How Starr Brought Her Dream Bathroom to Life

A warm tone bathroom that started with a Pinterest board

For Starr, the vision for her bathroom renovation didn't begin with a layout or a product list. It started with a feeling she kept coming back to.

Like many renovators, she started by saving images on Pinterest. Instead of locking into one specific style, she paid attention to what kept showing up. Warm tones, soft curves, and spaces that felt calm without being overly styled became the foundation for everything that followed. “Once I started noticing those patterns, it all made sense,” Starr says. “I realised I wasn't drawn to one specific look, it was more about how the space felt.”

From mood board to plan

With a clear direction in mind, Starr moved into the planning phase with confidence, building out a mood board and sourcing inspiration from TileCloud's website and past projects.

She explains that seeing real renovations made it easier to translate ideas into something achievable, rather than feeling stuck in the inspiration stage. From there, she created a series of 3D mockups to test different layouts and understand how the space would function in real life.

“Our builder actually joked about offering me a job after seeing the designs,” Starr laughs, “but it just helped me feel confident that what we were planning would actually work.”

Why seeing tiles in person matters

While much of the early planning happened online, Starr says visiting the TileCloud showroom was a turning point in the process. “Being able to see and feel everything in person made such a difference,” she says. “It's one thing to see tiles on a screen, but completely different when you're standing in front of them.”

She also took samples home and viewed them at different times of day, which helped her understand how lighting would impact the final look. “That step gave me so much clarity. It meant we could make decisions without second guessing later on.”

Designing a bathroom that actually works

Having rented for over a decade, Starr came into the renovation with a very clear understanding of what she didn't want. She mentions that lack of storage and bathrooms that felt cold or uninviting were consistent frustrations, so creating a space that felt both functional and comfortable became a priority. “I didn't just want it to look good,” Starr explains. “I wanted it to feel like a space I actually enjoyed being in every day.”

Layering tiles and tapware

When it came to selecting materials, Starr focused on creating a cohesive palette rather than making individual pieces stand out. The tiles set the tone early, bringing warmth and texture into the space, while the tapware was chosen to complement those finishes and tie everything together.

“It wasn't about having one hero piece,” she says. “It was about how everything worked together as a whole.” For those planning a similar approach, pairing your tapware after locking in your tiles can help keep the overall look consistent. Explore Yabby tapware finishes.

The reality of renovating and decision fatigue

Although the renovation ran smoothly overall, Starr admits that the most challenging part wasn't anything going wrong. It was the sheer number of decisions required along the way.

“You think the big decisions are the hardest, but it's actually the smaller ones that catch you off guard,” she says. “Even deciding where to put the robe hooks felt like a huge deal at the time.” Looking back, she sees those moments differently. “We laugh about it now, but those details really do matter. They're what make the space feel finished.”

Staying on track throughout the process

Starr credits clear communication as one of the biggest factors in keeping the renovation on track. She stayed in regular contact with her builder and didn't hesitate to ask questions whenever something felt unclear. At the same time, she leaned on the TileCloud team for additional support and guidance throughout the process.

“I felt really supported the whole way through,” she says. “It made such a difference knowing I could reach out and get help when I needed it.”

A smooth timeline from start to finish

The renovation took approximately five to six weeks to complete, with no major delays along the way. Starr mentions that staying with family during the renovation made the process easier to manage and allowed her to fully appreciate the finished result when everything was complete.

“It was so exciting walking into a completely finished space and seeing everything come together,” she says.

Balancing renovation with work and life

Like many renovators, Starr was balancing work commitments alongside the project, with both her and her partner running their own businesses.

She explains that while it did require stepping away at times for site visits and decision making, having flexibility made it manageable. “It's definitely something to plan for,” she says. “There are moments where you need to be present, so having that time available really helps.”

Why TileCloud was the right fit

When asked why she chose TileCloud, Starr points to both the product quality and the level of support she received throughout the renovation. “The quality was amazing, but it was also the design help that made such a difference,” she says. “It just made the whole process feel easier.”

Starr's advice for first time renovators

Looking back, Starr says there are a few things she would recommend to anyone starting their own renovation. She suggests being realistic about your budget and understanding where you want to save versus where you're happy to spend.

She also encourages people to look beyond just bathrooms when sourcing inspiration, and instead focus on the colours, shapes, and textures they naturally gravitate towards. “Design something you actually love,” she says. “Not just what's trending or what feels safe.”

Above all, she emphasises the importance of communication and staying organised throughout the process, as well as documenting the journey along the way. “I'm so glad I took photos and videos. It's really nice to look back on now.”

Now that the renovation is complete, Starr says the biggest difference is how the space feels day to day. “I honestly can't believe I get to use this bathroom every day,” she says. “It's made such a difference to how our home feels.”