Little loos and expanding families are not a excellent blend. That was a little something this home-owner had first-hand information of in their outdated household. So when she and her partner moved to their 1950s house in Nottingham with their two little ones, their renovation journey started out with the lavatory thoughts.
The h2o tank and boiler ended up getting up space in there, and as they needed to install a full new heating process, it was the fantastic option to adjust the toilet layout and make it into exactly what they required. ‘The current tub, basin and bathroom ended up pink, and though I do appreciate pink, that was a little bit considerably for me, so I was eager for that to go,’ she suggests.
(Picture credit: Potential PLC / Rachael Smith)
Earning place
‘In our last household, the spouse and children lavatory genuinely irritated us as it was in no way quite significant sufficient. We desired to make this as significant as we could. With the original ground approach, there was a lot of useless area we preferred to change the structure to make the most of what we experienced.
‘There was a separate lavatory and WC, a larger sized than essential landing, and a huge constructed-in cupboard. We decided to knock concerning the two rooms, distribute on to the landing and remove the cabinet for additional usable house.’
‘The full approach took 3 to four months. We moved out for a 7 days of this and rented a flat, as it was in the center of a lockdown. To be truthful, it was the worst time to shift and the worst time to renovate, but we designed it work.
‘We mounted all the radiators in the property and the bathroom at the identical time, so it was wonderful to have a important space and up-to-date heating ticked off our renovation to-do record fairly early on.’
‘I definitely wanted to make guaranteed the bath was significant sufficient for us to correctly lounge and take it easy in. I chose a wall-hung self-importance device to save on floor room and a wander-in shower to develop a sleek, neat, and ethereal come to feel. We hunted all around for ages to find the very best offers and obtained every thing from a variety of providers.
‘When the partitions were being plastered, I definitely liked the glance of the home in that colour — which is why I selected to paint in a soft, earthy pink. I preferred the rest room very neutral and not way too bright.’
(Graphic credit rating: Long term PLC / Rachael Smith)
Pen to paper
‘We did not employ the service of an architect to develop the format, but worked closely with our builder. We acquired some graph paper and prepared out the structure ourselves. It was fun reducing out minor baths to scale and inserting them on the paper to get an strategy of what the space would search like. Accomplishing it this way was also a ton less costly.
‘Our builder was suggested to us by a mate. We moved into the house in the December and had a chilly Xmas with no heating. Luckily for us for us, the builder had a cancellation — so he was capable to occur in the to start with 7 days of January.’
‘I’d say my style is basic satisfies up to date. When scheduling a scheme, I just see some thing in my head and I just want to go with it. I really like the brass complete for hardware.
(Image credit: Upcoming PLC / Rachael Smith)
‘The herringbone tiles had been our only trouble. As it was lockdown, we couldn’t go into showrooms to see how they seemed, and when they arrived, I wasn’t entirely joyful with them. We sent them again and purchased new types — which turned into pretty a high-priced process. But I’m so delighted with them now, it was value it.’
The finest recipe for achievement when arranging your lavatory renovation is breaking down your lavatory into 4 essential regions.
Developing a new toilet can from time to time be mind-boggling, but with Mico’s experienced showroom consultants and substantial-finish electronic planning means, creating your desire house is made straightforward.
Pinpointing that the very best recipe forsuccess is planning, Mico breaks down the bathroom create into key spots. Concentrating on these initial enables you to produce a seamless and wellexecuted bathroom.
With Mico excelling in jobs of all designs and dimensions, Michelle Lysaght, Nationwide Showroom Functions Supervisor, emphasises to: “Aspiration significant and come to us! Our proficient workforce of showroom consultants will assist you build a place you appreciate, in your spending plan”.
If you want to get started the lavatory style and design system from home, a great starting up stage is Mico’s Toilet E-book. Accessible the two on the net and in print, it is packed full of design and style ideas, product info and useful strategies to get you begun.
