Top 10 Design Must-Haves You Need to Include in Your Bathroom Renovation

I’m so excited to be teaming up with Reece Bathrooms today to share news of their amazing $15,000 worth of bathroom products giveaway.
Not only can you score some breathtaking products to kick-start your bathroom makeover, but I’m also chatting with Bathrooms & Kitchens Merchandising Leader, Daniela Santilli, who’s sharing the 10 must-have items you need in your upcoming bathroom reno.
Read on as I unveil the latest design and tech must-haves for your bathroom, and scroll to the bottom of the post for all the competition details.
This post is produced in partnership with Reece Bathrooms.

1. A Solid Design Vision

Sure, you’ll want the functional issues like bathroom layout addressed. But once that’s addressed you need to have a good think about how the space will look and feel. Going into a bathroom renovation with a clear idea of the room’s overall style will inform all of the design and product decisions you make for it.
“Before you start choosing products, colour palettes and materials, it’s important to consolidate your information,” advises Daniela. “Collect anything that speaks to you, in both hard copy and digital formats”.
The Reece Moodboard Design Tool is a handy tool for gathering inspiration and seeing what works well together before you lock in any decisions.

 2. The Right Build Team

Ensure you have the right team around you to help you achieve the vision for your new bathroom. Tradespeople are the backbone of your reno. They manage the timing and execution of your dream bathroom and see it through from start to finish.

Choose people you align with and trust, and ensure you engage them at the right time to keep your bathroom renovation on track.

If you’re updating an existing bathroom, you might just need to work with a licensed plumber, while a larger renovation or new build may require a builder. If you’re finding the entire process overwhelming, a stylist or designer can help you define your needs, style and help you find the right build team too.

3. A Personalised Shower Experience

Reno once, reno well; that’s my motto. If you’re going to the effort (and cost) of creating a brand new bathroom, you’ll want to make your shower experience a stunner not only now, but in the future too.

An overhead shower head like the GROHE Rainshower SmartActive is the ultimate in luxury and evokes divine waterfall vibes thanks to its soft PureRain setting. Pair this with the GROHE Smart Control Thermostatic mixer for the perfect temperature and pressure at the touch of a button.

Get your shower right the first time and it’ll reward you for decades to come.

4. A Killer Statement Vanity

Bathroom trends come and go, but one that’s here to stay is a floating vanity. Not only does it make a smaller bathroom seem larger, but it’s the perfect piece of furniture to make a statement with (be it through the colour, material or profile you choose).

If you’re keen to embrace Australian-made vanities that embrace form and function, I offer up the Kado Arc Vanity and ISSY by Zuster Blossom II Vanity for your consideration.

The former is made from chestnut timber and gives a nod to an earthy-industrial aesthetic, while the latter combines wood, stone and marble to evoke timeless luxury.

Let the vanity be the star of the bathroom, select a complementary tap colour and you’ve just created a fabulous focal point.

5. Tapware that Delights

Once you’ve locked in your dream vanity, you need to pair it with the right tapware. There are loads of colours and materials to consider, but don’t forget to inject interest with shape too.

“We’re seeing a resurgence in classic shapes, as seen in the Milli range of tapware – thoughtfully designed and sure to be loved for years to come,” says Daniela. “From new technologies to graceful silhouettes that honour the past, Milli has a place in every style conscious home”.

And when it comes to colours, options such as matte black, brushed gold and brushed nickel (as well as the much-loved chrome), have become a classic choice for the bathroom. The Mizu tapware and accessories range comes in colours Matte Black, Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel and Chrome.

6. A Beautiful Bath

While you want your bathroom to tick all the functional boxes (it is a workspace, in many respects), you can’t forget about the need to have it operate as a sanctuary too.

With this in mind, a freestanding bath is a must when creating a bathroom you can come home to and unwind in. But choosing the right one can often throw you. Here’s two that are winners on multiple fronts:

The Posh Domaine Back to Wall freestanding bath and Posh Solus Back to Corner freestanding bath are a great way to incorporate a freestanding bath while saving precious bathroom space. They both have the look and feel of a freestanding option, but are great for smaller rooms and are a cinch to clean.

6. A Toilet with Smarts

“During the past 18 months, we have all become more connected to their homes than ever before,” Daniela tells me. “As a result, we want our home environments to be rich spaces, filled with the latest tech, so mundane tasks become moments of ease and joy”.

Enter the impressive Roca In-Wash® Inspira smart toilet, which combines the function of a normal toilet with the cleaning advantages of a bidet.

It integrates a number of smart functions, including the ability to control pressure, air and water flow (with a remote too). It cleans itself with the nozzle (self-sanitising after every use), and has a built-in night light for easy night access.

7. Underfloor Heating

I said it before and I’ll say it again: reno once, reno well. If you’re going to complete a reno to last you years to come, you’d be wise to install underfloor heating.

Stiebel Eltron Underfloor Heating is fast to heat and easy to control with a timer to suit your daily routine and ideal temperature. Underfloor heating doesn’t have to be installed throughout the whole room, so you can avoid spaces under vanities and in showers if you choose.

8. Heated Towel Rails

You’ve got your underfloor heating sorted, but don’t stop there. To complete the luxury feels in your bathroom, opt to install heated towel rails.

Not only do they keep towels warm and dry, preventing moisture and bacteria, but they also warm up smaller bathrooms. They can be hardwired into a wall or plugged in via an outlet, and come in many configurations, from ladders to single bars.

The Reece Moodboard Design Tool offers a more traditional horizontal design with multiple colours and configurations while the Kado Aspect heated towel rails come in a vertical design.

9. Touchless Technology

If the last few years through the Covid pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that hygiene is paramount. And with that concern on everyone’s mind comes the arrival of touchless technology in the bathroom.

The Hideaway + Sensor Button/ Plate is just one of the options consumers are adding into their bathroom renovation. This sensor toilet button features advanced hands-free technology, reducing the transfer of germs in the bathroom. Simply wave your hand in front of the half or full flush button to operate.

10. Your Personality!

Last but not least, I implore you to create a bathroom that truly makes your heart sing. Trends come and go, and your friends and family will have a million opinions. But at the end of the day your new bathroom needs to not only work for you, but truly reflect your personality.

If you’re stuck on identifying what your bathroom style is, give the Reece Project Inspiration Gallery a look over. It’s full of ideas and inspiration from local bathroom makeovers.

Win $15K Worth of Bathroom Products from Reece!

The team at Reece know that some Aussies are waiting for the right moment to start their renovation. To help flip ‘one day’ dreams into Day One realities, Reece Bathrooms is giving one renovator $15K worth of bathroom products to kickstart their bathroom project.

Simply Click Here to Enter to Win.

All you have to do is tell Reece Bathrooms in 25 words or less what’s stopped you from starting Day One of your renovation. Quick, entries close midnight 5^th December.