Ways to Refresh Your Bathroom

Whilst many are holding off on selling their homes, refreshing a room can be one way of brightening up your pad without spending a bomb.

Despite the fact that a bathroom’s principal design comes down to functionality, it no longer needs to be the most lacklustre room in the home. The best bathrooms have a creative character about them, and with a little imagination it is possible to devise a space to fit within any personal taste. What is more, the value of the house is enriched – so a bathroom overhaul makes for a sensible investment.

Since the bathroom is a practical location, it needs to be organised and tidy. Only allow essential items to stay within the room, and use plenty of storage compartments to maintain order. These could include plastic boxes, cosmetic bags, or simple bathroom cabinets.

If you already have cabinets installed but they are in need of a facelift, the best idea is to sand them down and apply a fresh coat of paint. Perhaps choose a modish hue to give a contemporary touch to traditionally styled cupboards, and add new handles to make an old piece of furniture appear brand new! Alternatively, if your budget is somewhat larger, invest in new cabinets. Be thoughtful when choosing their style, as their appearance can affect the overall feeling of the room. Natural wooden doors suggests English countryside decor, whereas crisp white doors instigate a calm oasis.

When it comes to wall colour, consider the long term plan of the room. After a few years you may have tired of a theme chosen now, so opt for a neutral shade that can be incorporated into a variety of decor ideas. Cream, pale blues and greens or a soft yellow can easily coordinate with a range of designs. The one vital factor when selecting your paint, however, is that it must be washable and able to endure elevated temperatures and humidity levels. But not to worry, this kind of paint is relatively inexpensive but will make a huge difference.

Through harmonising the colour of the walls and accessories, an immediate theme is formed. If you want to add further personality to the space, it is time to use your imagination. For example, perhaps you want your bathroom to be the vision of a hotel spa. Infuse a neutral colour palette, and add scented candles, fluffy white towels, a couple of plush bathrobes and an assortment of lotions and potions. This style of decor will promote a sophisticated and elegant tone. Then again, if you have children, water themes are incredibly popular. Whether it is sea life, sailing or simply a beach inspired room – there is a long list of accessories on the market. Shades of blue and green instantly craft a starting block to work from, and a splash of warm yellow will activate an image of a sandy sea bed.

Most home stores offer every bathroom accessory that you could ever conceive of, including bathmats, bins, cups, dispensers, door hooks, holders, soap, soap dishes, shower curtains and towels. All of these could represent your selected theme or a particular pattern, but it may be best to keep it simple. For example, integrate just one or two items presenting a beautiful floral print and have the rest of the accessories tie in with the colour scheme. By opting for eye-catching prints on everything, the bathroom will seem too hectic, by sticking to just one item; you instantaneously create an attractive focal point which the rest of the room revolves around.

There are larger items that can be brought into the bathroom if space allows. Towel racks can be manufactured from an array of materials, namely brass, chrome, iron, porcelain, steel and zinc alloy. This means you can select one to complement the established decor. Perhaps find a soft rug to add luxury to your flooring, or even a quaint wooden rocking chair in the corner.

Accessories can be added to the walls too. An alluring piece of artwork can contribute interest and flair to any bathroom. But it must be colourfast to avoid its rapid demise. A mirror is also a useful addition, particularly when most men shave their beards in front of it and women apply their makeup. Mirrors catch light and subsequently provide an illusion of greater space. Deciding on an appealing frame is also important, as it too can designate the theme of the room. A chrome frame reflects contemporary decor, a white wooden one seems more cottage orientated, whereas gold adds richness and glam.

It is easy to overlook the small details in your bathroom such as the taps and sealant. Consider replacing all of your old faucets with brand new shiny ones, and maybe bring in a new shower head too. Instead of settling for yellow and flaky caulk, remove it and reapply a layer of brilliant white. These are perhaps two of the smallest areas to address, but possibly make one of the biggest improvements.

Many people also like to append a touch of nature to their bathroom. Whether fresh flowers or a potted plant, try to buy ones that can hold out within the higher humidity, and possibly only require a low light atmosphere. Ideal choices would be ferns, aloe vera plants, African violets or even peace lilies. Surround them with large rocks to create an artistic attraction.

So whether you are going for a charming rural inspired bathroom or your very own deluxe spa, there are options for everybody. Even touching up an old design is a fantastic way to bring warmth and allure to this room. Let’s face it, the bathroom tends to get ignored and abandoned over the years – so resist the common urge to allow your bathroom to fall into the dull and lifeless category. Give it that much needed revamp with a fresh colour, exciting theme or a collection of attractive accessories. And don’t just do it for your own satisfaction, do it to increase your lovely home’s worth. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.