingdom is paired with Brushed Copper tapware from ABI Interiors set below rustic Australian Architectural Hardwoods timber beam boxes. 

The renovation of this classic heritage Queenslander home was sensitive. After all, designer Darren James didn’t want to remove the beautiful amd charming architectural details that this style is known for. But he also wasn’t afraid to make bold, modern moves. Red reigns supreme in this powder room, adding drama, romance and passion alongside an artwork by Max Manning. The rich red hue of Porter’s Paints ‘Fresco’ plaster envelops the upper walls. This is paired a beautiful quartzite from Artedomus, called Jade Wine, for depth and contrast.

Sometimes bathroom renovation ideas focus on how the owners want to feel in their new space. And for the owners of this ensuite, located within a busy family home, that feeling was one of sanctuary and retreat. To enhance the sense of openness within the shared space, Studio Aem’s Alexandra Mason positioned a freestanding Cassa Design ‘Hampton’ freestanding bath on an elevated plinth, highlighted by a brass trim. Above it, an existing window was enlarged and repositioned to encourage natural light, heightened by the perfect crisp white shade of Dulux Lexicon Quarter across the walls and ceiling.

Honeyed hues and soft sunlight bathe the main bathroom in Kirsten and Rhys Stanley’s regional Victorian home. The stunning design is thanks to a new build by Tanya Love-Hallihan, principal of Studio Hallihan, who took inspiration from the picturesque surrounds. Subtle variations in the ‘Rosso’ mosaic tumbled tiles from Gather Co add movement beside Astra Walker tapware. Timber joinery offers plentiful storage, plus plenty of organic beauty, while the woven blinds cast a warm glow while the sunlight filters through.

As host of TV travel show ‘Getaway’, Catriona Rowntree has explored the world. But after falling in love with a farmer, a tree change to a rural Victorian town became her biggest adventure. Then renovating and decorating their 1860s rural cottage became the couple’s next adventure. The bathroom in the guesthouse has all the country charm you could imagine, with an international twist. A clawfoot tub and VJ panelling bring country style, while the ‘Azulejos’ accent tiles in Portugal add colour. Catriona spotted them on a work trip for ‘Getaway’ and lugged them home.

Near freezing mid-winter temperatures are no match against the warmth and cosiness of this ensuite. Designed by The Block competitors Emma and Ben as part of the 2025 season of the television show, the style was influenced by a “mid-century western” feel, befitting the home’s country surrounds of Daylesford, Victoria. Unlike some bathroom renovation ideas, which are focused on potential re-sale value, the couple didn’t want to please a potential buyer. Instead, they focused on pleasing themselves. This led to omitting a bathtub and instead creating a spacious shower zone and double basin.

This bathroom’s contemporary curves and neutral palette reveal little of its true setting within an old Victorian weatherboard in Melbourne, Victoria. The heritage home, owned by a young professional, was thoughtfully restored by Mckimm interior designer Isabella Cini. To create a spa-like space, Isabella enveloped the room in the warm, earthy tones of pink-hued natural stone, microcement walls in a custom colour, Ceramica Senio travertine tiles and French limestone floor pavers. The circular bath is a tranquil and impactful statement piece.

Sometimes bathroom renovation ideas are born of necessity. Such was the case for the owners of this ensuite, who were forced to renovate when a burst water valve caused serious damage. Interior designer Anna Maria Stillone turned her family’s bad luck into a silver lining in the main ensuite she shares with her husband, Chris. A half-wall was added to separate the vanity and the shower, but the layout remained the same. From there, swathes of neutrals allow the marble to take centre stage. It graces the niche in the shower, the top of the nib wall as well as the vanity benchtop.

