If you’ve been living in Melbourne for a while, you know how much we value good design not just in how things look, but how they work. A bathroom is no different. It’s where your day begins and ends, and it should feel like a comfortable, well-built space you actually enjoy spending time in.
At HRE OZ, we’ve been renovating bathrooms across Melbourne for over 15 years. I’ve personally worked in homes from Toorak and Brighton through to Box Hill, Ringwood, and Brunswick, and one thing I’ve learnt is that every homeowner wants the same thing a bathroom that looks great, feels comfortable, and functions properly.
This isn’t about over-the-top luxury; it’s about doing things the right way. Whether you’re after a small, neat bathroom upgrade or a complete high-end transformation, the approach should always be practical, transparent, and built to last.
What Makes a Bathroom Feel Luxurious
People often think “luxury” means expensive materials or flashy fittings, but that’s not necessarily true. Luxury, in my view, is how well a space works for you.
Here’s what I’ve found really defines a luxurious bathroom regardless of budget or size:
- Thoughtful Design: The layout must make sense. The shower shouldn’t feel cramped, the vanity should be the right height, and every element should feel intentional.
- Custom Cabinetry: I’ve built and installed countless custom vanities and storage units over the years. It’s one of the simplest ways to make a bathroom look like it belongs to your home, not just pulled from a catalogue.
- Quality Fixtures and Fittings: It’s worth investing in solid tapware, durable tiles, and proper waterproofing. These things aren’t always visible, but they’re what make a bathroom last for decades, not just years.
- Lighting: Good lighting changes everything. A soft, warm light can make even a small bathroom feel relaxing.
- Finishes and Details: Handles, trims, mirrors — these finishing touches tie the whole space together.
A truly luxurious bathroom is one where nothing feels out of place. You don’t notice the individual parts, you just walk in and it feels right.
Design Ideas for Melbourne Homes
I’ve seen the full range from tight, awkward spaces in older Brunswick terraces to open, airy bathrooms in Brighton and Malvern. The best designs are always the ones that work with the space you already have, not against it.
Small Bathrooms
In many Melbourne homes, especially around Preston, Coburg, and Essendon, bathrooms tend to be compact. The key here is clever use of space:
- Floating vanities open up the floor area and create a lighter look.
- Large-format tiles make the room look bigger and reduce grout cleaning.
- Mirrored cabinets double as storage while reflecting light.
- Walk-in showers with clear glass keep the layout open.
I recently worked on a small bathroom in Box Hill we used a floating vanity, light-coloured tiles, and a mirrored shaving cabinet. It felt twice the size once finished, even though we didn’t move a single wall.
Mid-Range & Premium Bathrooms
In homes with more space, like those in Toorak, Kew, or Brighton, the focus often shifts to comfort and atmosphere:
- Freestanding baths make a big statement and add balance to large rooms.
- Double vanities are great for busy households.
- Frameless glass showers keep things clean and minimal.
- Custom-built joinery lets you blend style with storage — no wasted corners.
Current Design Directions
Over the past few years, Melbourne homeowners have been leaning towards:
- Natural tones like beige, soft grey, or white stone finishes.
- Matte black or brushed brass fittings.
- Textured tiles for added depth.
- Integrated lighting LED strips behind mirrors or under vanities.
The most successful designs are the ones that balance aesthetics with everyday function.
Related Post: Small Bathroom Renovations in Melbourne: 7 Space-Saving Ideas
What Bathroom Renovations Really Cost in Melbourne
Let’s talk honestly about costs something many renovators avoid until the last minute.
Prices can vary depending on the size, materials, and complexity, but based on 15+ years in the industry, here’s what I typically see in Melbourne:
- Small / Budget Bathrooms: $15,000 – $25,000
- Compact layouts, practical finishes, basic fixtures. Ideal for apartments or investment properties.
- Mid-Range Bathrooms: $25,000 – $35,000
- More premium materials, custom cabinetry, and better tilework. Often the sweet spot for family homes.
- Luxury High-End Bathrooms: $40,000 – $70,000+
- Designer tiles, freestanding bath, underfloor heating, frameless showers, and complete project management.
When clients ask me, “What’s the difference between a $20k and a $50k bathroom?” my answer is simple attention to detail. Waterproofing, materials, and workmanship quality make all the difference in longevity and comfort.
We also believe in transparency. We explain the cost breakdown, discuss where it makes sense to invest more, and where you can save without compromising the result.
Read More About: Bathroom Renovation Costs in Melbourne
Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
After hundreds of projects, here are the things I’ve seen go wrong most often (and how to avoid them):
- Poor Planning
- Jumping into demolition before finalising design or materials leads to delays and added costs. Always finalise selections first.
- Ignoring Practical Layouts
- A good-looking bathroom can still feel awkward to use. Always think about how you move around the space.
- Choosing Style Over Durability
- Some tiles or tapware look great but don’t age well. Quality saves money in the long run.
- Underestimating Ventilation
- Melbourne’s weather can be humid; poor ventilation means mould and early wear. Always invest in a good exhaust system.
- Skipping Professional Guidance
- DIY can seem cheaper at first, but fixing waterproofing or plumbing mistakes later costs much more.
How We Work at HRE OZ
At HRE OZ, we’ve built our reputation on honesty and workmanship, not marketing gimmicks.
When I started this business over 15 years ago, my goal was simple give people genuine guidance and deliver quality work without shortcuts.
Here’s how we approach every bathroom renovation:
- Consultation & Understanding Needs
We don’t just quote we listen first. We want to know what you actually need, what’s bothering you in your current space, and how you use it daily. - Planning & Design
Once we understand your goals, we plan layouts that make sense for your home. You’ll get advice on materials, fittings, and how to make your money go further. - Project Management
From demolition to final polish, we handle the entire process. You’ll always know what’s happening — no surprises, no last-minute add-ons. - Quality Workmanship
Every trade we use is licensed and experienced. We’ve worked together for years, so you get consistent quality across the job. - After-Completion Care
Once the job’s done, we walk you through maintenance and product care so your bathroom stays as good as new.
We take pride in being transparent and approachable. If something doesn’t make sense, we’ll explain it — not hide it behind jargon.
A Few Projects That Tell the Story
- Brighton Ensuite: A high-end ensuite with stone finishes, underfloor heating, and a freestanding bath. The client wanted warmth and texture we achieved that with a mix of natural stone tiles and timber cabinetry.
- Box Hill Small Bathroom: A compact bathroom with space constraints. We used large-format light tiles, a floating vanity, and a mirrored cabinet it looked bigger instantly.
- Toorak Luxury Bathroom: Designed around comfort and timeless finishes brushed brass tapware, double vanity, and a walk-in shower.
Each project was different, but all had one thing in common: the homeowner’s comfort came first.
Thinking About a Bathroom Renovation?
Whether you’re updating a small bathroom in Brunswick or planning a luxury upgrade in Malvern, we can help you get it right the first time.
We’ll guide you through realistic design options, honest cost expectations, and choices that make sense for your lifestyle.