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Bathroom & Kitchen Flooring Renovation Ideas & Trends

Flooring should look good, be safe, and last long. Did you know that Australian Standards require non-slip tiles in wet areas? That means your bathroom flooring must meet specific safety regulations.

Waterproofing laws vary across states, and in Sydney, compliance is key. Whether you’re considering floating floors, solid timber, concrete, or tiles, choosing the right material and timing your installation correctly can save you costly mistakes down the line. Nouvelle ensures you make informed decisions from the start.

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Flooring Renovation

Timing, installation sequence, and material selection impact everything from durability to visual appeal. Before you jump in, consider:
  • How long will it take? Some floors, like concrete, need curing time, while others can be installed quickly.
  • Will it affect the rest of your home? Transitions between rooms matter—will your new flooring flow well?
  • Is your subfloor ready? Older homes may have sagging floor joists or damage that must be fixed first.
  • What’s the best order of installation? In most cases, flooring goes in after cabinetry to prevent shifting.
A professional flooring consultation ensures you don’t overlook details that could compromise longevity and safety.

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Renovation

Floating Floors

Floating floor boards have revolutionised home renovations. They come in timber veneer, hybrid, laminate, and vinyl. These floors:

  • Are installed after cabinetry to prevent warping.
  • Offer quick installation with minimal downtime.
  • Provide water-resistant and durable options, ideal for kitchens.
Tip: Since floating floors settle over time, it’s best to install kickboards after the flooring has adjusted.

Solid Timber Floors

If you want a high-end finish with natural beauty, solid hardwood floors (like oak and maple) are an excellent choice. They:
  • Are laid before cabinetry but polished last for a flawless finish.
  • Offer exceptional durability and longevity.
  • Bring warmth and character to both modern and traditional homes.
Tip: Timber flooring should be sealed properly to prevent moisture damage in kitchens and bathrooms.

Concrete Floors

Hardwearing concrete flooring adds a contemporary, industrial edge to any home. However, timing is critical—it must be installed before final finishes to avoid damage. Key points:

  • Takes about 10 days to fully cure, so plan accordingly.
  • Ideal for modern and industrial-style homes.
  • Works well with underfloor heating for extra comfort.
Tip: A matte or polished finish can enhance its aesthetic while improving stain resistance.

Floor Tiles

Floor tiles remain one of the most durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance options for both kitchens and bathrooms. Choosing the right tile and installation method makes all the difference.
  • Installed before cabinetry for a cleaner finish and better pest protection.
  • Large-format tiles (600 mm and above) require less grout, reducing maintenance.
  • Smaller patterned tiles can make a space feel larger.
Tip: If you’re laying tiles around joinery, always order extra in case of future layout changes.

Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Kitchen or Bathroom

Ceramic, Porcelain & Terracotta Tiles

These fired clay tiles are extremely resilient, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. However, chipped tiles can be harder to repair, so investing in high-quality tiles is key.
  • Ceramic & porcelain tiles are commonly used for bathroom floors and splashbacks.
  • Porcelain is virtually non-porous, making it tougher and more expensive.
  • Available in wood, stone, or concrete finishes to suit any style.
Tip: Grout choice matters—staining can occur, so sealing grout in high-traffic areas is often recommended.

Natural Stone Tiles

Slate, limestone, travertine, marble, and granite add natural beauty and character to any space. These tiles:
  • Are denser and stronger than ceramic varieties.
  • Are more porous, requiring regular refinishing to maintain their look.
  • Make chips less visible, since they’re the same colour throughout.
Tip: Granite and slate can still stain, so sealing them every 1–2 years will maintain their integrity.

Get Expert Guidance for a Flawless Flooring Renovation

Floating floors? Natural stone tiles? The right choice depends on your home’s style, functionality, and budget. Get it wrong, and you risk installation delays, mismatched flooring levels, or worse—costly repairs.
At Nouvelle, we:
  • Ensure your flooring choice works with your renovation timeline.
  • Help you select materials that fit your lifestyle and design vision.
  • Handle compliance and waterproofing requirements for Sydney renovations.
Step into our showroom and see flooring options up close before making your final decision.