This home is a barefoot paradise for TV presenter and model Kate Waterhouse (of Australia’s racing royalty), her husband Luke Ricketson (of one-time Roosters rugby league fame) and their daughters, Sophia, 11, and Grace, nine. Coastal ease combines with a sense of luxury throughout the home, including in the main bathroom. During the renovation, which saw interior designer Phoebe Nicol take the helm, the bathroom was moved to the ground floor. Here, an ‘Alberto’ sconce from Bloomingdales Lighting joins a Carrara marble vanity top. The Kaldewei ‘Saniform Plus’ bath is from Harvey Norman.

It’s not every day that a homeowner converts a six-bedroom property into a one-bedroom penthouse. But there’s nothing cookie cutter-esque about entertaining extraordinaire and Australia’s favourite homemaker Chyka Keebaugh. Since she and her husband, Bruce, founded the iconic catering and events firm, The Big Group, the couple have always taken the path less travelled. It’s led to la dolce vita and this palatial pied-à-terre in inner-city Melbourne. The penthouse is a maximalist marvel, filled with vintage treasures found on travels and colour in every corner. The powder room benefits from a serene green scheme. An artwork by family friend Michael Pithie adds interest. The wall lights are from Cromwell and the towel is from Turkey.

Brendan Wong, principal designer at Brendan Wong Design, was tasked with completing the bathroom renovation in 2022.Positioned in the heart of Sydney, this ensuite bathroom is a calming reprieve from the cacophony of sounds floating up from the city streets below. That is, at least in part, thanks to the idea of quiet luxury which underpins this space, a style that emphasises understated elegance and the beauty of quality materials. In this case, quiet luxury is created with high quality natural materials, such as carrara marble and brass hardware.

Situated on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, this home dates back to 1938 and was designed by Leith McCredie, an Australian architect well known for his work on the Bondi Pavilion. The homeowner, herself an interior designer, took on the renovation of this heritage house herself, including this powder room. Powder rooms can present an opportunity to go bold on design choices, which this homeowner proudly did, mixing wallpaper, wainscoting and bold colour. ‘In the Hamptons’ Olive et Oriel wallpaper tones beautifully with the Dulux Prestige Blue of the Shaker-style vanity

Living in a building of architectural significance, one is not so much a homeowner as a custodian – but there are few so well-suited to the role as Annette. The CEO of Museums of History NSW, Annette’s work is driven by a passion for the past. This has overflowed into her personal life, as she and her husband Michael are the owners and meticulous caretakers of the Walter Burley Griffin-designed Duncan House in Castlecrag. In the bathroom, unexpected colour creates a sense of fun. Round-edged Dtiles grace the bathroom walls. A coloured grout expresses the curves to full effect and echoes the ‘Pavlova’ terrazzo floor tiles from Fibonacci. 

Alyce Tran, co-founder of In The Roundhouse and brand strategist at LTK Australia, has filled her inner-city Sydney terrace with colour and style. In amongst it all is the bathroom, offering a quiet and calm reprieve. Simplicity meets luxury in this space with a mirrored cabinet, marble vanity and white finger tiles. A Loewe product and fresh florals elevate the look.

When Rachel Carr was a child, family holidays to the same spot on the Hawkesbury River were what she looked forward to most. Decades later, now living in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, Rachel and her husband Ryan, both 40, dreamed of recreating that magic for their own children, Everleigh, Mila and Tommy. Fresh from their stint on The Block in 2022, they “had the taste” for renovating and decided the time was right to create their own family escape. The ensuite is filled with classic touches. The vanity features basins and tapware from Shire Bathware, with Lo & Co pulls. ‘Grander Atlantis’ marble tiles in Gold from Beaumont Tiles grace the splashback, while the Dekton vanity top in Laurent is by Cosentino. 

The green bathrooms in this 1940s, Georgian-inspired Burradoo country cottage in NSW Southern Highlands, are decorated with the same palette of fresh neutrals and greens that have been carried throughout the rest of the home. They’re the work of homeowner and interior designer Georgia Boyd of The Classic Outfitter interior design studio. Georgia gave the bathrooms a country feel with VJ panelling and ‘Paris’ vanities from Royal Vanities, with a Carrara marble top. Botanical artworks in the main bathroom and ensuite are all from The Classic Outfitter.

