The bathroom is a sanctuary in the home which should be relaxing, indulgent and calming. It is also a focal point when it comes to selling your property – a well designed and luxurious bathroom can add value. But it is also easy to neglect it, especially if you have children. Major bathroom refits and renovations can be costly, but there are small changes you can make which don’t have to break the bank, and which can make all the difference to mood and atmosphere. A bathroom is also a functional space, and there are many products on the market which don’t cost the earth, and which can help with the day to day practicalities in the smallest room. Here are some tips to get you started.
Painting
The easiest, cheapest and most effective way to give your bathroom a new lease of life is a simple coat of paint. If you want the feel of a boutique hotel, offset muted whites, such as champagne or cream, with wooden fittings and accessories. Pastel colors are also popular, and can lend themselves to the vibe and atmosphere, whether you prefer warmer shades or cool, aquatic tones. If you have a large bathroom it is possible to effectively utilize a broader or brighter palette, either by using bolder tones or employing a feature wall. But bear in mind, louder colors or shades of red can make the space feel claustrophobic. More neutral shades work better in conjunction with lighting for a subtler, less imposing feel.
Furniture and fixtures and fittings
Bathrooms are often fairly small spaces, so furniture should be multifunctional. If you need a seat (other than your toilet) it can be combined with storage space for towels or cosmetics. Likewise, shelving should be efficient and unimposing, but multi-functional. You may think that fittings such as new bathtubs are expensive, but there are more cost-effective but extremely durable options available. A freestanding tub is elegant and gives the feel of a luxury hotel. Heated towel rails look stylish, as well as providing a pleasant post-bathing experience, and it is more affordable than ever to update your faucets, toilet seats. Replacing the mirror in the bathroom is a simple but effective way to breathe new life into the space.
Lighting
A well thought out lighting design concept can do wonders for the atmosphere of your bathroom. Wall lights and spotlights can be combined for a relaxing effect, but also provide task lighting for shaving, brushing, flossing, and makeup. Lighting solutions are available for all budgets, and even elegant light fixtures in chrome aren’t expensive to buy. Combined with smart technology bathroom lighting takes on a new dimension. With timers, voice-controlled dimmers or pre-defined set-ups, smart technology is at once futuristic, user friendly and ever more affordable. A smart setup can also bring music into your bathroom to compliment your lighting – there is nothing better than relaxing in a luxurious bath with soothing sounds playing in the background. A lighting concept can be the basis for the entire design of the bathroom, and therefore is often the first and best-planned stage of a renovation.
Plants
Bringing the outside in can really affect the mood of your bathroom. Plants improve not just the decor, but the air quality as well. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right plants for your bathroom. The bathroom gets steamy, and some plants do better than others when it comes to humid conditions. Also, the bathroom often gets cold at night, so the plants must be able to cope with the conditions changing. Speaking of steam, create natural aromatherapy with such plants as lavender, rosemary, mint and lemongrass – this will help when you are trying to unwind in a hot bath or shower, as aromatherapy is proven to aid relaxation and wellbeing.
Flooring
Bathrooms are usually quite small, so redoing the flooring isn’t going to be so heavy on the wallet, even if you’re using tiles. However, for the budget-conscious, there are a few low-cost options that don’t sacrifice style. Standard vinyl is the cheapest option, inexpensive, durable and water-resistant. It is also very easy to install. Luxury vinyl has the advantage of being semi-rigid and coming in a range of convincing natural finishes, such as wood, ceramic or stone. Linoleum is also impervious to water, and although it was largely obscured by vinyl flooring, is making something of a comeback. This is because it is produced mostly from linseed oil. Ceramic flooring doesn’t have to cost the earth either – although it does need to be treated so it isn’t porous. And surprisingly, concrete is en vogue as bathroom flooring material – and is also affordable.
Renovating your bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune – and, with careful preparation and research, you will be surprised just how far your money goes.