And if you are a lot more of a visual planner, you can let Mico’s 3D layout planner do the really hard do the job foryou. This beneficial instrument will help to design a digital version of your toilet from residence, permitting you to see your development come to existence. The staff at Mico can also guide with your 3D design and style and provide cost-free, no-obligation consultations at their 47 Mico showrooms all around the country
Provided
As just one of the greatest objects in your toilet, the vainness is an item you ought to opt for very first.
Make your dream rest room a truth with these tips.
Vanities
“The vanity is the big-ticket merchandise in every single lavatory. Your self-importance actually sets the style tone for the rest of your area” suggests Michelle. When deciding on the correct self-importance it is crucial to contemplate what characteristics and aesthetic are most suitable for you.
Operation and storage are also essential so make positive you contemplate matters like dimensions, variety of drawers and basin sort. The vainness is an remarkable way to provide warmth, lightness or richness intothe place as a result of colour there are also unlimited selections for storage place and a variety of dimensions to satisfy your demands.
Tapware
Alternative in tapware can wholly adjust your bathroom from simplistic to amazing with so quite a few selections to choose from. Enable Mico help you to make certain your tapware fulfills your plumbing specifications as effectively as blending with the design aesthetic of your dwelling.
With there staying an unlimited array of tapware choices Michelle encourages to:”Continue to keep open up-minded on what tapware can provide to the house. Do not be concerned to bring in a new, modern-day contact with black, gold or gunmetal. These fi nishes may perhaps be much more current but are likely to stand the take a look at of time with their vintage truly feel and fresh new edge.”
Equipped
There is a good assortment of basins offered now so you can pick various shapes, textures and colors.
Basins
Your basin will be a vital structure element in your bathroom and a hero basin can really carry an normally easy place, states Michelle. Although the functionality of basins has remained mainly the exact, basins now occur in a huge selection of designs, colors and textures – supplying you the excellent opportunity to select one thing that displays your personalized taste and type.
“Stone, steel and concrete basins are genuinely on trend, and you will find been a move towards softer, pastel colours much too,” adds Michelle.
Supplied
Contemporary bogs now jave classy slender-line program tops and seats.
Toilets
The appear and form of your rest room can mix seamlessly into your lavatory style. Imagining about a rimless rest room for hygiene purposes and quick thoroughly clean?
On the lookout for coloured fixings and flush buttons to match your tapware? Do you have a smaller space? The variety system will ultimately effects your room and aid produce the aesthetic really feel you are searching for, alongside with delivering the most useful alternative for your house. Your Mico showroom consultant can assistance you together in this procedure and offer their expert belief.
Scheduling your dream bathroom? Head to Mico to obtain your copy of the Mico Bathroom E book and to check out the 3D Design Planner.
Though it’s a scaled-down area of your household, your toilet is a workhorse. It’s in which you shower, do your pores and skin treatment schedule, and retail store essentials—from towels and toiletries to makeup and medication. But if your bathroom is not dwelling up to its opportunity, you may well be considering a renovation. From little responsibilities (like putting in far more gentle fixtures) to greater types (like incorporating an antique clawfoot tub), there are quite a few typical pitfalls home owners run into all through bathroom renovations. Currently being informed of those typical lavatory renovation errors will make sure you pull off the venture worry-cost-free.
1. Not Placing a Price range
Setting a spending budget is the 1st detail you really should do right before starting any residence renovation project. “Having a spending budget will assistance you make lots of of your design and style conclusions, determine which features you are eager to invest dollars on, and total experience joyful with your task,” suggests Tamara Hubinsky, inside designer and founder of Tamara Hubinsky Interiors. Ideally, your price range will consist of a contingency for price tag overruns or sudden expenses. But if you don’t have that overall flexibility, a finances also helps you determine where by to minimize costs if wanted mid-task.” If you’re operating on a limited budget, target on layout aspects with the most impact, like fresh new paint and layered lighting.