An elegant parents’ retreat on the third level of this 1930s Brisbane family home encompasses not just one bedroom suite, but two bedroom suites. Each includes a king-size bedroom, ensuite, walk-in robe and a shared sitting room, study and terrace. The couple engaged Leigh Boswell, director of design studio Highgate House, along with architect Ivan Gastaldon. Leigh was tasked with creating luxurious, high-end finishes and quality fittings. Here, one of the private ensuites has become a sophisticated sanctuary inside the bedroom suite, with elevated design flourishes, such as the exquisite custom-printed wallpaper that pairs beautifully with the pink quartzite vanity top.

Sometimes bathroom renovation ideas focus on resale value. This was decidedly not the case in this home. Originally bare, with white floor and wall tiles, interior designer Jane Holmes, director of Hark Interiors, took inspiration from the homes Spanish-influenced exterior to create a bathroom with villa vibes and extra warmth. The hero material is the show-stopping Sicilian Ceppo honed marble from Finestone Granite & Marble. This was used on the vanity top and has a deep apron to highlight the stone even more. It was also used in the niche in the shower area.

A freestanding bath is, for many homeowners, the ultimate dreamy luxury – especially when placed in a private ensuite, and not shared with children in a main bathroom. The homeowner of this Sydney abode, which has waterfront views, turned to Anna Williams, director of Your Beautiful Home, to create her serene sanctuary. The project required adding a second level, where a main bedroom suite complete with a dressing room, study, balcony and ensuite were built. 

Clashing patterns can create harmony when done correctly, as interior designer Katherine Lillie Interiors so expertly demonstrates in this ensuite. Mixed motifs abound, with elongated ‘Long Oct’ Carrara marble floor tiles from Perini and walls veiled in the touch-me texture of herringbone marble mosaics. By keeping the tones similar yet varying the tile patterns, Katherine infused the bathroom with tactile interest.

Designer and artist Fleur Harris is known for her playful, imaginative and whimsical creations. Her home is no different, thanks to a thorough renovation was thorough which saw her restore the Victorian build to its former glory. In the bathroom, a mirror from Manor on George looks grand against the Cemher microcement walls in half-strength Truffle. An upcycled mantle completes the antique appeal and was also a gift from Fleur’s friend Lauren, from Poppy Culture. ‘Yokato’ tapware from Brodware adds warmth, as does a highly decorative mirror, also from Manor on George.

The owners of this home opted for a knock down and rebuild, in order to avoid all the surprises that can come with major renovations. With Alex and Janette Stritt of Stritt Design & Construction at the helm, the owners were emboldened to opt for darker joinery which gave an edge to the timeless space. Set in Carrara marble, Duravit basins and Brodware ‘City Plus’ tapware in Brushed Nordic Brass PVD, all from Just Bathroomware, combine form and function in the ensuite.

This 1913 Federation home received plenty of love and care thanks to interior designer and homeowner Lauren Mahoney, creative director of Studio Trio. She took inspiration from neoclassical design as well as American interiors. Carrara marble fills the main bathroom, with Daisy floor mosaics from Surface Gallery and bespoke skirting tiles. The Water Monopoly ‘Hanley’ bath pops below panelling in Taubmans Dapple Grey Half.

The main ensuite in Lauren Mahoney’s home will leave you feeling tickled pink. While the colour palette is very different to the main bathroom, Studio Trio maintained consistency by utilising many of the same fixtures and decorative decisions that appear in the other bathrooms throughout this house. These include decorative wall panelling (finished in Taubmans Heritage Rose Half) and The Water Monopoly’s slender ‘Paris’ double basin.

