You don’t need to break the bank to give your bathroom a new lease of life. An interior decorator offers stylish, cost-effective ideas.
If you live with a room long enough, you stop seeing how tired it is. You get too familiar with it to scrutinise it closely. However, when you do, or the message is brought home when you see somebody else’s spruced-up bathroom, you realise how much work has to be done.
Tinks Robinson-Gibb, Peppergreen Interiors, enjoys the challenge of giving a room a makeover rather than surgery. The first rule, she says, is to leave the plumbing as it is. “It’s expensive to relay piping, so rather refresh what’s there.”
As with any upgrade, look at the room as a single entity, rather than individual elements. It needs to work visually and functionally as one space. Even if you only refresh parts at a time, create an overall vision.
Tinks prefers not to prescribe a colour palette, but rather the intensity of colour. “Paint is inexpensive, so highlight a wall in a deep or bright hue. If your budget allows, consider vinyl wallpaper. There are numerous designs that look sensational in a bathroom – hints of forest, water and so on.” She’s a great proponent of mirrors, to add dimension and volume in a small space, and suggests having an entire mirrored wall. Alternatively, you can add a mirror to a large section of the wall.
Tinks also likes repurposing furniture, as it’s cost-effective and adds individuality into a space. “Instead of standing pedestals, why not salvage and renovate an old chest of drawers or sideboard? Cut a hole for the basins, and seal shut affected drawers. Alternatively, for a more rustic bathroom vibe, brick up two sides, add a lintel for the surface, screed and skim it, then rest two bowl-shaped basins on the surface.”
Tinks adds that there are many easy solutions for upgrading and refreshing the bathroom fi ttings and fi xtures. “Leave the loo pedestal in place, and rather upgrade the seat and lid. For baths, basins and showers, replace and upgrade taps, modernise the showerhead to a large square one and replace the shower cubicle with fresh glass.”
When it comes to fl oors, she suggests waterproof wooden laminate, and, in the shower, contemporary non-slip fl ooring and tiled walls. “Modern subway tiles come in numerous shades, and they look clean and stylish.”
Lighting can also make or break a room. “If the room is dark, add more downlighters or spotlights, or, if it’s particularly gloomy, and it’s feasible, consider a skylight.”
Once you have the shell, there are numerous little niceties that give the bathroom its character and comfort. “If there’s space for an armchair, cover it in a loose towelling cover. Other characterful elements would be a hanging plant, framed prints, and new towels and bathmats. Fresh flowers, magazines, candles and a room freshener are also other optional elements… and who doesn’t love a heated towel rail.”
5 top trends:
1. Statement furniture in bathrooms is making a big comeback.
2. Modern bathrooms are increasingly featuring freestanding bathtubs.
3. Balance out your bold tiles and bright colours with plain, neutral cabinets.
4. Give your bathroom a unique look with mismatched tiles.
5. Avoid the tired, old bathroom art and rather go for eclectic art pieces for a chic look.
Words: Anne Schauffer | Images: iStock
