5 affordable ways to update your bathroom (without renovating)

Larissa Gardner
4 min read

A recent HIA survey reveals that the average cost of a complete bathroom renovation in Australia for 2015 is between $15,500 and $20,000.

If you’re nervous about committing to an expensive time-consuming bathroom reno we’ve come up with five comparatively inexpensive DIY-friendly ways to revamp your bathroom.

Before you begin your project consider the type of style, feel or theme you want to create in your bathroom. Are you interested in a tranquil day spa atmosphere or maybe lux boutique hotel glam is more your style? Once you settle on a theme think about how you can use the following ideas to makeover your bathroom to achieve your desired look.

1.         Colour palette

The best place to start in your bathroom mini-makeover is to choose a colour palette so you can coordinate all your new bathroom purchases. A new coat of paint can work wonders in freshening up your bathroom.

To make your bathroom a relaxing, bright and simple space we recommend sticking to relatively neutral, soothing and light shades of paint. This way you can play with brighter colours with your accessories which are easier to change down the track. We like White On White and Zatar Leaf colours by Dulux.

We recommend using heavy duty stain resistant paints, such as Dulux Wash&Wear, that are fortified with powerful mould-inhibitors made especially for the damp and humid conditions of a bathroom, so that your paint job looks fresh for years to come.

Image: Dulux

 

2.         Mirror cabinet and vanity

For a dramatic instant update consider replacing your mirror cabinet and vanity. There are a wide variety of modern options out there. Bunnings and Reece have a number of attractive and affordable vanity units and medicine cabinets on offer.

If you’re mirror cabinet is still in good nick try refreshing it by adding a a picture style frame over the mirror, just be sure to check that the material you use is moisture resistant. The same goes for your vanity, update your existing one with a coat of paint, by adding a water resistant laminate, or by getting new drawer and door handles.

3.         Tap ware

Update your bathroom by picking out some new and modern tap ware. Depending on the style you’re going for you may want lux gold faucets, chic waterfall flowing taps or sleek matte black designs. For a modern feel every time you use your sink consider opting for a hands-free tap that uses motion sensors to turn on and off.

Another great way to make your bathroom look like new is by upgrading to a new shower head. Handheld shower heads with multiple settings are a popular and functional design option.

4.         Clever storage

Once you’ve made over your bathroom and are happy with the new look, make sure it stays that way by keeping the general bathroom clutter at bay with the addition of loads of practical and clever storage.

Some quick and functional storage fixes include:

  • Add in storage boxes, baskets and drawers under the sink.
  • Keep your bench top clutter free by using draw organisers for makeup and beauty products.
  • Add in a shelving unit to display your best towels and showering essentials.
  • Howards Storage World has a lot of fantastic over the door hanging storage options.
  • Use grooming caddies for appliances so you can easily pop them away after use.
  • Add a magnetic strip along the inside of your mirror cabinet to hold tweezers and bobby pins.
Image: Bathe

 

5.         Finishing flourishes

For cold winter mornings add in a heated towel rail so that your towels are nice and toasty when you step out of the shower.

Adding in a nice bathmat and fresh new towels (try Adairs) and updating your towel rails, toilet roll holder, soap dish, toothbrush holder and towel hooks are all little things that will make your bathroom feel new again.

Happy house hunting!

Larissa Gardner
Larissa Gardner is the Marketing Manager at arguably Australia’s best looking real estate website homely.com.au. With a superb devotion to product innovation, user-centred design and innovative marketing platforms for real estate agents, homely.com.au helps millions of Australians find their next home.

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1 comment

AF

I really like your tip to add a picture style frame over an existing mirror. I have mirrors throughout my house and I want to replace some of them. I’ll be sure to pick out good frames for them though. Thanks for the advice!

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