The Quickest and Cheapest Way To Make A Bathroom Look Amazing!

Introduction:

Here we get down to answering one of our most popular asked questions......''How can I update this bathroom, without spending a ton of money?''

It's no secret that bathroom renovations can drain your wallet, but who says you can't achieve sophistication without breaking the bank? As the second most frequented space in our homes, next to the kitchen, bathrooms deserve the spotlight and a touch of elegance. Not only do they elevate your living experience, but they also add value to your property.

Whether you're a landlord seeking to elevate your space and turn it into a slick Airbnb property, or a homeowner eager to infuse chic elements, we've curated a guide of budget-friendly decor ideas to swiftly refresh your bathrooms.

Say goodbye to outdated aesthetics and hello to a revitalized oasis without breaking a sweat—or the bank! 👊

1. Paint, or not to paint???

Ok, so it goes without saying that paint is the quickest, most cost-effective and dramatic way to change a space. ''But my bathroom has floor-to-ceiling tiling'' I hear you shout. And a lot of bathrooms do, but what about the ceiling? It is the forgotten surface that rarely gets any attention. Try playing with different colours, even wallpaper (more on that later) If the room is a small downstairs loo, this room screams for some personality, so go wild and have fun! Just put a lot of time to one side when wallpapering or painting ceilings....they naturally require a little more skill and are best done in stages......eeeck neck creek! (better still if budgets allow, hire someone to do it)

Remember a few points: Dark blues and moody greens - do just that, they create drama and cosiness and work beautifully with brass and gold fixtures and fittings.

Contemporary bathrooms always look very smart with crisp whites and cool greys mixed with black fixtures and fittings.

If you do have space for some paint work, keep it interesting. Even if you just want the one colour, why not play with different finishes. Alternate between a stripe of gloss and a stripe of matt, but in the same shade. Or create a stripe with different strengths of the same colour......now that is starting to look impressive, rather than drab!

2. Get creative with your DIY skills

Get creative and tackle some DIY projects to personalize your bathroom without spending a fortune. Consider adding a decorative backsplash, installing a new vanity mirror, or building custom shelving for added storage. Replacing cupboard doors saves time and money, even better get the doors un-painted/stained and do that yourself! If you have an usual shaped space to work with or seriously no space at all! Jump onto Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration. You will be surprised at how many other people have a similar problem to you, but they have worked out a solution.

3. Become your own tiler

Transform your bathroom into a pristine sanctuary by paying attention to the often-overlooked details: silicone and grout. While they may seem minor, these elements can make a world of difference in the overall look and feel of your space. Over time, silicone can become discoloured and grout can accumulate dirt and grime, detracting from the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. By simply replacing worn-out silicone and refreshing grout lines, you can instantly breathe new life into your bathroom.

Opt for high-quality, mould-resistant silicone and a fresh coat of grout in a complementary colour to revive the beauty of your tiles and fixtures. The result? A bathroom that not only looks pristine but also exudes a sense of freshness and cleanliness, ensuring a rejuvenating experience every time you step foot inside. Don't underestimate the power of these small changes—they can truly elevate your bathroom to new heights of sophistication and style.

4. Wallpaper, Wallpaper, Wallpaper

Gone are the days when bathrooms were merely functional spaces; now, they're a canvas for creativity and style. By introducing wallpaper into your bathroom design, you're not just adding a splash of colour or pattern, but injecting personality and charm into every corner. From vibrant floral motifs to sleek geometric patterns, the options are endless, allowing you to tailor your space to reflect your unique taste and style.

Worried about moisture? Fear not! With advancements in wallpaper technology, there are now moisture-resistant options specifically designed for bathrooms, ensuring durability and longevity. So, bid farewell to bland walls and embrace the power of wallpaper to elevate your bathroom from mundane to magnificent!

