Period home bathrooms in Preston and Northcote

Preston and Northcote have some of Melbourne's best loved older housing: single fronted terraces and workers cottages close to High Street, Edwardian weatherboards on wide streets, and interwar homes further north. Their bathrooms are often small, cold and squeezed in at the back. Here is how to renovate one so it works like new but still suits the house. Our Reservoir showroom is a short drive up High Street or Plenty Road; see our Preston and Northcote pages for directions.

Know which era you have

Terraces and workers cottages

Found mostly in Northcote and the southern end of Preston. Narrow, single fronted, often with the bathroom and laundry in a rear lean to. Ceilings in the main house are high; the rear rooms are often lower. Space is the main challenge.

Edwardian weatherboards

Common across both suburbs. Bigger rooms, timber floors on stumps, high ceilings and decorative details. These homes can take a slightly more generous bathroom with a freestanding bath.

Interwar bungalows and brick homes

More common as you head north through Preston towards Reservoir. Solid construction, practical layouts and room for a separate shower. Our Californian bungalow bathroom guide covers these in depth.

Before you choose anything

• Check the floor: timber subfloors need to be stable and properly sheeted and waterproofed before tiling. Old stumps may need work first.
• Check the walls: older walls are rarely straight. Smaller tiles are more forgiving than large format.
• Check heritage controls: parts of Darebin are covered by heritage overlays. Inside work is usually not affected, but window or external changes can be. Ask the council if you are unsure.

Layouts for narrow rooms

• A wall hung vanity and wall hung toilet keep the floor clear and make the room feel wider.
• A space saver vanity or a wall hung basin fits where a standard vanity will not.
• A walk in shower with a single fixed glass panel saves the swing of a door. See the shower screen hardware guide.
• In terraces, a back to wall bath with a shower over is often the best way to keep a bath.

Tiles that suit each era

• Terraces and cottages: white or cream subway tiles in brick bond, a hexagon or penny round mosaic floor, or a patterned floor tile. Tiling to around 1200mm with paint above suits the high ceilings.
• Edwardian homes: vertical 300x600mm wall tiles or a soft colour gloss tile, with a terrazzo or marble look floor.
• Interwar homes: patterned tiles, terrazzo looks and coloured gloss wall tiles with a contrasting trim line.

If you want something that feels modern but calm, a stone look porcelain floor with plain white walls works in any era.

Vanities, tapware and baths

• Vanities: timber or painted vanities with simple shaker or fluted fronts sit well in older homes.
• Tapware: cross handle taps and wall mixers in chrome, warm brushed nickel or brass tones. Keep one finish through the room.
• Baths: in an Edwardian main bathroom, a roll top style freestanding bath with a floor mounted bath filler is a showpiece.
• Warmth: a heated towel rail makes a big difference in an old, draughty house.

Laundries in the lean to

Many Preston and Northcote homes have the laundry beside the bathroom in the rear lean to. Renovating both together means one set of trades, one tile order and a better result. See our laundry renovation guide.

Next steps

Bring photos and rough measurements to our Reservoir showroom at 214 Broadway, and take samples home. We offer a free measure across Preston, Northcote and Thornbury, and can quote installation by our qualified trades, or supply products only. For more local ideas, read our Preston bathroom renovation guide and small bathroom ideas for Northcote.

Common questions

What tiles suit a terrace bathroom in Northcote?

Classic subway or gloss wall tiles, with a hexagon, penny round or patterned floor. Tiling to around 1200mm with paint above suits high ceilings.

Can I fit a freestanding bath in an older Preston bathroom?

Often, yes, especially in Edwardian homes with larger rooms. Check the bath length, clearances and waste position before you order.

Do heritage overlays affect a bathroom renovation?

Inside work is usually not affected, but changes to windows or the outside of the house can be. Check with Darebin Council if your home is in an overlay.

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 and Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, or book a renovation consult, 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. See all the areas we serve.