Bathroom Renovation: Choosing Your Ideal Bathroom Style

When embarking on a bathroom renovation, one of the most crucial decisions you will encounter is selecting the ideal tiles and fittings.
Our extensive experience in tiling fuels our passion for this essential aspect!
As the focal point of a custom bathroom, tiles can significantly enhance the space’s aesthetic, functionality, and overall value. At BBT Renovations, we specialise in transforming bathrooms into exquisite retreats, so we’re excited to share expert insights to assist you in making informed choices for your Brisbane home.

Explore the Evolution of Bathroom Styles in Australia

The styles of bathrooms in Australia have experienced an intriguing transformation over the years, and we witness bathrooms of all eras awaiting revitalisation.

1950s-1960s: This era prioritised functionality, with pastel-hued tiles like mint green and pale pink dominating the scene. Bathrooms were compact, commonly featuring terrazzo flooring.
1970s-1980s: The trend shifted to earthy tones like browns and oranges, alongside the adoption of natural materials such as timber. The spa bath emerged as a symbol of luxury.
1990s: Neutral tones and minimalist designs gained traction, focusing on expansive mirrors and practical layouts. White tiles with coloured feature strips became a hallmark of this decade.
2000s: Open-plan bathrooms became increasingly popular, often incorporating frameless shower screens and large tiles. Beige and neutral palettes continued to dominate.
2010s: Contemporary bathrooms embraced sleek, monochromatic aesthetics, seeing a rise in matte finishes, geometric tiles, and freestanding bathtubs.

Discover the Latest Bathroom Renovation Trends

Modern Australian bathrooms are centred around the harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability.
We are currently observing three distinct styles of bathroom renovations –
The Ultra Luxe Spa Experience – Ensuites are now featuring freestanding baths and comfortable seating arrangements.
Sleek and Modern – Designed for busy family life, these bathrooms prioritise efficiency and style.
Nod to Yesteryear – These renovations pay homage to the traditional Queenslander style, incorporating pastel vintage elements.

Essential Features to Include in a Contemporary Bathroom

Natural Elements: Integrate stone, timber, and greenery to create a calming, spa-like atmosphere.
Bold Feature Tiles: Utilise textured or patterned tiles to create striking feature walls or floors.
Neutral and Earthy Tones: Embrace soft, earthy palettes including sandy beige, sage green, and terracotta.
Smart Technology: Incorporate modern conveniences like heated flooring, touchless taps, and LED lighting.
Sustainability: Opt for water-efficient fixtures, recycled materials, and eco-friendly tiles.
Freestanding Baths and Open Showers: These features contribute a sense of luxury and spaciousness.

1. Identify and Define Your Unique Bathroom Style

The first crucial step in selecting tiles is to clarify the overall look and feel you aspire to achieve for your bathroom. Are you aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, a timeless classic, or perhaps something bold and luxurious? Take into account your home’s overall aesthetic and select tiles that will harmonise with it.
Gather inspiration from a variety of sources, including magazines, websites, or social media platforms such as Pinterest, to help refine your vision.

2. Ensure Functionality is a Priority in Design

Given that bathrooms are high-moisture environments, prioritising functionality is just as vital as aesthetics. Choose non-slip tiles for the flooring to guarantee safety, especially in wet areas. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are excellent options due to their durability and water resistance. For wall applications, glossy tiles can create an illusion of spaciousness and are also easier to maintain and clean.

3. Assess the Impact of Tile Size on Your Bathroom’s Aesthetics

The size of your tiles can greatly influence your bathroom's overall visual appeal. Larger tiles can foster a seamless and spacious appearance, while smaller mosaic tiles introduce intricate detail and texture. In compact bathrooms, opting for large-format tiles can minimise grout lines, thereby making the space feel larger. Conversely, smaller tiles are ideal for creating distinctive feature walls or decorative accents.

4. Select a Striking Feature Tile to Enhance Your Design

Make your tiles the centrepiece of your bathroom by choosing a standout feature. Whether it’s a bold pattern, a vibrant colour, or a textured design, feature tiles can inject personality and visual allure into the space. Consider placing them on a shower wall, behind a vanity, or as a statement floor to create a striking visual effect.

