Renovating a Californian bungalow bathroom in Thornbury

Thornbury has whole streets of Californian bungalows built in the 1920s and 1930s, with deep front verandahs, tapered columns, brick or weatherboard walls and leadlight windows. Inside, the original bathroom is usually small, often with a separate toilet, a single window and a timber floor. This guide walks through what to plan when you renovate one. Our tile and bathroom showroom is in Reservoir, about 10 to 15 minutes north of Thornbury, and you can see more local ideas on our tiles for Thornbury homes page.

Start with the layout

Bungalow bathrooms are often around 2 to 3 metres wide, with the toilet in its own small room next door. Keeping the separate toilet is popular with families and saves moving plumbing. If you combine the two rooms, you gain space for a walk in shower and a wider vanity, but expect more plumbing and building work. A free measure records the real dimensions, window position and plumbing before you decide.

Check the floor and walls

Most bungalows have timber floors on stumps. Before tiling, a sound substrate is essential: joists checked, fibre cement sheeting or a similar board fixed over the top, and the correct waterproofing system in wet areas. Old lath and plaster or early sheet walls may need replacing in the shower. These steps are not glamorous, but they are what make the tiles last. Read bathroom waterproofing basics for Thornbury.

Tiles that suit the era

• Floors: hexagon or penny round mosaics in white, grey or marble, or a terrazzo look. Small formats follow shower falls and add grip.
• Walls: gloss white, cream or soft green subway tiles or 300x600mm wall tiles. A row of trim or a change of tile at about 1200mm is a nod to original bathrooms.
• Feature: keep it to one place, such as a niche or the wall behind the vanity, with a feature mosaic.

Avoid very large, very glossy tiles in a small bungalow bathroom. They can look out of scale with picture rails, deep skirtings and timber windows.

Fittings that look right

A timber or painted vanity, a basin with a soft shape, and tapware in chrome or brushed nickel suit most bungalows. A freestanding bath can replace an old built in bath if the floor can take the weight. A shaving cabinet adds storage without crowding the room.

Keep the character

Leadlight windows, picture rails and ceiling roses are worth keeping where they survive. Ask your builder about protecting them during demolition. If your house is in a heritage overlay, Darebin City Council looks after the controls; inside work is rarely affected, but check before changing windows or anything visible from the street.

Plan the order

1. Measure and design the layout.
2. Choose tiles and fittings together so finishes match.
3. Order tiles early. They are call to order and usually ready in 2 to 4 days.
4. Book trades. Installation by our qualified trades is a paid service, quoted after the measure.

Common questions

Should I keep the separate toilet in my bungalow?

Many families do, because it is practical and saves moving plumbing. Combining rooms gives more space but costs more.

Can I tile over the timber floor in a bungalow bathroom?

Yes, once the joists are sound and the right substrate and waterproofing are in place. Your tiler or builder will check the floor first.

What tiles suit a 1920s bathroom?

Small hexagon or penny round floor mosaics, gloss subway or 300x600mm wall tiles, and a soft colour palette suit the era.

How far is your showroom from Thornbury?

Our showroom is at 214 Broadway, Reservoir, about 10 to 15 minutes north of Thornbury by car, or four stops up the Mernda line from Thornbury station.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.