Bathroom renovations have so many decisions to be made, even though it is often the smallest room in the house.
Bathroom -Bathroom tranquil design, textured tiles, calm colour choices and warm wood tones.
There are many choices in a bathroom renovation, and you need to consider a lot of them before even starting!
Renovating a bathroom can be exciting, but let's be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. Between tiles, tapware, layouts, and lighting, it can feel like there are hundreds of decisions to make..... that is because there are! The good news? Understanding what choices need to be made can make the process much smoother and may help you avoid costly mistakes. Begin by making some of the following decisions and start planning a more enjoyable renovation project.
Here is a breakdown of some of the decisions you will need to make for a successful bathroom renovation:
1. Bathroom Layout & Function
Before you think about colours or materials, consider the practical aspect:
Will you keep your existing bathroom layout or move the toilet, shower, or bath?
How much storage do you need? What are the requirements for your storage, and where will it go?
Do you need to consider older people, children or future accessibility?
2. Bathroom Plumbing & Electrical
How your bathroom functions depends on smart plumbing and lighting choices:
What type of toilet would you like? (back to wall, wall hung, or a concealed toilet cistern)
Shower choices (walk-in shower, enclosed shower, rainfall shower head, handheld shower or dual system shower rail)
Tapware and bath spouts (wall-mounted, floor-mounted, mixer or separate cold and hot tapware).
What is your lighting plan (overhead lighting, task lighting or mood lighting)
Heated options (heated towel rails, underfloor heating, mirror demisters)
How many power points do you need for hairdryers, shavers, or toothbrushes
3. Surfaces & Finishes
These decisions have a significant impact on the look and feel of your bathroom:
Floor and wall tiles (size of tile, tile material, tile shape, slip rating, colour)
Feature walls or tiles
Vanity benchtops (stone, timber, laminate, porcelain)
Cabinet finishes (timber, laminate, painted, 2-pac)
Paint colours for walls and ceiling
4. Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings
These details bring your bathroom together:
Vanity type (wall hung, floor mounted, custom made)
Basin type (undermount, above counter or semi recessed)
Bath style (freestanding, inset, back to wall, back to corner)
Shower screens (frameless, semi-framed, sliding or hinged)
Towel rails, hooks, and accessories
5. Styling & Details
Even the small choices matter:
Mirrors (framed, frameless, shaving cabinet mirrors)
Grout colour (subtle or contrasting)
Drain type (grate, square, tile insert)
Hardware finishes (chrome, matte black, brushed brass, nickel, copper, aged, etc.)
Window treatments and ventilation
Décor touches like mats, baskets, or plants
Why Planning Matters
With so many decisions to make and easily 50–100+ choices for a single bathroom, having a clear plan and making choices early is essential. A thoughtful plan helps you:
Avoid costly mistakes
See how colours, finishes, and materials work together
Make confident decisions that last
Consider the information above and create a mood board, take notes on your choices, before starting your renovation. Whether you are working with a designer or not, it will help to have some decisions made, allowing you to start visualising your bathroom and begin the exciting journey of a renovation.
Need help navigating your bathroom renovation choices? I can guide you through every decision and help you weigh the pros and cons of various options, discuss budget, and help visualise the finished space, ensuring your renovation is smooth, bright, and stress-free.
Contact me to discuss your project, no matter what stage you are at.
Max
:: interior plans