Renovating The Bathroom? Read This Before You Choose Tiles Or A Vanity
Renovating the bathroom is one of the most exciting — and expensive — updates you can make to your home. But it’s easy to get swept up in tile samples, tapware finishes and Pinterest boards before locking in the most important detail: the layout.
If you want a bathroom that looks amazing and works well for years to come, you need to plan it properly. That means focusing on what’s behind the walls — the layout, lighting, ventilation, storage and plumbing — not just what’s on the surface.
Here’s what to think about before you start picking finishes.
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Bathroom
Plan the Layout First
It’s tempting to fall in love with a vanity or feature tile and plan around it — but if the layout doesn’t work, the bathroom won’t either.
Start by thinking about how the space will function. Will two people need to get ready at the same time? Do you want the toilet hidden from view? Would removing the bath give you more space? These are the types of questions that shape a layout that works in real life.
If you’re renovating an existing bathroom, you can save costs by keeping plumbing in the same place. But if the current setup feels tight, awkward or outdated, it’s worth exploring how layout changes could improve flow and function — especially when you’re spending $30,000 to $80,000 or more on the overall renovation.
Z+S Layout Tip • Always make sure the vanity and mirror are easily visible from the entry — and avoid placing the toilet front and centre.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite featuring Shower Niche
Zephyr and Stone • Resort House Bathroom
2. Think About How You'll Use the Bathroom
Every family uses the bathroom differently — so your layout and features should reflect your lifestyle.
Do you apply makeup in the bathroom? Add good lighting near the mirror. Do you have toddlers? Consider a built-in bath instead of a freestanding one. Are you sick of waiting your turn in the mornings? A double vanity might be worth the investment.
Designing for real life means fewer compromises later. Think about your habits, routines and future needs now — not after everything’s installed.
3. Get Your Measurements Right
Measurements can make or break a bathroom. Get them right, and everything feels spacious, balanced and easy to use. Get them wrong, and the whole space can feel off.
From how high to mount your taps, to the clearance between a vanity and a shower screen — every number matters. These are the kinds of small details that affect your daily experience.
✅ Want a bathroom that works? Get every key measurement right — download the Bathroom Measurement Cheat Sheet.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Ensuite
4. Prioritise Storage (And Make It Smart)
No one ever regrets adding more storage. Think about what you’ll actually need to store, what doesn’t work or is missing in your current bathroom situation — and where everything should go for how you live and use your bathroom.
Some smart storage ideas:
Drawers instead of cupboards in your vanity
Shaving cabinet mirrors for hidden eye-level storage
Wall hooks and towel rails to keep things off the floor
Floating shelves for warmth and function
You can even use a stylish stool or side table near the bath to store your most-used items.
The goal is to keep everything tidy and within reach — without cluttering your surfaces.
5. Choose Features That Make an Impact
You don’t need every luxury upgrade — just the right ones for your space.
For some, that might be a walk-in shower with a wall niche and rainfall head. For others, it’s heated towel rails or a skylight for natural light.
The key is to choose features that add value to your everyday life. If you rarely use a bath, don’t include one just because it looks good. Spend that money on quality fittings, smart lighting or custom joinery that makes the room feel like a retreat.
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite
Zephyr and Stone • Coral House Bathroom
6. Let There Be (Good) Light
Great lighting transforms a bathroom. You need a mix of natural, ambient and task lighting to make the space functional and inviting.
At minimum, you’ll want:
Overhead lights (downlights or pendants)
Mirror or vanity lighting
Feature lighting (like LED strips in niches or under vanities)
If possible, include a window or skylight to bring in natural light and improve ventilation. It helps with mould prevention and makes the space feel bigger.
7. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
What sets a designer bathroom apart from a standard one? The details.
A few that make a big difference:
Mitred tile edges for a clean, seamless look
Floor-to-ceiling tiles for a sense of height and luxury
Matching tapware and accessories for a cohesive finish
Grout colour that works with your tiles, not against them
And don’t underestimate feature lighting — like a backlit mirror or strip lighting under a floating vanity. These elements bring the space to life at night.
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Bathroom
What to Do Next
If you’re renovating your bathroom soon, here’s how to start strong:
Think about how you’ll use the space
Decide which layout works best — and what’s worth changing
Get your dimensions right from the beginning
Choose the features that matter most
Lock in lighting, ventilation and smart storage
Want to Guarantee Your Bathroom Design Actually Works?
Don’t guess the details that matter.
After 20 years of designing, renovating, and building homes — and making plenty of expensive mistakes along the way — I created these tools to help you get it right the first time.
✔️ Use the Bathroom Measurement Cheat Sheet — so you get every layout detail right, from tap heights to vanity clearances.
✔️ Download the Bathroom Design Pack — for ready-to-go floor plans, curated finishes, and expert tips to take the stress out of decision-making.
✔️ Stay in control with the Budget Tracker — so you know exactly what to spend, where to spend it, and how to avoid blowing your budget.
These are the tools I wish I had when I was renovating. Now they’re yours.
