Design Smarter, Not Bigger: Renovating Small Bathrooms on the Northern Beaches

Bathroom renovations on the Northern Beaches can be tough, as many are restricted to limited spaces—but don’t let small sizes compromise your style and efficiency! Whether you're in an Avalon cottage or a Dee Why apartment, small bathrooms offer an excellent opportunity to maximise design opportunity whilst also being sensible with your renovation costs. In fact, it's far easier to renovate small bathrooms because the restrictions open up some great design potential.

Think Space

You're likely not going to be as concerned or as heavy with materials in your provided space if you embrace a maximum vertical component to design. Deferring the visuals to Various components such as wall-mounted vanities and floating toilets & under-basin drawer storage can open up the floor space and add to the void or lightness of the room. If your going in style with a bath, consider executing a walk-in shower (no buttons) as this can add size, whilst continuing the modern theme throughout. Consider clever storage as well, and use mirrored cabinets or under-basin drawers. You want to keep out the clutter in a light coastal style.

Use Light, Coastal Finishes

Furnish your bathroom with a colour palate of light shades that mimic washed whites, soft greys, and sandy neutrals which will not only create an airy feel, but will also create a visual expansion of space and tranquillity that reflects the relaxed Northern Beaches lifestyle. Using large format tiles or continuous flooring reduces visual breaks in the flooring which will help the feel of space in the bathroom. Try to pick materials such as matt ceramics, brushed brass, or wood-look laminates.

This is definitely a more natural appearance that still respects the coastal character of your bathroom.

Select Quality Over Quantity

In a smaller space, every fixture and fitting matters. When designing a bathroom with a size limit, focus less on including as many items as possible, and instead try and select pieces that give that wow factor, and offer good form and function. You'd be amazed what the introduction of soft-close drawers, good tapware, and a well-placed lit mirror can do for a bathroom; without needing any extra space. Remember to also shows include durable materials that withstand the humid sea air that Northern Beaches homes frequently find themselves in.

Think Carefully about Your Layout

Organising the layout is one of the first steps in planning your bathroom renovation on the Northern Beaches. Work with an expert to organise your layout as changing the plumbing will be the most costly aspect of the renovation. However, even small design changes such as switching a toilet and vanity will improve the flow of the space, especially if you think about your daily rituals in the bathroom - from washing your face and brushing your teeth,  to making sure you're aesthetically happy before you head out on the day. 

Don't Forget About Ventilation

Considering the fact that the ocean air can carry humidity, bathroom spaces are usually small, it is thus imperative to keep the air flowing. A good exhaust fan and/or opening window can eliminate moisture in the bathroom while at the same time preventing the formation of mould, the increment of the moisture, and the long-term finish damage to your bathroom.

Consider Local Knowledge

Hire local builders and designers who are experienced and have a deep knowledge of the challenges of designing homes along the Northern Beaches for your renovation projects. Besides local builders are the people who know the typical property types in the area, they also know the unique coastal environment. Also, they are the people who know the council and planning requirements, the waterproofing standards, and the new energy efficiencies that are applicable to your location.

Ready to remodel your bathroom?

Would it be that you are simply revitalising your tired ensuite or renovating the only bathroom in your coastal home, an intentional renovation will inevitably add value to your home. You can make a stylish, functional, and usable bathroom space, whenever creating a new bathroom, smart design should be considered rather than only more space. You might be impressed at how it is possible to design a bathroom which blends in with the everyday, relaxed Northern Beaches lifestyle.

For valuable advice and the highest quality bathroom renovations Northern Beaches homeowners engage with our team, give us a call today. We will help you design, plan and build a bathroom that maximises space, while providing comfort in your day-to-day life.