This year is all about making the most of what we’ve got, but that doesn’t mean a gorgeous bathroom refresh is off the table. Whether you’re spending small, or living small, we’ve got the solutions for you.
How to update your bathroom for under $1000
Bathrooms provide little moments of everyday luxury amongst the to and fro of life, so it only makes sense to give the space a gentle refresh from time to time. Thankfully there are more ways than ever to give your bathroom the all-star treatment it deserves for less than $1000. We’ve consulted the experts for the best way to makeover and spend under.
Back to the fixture
“Update your hardware and fixtures to breathe new life into the room,” recommends Rachel Nicholls, interior designer from Noir Design. “Swapping out old handles, towel rails and fixtures for sleek, contemporary options can instantly refresh the space and give it a more polished look.” Look for trending metallics like bronze or opt for a painted metal to add blooms of colour into an otherwise all-white space.
Vanity fair
Vanities take the focal point of a bathroom and sometimes they can draw attention for all the wrong reasons. “A great option is to update your vanity. This can be achieved in various ways, such as changing the vanity top or replacing the drawer or door fronts,” says Lara Kay and Miranda Newton, interior designers from Newton & Kay Interior Design.
Even a quick paint job can make a world of difference. If that seems more hassle than it’s worth, then a stylish mirror swap can draw the eye upwards, creating a new centre of attention. “Affordable options with integrated lights and demisters can add a hint of luxury,” says Rachel. If your mirror has a frame, she recommends coordinating it with other fixtures to create a cohesive, stylish look.
Special feature
Painting or tiling a whole bathroom can push your budget to its limits, so why not focus on a feature wall? “Adding a fresh coat of paint or re-grouting existing tiles can also make a significant difference, giving the space a clean and refreshed appearance without needing to reinstall anything,” says Luli Farrell, co-founder of Abi Interiors.
Less is more: Keep bathroom clutter to a minimum and the decorating scheme simple.
Hot tip:
Earthy tones and materials such as stone and zellige are proving to be key trends.
Green Queen
“Don’t underestimate the power of greenery – adding plants can bring life and vibrancy to the bathroom, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere without breaking the bank,” says Luli. Look for humidity-loving plants such as pothos or peace lilies that will thrive in moisture and treat them to a gorgeous new pot to seal the deal.
How to update a small bathroom
We all love our “short king” men, especially Tom Cruise, so it might be time to show your on-the-smaller-side bathroom a bit of love. What it might lack in height or width can make up for in charm and personality. Plus, much like a good pair of high heels, sometimes you really can make something seem taller than it is.
Storage wars
Shelving is a double whammy for tricking the eye and adding practicality to a space. “Opt for vertical storage to make the most of limited space,” says Rachel. “Tall cabinets and floating shelves draw the eye upward, keeping essentials organised and within reach while preserving precious floor space.” Keep clutter off the floor and put it on hooks and shelves, which truly are the best kind of optical illusion.
Wet ‘n’ wild
Shelving is a double whammy for tricking the eye and adding practicality to a space. “Opt for vertical storage to make the most of limited space,” says Rachel. “Tall cabinets and floating shelves draw the eye upward, keeping essentials organised and within reach while preserving precious floor space.” Keep clutter off the floor and put it on hooks and shelves, which truly are the best kind of optical illusion.
Light years
When it comes to small spaces, the more light the better. While a good lightbulb is a good start, maximising natural light will make the biggest difference. “A strategically placed skylight or window can make your bathroom feel more expansive and invigorating, infusing the space with a sense of freshness,” says Rachel.
Happy go lucky
At the end of the day, a small bathroom is an opportunity to take a risk with your style choices – if it doesn’t work out, it won’t cost a fortune to redo the space. Steal a trick from the art deco or the Georgian periods and use busy colours and patterns to distract from the room’s dimensions.
“We really appreciate seeing quirky details in smaller bathrooms, like small artworks or colourful tiles – embracing these fun elements can bring a sense of delight and shifts the focus away from the size of the space,” say Lara and Miranda. Let your personality shine with eccentric wallpaper or an eye-catching pendant light. After all, life’s too short not to embrace joy fully in every corner.
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