Inside Danielle Collis’ Bathroom Renovation Project

As a successful journalist, TV producer and presenter, Danielle Collis already has a lot on her plate. Adding in a bathroom renovation project with her partner, Cameron Birch, is just another ball in the air to juggle. The couple have been renovating their home with the goal to eventually flip it. Danielle takes us through how they overcame challenges and setbacks to transform their bathroom in the middle of winter.

Danielle says they kicked off by working together to figure out whether to change the structure of the bathroom with resale in mind, but ultimately decided on a faster turnaround design that maximised the existing space. “We discussed our vision as a couple, knowing we were flipping the house and needed to appeal to either a young family or an older couple looking to downsize,” Danielle explains. “Although we couldn’t fit a bath, we opted for a bench seat to keep the space both luxurious and practical. A large vanity was essential for storage in a three-bedroom home, and lighting was also a huge priority since the previous bathroom was so dark.”

The couple leaned on their networks, enlisting the help of Danielle’s sister, who is a kitchen designer, to sketch a few layout ideas. “We reconfigured the window placement and floor plan to improve flow,” she says. As well as juggling the renovation with two full-time jobs and dealing with delays caused by unexpected issues like losing their builder midway through, Danielle and Cameron added another spanner in the works by living in the home during the renovation during the coldest season of the year — winter!

“We had to use our outdoor shower, which was quite the experience — especially during the freezing winter!” Danielle says of one of their biggest challenges. “Luckily, it had hot water. It wasn't ideal, but Cameron and I have always toughed it out through renovations. Whilst it’s not fun in the moment, it makes for a good laugh afterward. Plus, it helped keep the costs down.”

With Cameron taking on the role of project manager and Danielle leading the charge on all things styling, the duo worked closely together for the renovation project. This sometimes came with challenges and compromises but also proved highly rewarding. “Luckily, Cameron and I share similar tastes, but there were a few design elements we debated. For example, he suggested adding VJ panelling behind the vanity, which I wasn’t sold on at first,” Danielle says. “But after gathering some inspiration, I realised it would look great, and now I love it. It adds texture and makes the space more interesting without taking away from the other features, like the vanity itself.”

Danielle also praised some of Cameron’s other design decisions, including his choice of tiles. “Cameron also suggested the Thirroul Subway Tiles, and after some discussions with TileCloud, we realised they would work well together,” she says. “In the end, I think Cameron might have a better eye than me (sometimes)!”. Along with the Thirroul Bone Matt Subway Tiles, Danielle and Cameron also went with Albert Park Square Matte Vanilla Tiles for the bathroom space. Complementing the tiling was the choice of tapware: Wall Spout + Cross Taps Brushed Brass, Shower Hose + Sprayer Brushed Brass and Wall Shower Arm and Head Brushed Brass, which all pulled together the overall look.

For others thinking of taking on a similar renovation with their other half, Danielle offers some sage words of wisdom. “Enjoy every moment, especially if you’re doing it with your partner. Renovating really tests your relationship — you’re tired, stressed, sometimes financially strained, and you have to make decisions quickly,” she advises.

“There were some tough moments for Cameron and I, but we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. We loved turning something horrid into something beautiful and are already excited for our next project. Have a clear plan, but don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly — it’s all about problem-solving. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying that luxurious kitchen or bathroom, sipping wine, and laughing together!”