Innovative Toilet Design for Modern Bathrooms

Let me be clear. When I renovated my bathroom a few years ago, I obsessed over the tiling. Which tile where? What would match what? Should I invest in the Italian version or go for a "lookalike"? I spent hours on that decision. Hours of my life I will never get back. The toilet, by contrast, was ordered three days before the plumber required it on site. And yeah, I regret it. Not at the time but every time I stepped into the bathroom in the following year, I would look at it and go, "Why didn't I spend more time on this?" So here is what I have learned from my own experience, and from specifying bathrooms for friends who are renovating. Because although toilets are probably not the most attractive part of a bathroom renovation, they do matter.

Space Is Everything

Firstly, if you have a small bathroom (and most of us do), a wall-hung toilet will make your life better. I am not even exaggerating. The space saving effect is astonishing. Our main bathroom has an in-wall cistern and the difference is genuinely night and day. You can actually get around it, for one thing, because the bulky cistern is gone. And cleaning is a cinch. No more getting on your hands and knees to scrub around where the bowl meets the floor. You just wipe underneath with a mop. Bonus: you can also create a shelf on top of the concealed cistern. Great for candles, spare toilet paper, or just styling the space. It looks better too. Cleaner. More modern. More airy. If you are after that ultra-modern, minimalist look, an in-wall cistern is basically non-negotiable. But what if you're not doing a full renovation, or you're on a tighter budget?
A back-to-wall toilet will give you a similar look without the cost and disruption of installing an in-wall cistern. The cistern goes behind the toilet, in a separate unit. That means it's easier to install, but you still get the same streamlined look. And it's still fully accessible, through a panel, which your plumber will thank you for in 10 years' time when something needs fixing.

The Humble Close-Coupled Toilet

Now, I know close-coupled toilets (the kind where the cistern sits directly on the back of the bowl) may not sound that exciting. But hear me out. They're popular for a reason. They're cheap. They're quick to install. And spare parts are easy to find. So if you are renovating a period property, or working to a tight budget, don't feel you need to follow every trend.
A well-designed traditional close-coupled toilet definitely has its place. Some of the more recent designs are quite lovely. And in a period home with traditional fixtures, a super-contemporary wall-hung toilet would not be in keeping at all. In very tight layouts or multi-user households, some people even consider adding a compact urinal alongside the main toilet to improve convenience and reduce congestion, though this depends heavily on space and personal preference.

A Smart Toilet Is a Thing

I was dubious about this at first. Do I really need music when I'm on the loo? No. No I don't. But there are some actually useful features on these things. A heated loo seat in winter? Yes please. A soft night light rather than harsh fluoro lights at 3am? Absolutely. An auto-close toilet seat so you're never again woken to the sound of a slamming toilet seat? Yes, yes, yes.
The bidet function (basically a little shower nozzle) is apparently more hygienic than toilet paper, using only warm water — something traditional toilets simply can’t offer in the same way as bidet toilet seats. Whether you like that sort of thing is up to you, but it's definitely a thing right now. They're not cheap though. They're really, really not cheap. This is a go big or go home kind of thing. But if you love your gadgets and you're already going big on the bathroom renovation, maybe it's worth thinking about.

Rimless Is the Only Way to Go

One thing that really has improved is rimless toilet design. There's no rim around the toilet bowl, and therefore no little ledge for bacteria and dirt to sit on. It's just cleaner. And easier to clean. And once you've had one you really do notice the difference with other toilets. They're quite common now and, honestly, I wouldn't even consider anything else.
And yes, colour really is back
White is safe. White is classic. But matte black toilets are everywhere at the moment (hello Instagram-worthy bathroom photos) and charcoal, soft grey, even blush pink, are all getting a guernsey. But don't just choose a colour because it's trendy. Choose something you'll still love in a decade. Because a good toilet, if you buy a good one, will last for decades.

The Innards Really Matter

Oh dear. This is where I really learned my lesson. You can have the most beautiful loo in the world, but if the flushing mechanism is no good, you'll hate it. A cheap valve and other innards means you'll be standing there jiggling the handle, and having to deal with phantom flushing, and watching your water bill slowly creep up because of tiny little leaks you can't even see. A quality toilet valve can make all the difference in long-term performance and reliability. I've had friends who saved $200 by buying a cheap loo, only to end up calling a plumber out three times to fix flushing problems, and spending three times that amount doing it. It's just not worth it.
The European brands have the best innards. There are some great mid-range Australian brands too, as I like Fienza toilets, they're not super expensive but they don't look or perform like a cheap loo. When it comes to dependable performance, Fienza toilets are a smart choice for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. I've recommended them to friends doing a reno on a budget and they've been really happy.

The Shape and Height

This sounds ridiculous, but the shape of the bowl does vary a little. Elongated is better than round. Unless it's a tiny powder room and you don't have room for an elongated bowl. If you're a tall person, or a bloke, an elongated bowl is way more comfortable. Comfort height is important too. It basically means the toilet is a bit higher than usual. They're designed for people with mobility issues, but they're great for able-bodied people too because it's easier to get off the loo. If you have toddlers, soft-close seats are a must. I have a toddler who loves slamming toilet seats and we now only buy soft-close. Slamming is a thing of the past.

Style to Suit

Don't laugh, but this is important. A modern loo looks ridiculous in a heritage bathroom. A heritage-style loo looks equally ridiculous in an ultra-modern bathroom. The key is finding toilet designs that complement your overall aesthetic rather than clash with it. Don't forget to consider sight lines. It's nice if the loo isn't the first thing you see when you walk into a bathroom. Thinking about the toilet in bathroom design from the beginning can help you create a more cohesive and visually appealing space. If you can, position it so a vanity or half wall obscures the view. And don't put it where the door will hit it when it opens. I rented a house like that once and it drove me mental.

Cost

Consider the cost to install. A wall-hung loo will be more expensive to install than a close-coupled loo because it needs structural work and different plumbing. But if you're renovating a bathroom from scratch, it's worth it. Check the WELS rating of your loo. This will save you money on your water bill and is better for the environment. A modern flush toilet with a good WELS rating can significantly reduce water consumption compared to older models. Most modern loos are good, but it's worth checking.

Where to Buy

If you want a really flash loo, you'll probably need to go European. There are some great mid-range brands here in Australia, try Reece or Beaumont Tiles showrooms or even Bunnings for some models. If you can, visit a showroom. Yes, I know it's weird, but you should sit on a loo (or stand in front of it and check the height). Make sure you measure your loo space properly — you need a minimum 600mm clearance in front of the bowl. Clever toilet design small spaces can maximise functionality even in the tightest bathrooms. Don't rely on what the manufacturer says about the loo — read reviews from people who've bought it.
This is a decades-long relationship you're entering into. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good-looking, great-working loo. There are excellent loos at every price point. You just need to do your research, measure up properly and think about how you'll use your loo. Learn from my mistake and don't leave it until three days before your plumber arrives!