As a Bathroom Builder, Here Are 3 Things I Would Never Do
When it comes to bathroom design, there are a lot of choices that look great on Instagram or in a showroom but don’t actually work once you live with them. Over the years on-site, I’ve seen trends come and go, and I’ve also seen clients regret decisions that seemed like a good idea at the time.
Here are three things I personally avoid in any bathroom project, and why you should too.
1. Freestanding Baths in Tight Spaces
Freestanding baths look incredible in glossy magazine spreads, but they only work if you’ve got the room for them. If your space is tight, they’re one of the most impractical choices you can make.
Why? Because you need at least 300mm of clearance around the bath to be able to clean behind and around it. Without that space, dust, grime, and water build up in those hard-to-reach gaps, and suddenly your “luxury bath” becomes a constant cleaning headache.
What to do instead: If you love the look of a freestanding bath but don’t have the space, go for a back-to-wall bath. You’ll still get the sleek profile but without the frustration of trying to reach into impossible corners.
2. Glossy Floor Tiles
This one’s simple: glossy tiles on the floor are a no-go.
They might look elegant under showroom lights, but in real life, they are slippery, high-maintenance, and outdated. Every footprint, water drop, and smudge shows up, and the risk of slipping is not worth it, especially in a bathroom where the floor is always wet.
What to do instead: Choose a non-slip or Lappato finish. These tiles offer texture for grip, hide marks much better, and give your bathroom a more contemporary feel. They’re safer, easier to live with, and still look amazing.
3. Relying on One Overhead Light
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of bathroom design, and relying on a single overhead light is a big mistake. It flattens the whole space and creates shadows exactly where you don’t want them, like the mirror.
Bathrooms need layered lighting:
Task lighting at the vanity so you can see clearly for shaving or makeup
Ambient lighting to set the mood, especially for relaxing baths or showers
Accent lighting, like LED strips in niches, to create depth and a spa-like atmosphere
One light will never achieve all of that. Investing in a thoughtful lighting plan completely changes the way your bathroom feels and functions.
Bathrooms are hardworking spaces, and while trends are tempting, they need to be balanced with practicality. Avoiding these three mistakes, freestanding baths in tight spaces, glossy floor tiles, and relying on just one overhead light, will save you from daily frustrations and help your renovation stand the test of time.
If you’re in the middle of planning and feel unsure about what’s practical for your space, that’s where I can help. Our Bathroom Layout and Design Service looks at your unique needs and helps you create a space that is functional, timeless, and still beautiful.
Ready to Take Control of Your Renovation?
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Australia, don’t leave it to chance. Our Bathroom Renovation Course gives you the tools, checklists, and confidence to manage your project from start to finish.
You’ll also gain access to:
Direct access to Kim & Corey inside TBG Online Community Group ($297 Value)
Floor Plan Template Pack of Real Project Examples ($199 Value)
32 Pre-made Bathroom Designs Value Pack ($97 Value)
A bathroom renovation is one of the most rewarding projects you can tackle in your home… but it’s also one of the most complex. By following a clear bathroom renovation process in Australia and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Don’t just dream about your perfect bathroom… plan it with confidence. Explore The Bathroom Guide today and take the stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm out of your renovation journey.