Interior designer Lily Cumberland added soul to this modern house, which previously had a cold, commercial vibe. The budget was carefully and cleverly balanced, especially in the bathroom. Marble, joinery and lighting fixtures were all splurged on as Lily used affordable tiling to offset the cost of the luxe items. Viola marble slabs from Surface Gallery star in the vanity and ledge in the couple’s ensuite, while larger, more budget-friendly ‘Aspect’ tiles in White and Carrara ‘Stack’ mosaics clad the remaining space in style.

Renovating this century-old cottage quickly spiralled into a passion project for the homeowners, with help from Carlene Duffy for the interiors. Penny round tiles contrast with ‘Artisan Roma Piazza’ matte floor tiles, both from Burleigh Tiles, while a Roman shade in ‘Salford in Abyss’ from Warwick highlights the salvaged timber windows in the bathroom. VJ panels in Resene Double Fossil are a backdrop for thrifted art and a cane vanity mirror.

This bathroom has a relaxed, yet luxurious vacation feel thanks to Sage and Cove Interiors, who took inspiration from the Mediterranean in this new build. Earthy tones provide organic appeal and a sense of inherent warmth. The vanity in Taj Mahal quartzite makes a statement with a ribbed profile. The basin is also made out of this quartzite, creating a sleek and seamless look. Extra curves and texture are added with the RJ Living mirror, which has a wavy silhouette.

Architect Paul Tilse and his firm’s interior designer, Vanessa Hawes, were tasked with creating a modern barn house in homage to the humble Australian shed. “A monochrome colour scheme and lack of adornment sparked our imagination, as we were interested in the materials that could be used,” says homeowner Elissa. In the ensuite, large floor and wall tiles team with smaller mosaics in the shower, both from Tile Republic. Heated Astra Walker towel rails ward off the chilly Canberra winters near a vintage stool from Watertiger.

Television presenter Shelley Craft has graced Australian screens for more than 30 years. It’s fair to say that in that time, she’s learnt more than a thing or two about renovations. Her recent Byron Bay renovation was inspired by Tuscan hillside villas mixed with Byron beachside vibes. ‘Ravello’ travertine inverted finger mosaic tiles from ABI Interiors create a concave pattern that brings texture to the space. The warm tones are complemented by the Dolce Vita stone from Finestone Granite & Marble, used on the joinery, and ABI Interiors ‘Melia’ concrete basin in almond. 

Michael and Carlene Duffy are keen renovators, as fans of The Block will know. When they purchased a dilapidated and fire-ravaged home in the Gold Coast they knew they were in for serious and thorough work. A black aluminium-framed shower screen, joinery in Laminex ‘Natural Walnut’ and Deco Rug engineered timber flooring ground the couple’s ensuite. The vanity in ‘Statuario Six’ Quantum Porcelain is from WK Stone, and the bath and basins from Abey.

Sister duo Tracey and Hayley are used to creating dream homes for their clients. For Tracey’s own home, they took inspiration from Spanish Mission-style. In the family bathroom, the Carrara marble-topped vanity finished in Dulux Dollar offers plenty of storage. This shade proves the green bathroom trend is here to stay. “I think every space needs a little green to connect it to the outside world; green ‘earths’ your interior spaces,” she explains. She then created chequerboard flooring with ‘Maku Light’ and ‘Maku Dark’ tiles from Groove Tile & Stone.

Travelling further back in time was the secret to style success in this Art Deco bathroom which was a relic of the 1980s until Lauren Mahoney, creative director of Studio Trio, stepped onsite. “I selected black and white, cream and green, to connect the leadlight, wall colours and outside leafy trees,” says Lauren of the palette, which includes green art deco floor tiles. “The vanity is a show stopper. I had this made by a furniture maker who specialises in traditional pieces.”

Creativity is a way of life for illustrator Alexandra Nea Graham, who renovated her 1950s cottage in the style of turn-of-the-century farmhouses. Wainscoting-style tiling in cream from Perini Tiles skirt the main bathroom and surrounding walls. Positioned above this is hand-painted silk chinoiserie wallpaper, which was custom made to measure via Etsy. The green tones are accentuated with vintage 1930 glass chandelier shades and green dado rail tiles, also from Etsy.

