Bathroom

From the simplest titivations to a full-scale revamp, it is easy to make a neglected utility room into a soothing, relaxing haven. If your bathroom is plain, dated, mildewed, stained, cluttered and dull, but what you really want is a luxurious, restful, stylish, pretty and even glamorous space, then here are some simple, low-cost ideas to achieve a great-looking bathroom.
 
First, throw out all the old back scrubbers, drooping net balls, jaded toothbrush holders and anything that has been there too long and looks worn. Be sure to give all the surfaces a good wash down with sugar soap, while a good polish and some elbow grease applied to the taps will make a world of difference. Check the windowsills and bath surrounds to see if the paintwork needs re-doing. If it does, choose gloss paint as it will look sharp and its reflectivity brightens the room, plus it’s hygienic.
 
Fittings
Taps, shower and bath hardware can be replaced quite simply, providing you choose configurations compatible with the existing ones. This will allow you to retain the same plumbing and keep the DIY component relatively simple.
 
Take a look at the Foreno range in store and their guide Unplugged. From the latest Waka range designed and made in NZ to the Villa series and every style in between, you will be able to select fittings to suit the era and style of your home, whether it is a turn of the 20^th century villa or a turn of the 21^st century new build.
 
To add value to the bathroom, consider installing the Autoflo hands-free mixer, as it is hygienic, saves water can be set at a safe temperature for the children. All of Foreno’s tapware has a water efficiency rating, so you will be doing your bit for the planet.
 
As with cars, you can spend huge amounts on top of the range products or effect a transformation with a limited budget.

Showers / Baths
The most common showers are those over the bath or the wet floor style. However, the alternative shower box has become very popular. A wide range of pre-fabricated, ready-to-install sizes and shapes are available. Corner showers can have curved sliding doors or a side hung door.
 
Steam from the shower is a major factor in creating mould and mildew in many bathrooms. Now you can overcome that with a Showerdome. These are installed over a shower cubicle, and work by preventing the warm air inside the shower from mixing with the cold air in your bathroom. They are inexpensive and will save you repainting walls stained with mildew.
 
Most people still want to have at least one bath in their home and, let’s face it, there is nothing better after a hard day in the garden or a day out fishing than a soak in a tub full of hot, soapy water.
 
The choice is wide and limited only by your budget and the space available. Choose from the deep, freestanding, voluptuously shaped claw foot baths, go the extra mile for some spa luxury, or keep it simple according to your taste.
 
Tiles
If the budget can stretch to tiling a bathroom, do it! Whether in part or all the walls, tiles add an air of opulence.

Choose large tiles with clean lines and use a closely matching grout that will blend in. You may like a decorative strip such as a paua insert or a pattern created with small tiles as a feature. However, keep in mind that this can become expensive quickly and may not have a wide appeal.
 
Combining other wall coverings such as wallpapers with tiles can help keep costs down but retain an upmarket look and create atmosphere.
 
Colour
For a cool summer look use blues, lavenders and mauves, while restful greens will suit any season. A maidenhair fern loves a bathroom atmosphere too and will suit tropical colours like rose, apricot, red and vibrant hues. These will also help to cheer you up when the winter season arrives again.
A bromeliad is hardy and gives a tropical look, as do small potted palms and begonias when they are in season. Use what you can to get that South Sea island feel.
 
Sandy beige, turquoise blue and creams will remind you of the beach, so compliment these with shells, starfish, driftwood, stones or other beach treasures you’ve picked up on holiday. Use bright beach towels to accentuate the effect.
 
Keep to neutral tones in the overall effect but add atmosphere with your own soft furnishing touches and accessories.
 

Mirror Everyone needs good light in the bathroom, so have a look at your mirror. If it is damaged around the edges with the mirror backing breaking down, as often happens, replace it with a larger one. A big mirror will give the illusion of a much larger room, reflecting more light around. You can get one made to measure or purchase one from your favourite Mitre 10 store.

Vanities Vanity units come in a wide range of styles and if the room is small, a wall-hung vanity will create a feeling of space. A tall, slim wall-hung cabinet will give you a lot of storage without taking up room and they are available in a variety of ready-made styles; some with opaque glass doors, some with an open shelf between two cupboards.   When making your selection, think about what you need to store in the bathroom. The more basic items you can store out of sight the better.

Quick ideas Alter the look of your bathroom with shower curtains – they are easy to clean and easy to change. Purchase fluffy towels with matching facecloths and hand towels. Put down a new floor rug in either a bath mat style or a rug made from man-made fibres, which will dry easily. Add scented candles and colourful scented soaps. Paint a stool or a chair to suit the colour scheme and place it in the corner with towels or a plant on it. Bottles of bubble bath, bath salts and body lotions can provide a wonderful aroma.

Handles Are the main items like the vanity, shower and toilet in need of replacement or would new handles give doors and drawers a new look? Sylvan have a wide range of knobs and handles suitable for any style of house from colonial and retro to contemporary and modern.

Space Minimal hanging space can promote clutter and there is nothing worse than towels on the floor. Purchase a row of hooks designed to hang on the top of the bathroom door and invest in a tiered towel rail instead of a single rail, so it can hold several towels and give the bathroom a contemporary look.

Selling?
If you are selling your home, you may want to do more than change the towels or spruce up the general look of the bathroom. In the sales process, potential buyers can have the perception that it will cost thousands to upgrade the bathroom, so it is in your best interests to do all you can to alleviate that impression.
 
Start by making a simple list of the defects as you see them and rectifying them one by one.
 
If you are planning to sell, decide where your house lies in the market and who your likely buyers will be. Understand their tastes and aim your efforts at them, keeping in mind the return on your investment.
 
Whatever your decisions and no matter how much you have to spend, there are plenty of great ideas at your local Mitre 10 and the staff are capable, trained and ready to help you achieve your dream bathroom – just ask.