Bathroom

Bathroom design ideas for apartments: Inside Three Birds Renovations’ latest project

When it comes to modern apartment bathroom ideas, success often lies in restraint rather than reinvention. In their first apartment project, Three Birds Renovations reimagined a heritage home in Balmain, Sydney, proving that thoughtful design can transform even the smallest spaces without major structural change.

This renovation is a standout example of apartment bathroom renovation ideas that prioritise functionality, flow and beauty within an existing footprint. Without moving plumbing or altering the layout, the team focused on careful planning and considered product selection to unlock the full potential of the space.

Small bathroom renovation ideas in Australia: designing within your footprint 


For many Australian homes, particularly apartments, space is limited. This project highlights how small bathroom renovation ideas in Australia can deliver impact without increasing square metreage.

Rather than starting from scratch, Three Birds Renovations embraced the constraints of the original design, refining what already existed. The result is a bathroom that feels open, calm and highly liveable, proving that good renovation outcomes don’t always come from big changes, but from smart ones.

As the team shared, “Working with Reece on our very first apartment renovation, felt like having renovation wingman in our corner. This apartment came with plenty of fun little quirks, Reece helped us strike that sweet spot between beautiful and practical, which is the absolute dream in small-space renovating.”

Creating functional, modern apartment bathroom ideas through smart storage 


In both the main bathroom and ensuite, storage plays a key role in achieving that clean, uncluttered aesthetic often seen in modern apartment bathroom ideas.

The ISSY Adorn vanity and mirrored cabinet introduce essential storage while maintaining a minimal profile, helping the space feel larger and more resolved. Integrated storage solutions like these are a core consideration in apartment bathroom renovation ideas, particularly in compact environments where every millimetre counts.

Small bathroom with beige stone tiles, a white pedestal sink, wall-mounted brushed nickel faucet, tall mirror, and a beige towel on a hook.
An organic-shaped mirror with a black frame on a beige tiled bathroom wall above brushed gold wall-mounted taps.
Bathroom with open shelves holding towels and baskets, a wicker hamper, wood vanity with vessel sink, and round mirror.
Round beige vessel sink on a white countertop with brushed gold wall-mounted faucet, round mirror, and decorative items nearby.

Maximising space with clever fixtures and layout choices 


One of the most effective small bathroom renovation ideas in Australia is the use of wall-mounted fixtures to free up valuable bench space.

In this project, tapware selections and thoughtful placement contribute to a more functional layout. By reducing visual clutter and improving usability, these choices create a sense of openness; an essential outcome in apartment living.

Rather than acting as statement features, finishes like brushed nickel tapware, seen in the selection of Sussex Oria and Sussex Pure ranges, layer in warmth and cohesion, supporting a calm, unified design language throughout the home.

Kitchen corner with a sink, blue tile backsplash, white vase with branches, and a framed still life artwork on the wall.
A beige hand towel with black trim hangs on a wall hook in a bathroom with stone tiles and a wall-mounted faucet.
Small bathroom with beige stone tiles, a white pedestal sink, wall-mounted brushed nickel faucet, tall mirror, and a beige towel on a hook.

Elevating apartment bathrooms with materiality and form 

A defining feature of this project is the way sculptural elements are used to soften the overall aesthetic; an approach often seen in Three Birds bathroom renovations.

The Omvivo Villa basin and Omvivo Venice pedestal basin, with their organic forms introduce visual interest without overwhelming the space, while concealed functionality such as the Roca The Gap toilet and Hideaway+ flush plates help maintain a pared-back, uncluttered aesthetic..

These are key principles in modern apartment bathroom ideas:

  • Prioritise simplicity over excess

  • Use texture and form to create depth

  • Integrate functionality seamlessly into the design

Narrow bathroom with pedestal sink, wall-mount faucet, toilet, floral shower curtain, beige stone tiles, and a wood cabinet above a mirror.
Round beige vessel sink on a white countertop with brushed gold wall-mounted faucet, round mirror, and orchid in a red vase.
White undermount kitchen sink with brushed nickel faucet set in a marble countertop on a wood cabinet, with a white vase nearby.
Bathroom with beige tiles, glass shower, rain showerhead, patterned floor tiles, toilet, vanity, and a striped towel hanging on the wall.

Apartment bathroom renovation ideas that prove less is more

This project reinforces a powerful message for renovators: you don’t need to overhaul a space to achieve meaningful transformation.

By focusing on layout efficiency, material cohesion and thoughtful product selection, Three Birds bathroom renovations demonstrate how apartment bathroom renovation ideas can deliver high-impact results with minimal structural change.

As their experience shows, the right approach, and the right partners, can unlock a home’s full potential, no matter its size.

The team put it simply; “This renovation really proved to us that you don’t necessarily need to move walls or completely rework a layout to create a beautiful bathroom. Sometimes it’s simply about making smarter choices, and having the right people and products behind you.”

Bathroom with a floating wood vanity, bowl sink, oval mirror, beige tiles, open shelves with towels, and a wicker basket.
Bathroom with beige tiles, glass shower, rain showerhead, patterned floor tiles, toilet, vanity, and a striped towel hanging on the wall.

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