2. Not Getting a System
Setting up in advance will stop you from jogging into workflow-disrupting troubles later on. “A bathroom is a puzzle created up of useful and attractive plumbing, heating, air flow, electrical, complete resources, add-ons, and much more,” states Hubinsky. “Most of the renovation get the job done transpires in a particular purchase and not getting the suitable merchandise available at a sure time delays the whole project.” For the reason that the challenge is so time consuming, planning in advance will enable you lower the amount of time your toilet is out of commission.
Bethany Nauert
3. Not Adding Storage House
Including some variety of storage space in your bathroom is a must, so prioritize this throughout a renovation. “We shell out a large amount of time in the toilet so it is critical to choose complete benefit of the area offered,” suggests Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Layout Lab. “Skimping on storage can make your bathroom much less functional.”
Make absolutely sure you add more than enough storage house to keep things you typically maintain in the lavatory, like cosmetics, toiletries, towels, and drugs. Storage can be as easy as installing hooks on partitions to retain towels off the floor—or as higher-high quality as well-lit medicine cupboards.
4. Forgetting to Put in Ventilation
Will not forget about to look at ventilation when planning your bathroom renovation. “Ventilation assures superior air exchange, which transports unpleasant odors, humidity, unsafe particles, and great dust out of the space swiftly and very easily,” claims Kelly. “Excellent ventilation brings in contemporary air and helps prevent mould advancement.”
5. Renovating On your own
Some bathroom renovation initiatives will involve a specialist, specially when it will come to tiling. “Whilst setting up tile may possibly look straightforward, depart it to the specialists,” says Kelly. “A Do it yourself work will be substantially additional high priced to take care of than letting the industry experts do it ideal the to start with time.” A good installer will notify you how much tile you should get, so you you should not get much too much or too minor and will also lay the tiles out in advance of grouting them in place to alter the layout if desired. “Acquiring the tile reduce at an awkward issue or dimensions is a error hard to rectify when the grout is established,” says Hubinsky, which is why this endeavor is finest remaining to a pro.
Courtesy of @virtuallyherestudios
6. Picking Also Lots of Tiling Kinds
There is most likely extra than a person place in your rest room the place you want to add tile—on the ground, on the partitions, and in your shower to identify a couple. But when it will come to tiling, basic is best. “Too numerous tile kinds in a person house can generally be a bad thing, so realize your type to ascertain the suitable tile aesthetic for your renovation,” Kelly says. Commence with a single critical component, like a shade, textile, or product, that defines the ethos of your lavatory and then use that to guide your tiling choices.
7. Not Looking at Drainage
How perfectly your toilet features is just as crucial as how it looks, and suitable drainage is a important component when it will come to the performance of this room. “Terrible issues come about when you really don’t think about drainage in the rest room,” states Hubinsky. Water damage in the lavatory is a frequent result in of unanticipated repairs to walls, floors, and other parts. “Some water hurt is gradual and concealed from view, and could market unseen, harmful mildew,” Hubinsky says. A excellent drainage plan and good set up saves you from upcoming charges and hassles.
Lauren Pressey
8. Not Layering Your Lights
As this is a put where several shell out time having prepared for the day, layering your lighting is a need to. “Some think a one overhead light-weight or a single sconce over the mirror will be more than enough to light a small toilet,” claims Kelly. “However, even if the home is little, a solitary gentle fixture is often insufficient, so layer your lighting.” This can be reached by making use of ambient lights for all round illumination, layering in strategically-placed sconces for particular tasks (like implementing make-up), and employing accent lights for focal details, like artwork or tile operate.
9. Not Investing in Excellent Finishes
Though fixture and components finishes are possible small on your toilet renovation priorities record, they participate in an vital purpose in making sure items conduct very well. “High-quality finishes present safety from corrosion, cleansing solutions, dress in, and rust,” states Kelly. “The finest excellent fittings and finishes past a life span with small treatment and most enjoyment.” As well as, top quality finishes will make all the things from your cupboards to your rest room appear additional luxe.
