Bathrooms have become design-focused retreats. Current trends, practical advice, and realistic costs for the Gold Coast.
Large format tiles: 600x600mm to 1200x1200mm. Fewer grout lines, sense of space. $60-$150/sqm installed.
Feature walls: Contrasting tile behind vanity or in shower. Marble-look porcelain, textured tiles, natural stone, terrazzo.
Freestanding baths: Design statement in ensuites. $1,500-$5,000 plus $1K-$2K for floor-mounted tapware.
Walk-in showers: No screen, tiled floor with fall to drain. Minimum 1.2m x 1.2m. Resort-like feel.
Floating vanities: Wall-mounted for more space and easy cleaning. Requires reinforced wall framing.
Warm tones: Moving away from all-white. Warm neutrals, timber elements, brass/gold tapware, natural stone.
Concealed cistern toilets: Wall-hung with in-wall cistern. Standard in mid-range+ bathrooms. Premium of $500-$1,500 over standard.
Ensuite: Minimum functional 5-6sqm. Comfortable 8-10sqm. Premium 12-18sqm with freestanding bath and separate toilet.
Main bathroom: Shared, 6-9sqm with bathtub combo, vanity, toilet.
Powder room: Guest toilet, 2-3sqm. Opportunity for bold design.
Wet room: Entire floor waterproofed, shower part of room. Great for small spaces.
Mandatory under AS3740. Critical on the Gold Coast due to humidity. Shower: floor and walls to 1800mm minimum. Bath surround to 1800mm. Bathroom floor: minimum 100mm up walls. Cost: $1,500-$3,000 per bathroom. Non-negotiable. See our guide on Gold Coast building codes for more on compliance requirements.
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition | $1,500-$2,500 | $2,000-$3,000 | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Waterproofing | $1,500-$2,000 | $2,000-$2,500 | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Plumbing | $2,000-$3,500 | $3,000-$5,000 | $4,000-$7,000 |
| Tiling | $2,000-$4,000 | $4,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Vanity + tap | $500-$1,500 | $1,500-$3,500 | $3,500-$8,000 |
| Toilet | $300-$600 | $600-$1,500 | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Shower screen | $500-$1,200 | $1,200-$2,500 | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Total | $10,000-$18,000 | $18,000-$35,000 | $35,000-$60,000+ |
For full renovation pricing across all room types, see our complete renovation cost guide.
Exhaust fans: Mandatory. Extract to outside (not roof space). Run 20+ minutes after showering. Minimum 25 l/s.
Windows: Louvred ideal — airflow even when raining.
Heated towel rails: Reduce moisture, dry towels quickly in humid Gold Coast climate.
Construction: 2-4 weeks. Total with design: 6-12 weeks. See our guide on building timelines.
Straightforward retile and fixture replacement: generally no approval needed. Layout changes or structural work: yes. See our guide on building approval vs development approval.
Waterproofing, then ventilation, then layout.
After. Layout determines wall lengths and niche positions.
Luxury not necessity. Mild winters. $1,000-$2,000 extra — nice but not essential.
Bathroom design in 2026 favours spacious layouts, warm materials, and resort atmosphere. $10K-$60K+ depending on scope. Get waterproofing and ventilation right first — design trends layer on top.
Design Science designs bathrooms as part of our whole-home approach for renovations and new homes. Book a $280 consultation.
David Steadman
Licensed Builder & Building Designer
David Steadman is the founder of Design Science, a Gold Coast building design practice backed by over 30 years of hands-on construction experience. One of few Australians holding both a QBCC Builder's Licence and Building Designer licence, David brings a rare combination of design thinking and practical building knowledge to every project.
