Transform Your Space: A Guide to Bathroom Renovations in Sydney

Renovating your bathroom can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects. Not only does it enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, but it also increases the property’s value. Whether you’re looking to update an outdated space, improve functionality, or add a touch of luxury, a well-planned bathroom renovation can transform your home into a modern sanctuary. In this guide, we’ll explore essential design tips, standard measurements, and considerations to ensure your bathroom renovation is a success.

1. Planning Your Bathroom Renovation

Before diving into the renovation process, careful planning is crucial. Consider the following steps to ensure a smooth and efficient renovation:

• Budgeting: Establish a realistic budget that includes all aspects of the renovation, such as materials, labour, and unexpected costs. Keep in mind that high-quality fixtures and finishes can be an investment in the long run. Costs can vary significantly but a good starting point is to estimate between $3500 – $4600 / square metre
• Layout: Analyse your current bathroom layout and decide whether it meets your needs. Sometimes, a simple layout change can dramatically improve functionality.
• Style: Decide on a design style that complements the rest of your home. Whether it’s modern, minimalist, or traditional, consistency in design will create a cohesive look.
• Professional Help: Consider hiring an interior designer or contractor, especially for complex renovations. A professional can help you navigate the challenges of a bathroom renovation, help you get the most out of the space and ensure that everything is up to standard.

2. Standard Measurements for Bathroom Renovation

Understanding the standard measurements for bathroom fixtures is crucial to creating a functional and comfortable space. Here’s a breakdown of the essential dimensions:

• Toilets:
  • Distance from Wall: The standard distance from the wall to the toilet’s flange (the part of the toilet connected to the drainpipe) should be 30-35 cm.
  • Space Around Toilet: Allow at least 80-90 cm width and 76 cm depth of space around the toilet for comfort.
  • Position: Ideally you don’t want the toilet to be the first thing you see when you open the door. Consider placing it around the corner from the door or concealing it with a low wall or screen.
  • Toilet Roll Holder: It’s a small thing, but how annoying is it when this is in the wrong spot! About 65cm off the floor is standard and 45-55cm forward – enough that it is easily reached!⁠

• Vanity & Sink:
  • Height: The most common height for a vanity is 90 – 92cm to the top of the basin. However if you are particularly tall or short don’t be afraid to accommodate your own height.
  • Depth: The depth should be around 50 cm to accommodate a sink without taking up too much floor space.
  • Space Around Sink: Allow for at least 90cm of clearance in front of the vanity to ensure ease of use.

• Shower:
  • Shower Area: The minimum recommended size for a shower is 90×90 cm, but a more comfortable size is 110×100 cm.
  • Door Clearance: Ensure there’s at least 60 cm of clearance in front of the shower door to avoid obstructions.
  • Shower Head: The average height for a shower head is around 200cm.
  • Taps: Your shower taps should be around 100-120cm from the floor.

• Bathtubs:
  • Length: Standard bathtubs are usually 150-170 cm in length.
  • Width: The width ranges between 70-80 cm.
  • Space Around Bathtub: Aim for at least 60 cm of clearance around the bathtub.
  • Taps: Aim to place your taps  15 cm above the top of the tub.

• Lighting:
  • Ceiling Height: For overhead lighting, maintain at least 2.4 metres from the floor to the ceiling to ensure proper illumination.
  • Mirror Lighting: Place vanity lights at about 160 cm above the floor, on either side of the mirror, to eliminate shadows on your face.
  • Motion sensors: Consider installing a motion sensor LED strip light under your vanity for that hotel luxe finish that ensures there’s no fumbling around for a the switch in the middle of the night!
  • Windows: Placement of windows is key to the ambient level of light – think about adding a skylight over the shower or a high clerestory window to ensure privacy while maintaining good quality daylight.

• Shaving cabinets / mirrors
  • Height: The height of your mirror will depend on the height of the people using it. Find the average eyeline height (for most households this is between 160 to 175 cm) and ensure there is plenty of space from this point to both the top and the bottom of the mirror.
  • Mounting Cabinets: Consider mounting your mirrored cabinet into a wall recess – this will give you a flush clean look but still has all the advantages of storage and easy access.