Emily Gilbert
10. Deciding upon Unsuitable Materials
Be thoughtful when selecting components for your bathtub, shower, sink, and bathroom. “Normally, I would stay away from elements in the bathroom that react to severe chemical compounds or acids observed in lotions or bathing products,” claims Hubinsky. “For illustration, a pure stone bathtub could be the epitome of luxurious, but would not make feeling in a space applied by young small children.” Vitreous china or a ceramic with a specialty end are normally the go-tos when selecting a product for bathrooms, as equally are effortless to clear and very long long lasting.
11. Not Contemplating Clearances
To avoid website traffic jams in your bathroom, make certain you supply appropriate clearances during your renovation. Assume about who is working with your toilet and how a lot of individuals will have to have to accessibility it at 1 time. “Shower and bath controls must be reachable from outside the bathing spot, and really don’t fail to remember concerns and clearances for towel bars and bathroom paper holders,” claims Hubinsky.
Are you completely ready to switch your rest room into a spa-like retreat that is great for peace and rejuvenation? With just a number of basic strategies, you can build an inviting and calming bathroom that is ideal for unwinding following a extended day.
In this report, we will share three recommendations to assist you generate the best bathroom oasis. By incorporating comforting colors, deluxe touches and smooth lights, you can remodel your rest room into a space that brings you pleasure and contentment. So, let us dive in and explore these tips in additional detail, and get ready to style and design a lavatory you will enjoy paying out time in!
Select a calming color scheme
As colours drastically effect our mood and can either energise or relaxed us, selecting a calming colour scheme is essential when producing a stress-free bathroom. Therefore, it is most effective to pick out tender, comforting and muted colors when building a tranquil bathroom.
You could, for occasion, decide on amazing colors this kind of as blues, greens and purples, as these colors are identified to have a calming effect on the mind and system, building a feeling of peacefulness and peace. You can use delicate shades of blue or environmentally friendly to assist develop a spa-like ambiance or muted shades of purple to include a touch of luxury and sophistication to your lavatory.
You can also use neutral colours this kind of as beige, white, and gray to create a calming environment in the toilet. These colours provide a neutral backdrop that you can spotlight with pops of vibrant decor parts or all-natural components these kinds of as wood or vegetation.
Now you may well surprise which one particular of the colours we just outlined you need to pick out. Below it is essential to take into account which colour plan appeals to your private preferences and complements the general fashion of your bathroom. By deciding upon comfortable and muted colours that match your requirements, you can produce a calming and enjoyable rest room that is perfect for unwinding immediately after a long working day.
Reworking your lavatory into a deluxe and practical place is straightforward with the appropriate touches. Adding beautiful and functional rest room extras of all types can elevate your place to a spa-like oasis. Here are some concepts to get you commenced:
Plush tub towels and bathtub mats: Select delicate, absorbent towels and a plush bath mat to include a touch of luxurious and convenience to your daily plan.
Attractive soap dispensers and dishes: These functional components can also be elegant additions to your bathroom decor. Including a attractive soap dispenser or dish to your bathroom counter can elevate the seem of the house and make a a lot more visually pleasing surroundings.
Wall artwork and ornamental mirrors: Incorporating visual desire to your rest room walls can deliver warmth to your area, making a much more inviting room. Cling a piece of artwork or a ornamental mirror that displays your personalized model to develop a personalised touch.
Shower racks and cabinets: Set up shower racks and cabinets to organise your goods and declutter your house. Applying a shower rack to handle your items, you can develop a neat-wanting bathroom that is inviting and pleasing for you and site visitors. Moreover, it retains your rest room necessities conveniently accessible, developing an satisfying and serene bathroom regimen in which you know wherever all the things you require are.
These add-ons are only a several of the several items you can experiment with to build a functional and deluxe house, best for rest and rejuvenation. Thus, go and explore lavatory equipment of all types and find the a single that is meant for your house.
