A Sleek Bathroom Renovation Upgrades this Home in Carnegie, Victoria

Time for an Upgrade

Marion’s charming 1930s home had two bathrooms that were ripe for renovation. In the main bathroom, despite an upgrade two decades ago, tiles were falling off the walls, the sink and vanity needed replacing, and the client wanted an alternative to the awkward shower arrangement to future-proof her home.

The second bathroom was also outdated; busy wall tiles and tired tapware left the already small space feeling cramped. And, although it was not part of the original plan, Marion opted to upgrade the adjacent laundry room with new appliances and fresh paint to match this second bathroom.

Knowing that renovating these rooms would elevate the entire look, feel, and functionality of her home, Marion was keen to seek professional guidance for this layered project. So she contacted Melbourne South East Renovation Consultant Leigh McDonald to help bring her vision to life.

Expert Advice

During the initial consultation, Leigh listened closely as Marion shared her ideas and objectives. She wanted to retain certain elements but replace tiles, fixtures, and tapware, as well as repaint. Marion was also tired of stepping into the bathtub to have her shower, and Leigh suggested that a walk-in shower layout would be the best way to future-proof her home for years to come.

Once Leigh determined Marion’s goals for the renovation and the concept drawings were complete for both bathrooms, he provided an estimate of $50,000 for the new layouts, fittings, fixtures, with a walk-in shower in her primary bathroom. 

The final cost came in at $67,690 owing to agreed variations and extra work in the laundry room. Remedial work was also required post-demolition to rectify a hump at floor level before new flooring could be laid in the main bathroom. As is always the case with Refresh, swift and transparent communication between client and consultant was maintained throughout each phase of the project.

‍

Form and Function are Key

Once Marion selected the new fixtures and fittings, the demolition work began in the main bathroom to replace the flooring and tub and shower combo with a roomy walk-in shower. The team moved on to stripping the existing wall tiles, toilet, sink fixtures, and bathroom cupboards. Streamlined cabinetry next to the vanity added to the functionality of the new bathroom design. The existing hanging mirror would make way for a medicine cabinet and shelf for increased storage.

After removing and replacing wall tiles in the second bathroom, glaziers replaced the shower doors while electricians took out an old, boxy heater to install an energy-efficient model. The original brilliant blue tile flooring leading from the laundry room into the guest bathroom was a feature that Marion wanted to retain. Leigh and his team worked to enhance this flooring when freshening up the laundry room, providing the illusion of more space with light coloured paint and wall tiles. The project wrapped up in just eight weeks.

Clean and Serene

Stepping into Marion’s new bathroom is like entering a spa. Off-white tiles adorn the walls and soft timber finishes give the vanity, cupboards, and medicine cabinet a warm and natural look. The roomy walk-in shower is the main attraction, completed with a sparkling silver rain shower head and hand-held combo.

The laundry room is fresh and clean with the same nearly white tiles and paint, new appliances, and updated light fixtures. Natural light fills the guest bathroom, which features the same choice of tiles plus silver tapware, and new glass shower screens and door.

Final Thoughts

This bathroom transformation saw tired facilities replaced with modern designs and greater functionality. The renovation required input from several key contractors, including carpenters, plumbers, glaziers, tilers, and decorators. Leigh oversaw every detail and drove the project forward to make sure that Marion’s new bathrooms and laundry would stand the test of time – in style. Suppliers used in this project were sourced from Refresh’s preferred partner Mitre 10.‍

Would you like to discuss your home renovation ideas?

Get in touch for a free consultation with your local Renovation Consultant.