Transforming your bathroom is a significant investment, and one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to stick with standard options or splurge on upgrades. While standard choices offer practical functionality at a more affordable price, upgrades can elevate your space with luxury finishes, cutting-edge features, and enhanced durability.
Whether you’re looking for basic comfort or want to create a spa-like retreat, understanding the difference between standard and upgrade options will help you design a bathroom that perfectly suits your style and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of what is typically considered standard versus upgraded in various aspects of a bathroom renovation:
Tiling
Standard
In a standard bathroom renovation, tiles generally stick to standard sizes—usually square or rectangular tiles that are no less than 200mm and no more than 600mm on all sides. This size range creates a neat, uniform appearance that’s easy to maintain. The tiles are typically laid in simple horizontal or vertical patterns, keeping the design straightforward. Standard materials like ceramic or porcelain are popular due to their affordability and durability. To finish external corners, a standard aluminium angle trim is often used—a protective strip that gives the edges a neat finish, while preventing chipping.
Upgrade
For a more luxurious touch, upgrading your bathroom tiles offers greater flexibility in design. Opting for non-standard sizes, such as mosaics, kitkat, or subway tiles, introduces texture and depth. You can also explore more intricate laying patterns like brick or herringbone, which instantly make a statement. When it comes to materials, natural stones like marble or slate provide a high-end, elegant feel but require sealing and regular maintenance. Additionally, incorporating feature tiles can create a stunning focal point. For external corners, mitreing—cutting the tiles at an angle to fit together seamlessly—delivers a sleeker, more polished look compared to standard trims, and is limited to porcelain tiles and certain areas.
Fixtures (Tapware, Showerheads, Towel Rails, etc.)
Standard
When it comes to fixtures, chrome remains a popular choice. It’s practical, functional, and cost-effective, making it ideal for those looking to balance style with budget. Whether it’s tapware, towel rails, or showerheads, chrome provides a clean, reflective finish that works well with most bathroom designs, offering a timeless yet affordable solution.
Upgrade
For a more upscale feel, designer finishes like matte black, gunmetal, bronze, or polished brass elevate the bathroom’s aesthetic. These finishes offer a striking contrast to standard chrome, adding sophistication and a modern touch. Opt for brushed nickel, living finishes, or even gold to create a statement, blending luxury with durability and setting your bathroom apart from the ordinary.
Vanity
Standard
A stocked vanity is a budget-friendly option, made in standard sizes to suit most bathrooms. These vanities often feature white polyurethane/laminate cabinetry paired with ceramic/cast marble benchtops with integrated basins. While the design is simple, it serves its purpose well without breaking the bank. The integrated basins offer a clean and classic look for everyday use.
Upgrade
For a more personalised touch, consider a custom vanity. These are tailored to your space and can feature high-end materials like natural timber or custom stone finishes for added luxury. You can also opt for natural stone benchtops, offering both durability and style, however, natural stone will require sealing and regular maintenance. Upgrade your basin to a solid surface, stone or concrete basin for unique colour/texture, interesting shapes, modern feel, and enhance the look further with LED strip lighting under the vanity for a sophisticated glow.
Paddington Bathroom Renovation
Mirrors/Mirror Cabinets
Standard
For most bathroom renovations, frameless mirrors or stocked mirror cabinets are the go-to. These mirrors offer a clean, minimalist look, while shaving cabinets provide basic storage for essentials. Although functional, they lack decorative features, focusing more on practicality than style. A standard option is perfect if you’re looking for simplicity and affordability without any extra frills.
Upgrade
To elevate your bathroom, consider framed or LED mirrors, which add both sophistication and functionality. These options bring a more polished look, while the LED lighting enhances visibility for tasks like shaving or applying makeup. Additionally, upgrading to mirror cabinets with extra power points increases convenience, making it easier to plug in grooming tools or electric toothbrushes.
Bilgola Plateau Bathroom Renovation
Shower
Standard
In most bathroom renovations, standard showers feature a glass screen with a subtle green tinge. This is due to the iron content in the glass, which is perfectly functional but less clear. A single shower arm with a fixed shower rose or a single rail shower is common, providing a simple and classic setup that’s effective for everyday use.
Upgrade
Upgraded shower screens elevate the experience with ultra-clear glass, offering a more modern, frameless look without the green hue. For a luxury touch, twin rail showerheads with two separate outlets provide versatility. To tie it all together, you can match the brackets, knobs, and floor waste finishes to your upgraded tapware, with options like brushed nicket, gunmetal, or matte black for a cohesive, high-end finish.
Toilet
Standard
A basic close coupled, back-to-wall toilet is the go-to option for many bathroom renovations. It features a traditional design with a coupled cistern and pan, typically in gloss white. These toilets are budget-friendly and offer basic water efficiency, making them a reliable choice for most households. While simple, they get the job done without any extra frills.
Upgrade
For those looking to elevate their bathroom, a concealed cistern offers a sleeker, more modern look, with the cistern hidden behind the wall. Additionally, smart or bidet toilets take things further by including luxury features such as heated seats, automatic lids, and built-in bidets. These upgrades offer both enhanced comfort and advanced functionality, though they come with higher installation costs.
West Pennant Hills Bathroom Renovation
Bathtub
Standard
For a standard bathroom renovation, acrylic baths are a common choice due to their affordability and versatility. Available in both inset or freestanding designs, they offer a lightweight solution that fits seamlessly into most bathroom layouts. While these baths are functional and durable, they tend to have a simpler, more basic aesthetic, perfect for homeowners looking for cost-effective yet stylish options.
Upgrade
For a more luxurious feel, consider solid surface enamelled steel, stone compostie, concrete, or clawfoot baths. These materials provide a striking visual appeal and a sense of timeless elegance. Stone composite and concrete baths add a modern, high-end touch, while clawfoot designs evoke a classic, vintage charm. Though pricier, these options elevate the bathroom, making it a true focal point of relaxation and style.
Electrical & Lighting
Standard
In a typical bathroom renovation, downlights are a common feature for general lighting, providing a clean and modern look. Additionally, heated towel rails are often included as a standard luxury, offering both practicality and comfort. These standard features elevate the bathroom experience without going overboard on cost.
Upgrade
For a more luxurious touch, consider installing a heat lamp, providing warmth on chilly mornings. Upgrades like underfloor heating with a thermostat add another layer of comfort. You can also add dimmers for your lights or install additional downlights and powerpoints to enhance functionality.
So When Should You Upgrade?
Upgrading your bathroom is all about balancing practicality with indulgence. While standard options are great for keeping costs down, opting for upgrades can add value, style, and enhanced functionality to your space.
Whether you’re after a timeless, modern look or specific customisations, Novalé is here to help. With our unique 4-step renovation process and a proven track record of satisfied clients, we’re here to turn your vision into reality. Contact the Novalé team today at 1800 NOVALÉ!