When you incorporate gentle lighting and normal aspects in your bathroom style, you successfully make a calm and peaceful natural environment. You make this natural environment by soft lighting as it adds heat and cosiness to your toilet, though all-natural features can assist you hook up with nature and advertise leisure.
A couple of strategies on how you can integrate these features into your lavatory are:
Comfortable lights: Consider installing dimmer switches or employing dull, warm light bulbs to generate a soothing environment. Incorporate mild fixtures that supply a delicate glow somewhat than vibrant, harsh mild.
All-natural aspects: Introduce lower-upkeep vegetation that love humid air, these as ferns or succulents, into your rest room to add a contact of greenery and boost air good quality. If you are not interested in getting vegetation, you can incorporate organic elements these kinds of as stone, wood or bamboo to your rest room decor to make a spa-like truly feel. You can, for instance, area a picket board on your bathtub or use a wooden tray on your bathroom counter.
In general, you can design and style a soothing and tranquil bathroom house that encourages peace in numerous approaches. Ideally, with these three vital suggestions, we served get your inventive head going, as all there is remaining to do is to permit your creativity operate wild and start designing.
Small bathrooms present a unique set of design challenges because there are several essentials – your sink, toilet, shower or bath and storage – that you need to fit in regardless of the space available to you. The layout and flow of the room must be considered before you can think about the more enjoyable parts of renovating like choosing your dream roll-top bath, picking wallpaper or settling on fixtures and finishes.
Executing a successful design scheme in a small bathroom is often contingent upon clever storage solutions, some visual trickery to make your room appear airy and more expansive, and some smart compromises.
“Be clever and think about which bathroom features you can combine into one fixture to free up floor space,” says Rikki Fothergill, style expert at Big Bathroom Shop. “For example, choose a vanity with a fixed basin and shelving or cupboard underneath where you can stack towels and toilet rolls or hide away cleaning products. There you have three key bathroom fittings rolled into one efficient unit that uses a lot less space.”
Here we look at some clever small bathroom layouts, great colour and pattern choices, and where smart compromises can be made.
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Small bathroom ideas: Miniaturised bathroom furniture
Compromises do have to be made in small spaces, but it is possible to contain all of the necessary bathroom features – your sink, mirror, storage etc. – if you’re willing to miniaturise. This clever shelving unit started life as an apple crate, whilst the tiny mirror hides some modest shelves.
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Small bathroom ideas: Neutrals
“Neutral décor in the bathroom has always been popular, and even more so in smaller spaces,” says Ruth Foster, interior designer at Victoria Plum. “Adopting light shades like taupe, cream and white will create a lighter and brighter bathroom, making it appear larger than it really is. If you keep this in mind when choosing the colour of your wall and floor tiles, you can create a warm and harmonious design with timeless elegance.”
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Small bathroom ideas: Under-sink storage
In small bathrooms, hidden storage will be your best friend. This blocky sink offers cupboard space below, with a weathered and worn door for a bit of character.
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Small bathroom ideas: Maximalist wallpaper
The upside of a small bathroom is that you can experiment with big ideas without them being overwhelming. Blousy florals work well in small spaces – and don’t be afraid of wallpaper in a bathroom, it’s more resilient than you think.
Clutter is just a reality of small bathrooms, and can only be mitigated so much with clever storage and stringent organisation. This bathroom embraces a bit of charming messiness with mismatched mirrors, piles of towels and lots of well-loved accessories.
“Shelves are a great way of storing luxury products that you want to show off,” says Rikki. “Instead of wasting cupboard space intended for uglier bathroom paraphernalia, create a spa-like display with a mix of candles, body lotions, reed diffusers and plants, just ensure that everything is fit for purpose and keep on top of this. Hooks on the back of a door can come in handy for towels and robes too but remember to place too much on them as this well make the room look crowded.”
