Can’t look at that dated blue bath any longer? Tired of those seventies tiles? You don’t have to break the bank to get a fresh, new bathroom.
When we purchased our current home, we bought a little slice of history. More specifically, we bought the ’70s. Stepping into that bathroom – where everything from the toilet to the lino floor was a ghastly shade of blue – was like going back in time. Our only option was to gut it and start from scratch.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always an option. You might not have the budget for a complete do-over; or, if you are renting your home, your options for change might be limited. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t make small – or gradual – changes to spruce up the space.
A little paint goes a long way
If you do not have floor-to-ceiling tiles, a lick of paint to the walls of your bathroom can make a big difference. Interior designer Kimberley Richmond of Beautiful Spaces recommends keeping the colours light if you are trying to make a small bathroom seem more spacious. If you’re feeling a bit creative, consider incorporating a feature wall – add a splash of bright colour to the mix, or even waterproof wallpaper.
‘If you have some open wall space in the bathroom, try use a colour that complements the current design feel,’ suggests Kimberley. ‘You can paint tiles, but the paint won’t last forever. You could also try getting strong-bonding vinyl stickers that can be applied to tiles. They are available in many colour applications. Again, this won’t last forever, but if you want a temporary facelift and don’t want to spend money immediately, this will provide a solution for over a year at a very low cost.’
If you have shelving or a worn (but in good condition), old vanity in the bathroom, give these a fresh coat of paint. This is one DIY project anyone can tackle. It’s also possible to get a company such as Renu A Bath to resurface your sanitary ware – bye-bye blue bath!
Floors and all
While it is possible to replace flooring quite easily and inexpensively (think laminate or vinyl flooring), you can also work with what you’ve got.
‘If you don’t like the flooring, try hiding it with a carpet,’ suggests Kimberley. ‘You get beautiful knotted-fabric bathroom rugs
now that are trendy and very attractive.’
If your tiles are a little worse for wear, you may simply need to give them a deep clean and replace the old grout. This will automatically make things look better. And while you’re at it, remove and replace stained silicone sealer around the bathtub and basin.
Revamp fittings and fixtures
Tired of those taps? Give your bathroom a fresh feel by replacing all the taps, as well as the shower head. Then, pick out a new toilet-roll holder and towel rail or ring.
Unless your bathroom has a very specific style, Kimberley suggests keeping things simple and modern.
‘I prefer to use more streamlined fittings, and I feel they complement most bathrooms. I try and match designs together – so, if I use a square shower head for example, I apply the same theory to the taps. Most fittings tie up with a range, so I try to keep the same design for all the fittings.’
Another small, but important change can be made by focusing on the lighting in the bathroom. ‘Where possible, I always try to incorporate downlights in a bathroom,’ says Kimberley. ‘They automatically help to make it feel more modern. If you have a concrete ceiling, try to select a stylish, simple design, possibly even in stainless steel.’
Words: Rebekah Kendal | Photography: Unsplash
