Designing or renovating your bathroom is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects. Not only does it improve your daily routine, but it can also add significant value to your property. Whether you’re updating a compact ensuite or building a luxury master bathroom from scratch, every decision, from layout to tapware, affects the final outcome.
At Blue Leaf Bathware & Tiles, we provide quality bathroom products suited for Australian homes, helping homeowners design stylish, practical and timeless spaces. Here are our top tips to guide your bathroom design.
1. Plan a Practical and Future-Proof Layout
Start with the fundamentals. Your bathroom layout needs to be functional for daily life while still making the best use of space. Consider how many people will be using the bathroom, what features are essential and how to make the space feel open and uncluttered.
Tips to keep in mind:
Ensure there’s enough clearance for doors, drawers and cabinets so they open easily without bumping into other fixtures or blocking walkways.
Prioritise toilet placement for privacy and comfort, ideally out of direct sightlines from the door and separated from bathing zones if possible.
Group wet areas such as the shower, bath and basin to streamline plumbing, reduce costs and simplify water drainage.
Include space for laundry appliances if your bathroom is multi-purpose, and ensure these areas are easy to access and ventilate.
Use wall-hung vanities like our wall-hung bathroom vanities to maximise floor space and make cleaning easier, especially in smaller layouts.
2. Choose the Right Bathtub for Your Needs
The bath is more than just a spot to clean off – it's a centrepiece for relaxation and can be a strong visual feature. The right choice will balance comfort, function and aesthetics.
Explore these bathtub options at Blue Leaf Bath:
Freestanding baths: Ideal for large bathrooms, these sculptural tubs act as a luxurious focal point. Their standalone form creates a sense of spaciousness and indulgence, perfect for spa-like settings.
Back-to-wall baths: These provide the sleek look of a freestanding tub with the practicality of sitting flush against the wall. They are a great solution for medium-sized bathrooms where space matters but style is still key.
Corner baths: Designed to maximise unused corners, these are excellent for smaller layouts. Their compact shape still allows for a generous soak without dominating the floor space.
Built-in baths: Fully integrated into tiled surrounds, these offer a clean, low-maintenance finish. They’re especially effective in minimalist or family-friendly designs.
Spa baths: Fitted with hydrotherapy jets, these transform your bathroom into a personal retreat. Perfect for soothing sore muscles and creating a sense of wellness at home.
Pressed metal baths: Lightweight yet durable, these are well-suited for renovations and upper-storey bathrooms. They are family-friendly and resist wear from daily use.
Claw-foot baths: These timeless tubs bring vintage character and elegance, ideal for heritage homes or traditional interiors.
Stone baths: With exceptional heat retention and organic beauty, stone tubs provide a luxurious and natural bathing experience that lasts.
3. Don’t Overlook Smart Storage
Without good storage, even the most beautiful bathroom can quickly look cluttered. A well-organised bathroom helps you stay calm and efficient every day.
Storage tips to try:
Opt for wall-hung bathroom vanities to free up floor space and give the illusion of a bigger room while still offering generous internal storage.
Install LED shaving cabinets that combine lighting, mirrors and hidden storage. These are ideal above your basin for everyday items like skincare and shaving gear.
Try arch-shaped designs for a soft, modern update – arch shape shaving cabinets add both vertical storage and decorative flair.
Use built-in shower niches and bath shelves to store soap, shampoo or candles within arm’s reach while keeping surfaces tidy.
Choose vanities with deep drawers and internal dividers for maximum organisation, helping you avoid rummaging for small items like toothbrushes or razors.
4. Select the Right Bathroom Basin
As one of the most frequently used fixtures, your basin should suit both your style and your practical needs.
Popular basin options:
Above-counter basins: These bold, elevated designs create a strong visual statement and work beautifully in modern or designer bathrooms.
Undermount basins: Positioned beneath the countertop, these create a seamless, low-maintenance finish ideal for minimalist spaces.
Wall-hung basins: Perfect for powder rooms or tight areas where floor-mounted vanities aren’t suitable, while still maintaining functionality.
Double basins: Essential for shared family bathrooms or busy morning routines, double basins save time and reduce congestion.
Stone and ceramic finishes: Choose based on your needs for durability, stain resistance and overall aesthetic. Stone offers a natural texture, while ceramic is easy to clean and maintain.
5. Install the Right Mirror
Mirrors aren’t just for checking your reflection – they brighten and expand the room, and they double as design features when chosen well.
Ideas to consider:
LED mirrors or shaving cabinets offer built-in lighting and extra storage while keeping surfaces streamlined.
Framed mirrors can add contrast and tie in with hardware finishes for a polished look.
Oversized mirrors help expand visual space and work beautifully above double basins.
Arched or round mirrors soften the overall design and bring balance to rectangular tiles or cabinetry.
Reflect light or beautiful features, such as a freestanding bath or a textured wall, to amplify their impact.
6. Layer Your Lighting
Layered lighting enhances your bathroom’s function and mood, shifting from bright and energising in the morning to soft and relaxing at night.
Include a mix of:
Ambient lighting like ceiling-mounted downlights to provide even illumination across the room.
Task lighting around the mirror to assist with grooming, makeup or shaving.
Accent lighting, such as LED strips beneath floating vanities or behind mirrors, to add a subtle glow and architectural interest.
LED options are energy-efficient and long-lasting, helping you cut costs without compromising quality.
7. Prioritise Ventilation
Bathrooms need airflow to prevent moisture-related problems and keep the space smelling fresh.
Key ventilation strategies:
Install exhaust fans that remove steam quickly and efficiently, especially near showers and baths.
Openable windows encourage natural ventilation, letting in fresh air while reducing humidity.
Consider skylights in enclosed bathrooms to bring in both light and ventilation from above.
Proper airflow also helps dry towels faster and protects finishes from mould and mildew.
8. Add Finishing Touches with Texture and Style
Once the major fixtures are installed, the smaller details are what truly make your bathroom feel complete and personal.
Finishing tips:
Incorporate bathroom accessories in matching finishes to unify your design, such as towel rings, toilet roll holders or robe hooks.
Add warmth with natural textures, including timber-look vanities, stone countertops or woven baskets.
Use towel ladders to efficiently dry towels while also serving as a decorative feature on your wall.
Style with soft elements like candles, plants, diffusers or bath trays to create a serene atmosphere.
Use jars and trays to organise daily items and elevate the look of your vanity top without clutter.
Shop Quality Bathroom Fixtures at Blue Leaf Bath
At Blue Leaf Bath, we offer thoughtfully selected products designed for both style and performance. Whether you're doing a complete bathroom renovation or a weekend update, you'll find high-quality solutions for every budget.
Let us help you bring your bathroom vision to life with practical design advice and beautiful product options that stand the test of time.
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