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Small bathroom ideas: Use every corner
Planning your space carefully is so important in a small bathroom. Consider a corner basin – you can buy some that are just 35cm in width, or if a wet room isn’t feasible, corner showers can be as little as 70cm in depth.
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Small bathroom ideas: Feature items
One or two feature items is perfectly sufficient in small spaces, so make the most of them. They can in fact become the inspiration or base for the rest of the room – like the fabulous powder blue on this Burlington basin.
The sweetest solution to small bathrooms. The diminutive Tubby Tub bath from The Albion Bath Co. measures just 120cm in length, offering a small dose of luxury in even the tiniest of spaces.
Using colour can alter your perception of small spaces – a cheerful and uplifting yellow or sunny sky blue for instance can open up even the most cramped or claustrophobic of rooms. “Consider painting a wall a bright and happy shade – this can open up the space really well, especially in small bathrooms,” says Rhiannon Johns, interior designer and head of brand at Piglet in Bed. “If you have a favourite colour, your bathroom might be the best place to use it (particularly if it’s a bit extravagant) and doing so will create a lovely backdrop for your morning routine.”
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Small bathroom ideas: Mirrored cabinets
“A mirror cupboard is a popular choice for smaller washrooms as it’s another way of combining storage with a key bathroom feature to use space efficiently,” says Rikki. “Here you can store sink essentials like toothbrushes, paste, floss and soap, consequently freeing your sink space up completely and making everything look much neater. An added bonus of a mirror cupboard is that it will help to open up the space and create the illusion of a larger bathroom.”
If your bathroom has a pitched or slanted ceiling cutting into your space, a clever design trick is to choose pieces that are narrow but as tall as the room will allow – the slim kit kat tiles, long stripes on the sink curtain and tall shower pain are great examples – this will create the allusion of height where it is lacking.
There is a case for leaning into the cosiness of small spaces and replacing glaring overhead lights with softer ambient lighting. “Bathrooms are often fitted with fluorescent, bright lighting,” says Rhiannon. “If you’re not a fan of stark white light in your home, swap out the fitted bulbs for some warm-toned bulbs. Alternatively, set the scene in the evening with candles. Bathing or undertaking your self-care routine in candlelight can feel particularly therapeutic.”
The worst thing you can do in a small bathroom is strip away all character. Some framed artwork, an antique chair to hold towels, pretty bath curtains – any decorative detailing will go a long way in making a cramped space more welcoming.
If you’re thinking about updating your bathroom but aren’t ready for the inconvenience or cost involved in a full refit, you are in the right place.
There are plenty of creative ways to give this very important room a revamp without resorting to replacing all the fixtures and fittings. Indeed, when you’re looking for bathroom ideas it’s often easier to perfect or update an existing look with some minor adjustments rather than starting from scratch and trying to envisage a coherent scheme.
So if you’re wondering how to update my bathroom without replacing it, we’ve got it covered with some great advice from interior designers who share their tips for bathroom updates, from simply adding in new accessories to changing the walls, floors or basin backsplash. Just the inspiration you need to refresh the look of your bathroom.
How to update a bathroom without replacing it
So how can you update a bathroom without replacing it? Start by thinking what you actually want to achieve, and why you’re thinking of an update rather than replacing the whole room. Small changes can make a big difference to the look of a bathroom and really bring the scheme together. So it’s worth considering the positive impact a few minor updates will have, particularly if you’re happy with the existing fittings.
Choosing to update a bathroom rather than refitting it is also a good way to keep costs down. Keeping the existing bathroom furniture – the bath, basin, WC and shower – not only saves money, but also saves a lot of inconvenience and means the room can still be largely in use as you update it.
These are interior designers’ favorite bathroom updates.
1. Invest in a luxurious new vanity unit
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
‘I love the challenge of updating a bathroom without a full renovation.’ says Ruchi Agrawal Mohan (opens in new tab), founder of DesignbyRUCHI. ‘Changing the vanity can be one of the easier ways to do this and, yes, a plumber will be required. Get a feature vanity to work within the existing bones of your bathroom and you can create a fresh and new bathroom.’
