Project Overview
Hunter Bathrooms Brisbane recently completed an impressive bathroom renovation in a charming worker’s cottage built in the 1900s in Highgate Hill. The heritage property featured only one bathroom and one toilet, prompting the owner to upgrade the space to improve accessibility and appeal for potential renters.
Before
Client Brief
The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: to modernise the existing bathroom while incorporating a toilet within the same space. The goal was to create a functional, stylish bathroom that would stand the test of time while respecting the character of this historic Brisbane home.
Design Elements
Working with the limited space typical of worker’s cottages, our design team created a sophisticated bathroom featuring a monochrome palette with strategic contrasting elements. The combination of matte black fixtures against white surfaces creates a contemporary aesthetic that complements the home’s heritage charm.
Key Features
The renovation included several standout elements:
- A rimless tornado toilet for superior hygiene and easy cleaning
- Replacement of the dated louvre window with a sleek black-framed fixed window
- Upgraded exhaust fan system that now properly vents to the exterior wall
- Addition of a toilet in the back corner, requiring comprehensive new plumbing
- Stylish Nero black matte tapware from the Mecca range
- Storm cloud 600×600 matte finish floor tiles creating a solid foundation
- White cloud 600×600 gloss finish wall tiles adding depth and brightness
- ADP white matte vanity featuring finger pulls instead of handles, topped with a luxurious Carrara marble-look stone finish
- Practical flat mirror with an integrated hand towel rail for convenience
- Round above-benchtop basin complemented by a sophisticated black in-wall mixer
- Black-framed shower screen adding architectural interest
- Custom shower niche with black edging for storage and visual continuity
Challenges and Solutions
The project presented several challenges common to heritage renovations. The existing plumbing dated back decades and required complete replacement to accommodate the new toilet. Our experienced team carefully integrated modern plumbing systems while minimising disruption to the original structure.
Working within the confines of the cottage’s smaller footprint demanded creative space planning. By strategically positioning the new toilet in the back corner and selecting appropriately scaled fixtures, we maximised functionality without sacrificing style or comfort.
Timeline and Execution
Despite the complexity of working with a century-old building, our skilled team completed the entire renovation in just four weeks. This efficient timeline minimised disruption for the homeowner while ensuring every detail was executed to our exacting standards.
Results
The transformed bathroom now offers the perfect balance of modern convenience and timeless design. The monochromatic palette creates a sense of spaciousness, while the combination of matte and gloss finishes adds visual interest. Most importantly, the renovation has significantly increased the home’s functionality and appeal for potential renters, achieving the client’s primary objective.
Hunter Bathrooms Brisbane continues to specialise in thoughtful renovations that honour the character of Brisbane’s historic homes while introducing contemporary comfort and style.