It’s generally one of the smallest yet most used rooms in your home, and while this may seem a daunting DIY project, it’s not that hard to take a tried bathroom and turn it into your dream space. Style director Louise Hilsz says forget the plumbing or replacing tiles - here are the updates you can make without booking a tradie.
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Add a mirror
The easiest way to reflect light and add personality, is to update your mirrors. From vintage, to chunky frames, gilded mirrors, or one that is oversized there are no rules.
Città Oval Wall mirror, $349. Ferm Living Pond mirror large, $795. Arte Veneziana of Italy Erbarìa Mirror, $POA. Early Settler Art Deco Black Lustre Mirror, $379.
Install a new showerhead
This simple update can make a simple bathroom into a spa. Upgrading this feature will give you better pressure, multiple spray settings, adjustable height, water conservation, and massage options - there are also options beyond your basic chrome.
Paint or wallpaper it up
Your bathroom does not need to be white. Incorporating colour on the walls is an unexpected breath of fresh air. Besides painting, try Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. It’s designed to bring enamel-style sheen and brilliant toughness to humid bathrooms, ceilings, kitchens, and laundries. There are dozens of fabulous wallpaper options, and because bathrooms are usually small, it’s a great opportunity to make a statement. For wallpaper, look for something designed specifically for use in the bathroom or outdoors, usually vinyl.
Update your scent
Warming the bathroom with scent is another spa-like tip. Think aromas like heady florals with vanilla and musk, cinnamon, ginger and Frankincense. From clever diffusers or room spray to create an ambience with a scented candle. These not only leave your bathroom smelling amazing, but they can calm or boost your mood.
MOR Boutique Belladonna Petite Reed Diffuser, $33. Essano Joy Vanilla & Caramel candle, $30. Glasshouse Fragrances Sydney Sundays Candle, $60. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede room spray, $102.
Modify your bathroom cabinet
Chances are the inside of your bathroom cabinet needs organising or replacing. So consider removing the doors and creating open shelves, then update them with an eye-catching colour using paint. Add small rectangular boxes with lids that double as drawers. Or update the knobs on your cupboards to add instant elegant detail. Or add a free-standing shelving unit to stack with colour-coordinated towels. Keep your accessories consistent throughout the space for visual clarity.
Have fun with new accessories
Sometimes this can start with searching for a fun bath mat or some plush new patterned towels. This could be the inspiration for the new wallpaper. Taking one essential accessory and picking out a colour to inspire the update is a fun way to bring your tired bathroom back to life.
Missoni Home Bernard towel collection, $149. Tranquillo Soap Dispenser Blue Dotty, $46. Orla Kiely Trio Stem Bath Mat in dune, $60. Posh Trading Square London tray, $389.
Don’t forget the ceiling
A fresh coat of paint or new lighting will instantly update your bathroom ceiling, or for over a bath, try some ceiling-mounted shower curtains or a hanging plant. This will add a super luxe vibe to your bathroom; all you’ll need is a ladder and the proper hanging hardware to install.
How to embrace these tones in your home.