The bathroom; is it a place to rest, replenish, relieve or refresh? Probably, as perhaps the most multi-functional room in the house, a little of all four.
Certainly, it’s where function takes precedence over frivolity; a space where the lines between practical and luxurious become blurred. You spend a surprising amount of time in here and as such, want to complete your, erm, tasks effectively and efficiently. This means the occasional need for a spruce up, to keep things running smoothly.
What doesn’t keep things running so smoothly, however, is a full and comprehensive renovation project happening in your home. Fortunately, there are plenty of smart and sparing ways to breathe fresh life into the space without tearing up the tiles and starting over. With that in mind, here are 10 ways to modernise your bathroom without a full remodel.
Strengthen Your Flow
We’ve all experienced one of those showers in the winter months, shivering under a stubborn drip and longing for the blast of forceful flow from the family home’s excellent plumbing. A weak, sporadic flow is the enemy of relaxation and cleanliness.
Giving your shower head and taps an upgrade will allow for a far more luxurious shower or bath experience, with a strong, even flow of water cleansing and healing in equal measure. It can also more environmentally efficient too, with no waiting (and wasting) around for the shower to get hot and vigorous. A double win!
Declutter Your Space
Although it’s traditionally the smallest, occupiable room in the house, this shouldn’t mean that you cram as much as you can into your bathroom. Sashaying around in your towel on a slippery wet surface certainly isn’t fun (or safe) with cupboards and clutter blocking your every move.
No, you want it to be a space where you can relax and wash away the stresses of the day. Upgrading in this instance, then, might conversely mean a move towards the minimalist; a transformative process and product, indeed.
Illuminate With A More Gentle Touch
There’s something about the stark, white lighting of the bathroom that doesn’t reflect well on our pasty frames. Catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror post-soak and it’s either like you’ve seen a ghost or a lobster who’s spent too much time in the sun. What’s more, white walls and bright light are the most unforgiving on certain splashes and stains inevitably caused by careless members of the family.
The simple addition of a dimmer switch, or application of a few flickering candles, can completely change the mood of the room; from practical to pleasure at the pull of a switch. Or lighter. The addition of a mirror will bring both a sense of added space and more light. You could even consider adding a bluetooth bathroom mirror with FM & DAB radio so you can singalong to music in the shower.
Add Some Art
Just because you excrete and exfoliate here, doesn’t mean the room should feel plain or functional. Add some art – something tasteful rather than comedic – to lift the feel of your bathroom and make it somewhere you enjoy spending time in. Leave the ‘amusing’ poo map posters to students and soft porn to Peter Stringfellow and opt for something aquatic and soothing. You can even add an artistic touch with wallpaper tiles (more on that in a moment).
Update Your Fixtures
As the professionals at Ability Bathe Devon suggest so sagely, sometimes it’s the smallest changes make the biggest difference. Swapping out old, dated taps, drawer pulls, and doorknobs for sleek, modern fixtures can instantly elevate the look of your bathroom. Choose finishes like matte black, brushed nickel, or even brass for a contemporary touch that catches the eye.
Read: 7 luxury alternatives to your traditional bathroom fixtures
Introduce Greenery
Plants can transform the atmosphere of a bathroom, adding both colour and a sense of tranquillity. Opt for species that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns, orchids, or peace lilies. Not only do they look great, but they also (possibly, perhaps, potentially) purify the air, making your bathroom feel fresher and more inviting.
Refresh With Paint
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in modernising a space. Consider soft, neutral colours for a serene and spa-like feel, or perhaps a bold feature wall for a touch of drama. High-quality, moisture-resistant paint is a must to ensure longevity in the steamy bathroom environment.
Incorporate Technology
Modern bathrooms can benefit from the integration of technology. Consider installing a heated towel rail to ensure warm, dry towels year-round, or a touchless faucet for improved hygiene and convenience. Even a waterproof Bluetooth speaker system can add a touch of modernity, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes or podcasts while you soak or shower.
Invest In Smart Storage Solutions
Sure, we might have kinda already covered this point, but it’s so important it bears repeating; clutter is the nemesis of a modern aesthetic. By introducing smart storage solutions such as floating shelves, under-sink cabinets, or a bespoke vanity unit, you can keep your surfaces clear and your bathroom looking spacious and organised. Consider using baskets or containers to keep smaller items neatly tucked away.
Time To Retile
It seems like less than pristine tiles are the first part of the bathroom to betray either the age of the space or the (lack of) cleaning habits of the homeowner. Retiling may seem like a daunting task, but a spruce up of this part of the wall and/or flooring will make it feel like you’ve refurbished the whole damn room. And once the room feels as good as new, you can have a soak which will make you feel like a whole new person too.
The Bottom Line
Revitalising your bathroom needn’t be a matter of extensive renovation and exorbitant expense. With these ten creative and cost-effective strategies, you can infuse modern elegance and functionality into your bathroom, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and your daily experience.
From updating fixtures to introducing smart technology, each suggestion is designed to maximise impact with minimal disruption. Remember, modernisation is not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about making smart choices that reflect your personal style and meet your needs. So, before you consider a full remodel, try these tips to transform your bathroom into a contemporary sanctuary that resonates with sophistication and serenity.