Case Study
Stunning Ensuite Bathroom Renovation in Devonport, Auckland
This ensuite bathroom renovation in Devonport was completed for a lovely couple, who were looking to modernize their space and align it with their newly updated kitchen and broader home renovation.
Precision Bathrooms was engaged to deliver a fully consented bathroom remodel featuring premium fixtures, New Zealand-made custom cabinetry, and a tiled walk-in shower — all professionally managed from start to finish.
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Project Highlights
Location: Devonport, Auckland
Project Type: Ensuite Bathroom Renovation (Same layout, with building consent)
Completion Time: 17 working days
Designer & Project Manager: Mike Baker, NKBA Designer
Main Goal: Modernise space and alignment with newly updated kitchen
Client Goals & Vision
The clients wanted a modern ensuite bathroom design that would complement their newly renovated kitchen and tie into the home’s overall aesthetic. Their vision was clear: a space that balanced sleek finishes with smart, functional features.


Key requirements included:
A recessed mirrored cabinet with built-in demisters and an internal power point for electric toothbrushes
LED sensor lighting under the vanity
Finishes to match their kitchen palette, including a custom walnut veneer and stone top

There were also some spatial constraints — such as a door that opened too close to the vanity — which required a tailored solution.
Custom Design & Bathroom Product Selection
Our in-house design team worked closely with the clients to bring their vision to life. The layout remained unchanged, but the space was completely transformed using premium materials and custom-made fittings.
Bathroom design highlights:
A locally manufactured vanity and mirrored cabinet in Prime Panel Tahoe Walnut to match the new kitchen
Engineered stone vanity top, cut from the same slab used in the kitchen renovation
Large-format 1200 x 600 mm porcelain tiles for a dramatic vertical wall finish
Wall-mounted mirror lighting and brushed nickel tapware for a cohesive, high-end look
Underfloor heating with a fully programmable controller
Adjustable heated towel rail with a programmable timer
Want to learn more about our design services? View our bathroom design expertise here.
01
Improving Safety and Movement
The original vanity area was underutilised. By repositioning the toilet into the alcove where the old vanity had been, the main wall could be used for a much larger vanity and storage zone.
02
Creating a Better Layout
The original vanity area was underutilised. By repositioning the toilet into the alcove where the old vanity had been, the main wall could be used for a much larger vanity and storage zone.
03
Moving the Toilet Out of Direct View
The toilet was relocated away from the entrance line of sight, improving privacy and giving the bathroom a more premium, intentional feel as soon as you walk in.
04
Connecting the Bathroom to the Rest of the Home
The home’s existing Rimu timber detailing influenced the choice of warm cabinetry, green tiles and natural finishes. This helped the bathroom feel like part of the home, rather than a separate modern addition.
05
Creating a Timeless Luxury Finish
Mike selected finishes that would feel modern without quickly dating. Brass fittings, textured green tiles, soft neutral large-format tiles, curved vanity edges and a pond-style mirror all contributed to a calm, natural and timeless result.


The finished bathroom feels designed with purpose. Every major decision, from the layout to the tile selection, was made to improve both the appearance and usability of the room.
Challenges & Solutions
This project required careful coordination and proactive planning to overcome several unique challenges:


Simultaneous kitchen renovation: With multiple contractors on-site, we ensured consistent communication between trades, including coordination with the client’s electrician and our licensed professionals.
Space efficiency: The ensuite door was reconfigured with a scissor stay to limit its opening and prevent damage to the new vanity.
Custom mirror cabinet: Installed before wall lining to accommodate hidden electrical wiring for demisters and power supply.
Precision tiling: The large tile format was meticulously cut to align perfectly with the shampoo recess — achieving a seamless mitred grout finish.




Our project management ensured timelines were met without compromise on quality.
Learn more about our end-to-end project management.
This included managing:
Demolition and preparation
Plumbing changes for the new toilet, vanity and shower layout
Electrical work for new LED downlights, plug points & heated towel rail
Waterproofing preparation and compliance
Tiling installation, including the feature wall and fully tiled shower
Shower glass and hardware installation
Vanity, storage and tapware installation
Extraction fan upgrade
Final finishing, checks and handover
Renovation Timeline & Process
As a building consented renovation, this project followed a strict timeline coordinated with Auckland Council inspections.


Timeline:
Project duration: 17 working days
Final code of compliance issued: 20 days after completion.
We managed every stage of the project including:
Demolition & Pre-Wiring
Custom Cabinet Installation
Waterproofing & Underfloor Heating
Tiling & Plumbing Fit-Off
Final Finishes & Compliance Sign-off
Precision Bathrooms managed the project with a clear focus on:
Confirming the design direction before work began
Planning layout changes properly
Coordinating trades in the correct order
Managing supplier timing and product availability
Keeping communication clear throughout the renovation
Maintaining quality control at each stage
Delivering the bathroom within the agreed budget and timeframe
A Smarter Layout for Flow, Privacy and Safety
The layout change was one of the most important parts of the renovation.