Green is a calming colour, perfect for ensuites that serve as an escape for busy parents. Sage green was the soothing shade of choice in this bathroom, designed by Naomi Nimmo, founder of Naomi Nimmo Collective. A wall of ‘Arch Green’ features tiles from Styled In Stone frame vistas of surrounding bushland. White wall and floor tiles balance the scheme while a skylight above the bathroom vanity adds ample natural light.

Interior designer and judge of The Block Darren Palmer knows good style. In his Bondi home, he opted for a rich palette, especially in the ensuite. On the wall are Earp Bros square unglazed tiles in Off White Matt, while a shower niche is comprised of CDK Stone Monreale marble. A skylight floods the shower with natural light, highlighting the gorgeous bronze finish of the tapware in the dual shower. The shower sets are from Darren’s ‘Lustre Bronze’ collection with Meir.

This ensuite is a spacious and stylish dream. The work of interior designer Kate Walker, who was hired by owners Georgia and Tom, it features a Victoria + Albert ‘Marlborough’ bath, custom marble floor mosaics and a vanity finished in Porter’s Paints Newport Blue. As a builder and founder of Cahill Building Group, Tom wanted to focus on classic style and craftmanship. Wall mouldings and custom cabinetry panels that were designed by KWD all contribute to the glamour and harmony.

Tessellated tiles aren’t the only heritage feature to get a fresh and modern take in this bathroom in Sydney’s Inner West. Vibrant swathes of Dulux Soft Fresco coat the door, setting the tone for the colour and charm to come. With nods to the Federation architecture of the home alongside modern twists, the room’s style doesn’t belong to any singular decade – an intentional move from interior designer Brett Mickan.

Transforming an outdated ensuite into a modern, light-filled retreat was the aim for this lavish makeover in Melbourne’s Bayside area. Designer Georgette Criticos of GIA Renovations first focused on optimising the layout, prioritising natural light and free-flowing movement. An old timber window was replaced with a white aluminium framed design to withstand moisture, and a skylight was installed directly above the angled bath, ushering in light and vignettes that the homeowners can now enjoy while soaking in the tub.

Warm, neutral earth tones are truly timeless and natural materials enhance their beauty. Kate Nixon design used Artedomus Sareva honed quartzite for the basins, alongside Brodware ‘City Stik’ tapware in Weathered Brass Organic. The dual basins are integrated into the vanity with stone-fronted fascias. If you’re looking for bathroom renovation ideas that make the most of a high quality material, then this is certainly one to consider instead of hiding the basins away.

It can be hard to balance form with function, especially in bathrooms primarily used by children (and the parents trying to wrangle them). Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors knows this all too well but she succeeded in matching clever design and layout with whimsical and wonderful details. The wainscoting-style tiling in ‘Masia Blanco’ square subways from National Tiles adds traditional charm and is also budget-savvy (less tiles = less costs).

The best bathroom renovation ideas should consider how to maximise floor space, especially when you’re working with a restrictive area. In this bathroom, a sliding pocket door saves space while the mirror – a custom creation by the joiners – conceals storage in the form of a recessed cabinet. This was made possible when Kate Bath, interior designer at Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms, increased the wall depth. A linen cupboard is finished in the same shade as the walls, further blending storage into its surrounds.

Bathroom renovation ideas that plan for the future should consider multi-generational living, which has risen in recent decades. This bathroom, by interior designer Krista Collard successfully caters to youthful whims and more mature needs. A playful Dado Quartz ‘Liberty’ ball-foot bath suits the homeowner’s grandchildren while a beautiful bench provides a place for the grown-ups to perch while showering.

