A new bathroom is top of the home-improvement wishlist for many families. If you’re ready for a new granite, stone or even marble bathroom, we’re here to help you design and build it. However, if you’re stuck with your old space for a while longer, here are a few tips to help you freshen things up.
1. Buy New Towels and a Fresh Shower Curtain
Many bathrooms are decorated in neutral colours, making it really easy to give the bathroom a new look by simply changing the accessories. Brightly coloured towels, a pretty new shower curtain and other small accessories can have a big impact on your bathroom without breaking the bank.
2. Replace Existing Furnishings
Even if you’re not a plumber, there’s plenty you can change in the bathroom with a little DIY. Without changing major fittings, you can still give the room an overhaul. Look around for things that are easy to change, such as the toilet seat, medicine cabinet, mirror, laundry basket and under-sink cabinets. Choose coordinated items to bring your bathroom up-to-date and give it a cohesive, ‘designer’ look.
3. Freshen up your Tiles with Decals
Stone tiles last for years, so if you’ve moved into a house with pre-installed tiling, you may want to change the look without replacing the tiles themselves. Stone is a tough material and provides a good surface for embellishments. Decals and stickers are great for a temporary effect, but some may rapidly come unstuck in wet atmospheres.
4. Paint Existing Tiles
If you’re looking for a more permanent effect, you can paint stone bathroom tiles. Ask for appropriate paints at your local DIY store, and be sure to tell them you need something waterproof. Rather than painting the whole room, you can add a splash of colour by painting individual tiles, either in a random pattern or geometrically. Another popular alternative is to create a line around the room, either by painting individual tiles completely or in sections. If you choose this option, make sure you use a spirit or laser level to get the line straight.
5. Install New Tiles
Damp is a common problem in bathrooms, and if it’s not controlled it can quickly lead to damage to floorboards and walls. Installing tiles in areas which are currently covered by carpet, paint or wallpaper can help keep water in the bathroom and away from plaster and electric wiring. Naturally, we recommend stone bathroom tiles, which are durable, waterproof and available in a wide range of colours, but there are other options too.
6. Replace Existing Fittings
If you like the layout of your bathroom but the fittings are getting old and worn, it’s possible to replace just a single piece, or the whole suite without changing the bathroom completely. Bear in mind that this will typically require specialist installers and is therefore more disruption than the options listed above. Removing a fitting that’s surrounded by tile can be tricky if you don’t want to change the tiling scheme. Stone tiles can often be matched, but if that’s not possible consider using a contrasting stone to create an eye-catching effect.
