Transforming a Bathroom & Lounge Space for a Functional Upgrade

Project Overview

Led by Leigh McDonald and his team from Refresh Renovations, this project originally aimed to utilise an unused roof space to create an additional bedroom and living area. However, after reviewing the initial estimate, the homeowners decided to take a more cost-effective approach, instead renovating the bathroom and enclosing a downstairs lounge to make better use of the existing space.

The focus of the renovation shifted to redesigning the bathroom layout by removing a dividing wall between the toilet and the bathroom. This created a more spacious and functional wet room, complete with a walk-in shower and a bath. The renovation also included enclosing the large downstairs lounge with cavity sliding doors, transforming it into a multi-functional office or additional living space.

The project was completed within the planned six-week timeframe, delivering a modern, well-lit, and highly functional space that improved the home's practicality while maintaining a stylish, cohesive design.

Major Challenges

One of the biggest challenges of the project was the odd-shaped roof member in the existing ceiling, which made it difficult to design the wet room as planned. Once the original plaster was removed, the team identified poorly executed structural work that required modification. By making these adjustments, they were able to create a clean, well-integrated ceiling structure that fit the new design.

As the renovation progressed, the homeowners were able to visualise the full ceiling space once it was stripped down. This led to an approved variation where they decided to lift the ceiling and rake the plaster at an angle, creating more height and an airy feel to the bathroom.

Additionally, since the bathroom had no windows, incorporating natural light was a key challenge. The team installed Illume solar-powered skylights, which effectively mimicked natural daylight, significantly enhancing the brightness and ambiance of the space.

Design Highlights

The design approach focused on enhancing functionality while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The bathroom was completely reconfigured, creating a spacious wet room that incorporated both a walk-in shower and a bathtub. The raked ceiling added height, making the space feel more open and inviting.

The use of Illume solar-powered skylights was a standout feature, bringing natural-looking light into the windowless bathroom, significantly improving its ambiance. The colour scheme and materials were carefully selected to complement the existing home, ensuring a seamless blend between old and new elements.

In the downstairs lounge, cavity sliding doors were installed, providing privacy when needed while still maintaining an open feel when the space was not in use. 

Project Execution

The project was executed with a structured and organised approach, ensuring efficiency and high-quality results. The renovation process began with the demolition phase, where the original toilet/bathroom dividing wall was removed. Once the plaster was stripped down, the structural team reinforced the ceiling and adjusted the layout based on the approved variation.

Key construction stages included:

• Structural modifications to accommodate the raked ceiling
• Bathroom layout redesign, including waterproofing and tiling
• Installation of a walk-in shower, bath, and modern fixtures
• Electrical work and Illume skylight installation for improved lighting
• Enclosing the downstairs lounge with cavity sliding doors
• Final painting and finishing touches for a clean, polished look

Key Trades Involved

A skilled team of professionals contributed to the success of this project, including:

• Carpenter
• Plumber
• Tiler
• Waterproofer
• Electrician
• Plasterer
• Demolition
• Glazier
• Painter

Client Feedback

The homeowners were thrilled with the final result, especially given their initial uncertainty about how to maximise their home’s space. They were particularly pleased with:

• The transformed bathroom layout, which felt more spacious, modern, and functional.
• The Illume skylights, which brought a natural brightness to the previously dark bathroom.
• The flexibility of the enclosed lounge, which provided an additional private space when needed.
• The seamless project management, which allowed them to focus on their wedding planning and professional commitments without worrying about renovation details.

Final Thoughts

Managed by Leigh McDonald and his team from Refresh Renovations, this project is a great example of how smart design choices and expert execution can maximise a home’s functionality and aesthetics without requiring a full-scale extension.

By reconfiguring the bathroom layout, raising the ceiling, and incorporating innovative skylight solutions, the renovation delivered a spacious, light-filled, and contemporary upgrade. The addition of cavity sliding doors in the lounge area further enhanced the home’s usability, creating a flexible, multi-functional space.

If you’re considering a bathroom renovation or space reconfiguration, get in touch with Leigh McDonald and the Refresh Renovations team today to discuss your project.