FAQs

Flooring trends are shifting towards practicality, durability, and aesthetics. Homeowners are opting for:


  • Large-format tiles for a sleek, modern look with minimal grout lines.
  • Timber-look porcelain tiles—the warmth of wood with the resilience of tile.
  • Matte concrete floors for a contemporary, industrial feel.
  • Herringbone & chevron patterns to add texture and interest.

Explore real-life flooring designs. Check out our home renovation gallery or browse our modern kitchen, modern bathroom, traditional kitchen, and traditional bathroom inspiration galleries.

The right flooring can make a small space feel larger. Here’s how:

  • Light-coloured tiles reflect light and create an airy feel.
  • Large-format tiles reduce visual clutter by minimising grout lines.
  • Continuous flooring across rooms avoids harsh transitions, enhancing flow.
  • Gloss or polished finishes bounce light, making a room feel bigger.

Read more about flooring solutions in our blog: Make a Bold Statement with Flooring.

Absolutely! You don’t need to overspend for beautiful, durable flooring. Consider:

  • Hybrid flooring—a waterproof alternative that mimics real timber.
  • Laminate flooring—budget-friendly with realistic woodgrain finishes.
  • Vinyl plank flooring—soft underfoot, easy to maintain, and water-resistant.
  • Porcelain tiles—cost-effective, yet stylish and durable.

Check out more stylish and affordable ideas in our blog: Alternative Flooring Ideas We Know You Will Love.

Kitchens see a lot of foot traffic, spills, and wear, so your flooring needs to be:

  • Water-resistant & durable—tiles, hybrid, or sealed timber are great options.
  • Low maintenance—consider stain-resistant porcelain or vinyl.
  • Slip-resistant—especially if you have kids or elderly family members.
  • Visually cohesive—it should complement cabinetry and benchtops.

See real-life flooring transformations in our modern and traditional kitchen renovation galleries.

In Sydney, strict waterproofing regulations apply, and compliance is non-negotiable.

  • All bathroom flooring must meet non-slip standards for safety.
  • Waterproofing must extend to walls & shower areas to prevent long-term damage.
  • A licensed professional is required for waterproofing to ensure compliance.

Nouvelle understands and follows the stipulations set forth in Australian Standards. Work with us for a problem-free kitchen or bathroom flooring renovation.

In some cases, yes! But it depends on your current floor type:

  • Floating floors & vinyl can go over existing tiles with proper prep.
  • New tiles can sometimes be laid over old ones, but subfloor height must be considered.
  • Concrete floors may require grinding and sealing before adding a new layer.

Visit our showroom to discuss the best approach for your renovation. Book a showroom tour now.

Here are the benefits of large and small tiles to help you decide, based on what matters most in your home:

  • Large tiles (600 mm+) = fewer grout lines, less maintenance, and a sleek look.
  • Small tiles = more grout lines, but great for slip resistance in wet areas.
  • Herringbone or patterned layouts can add depth and character.

See different tile layouts in action! Check out our home renovation gallery or read 7 Fabulously Unique Ways To Feature Tiles in Your Home.

Before installing new flooring, we assess the subfloor for:

  • Sagging or uneven surfaces (common in older homes).
  • Water damage or cracks that could affect durability.
  • Compatibility with your chosen material (e.g., timber requires a stable base).

Don’t leave it to guesswork—get professional advice. Book a flooring consultation today!

Whether flooring should be installed before or after cabinetry depends on the type of floor:

  • Floating floors & hybrid flooring = Installed after cabinetry to prevent movement.
  • Solid timber & tiles = Installed before cabinetry for a seamless finish.
  • Concrete flooring = Installed before finishes, but sealed last.

Need help planning your flooring timeline? Book a consultation for expert guidance.

If you’re mixing materials (e.g., timber in living areas, tiles in kitchens), smooth transitions are key:

See how flooring transitions are handled in real homes! Visit our home renovation gallery.

Let’s hit the ground running! Here’s what to do next:

  • Explore real flooring options in our inspiration galleries.
  • Read expert insights in our flooring blogs.
  • Visit our showroom to see and feel materials in person.
  • Book a consultation—our experts will walk you through every step.

Let’s get started! Book your showroom tour today.

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