Mitch & Mark | Renovation Journey

Hampton style bathroom with a twist

When it comes to home renovations, the bathroom can be one of the trickiest spaces to get right. In a recent chat about their latest project, Mitch & Mark shared their insights into creating a Hamptons-inspired bathroom with a twist of glamour—blending old-world charm with a more sophisticated aesthetic.

Tiles that tell a story

From the get-go, Mitch & Mark wanted to steer away from the typical stark white Hamptons look. Instead of pristine subway tiles or classic white marble, they opted for a distressed tile pattern in their powder room, creating a room that is welcoming and full of character. This choice brings in a sense of history—like a home that has evolved over time and has many stories to tell, rather than just freshly renovated.

Balancing traditional and modern elements

A true Hamptons-style bathroom isn’t just about the tiles—it’s about creating a layered look that combines traditional charm with modern convenience. That’s why the vanity, mirror, and tapware were all carefully selected to complement the tiles without feeling too matchy-matchy. A statement mirror from TFO tied the whole space together, blending luxury with practicality.

“It’s not all about blue and white. It’s not all about white and grey. It can have colour, but it’s got a bit of personality. It’s an old-world feel, and it’s a collective.”

Toilet placement: Function over form

Ever walked into a bathroom and the first thing you see is the toilet? Not ideal. That’s why Mitch & Mark made a deliberate design choice to place the toilet behind the door, keeping it tucked away and out of direct sight from the living areas.

It’s one of those small but crucial details that elevates a space from functional to well-designed. The planning phase is crucial for this, working out how people will move into and around in the room.

The under-vanity lighting debate

One of the more entertaining moments of the conversation was the debate over under-vanity lighting. Mitch loved the idea—practical for nighttime bathroom visits…Mark on the other hand, not so much—why spotlight dust unnecessarily? This conversation highlights an important part of renovation—designing for how you actually live.

Why they chose TFO for their bathroom fixtures

Rather than sourcing every piece individually, Mitch & Mark opted to get all their fixtures from TFO – Why? Consistency in design, cost savings on shipping and less stress when coordinating finishes because it’s all in one place. You can create a moodboard in store!

Pretty in pink laundry

Let’s be honest—laundry’s don’t usually get the love they deserve. They’re often treated as purely functional spaces, tucked away for no one to see, but they are one of the most used spaces in a home.. So why can’t a laundry room be just as stylish as the rest of the home? That’s exactly what this renovation set out to prove.

It all started with the tiles

“There’s no reason our laundry can’t be a pretty place.”

The entire design was inspired by a beautiful mosaic tile that caught their eye. With a colour palette of soft greens, pinks, and a touch of white, the tiles set the tone for a space that felt fun, fresh, and unexpected. From there, every other design decision was made to complement the statement wall created by the mosaic.

And the best part? Everyone who’s seen the space has been obsessed with the tile work.

“Every person comes in and goes, ‘Oh my God, I love that mosaic!'”

Budget friendly design tricks that made a big impact

Of course, renovations are all about balancing style and budget, and this project was no exception. One of the smartest moves was using VJ panelling instead of drywall.

It saved money on labour costs
It eliminated the need for extra plastering
It allowed more budget to be spent on the intricate mosaic tile work

“We spent more time, obviously, on the workmanship of that wall with the mosaic. Since we had to put up something anyway, we went with VJ panels, painted them, and ended up with a real wow factor—without breaking the bank.”

Another cost-saving trick? Using an inexpensive floor tile that mimics the look of natural stone. Not only did this keep costs down, but they also used the same tile in the family bathroom to create a cohesive look throughout the home.

When a laundry room becomes a conversation starter

What’s surprising is how much attention this laundry room has gotten. Traditionally, a laundry isn’t a space people get excited about—but this one, it’s become a showstopper. Friends and family love it and even the toughest of tradies have complimented it

“Laundry pretty in pink. Hello? Work with me!”

The takeaway? Why not have fun with your laundry space? It doesn’t have to be an afterthought. With a bit of creativity and smart design choices, it can become one of the most unexpectedly beautiful rooms in the house. You spend a lot of time in the laundry so why not let it make you smile and bring joy to your day.

This renovation proves that laundry rooms can be more than just practical spaces. With the right tile choice, some budget-friendly workarounds, and a focus on aesthetic appeal, a laundry room can be just as thoughtfully designed as a kitchen or bathroom.

By blending traditional and modern elements, making thoughtful design choices, and prioritising functionality, Mitch & Mark have created a stunning yet practical Hamptons-inspired bathroom and laundry that feel curated rather than cookie-cutter. Whether it’s the timeless tile selection or the strategic layout (aka hiding the toilet!), their approach proves that great design is all about balance, personality, and smart decision-making.

Mitch & Mark’s DIY cost saving tips

Renovating a bathroom can be expensive, but with a few smart choices, you can save without compromising on design. Here are some of Mitch and Mark’s practical DIY tips to help you cut costs while achieving a modern and functional bathroom.

Keep plumbing in place

If possible, keep your plumbing in the same location. This saves on unnecessary labour costs and makes the project more budget-friendly.

Use VJ Panelling where you can instead of tiles

VJ panels are a great alternative to tiles. They’re much cheaper, easy to install, and provide a stylish coastal-inspired look. Plus, the linear design adds texture and dimension without grouting and tiling. This way you can use a ‘wow’ tile for wet spaces and still manage your budget.

Consider a mounted shaving cabinet

Recessing a shaving cabinet looks great but can be costly. Instead, choose a mounted cabinet, which sits slightly out from the wall. While a recessed cabinet is preferred for a sleek look, a mounted version still works beautifully and reduces construction costs.

Plan for tap clearance

When installing a shaving cabinet above the sink, make sure there’s enough space to fully open it without obstruction from the taps. A little planning here ensures functionality and ease of use.

Mitch and Mark are getting ready to reveal their stunning Newport home renovation, and we can’t wait to see the final result! Known for their bold yet timeless design choices, the duo has poured their expertise into transforming this space with a mix of luxury, practicality, and personality.

From statement tiles to carefully curated finishes, every detail reflects their signature ‘eye for detail’ while bringing joy and glamour to interiors. Stay tuned as they unveil their beautifully reimagined home—an inspiration for anyone looking to blend high-end design with smart renovation solutions.