The toilet was moved into the alcove where the old vanity had been. This achieved two major improvements. First, it made better use of a previously underperforming part of the bathroom. Second, it moved the toilet away from direct visibility when entering the room.


This change also allowed the main wall to become a stronger feature area, with a much larger vanity, a matching storage tower and a more refined focal point.


The new layout feels more open, more private and more practical. For a family bathroom that also needed to accommodate an elderly user, this was a major improvement. 



Could your bathroom layout work harder for your home?

Book a bathroom design consultation with Precision Bathrooms.
A Natural Colour Palette Inspired by Rimu Timber
The wider home includes solid Rimu timber doors, floors and skirtings. These details became an important part of the design inspiration. Rimu has a rich, warm tone, so the bathroom was designed with complementary natural finishes rather than a cold or overly clinical palette.
The colour scheme includes:
Warm timber cabinetry
Dark green Ketch Jade feature tiles
Soft neutral wall and floor tiles
Brass tapware and accessories
White benchtop and vessel basin
Black shower hardware for contrast
The result is a modern natural bathroom that feels calm, grounded and connected to the rest of the home.
Ketch Jade Feature Tiles for a Premium Natural Finish
The dark green feature tiles are one of the most distinctive parts of this Avondale bathroom renovation.


The project used Ketch Jade square tiles from Tile Depot, chosen for their texture, gloss and depth of colour. These tiles were installed on the vanity feature wall and continued through into the shower, helping the bathroom feel cohesive.


The green tone works beautifully with the timber cabinetry and brass fittings, creating a luxury finish that still feels warm and natural.
Larger Vanity, Better Storage and Softer Forms
The original vanity was small, dated and not practical enough for a family bathroom.


By redesigning the layout, Precision Bathrooms was able to install a much larger floating vanity with improved bench space and storage. A tall matching storage tower was also added, giving the family more room for everyday bathroom essentials without making the room feel cluttered.


The curved vanity profile was an intentional design choice. It softens the room visually and helps maintain a more open feel, which was important for both safety and comfort.
Pond Mirror and Curved Design Details
The pond-style mirror was chosen to support the bathroom’s natural design direction.


Its organic shape softens the strong lines of the tiles, cabinetry and shower glass. It also reflects light through the room, helping the bathroom feel brighter and more open.


This small detail plays an important role in the overall design. It brings movement, softness and personality to the space while reinforcing the natural theme.
Fully Tiled Shower With Feature Wall and Strong Ventilation
The old shower was replaced with a modern fully tiled shower.


The new shower includes:
Full-height tiling
Matching Ketch Jade feature wall
Recessed shower niche
Brass shower fittings
Frameless glass enclosure
Black hardware detailing
High-powered extraction fan
The high-powered extraction fan was an important part of the project. Good ventilation helps control steam, condensation and moisture build-up, supporting the long-term performance of the bathroom.


For Auckland homes, this is especially important. A beautiful bathroom also needs to be built to handle daily use and moisture over time.
Lighting, Heating and Everyday Comfort
The old ceiling detail was removed and the bathroom was modernised with new LED downlights.


This helped brighten the room, improve energy efficiency and create a cleaner, more modern ceiling line. The new lighting also highlights the feature tiles and timber tones. 


Additional comfort and functionality upgrades included:
Heated towel rail
New plug points
Brass accessories
Improved ventilation
Better vanity lighting
Modern ceiling finish
These practical details make the bathroom easier and more enjoyable to use every day.
Result
Final Results & Bathroom Features
The newly completed bathroom exceeded the client’s expectations, offering both aesthetic appeal and modern functionality.


Key upgrades:
– Built-in demisters behind the recessed mirrored cabinet
-Sensor-controlled under-vanity LED lighting
-Fully programmable underfloor heating
-Full-width tiled walk-in shower
-Coordinated paint colours (Aalto Newton & Powdered Wig) for harmony with the rest of the home
Keeping the Bathroom Renovation On Time and On Budget
Precision Bathrooms specialises in complete bathroom renovations across Auckland, including Avondale and wider West Auckland.


Our team manages the full renovation process, from design and planning through to demolition, waterproofing, tiling, installation, finishing and handover.


With more than 15 years of industry excellence, hundreds of completed projects and an end-to-end renovation service, Precision Bathrooms gives homeowners confidence that their bathroom will be designed properly, managed carefully and completed to a high standard. 


When you work with Precision Bathrooms, you benefit from:
Complete bathroom renovation service
Design and project management by Mike Baker, NKBA Designer
Clear planning before work begins
Coordination of trades and suppliers
Quality control throughout the renovation
Fully tiled bathroom and shower solutions
Clear communication from start to finish
Renovations delivered on time and on budget
3-week guarantee, with bathrooms completed in 15 working days
Portable hot shower and toilet available on site if required
Experience across family bathrooms, ensuites, small bathrooms, modern bathrooms and luxury bathroom renovations
…and wider West Auckland and Central Auckland areas.