Can’t think of anything more disgusting than carpet in a bathroom. Impossible to keep clean and dry, particularly with a toilet in the bathroom. There is huge range of bathmats available to keep your feet warm that you can just throw in the washing machine or even timber mats you can wipe clean

Is the bathroom in a rental property or do you own? If you are looking for the modern look then the black accessories will definitely work with that look whilst the bamboo pieces will add warmth and texture, maybe a spa feel. I agree with the previous posts about storing away your toiletries, this will also help with a modern look. Matching towels in maybe grey can be used as part of the styling. Once you belongings are stashed then you can add some nice visual pieces to add some dimension and colour, like vases with greenery and candles.

If you are on a tight budget I would do the following: Change the handles on the cabinet. This is inexpensive and makes a massive difference. You can buy cheap handles from bunnings/ikea, I have even seen them at kmart Consider a pot plant between the cabinet and shower with a nice luscious plant like a peace lilly or something similar If you can stretch your budget maybe consider changing the tapware? This may cost a bit as you would need a plumber. I did read somewhere you can spray paint the taps but you need special paint, this would be a lot cheaper than getting new taps. Changing the cistern may be expensive but places like kmart and ikea have great wooden/bamboo covers that act as a shelf to go over the toilet semi disguising it which you can then use for more storage. If your budget stretches I would get a new mirror but if not its not a big deal. Also maybe a nice floor matt, could go bamboo/wood to match the toilet cover. You can also get bamboo ladders from kmart as an extra storage space.. just be careful the room doesnt get too cluttered :) http://www.kmart.com.au/product/decorative-bamboo-ladder/807386?gclid=CP-Q1Zbj99ECFYcKKgodBBsD0Q  http://www.kmart.com.au/product/bamboo-duck-board/807389 http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/00222355/

Yes I agree not to paint or add an faux type treatments as over time they will deteriorate and the bathroom will look tacky. My suggestion would be to hang two large rectangular framed photos. Use a light gold colour for the frame and almost silver looking one but you can just see the gold. Keep the framed photos light and classical, not to busy. On the vanity add a tray the same colour as the photo framed or with a mirrored look. Use white fluffy towels and a Scandinavian style light colour timber towel rack. Possibly a gold colour pot containing a leafy green plant. My