Krissy Marsh, star of the Real Housewives of Sydney, renovated her house with the help of her friends, interior designer Nellie Tilley, who did the selection and design of bathrooms, tiling, feature lighting and curtains, and Georgia Boyd from The Classic Outfitter, who helped source furniture and soft furnishings. In the main ensuite, a custom vanity with a Carrara natural stone top pairs with Brodware ‘Neu England’ tapware. Subway tiles from Teranova continue the classic and classy palette.

It can be hard to introduce pattern when you’re working within a white-on-white colour palette. Here, the walls and floors are clad in white terrazzo tiles from The Tile Gallery, creating visual interest within the neutral scheme. Sustainability and environmental impact should be considered in bathroom renovation ideas and this build, by architect and certified Passive House designer Fang Cheah of Studiofang is one that looks to the future.

If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly bathroom renovation ideas then look no further than Chloe Brookman’s recent reno. The co-founder and director of toy and homewares brand Olli Ella renovated two bathrooms in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for less than $7,000 each. She did this with a mix of thrifting (the bath was a Facebook marketplace find) and restricting feature tiles to key areas instead of full tiling, a major cost-saving move.

Mint, marble and a touch of black are a seriously chic colour combo. Most homeowners don’t consider painting their ceilings anything other than white but this bathroom makes a strong case for bright hues that draw the eye upwards. Sheila Smith of Missmith emphasised the high ceiling in her bathroom with Porter’s Paints Water Nymph but made sure to balance this out with plenty of bright white inclusions elsewhere.

Bold choices can be beneficial, as this spectacular ‘Luciana’ freestanding stone bath in Matte Black from Beautmont Tiles demonstreates. The Block fan favourites Kyal and Kara wanted a moody palette inspired by coastal Spanish resorts in this main bathroom. The black bath makes a striking style statement, complemented by large ‘Rock Salt’ tiles in Danish Smoke, which cover the walls and floor.

The attic in this Federation home was converted into a main suite decades ago but the ensuite was dark and dated. Andrew Waller, founder of interior design practice Mr Waller transformed it into a light-filled space thanks to a new dormer roofline and triangular windows. Neutral tones in high quality materials create a sense of serenity, especially the large Vanilla Cream honed marble tiles from RMS Marble, which flow seamlessly from the floor towards the ceiling.

There are two big bathroom renovation ideas to save from this Melbourne home, designed by Ben Callery Architects. The first is that white interiors don’t have to be boring and the second is that some of the best interiors simply act as a frame, allowing beautiful vistas to take centre stage. Here, Artedomus ‘Fiandre’ tiles in Urban White and a Kado ‘Lussi’ freestanding bath from Reece provide a neutral backdrop to the lush and leafy views beyond.

As parents to five growing daughters, Kim and Sean Gleason needed a home that would be large enough for them to all live comfortably together while also providing enough breakout spaces for much-needed solitary time. This bathroom certainly offers one such space. Shared by the couple’s three eldest daughters, it features pink daisy floor tiles from Kalafrana Ceramics, mirrors from Florabelle Living and two vanities from Early Settler that were handpainted by Devine Elegance. Originally built in 1901, the couple preserved gorgeous period details, such as the sandstone wall.

Two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner shares this ensuite bathroom with his wife, Adriana. Blue, white and black create a classic colour palette, while fluted oval stone basins and a fluted bath, both from ATS Tiles and Bathrooms, add texture and visual interest. The vanity is set against a tiled nib wall, with glass positioned above, instead of a wall. This glass surrounds two framed mirrors and provides the important purpose of allowing natural light from the skylight into the shower area.

A state forest surrounds this modern farmhouse. As such, the home, which was built by the homeowner’s son in-law, makes use of natural materials, especially timber. Baltic pine was used for the ceiling, as it has a lighter tone that makes it more suitable to higher areas. The vanity and mirror are made from salvaged wood. The bathroom is spacious, especially as it doesn’t house a bath – this was positioned on the deck, outside the bathroom.