Need help to revamp boring bathroom

8 years ago

What can I do with this bathroom? It looks clean and tidy but the colours are very neutral and quite boring and I haven't got the budget to do a complete reno to re-tile anything or even repaint the walls.

Would LOVE some ideas on accessories / attachments or even small paint jobs that I can do on my own to modernise the bathroom.

Featured Answer

PRO

Morel Construction Ltd

8 years ago

A new mirror? Kmart has a lot of cheap modern looking mirrors you could swap with this one. Colorful accessories? Toothbrush holder etc? Even a mat around the toilet could bring some colors in

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Comments (12)

Sammy Elder
8 years ago
Build a timber frame to install around your mirror, doesn't have to cost anything if you can access some scrap timber to sand, oil and cut to size. It will add depth and warmth to the room. Include a hanging plant in the corner above the vanity, a floor mat and some towels.
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My thoughts for what they are worth. Can the window be cut down in width and if needed increased in height so the sill finishes at the bathtub hob level, if not leave the sill height as is. I have allowed for a 1650 long x 750 wide with a 75mm tiled hob surround. You have a; 1400 long x 1050 wide shower. 1425 long Vanity. If you want wall cabinets either side of mirror they can be recessed into the existing wall frame (if the wall is framed) and mirror can continue across cabinet doors. If the wall is solid brick/block you have room to build out a wall frame anyway. I'm a bit short on time to explain much more but hope this may help as another option.
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bigreader
8 years ago
Agree, add a wooden frame to mirror. Consider a rug like below. A plant and some towels and you're good to go.
PRO
The Styling Edge
8 years ago
I would suggest a new mirror too :) Round mirrors are on trend and will give this bathroom an instant update. A plant on a plant stand would look great next to the vanity.A round Jute rug would also hide the floor tiles and give it an edge.

If you wanted to do a bit more work, you can always tile over the floor and have the wall tiles re sprayed so that you lose the feature shower tiles. I would suggest white walls and a bolder floor tile. See our bathroom below for some ideas. Good luck! :)

Compact bathroom · More Info
User
8 years ago
I'd save up to get rid of the vanity for a bigger one, new sink and taps. Then get some mirror cut to run as a splashback all the way up to the ceiling. If you shopped around in sales, on-line etc, I think you could do all this for $1000 and it would completely update the room.
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me me
8 years ago
I really love your neutral bathroom that won't date. I would add colour with towels and accessories. I can't see any towel rails. Try a nice linen basket in the gap between vanity and shower screen - or a stool or potted plant. What about some kind of window covering and towels and maybe a floor mat. have these in whatever you favourite colour is.
clyy90210 thanked me me
clyy90210
Original Author
8 years ago
@me me: Yes I think the house was built with a neutral theme so that the style would last a good couple of decades, but the light cream-yellow walls, brown tiles and white vanity make the bathroom look tired. However I'll definitely look into adding a colourful floor mat and some potted plants. Will put in timber blinds. With the mirror, I'm getting a storage mirror so it keeps my toiletries out of sight.
LesleyH
8 years ago
Can't really tile over floor as it would be above shower screen and it would be higher than adjoining rooms. Door would have to open out.
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montytaffy
8 years ago
I'm in tiles and would be easy to tile over floor with the correct glue. You would probably have to lift the vanity, take out the shower screen and reposition the screen. The floor would be higher but only marginally. They put angle in the door way to cover the end of the tile and they make wastes that drop into the old 'hole'. If your door is now too low they will take a small amount from the bottom. If this is too much trouble or expense look to the paint. Carefully match a very light version of one of the colours in your wall mosaic. Neutral creams have been replaced in bath rooms by taupe so a bit of colour and darker matching towels will certainly update.
clyy90210 thanked montytaffy
John Henson
8 years ago
Timber mirror and vanity top, change the cistern and I'd replace the strip of tiles up the wall. Don't do anything with the floor tiles it can lead to issues with not only step up but can get messy installing the drainage Flange and I have seen moisture seeping between the tiles and up and through walls.
clyy90210 thanked John Henson
carrieii
8 years ago
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/
PRO
2 FIND and DESIGN
8 years ago
If diy is not your thing, just some simple additions can up the look... I do like the idea of adding timber into the room. here are a few budget pieces from Kmart IKEA & Bunnings... don't be afraid of mixing colours and pattern in for impact...
clyy90210 thanked 2 FIND and DESIGN