Before & After: Bathroom disaster to designer dream

Desperately dated to chic, compact style

This interior designer turned to IKEA for a bathroom renovation that went off without a hitch.

Who lives here? Jane, an interior designer and owner of Spacecrush.

Location: A western suburb of Perth.

Original property: A two-bedroom 1970s villa in original condition.

Why the reno? The property was unliveable when Jane purchased it. The bathroom and was in disrepair and a complete overhaul was needed before Jane could move in. “I thought it had great bones,” says Jane. “I could see the potential immediately.”

Before & After: Bathroom disaster to designer dream | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia — *(Credit: Jody D’arcy)*

“Incorporate storage and cabinetry wherever you can. You will never regret having too much!”
Jane, Homeowner and Interior Designer

The works

The old 1970s bathroom was a disaster zone. “It was actually dangerous,” says Jane. “There was an old Roman bath, the shower screen was broken, it wasn’t waterproof, there was water damage, the cupboards were falling down. It was derelict.”

The answer was a complete redesign incorporating the toilet and concealed laundry. “I blocked off the toilet doorway and knocked out the wall adjoining the bathroom, to create one open space,” says Jane.

Budget was paramount when choosing tiles. “I was really strict on myself – there were so many gorgeous ones I would have loved to use, but I went with a charcoal tile paired with a white subway tile. It’s simple, classic and was within budget.”

She turned to Ikea for the vanity, sink and mixer, and to Adairs for the Home Republic ‘Orla’ mirror.