If you are looking for inspiring bathroom vanity ideas, the beauty of the statement marble vanity in the image above, is that it’s a strong enough piece in its own right to upscale the room without necessitating any other changes. And of course, this natural material will complement almost any existing setting.
We have a list of the best places to buy bathroom vanities to help you find a piece you love.
2. Add character with flooring
(Image credit: ALEXANDER JAMES)
Changing the flooring can make a dramatic difference to the look of your bathroom, even if everything else stays the same. Whether you choose a smart geometric marble tiled look, wood-look tiles, or tiles in a more traditional design, you won’t regret making new bathroom flooring ideas one of your key updates.
And don’t underestimate the impact of adding a bathroom rug or bath mat.
‘This is an opportunity to bring in color, texture and pattern depending on the existing colors and patterns in the space. But choose wisely, boho chic is only for dorm rooms,’ says interior designer Sashya Thind (opens in new tab).
3. Restyle the basin backsplash
(Image credit: Ca’ Pietra)
Focusing on the relatively small area behind the basin and retiling the bathroom backsplash allows you to ring the changes without replacing the whole room. Since the area behind the basin can often reveal signs of wear and tear that might not be so apparent elsewhere in the bathroom, it’s a good place to concentrate your efforts.
Among the many bathroom tile ideas the scallop or fish-scale shaped tile looks like a tile trend that’s here to stay for a while, as does the highly patterned Morroccan style tile, which looks its best when matched with a colorful basin, should you be swapping your vanity out too.
4. Go all out with a dramatic wallcovering
(Image credit: Barlow & Barlow)
If you’re looking for small bathroom ideas and inspiration for updates in a more compact bathroom, why not enhance it as a cocoon of a room with a bold all-over wallcovering?
Here, Sandberg’s Raphaël wallpaper (opens in new tab) creates a dramatic and luxurious look even though space is limited. The gold-accented artworks, gilt-framed mirror, and brass vanity stand and hardware provide gleaming highlights.
If you are looking for bathroom wallpaper ideas, ensure it is up to splashing, and if not, limit it to one wall that doesn’t have contact with water, ensuring the room’s ventilation is up to scratch.
5. Add interest with artwork
(Image credit: Drummonds )
A relatively low-cost, easy fix to update your bathroom is to add interest to blank walls. The bathroom so often gets forgotten when we’re thinking about hanging artwork and yet bathroom art ideas can make all the difference.
No room for art? Look to bathroom mirror ideas for inspiration.
Katie Browning (opens in new tab) of Lucas Browning Design agrees. ‘The easiest way to update a bathroom is to replace the mirror, lighting, and hardware. Your space can be easily transformed by switching out the mirror. Hardware in a black or brass finish will also warm up the space. Whether you have sconces or a pendant above your sink, there are so many inexpensive options out there that can have a dramatic effect.
‘After making these changes, you should also bring in accessories to further add interest and character like a wooden stool, art, fringed hand towels and a fun soap and lotion set,’ she adds.
6. Paint unexpected surfaces
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
It’s amazing how new bathroom paint ideas can change the look and atmosphere of a space, even if nothing else changes. It’s an inexpensive way to make a difference, too. Why not use the opportunity to try out a deep and dramatic color, as here? Take it a stage further by painting the sides of the bath for a bathroom update to be proud of.
‘If you have a bathroom that needs a facelift without a complete renovation, painting the walls is a quick and easy way to refresh a space,’ agrees designer Sashya Thind. ‘Either go neutral (white) or go bold if you want to pull a color from the existing tile or stone. Typically I don’t recommend painting cabinets. This can be expensive and if done on the cheap, the result is less than desirable.’
If you are wondering whether bathrooms should be light or dark, our dedicated piece settles the debate (the answer is: it depends on too many factors to go into here).