5. Upgrade Lighting

Good lighting can make a world of difference in any room, including the bathroom. Replace old, dim lighting fixtures with bright, energy-efficient LEDs. You can also add task lighting around the mirror to improve visibility for grooming tasks. When choosing new lighting, always check to make sure that it is safe to use in a bathroom and if your not confident in dealing with electrics, just hire an electrician. Some jobs just need a professional!

6. Utilise what you already have

Instead of replacing your bathtub, sink, or countertops, consider refinishing them instead. Refinishing is a more affordable alternative that can give these surfaces a fresh, new look without the hefty price tag of replacement.

Look to see if you can replace the bath panel or toilet seats, the sink plugs and towel rails. Just replacing these small cost items will make a huge difference. Purchase items all from the same range, or at least in the same colour or finish. It creates a finished look and feel.

Or dare I say it, try giving them a really good clean, but using specialist or even commercial cleaners. Just remember to keep the area well ventilated.

7. Let nature in

There is nothing more refreshing than indoor plants adding a wholesome vibe to your bathrooms. You can either use hanging planters to add vertical dimension to your bathroom space or simply use freestanding planters to spruce up those bland corners.

Some of the indoor plant species to use in the bathrooms are fig trees, spider plants, cactus, and bonsai as they can easily capture moisture in your bathrooms while refreshing the air.

8. Refinish your surfaces

Instead of replacing your bathtub, sink, or countertops, consider refinishing them instead. Refinishing is a more affordable alternative that can give these surfaces a fresh, new look without the hefty price tag of replacement.

Refinishing your bathroom surfaces is a DIY-friendly project that can yield impressive results with minimal time and effort. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying the refinishing product, making sure to achieve an even and smooth finish and triple check your curing times. The last thing you need is to start using the surface before it is ready! For more complex or extensive refinishing projects, it's advisable to enlist the help of a professional to ensure optimal results....but this should still be a cost effective solution. With the right approach and materials, refinishing can breathe new life into your bathroom and give it the fresh, updated look you desire.

9. It is all in the details

Sometimes it is the smallest of changes that make the biggest impact. A newly painted skirting board in a contrasting colour. A quirky light pulley, a novelty sink plug, changing the handles on a cabinet. Update the toilet seat, and add stylish accessories like soap dispensers, beautiful hand soaps or toothbrush holders to tie the room together. On that note, keep the cleaning products and utensils out of view, no body wants to see a 'dirt' encrusted toilet brush down the side of a toilet. Or the contents of a bin, buy a lid or don't have a bin in there. Same goes for laundry baskets, ideally have them covered.

Limit the towel quantity in the space, otherwise they ALL get used. That only means extra washing or crumpled and dirty towels everywhere.

10. Choose wisely

Another top suggestion would be to pick a style or trend that resonates with you and stick to it consistently across all your choices. The same goes for colour and pattern selection. Whether it's the door handles or the grout colour, every choice should harmonize seamlessly. This approach ensures that you'll craft a professional, impressive, and inviting space that reflects your personality and style effortlessly

One Final Note:

In conclusion, armed with the top ten tips provided, you now possess the quickest and most affordable means to revitalize your weary bathroom. Whether it's for personal enjoyment or to enhance an Airbnb property, a clean and well-designed bathroom guarantees satisfied guests and adds value to your property. Whether you're sprucing up a cosy downstairs loo or a bustling family bathroom, these budget-friendly strategies empower you to breathe new life into your space without straining your finances.

Thanks for Reading

Debbie x

How Would You Like To Effortlessly Choose Your Paint Colour, Without The Headache, Countless Paint Samples And Costly Mistakes Of Getting It Wrong?

If so then look no further than our online mini-course: ''Which Paint Colour Do I Choose - Get It Right The First Time''

This fantastic course not only takes you through the ins and outs of selecting a paint colour or a whole house of paint colours, easily and effortlessly. It gives you confidence, know-how and a proven method, so you can select the perfect paint colours for your space easily and quickly. No more overwhelm or stress, no more costly mistakes and irritated decorators. Just a beautiful space looking and feeling exactly how you wanted.

Jump in and have a look and get choosing your paint colours this weekend!