5. Understand the Significance of Feature Tiles in Design

Feature tiles play a pivotal role in crafting a unique and visually captivating bathroom design. Here are several key criteria to consider when selecting your feature tiles:

Bold Patterns or Colours: Seek out tiles that stand out, featuring intricate designs, geometric shapes, or vibrant hues.
Texture: Textured tiles provide depth and a tactile element that enhances the bathroom's character.
Material and Finish: Glossy tiles lend a sleek appearance, while matte or stone finishes offer an understated elegance.

Strategic Placement of Feature Tiles:

Shower Walls: Create a focal point by incorporating feature tiles in the shower area.
Behind the Vanity: A feature wall behind the vanity can significantly elevate the overall design.
Accent Strips: Use feature tiles as decorative strips amongst plain tiles to introduce subtle detail.

Determining the Number of Different Tiles to Use:

Limit yourself to two to three different types of tiles to maintain a cohesive and harmonious design. For instance, select one type for the floors, another for the walls, and a third for feature areas. Using too many varieties can clutter the space and detract from overall appeal.
The image below showcases three tile types: elegant marble floor tiles, sleek white wall tiles, and a dramatic feature wall adorned with dark marble tiles.

6. Achieve a Harmonious Balance with Colours and Patterns

While feature tiles can be bold and eye-catching, it is essential to balance them with neutral or complementary tones. Overloading the space with numerous patterns or colours can create a chaotic atmosphere. A well-coordinated colour palette ensures harmony and sophistication, allowing your standout features to take centre stage without overwhelming the senses.

7. Choose the Right Grout for a Polished Finish

Grout serves not only as a functional necessity but also as a design element that can enhance or detract from your tiles. For a seamless appearance, select a grout colour that matches your tiles. If you prefer to highlight the tile pattern, consider using contrasting grout. Always ensure that the grout is waterproof and mould-resistant to maintain its integrity over time, especially in wet areas.

8. Factor in Texture for Added Depth

Textured tiles contribute depth and character to a bathroom, making them perfect for feature walls or floors. They provide a tactile and visual element that enriches the space and enhances the overall luxury feel. However, textured tiles may require more maintenance compared to smooth options, so it’s crucial to consider their placement thoughtfully.

9. Prioritise Ease of Maintenance in Your Bathroom Design

Your bathroom should be as easy to maintain as it is visually appealing. Select tiles that are durable, stain-resistant, and simple to clean. Avoid using porous materials such as natural stone in areas prone to water exposure unless they are properly sealed to prevent damage and deterioration.

10. Consider Floor Safety in Your Bathroom

Ensuring safety is an essential consideration when selecting floor tiles, particularly in a family-oriented bathroom. Non-slip tiles are imperative for minimising the risk of slips and falls. Look for tiles that boast a high slip-resistance rating (often indicated as R-ratings) to guarantee safety.

Ceramic Tiles: These are robust and come in various finishes, including matte and textured surfaces, which provide excellent slip resistance. However, glossy ceramic tiles can become slippery when wet.
Porcelain Tiles: Denser and more water-resistant than ceramic, porcelain tiles are an ideal choice for bathrooms. Textured porcelain or tiles with a matte finish offer better grip compared to their polished counterparts.
Natural Stone Tiles: Materials like slate or textured travertine are naturally slip-resistant and impart a luxurious, earthy aesthetic. Keep in mind that natural stone requires proper sealing to avert water damage.

For wet areas, such as shower floors, consider opting for smaller tiles with more grout lines, as these provide additional traction and safety.

11. Engage Professionals for Flawless Tile Installation

Even the most beautiful tiles can fall short of their potential if not installed correctly. At BBT Renovations, our skilled tilers provide precise installation, ensuring a flawless finish. Proper tile laying and grout application are vital to achieving the polished appearance you desire.

12. Strategically Plan Your Renovation Budget

The cost of tiles can vary significantly, making it essential to establish a budget. Don’t forget to include expenses for grout, adhesives, and professional installation within your budget. While it may be tempting to skimp on costs, investing in high-quality materials and skilled workmanship will pay dividends in the long run.

Elevate Your Bathroom Experience with BB&T Renovations

Are you ready to bring your dream bathroom to life? BBT Renovations offers expert tiling and comprehensive bathroom renovation services throughout Brisbane. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect tiles to professional installation, ensuring a space that truly reflects your unique style and meets your specific needs.
At BBT Renovations, we remain at the forefront of trends to create bathrooms that are both stylish and enduring.