7. Upgrade the lighting to something special
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Design experts agree that one of the most important things in a remodel is being clever with your bathroom lighting ideas, and that overlooking the inclusion of all bathroom lighting types can make a space feel soulless.
Jennifer Walter (opens in new tab), owner and principal designer of Folding Chair Design Co. believes good lighting is particularly important in the bathroom, although it it often overlooked.
‘So often we see new recessed lighting installed that still feels bulky and dated. Not to mention the inability to dim the light down to a very low percentage,’ she says. ‘Upgrading to higher quality recessed lights that not only look better but allow superior angle adjustment and beam spread have changed the way clients feel about their bathrooms. Ambient, customized light that shines right where you want it immediately feels luxe and purposeful.’
Designer Sashya Thind agrees on the importance of bright lighting in a bathroom, ‘Several fixtures were only available in a warm tone: 2700k. Updating to 3000k LED can brighten a space instantly. The fixture itself adds personality to the space. It can also determine what you focus on when you walk in!’
Whether you invest in a statement bathroom ceiling light idea, such as a bathroom chandelier, better shower lighting ideas, decorative accent wall lights that can be dimmed for a relaxing bath-time, or bright task lighting for makeup or shaving, these simple lighting changes represent money well spent.
8. Make space to display high end accessories
(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)
Beefing up bathroom storage ideas is an obvious win, but when you are planning them, ensure you have somewhere to and know how to display ornaments and store towels. This will not only keep things tidy, but create a relaxing ambience. And don’t store things away for guests or special occasions, enjoy using your best bath oils, soaps and fluffy towels.
‘Pull out your fancy accessories!’ says designer Kristin Bartone (opens in new tab) of Bartone Interiors. ‘Start with a neutral and clean air freshener, preferably using essential oils or other non-toxic aromatherapy. I prefer reed diffusers or lamp bergère oil diffusers, as unlike candles, these have no open flame. A beautiful dish with handmade bar soap is also a good idea. Adding high-end or embroidered towels can elevate the utilitarian function of a bathroom.’
9. Boost natural daylight
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
Those of us lucky enough to have a window in our bathroom should be making the most of it. The set-up in the photo above, with both the bath and shower oriented to the window, creates the perfect setting for relaxing bathing.
Annie Oberman (opens in new tab), designer at Colorado-based Forge & Bow, explains the importance of daylight in the bathroom: ‘Natural light helps fight against seasonal depression, helps us to focus, is the best lighting for makeup application, and simply makes us happier,’ she says. ‘If adding more windows or a skylight isn’t an option, be strategic with mirror placements so you can enhance the light you have.’
10. Renew the hardware
(Image credit: Future PLC)
You don’t have to be replacing the whole bathroom to switch out the hardware. An old bath and basin can sparkle afresh with a set of new faucets. Opt for a different finish to get the maximum impact from the new look.
Designer Sashya Thind agrees, ‘Changing the hardware is an easy and inexpensive update. There are a multitude of options out there which can be used in a modern or traditional setting. Hardware finishes can also used as accents ie, matte black or brass.’
FAQs
How can I modernize an existing bathroom?
The best way to modernize an existing bathroom is to update the sanitaryware, floors and tiling. Doing so will give you a fresh space that looks as good as any hotel bathroom. However, there are ways to modernize without replacing a bathroom: first address problems, such as leaks, cracked tiles, poor ventilation; then look to replace damaged or worn flooring, or cover it with a water-resistant rug; then address window coverings, ensuring whatever you choose allows as much light in as possible; make sure bathroom storage is fit for purpose: tall, narrow, mirrored, floor-standing pieces are idea for small spaces; and look to update walls with paint and artwork.
Updating a bathroom without replacing it is entirely possible. The least expensive way to make a big change is to declutter and clean, then paint walls a fresh color and introduce better storage. That done, even just a couple of new towels and a room scent can go a long way to creating a brand new look. Introducing the best bathroom plants is a simple way to make a bathroom feel updated, and inviting.