7 small changes to your bathroom that will make a big difference
A well designed and stylish bathroom can often make or break a home. Whether you have just moved in or want to freshen up an existing one, there are many things you can do to revamp an old and stale bathroom that won't break the bank!
There are hundreds of tips and tricks online to help you with this, but sadly so many don’t work or are really expensive to do. However, the good news is that there are some absolute gems out there that I’ve found!
These can effortlessly breath new life into your bathroom, help you change the look and feel of the room without having to spend a lot of money. Here are my 7 small changes that can make a big difference to your bathroom. Affiliate links are included in this article.
1. Add some plants
You may have noticed the trend of bringing plants into the home for some time now (real and faux!). Of course, we have been bringing flowers inside for years but this is a little different.
Now, designers are looking more at using green plants such as Ferns, Forsterianas and Sansevierias to help create a modern and stylish, eco-friendly feel to a room.
The simple shape, humble colours and symmetrical styles these plants bring, can really make a big difference. You may not have thought about adding these to the bathroom before, but trust me, it is a fantastic way of adding a whole new design element to the room. This simple and affordable trick will surprise you at just how much it changes the overall energy of the room.
Source: House Beautiful Australia
2. Furniture and Furnishings in the Bathroom
I hate, hate, HATE the little narrow freestanding drawer thingy next to my pedestal sink. We just have no storage solutions in the bathroom right now. Well ditch that and bring in actual furniture.
It may sound like a bold design move, but you’ll be shocked at how seamlessly an armchair will fit in a bathroom. You can quickly get that spa-like feel by adding some furniture and smart furnishings. Of course this can only be applied in larger rooms, ideally those a 10-15sqm footprint.
Big and fancy mirrors are not that expensive and there are plenty of online shops to source upcycled furniture. So if your bathroom is more shabby than chic, there's still a cabinet out there to fit its style (the one below is from Rocket St George).
Above and below: Marrazzi tiles (Italy) - notice the stool in the room?
3. Create the right ambience with light
Lighting is one of the most important things to get right when redesigning any room (and read here our guide to accent, general and task lighting). This has the power to completely change how people feel in a room. It can also often be the reason why someone will or won’t like a room or the entire home.
Normally, we focus our attention on getting the lighting right for the living room, kitchen and bedrooms.
However, it’s important not to overlook how much this can impact the bathroom too. By investing in some new lighting options for the bathroom you can completely change the entire design. Whether you want to go for the vintage vanity lighting or something more modern, you are spoilt for choice!
The price for a new lighting fixture itself may not be a lot but remember that you may need to add the cost of a professional to make the necessary hard wiring if you are replacing an existing wall light with a modern sconce.
4. Upgrade your Towel Holders
For most of us, the towel holder is more of a necessity rather than a design feature, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Why not make this area of the bathroom into an eye-catching and stylish design element? It’s easy to do and won’t cost much but will have a huge impact on the overall bathroom aesthetic.
If you are looking to add a vintage feel then why not replace your towel holder with a wonderfully weathered and rustic ladder. Nothing too big of course, but one that will sit perfectly in the bathroom and bring a fantastic retro vibe with it.
5. Change the Shower Curtain
The shower curtain is one of the larger things in the bathroom, so it makes sense to ensure this brings something special and unique to the room. Whether vinyl or plastic (or even fabric) you can bring something new and fresh to the bathroom by changing your curtain.
There are some wonderful designs out there that are affordable and beautiful. Make sure you buy one that is washable in the washing machine!
6. Time for a new Bath Mat
The humble bath mat is something that can easily get overlooked. Yes, we need one but that doesn’t mean you can’t find one that is both functional and fashionable. This is one of the most affordable ways to change the look of your bathroom. It’s quick, easy and can effortlessly enhance the room.
Octopus Bath mat
7. Install or update a Bathroom Cabinet
Repurposed furniture is a huge trend right now and one that is usually found in the dining room and living room. But this wonderful trend can also be added to the bathroom.
If your bathroom cabinet is a little old and dreary, then this needs a revamp! One of the best ways to do this is by repurposing an old cabinet and adding it to the bathroom.
It’s a low cost and fun project to do that has a huge affect on the bathroom design. We love how Kate Rogers of Overatkates has added one in her bathroom!
I hope these 7 design tips help you to create the bathroom of your dreams, without having to spend hundreds of pounds. Bathrooms are a place to enjoy quiet serenity, relax and unwind. Maybe your newly restyled bathroom can help you to do all of these things.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