• Towel rails and hooks
  • Height: Consider the length of what will hang on the rail. Typically, towels need at least 90 cm, washcloths 45cm, and robes 160cm.
  • Placement: A standard single towel rail is 120 cms above the floor, but also consider the visual symmetry, it may be better to line it up with something or make sure it sits proportional to another feature. For trios of rails I tend to level the bottom rail with the vanity benchtop and add the others in 40cm increments above to provide sufficient drying space between them.
  • Heated rails: These are great but not the only option – you can also install underfloor heating in the wall behind your rails for a more even (and in my opinion more effective) distribution of warmth and drying efficacy.

• Electrical
  • Power points: Check the regulations – we all know water and electricity don’t mix so be sure you check the regulations with a qualified installer. Think about including these inside your shaving cabinet for charging toothbrushes and locating one on a wall for hairdryers etc. 
  • Underfloor Heating: An absolute must for me – it not only feels toasty under the toes in the morning but also keeps the room nice and dry (with the aid of proper ventilation of course!)

3. Design Tips for a Stunning Bathroom Renovation

Now that you have the basics of bathroom layout and measurements, let’s dive into some design tips that will elevate your bathroom renovation in North Sydney.

• Maximise Space with Smart Storage: Bathrooms often lack storage, so incorporate built-in cabinets, floating shelves, and vanity drawers. Opt for vertical storage solutions to make the most of limited space.
• Colour Palette: Bold colours and stunning feature tiles will make a statement and should reflect your personality, bringing you joy every time you use the room. For those preferring something a little more serene , a neutral palette can ensure your bathroom stays in style for years. Whites, greys, and soft blues create a calming atmosphere and can make a small bathroom feel larger. You can always add a splash of colour with accessories and towels.
• Upgrade Your Fixtures: Consider investing in high-quality fixtures such as rain showerheads, wall-mounted faucets, and a freestanding bathtub. These upgrades add a touch of luxury and improve the functionality of your bathroom.
• Install a Frameless Glass Shower: A frameless glass shower creates an open, airy feel and showcases your beautiful tile work. It’s a great way to make a small bathroom appear larger and more luxurious. Be aware that an on-trend fluted glass screen will divide the room so should only be used in larger spaces.
• Opt for Quality Tiles: Your choice of tiles will define the look of your bathroom. Large format tiles with minimal grout lines make the space appear larger and are easier to clean. Smaller or textured tiles that complement your larger ones will create visual interest, but consider their placement carefully and be sure to clearly communicate your preferred tile set out to your tiler.
• Focus on Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to prevent mould and mildew in your bathroom. Make sure your renovation includes a high-quality exhaust fan, especially if natural ventilation is limited.

4. Hiring the Right Professionals for your bathroom renovation in Sydney

A successful bathroom renovation often requires a team of skilled professionals, especially for complex tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, and tiling. Hiring the expertise of an interior designer will make sure your money is well spent on creating a beautiful space with an effective and functional layout.  When choosing contractors in Sydney, consider the following:

• Experience: Look for professionals with experience in bathroom renovations and a portfolio of completed projects. Ask for references and read reviews to gauge their reputation.
• Licensing and Insurance: Ensure that any contractor you hire is licensed and insured. This protects you from potential liabilities and ensures the work is up to code.
• Communication: Choose a contractor who communicates clearly and regularly. Good communication ensures that your vision is understood and executed properly.

A well-executed bathroom renovation can transform your Sydney home, making it more functional, beautiful, and valuable. By understanding standard measurements, incorporating smart design tips, and hiring the right professionals, you can create a space that meets your needs and reflects your personal style. Whether you’re updating a small bathroom or creating a luxurious retreat, careful planning and attention to detail will ensure your renovation is a success. Happy renovating!

If you would like some help with your forthcoming renovation or interiors project please feel free to reach out to us here – we’d love to help you!