Ways to update your bathroom

Simple yet effective, tongue-and-groove panelling can help to conceal a less-than-perfect surface while still making a statement. The contemporary way to fit panels is to run the boards horizontally instead of vertically.

Similar panelling
The Wall Panelling Company

Designer brassware is like jewellery for the bathroom. Splash out on quality taps, which even if teamed with the most basic of baths, will make a statement. Floorstanding spouts are a stunning choice. For a more timeless finish, choose polished chrome.

Similar floor-standing taps
Splashdirect.com

A great way to add a different feel to your bathroom floor and walls is by using Tadelakt, a mineral-based polished plaster that can be applied to any waterproof substrate. It’s fast becoming a popular alternative to tiles due to its seamless finish. Naturally antique white in colour, it can easily be tinted to produce different tones.

Similar mirror
Graham and Green

Even small and tricky bathrooms can be turned into something special. Rather than cramming in a bath, work a wet room into an awkward area. Modern versions have doors, so are more practical. A sloping ceiling also means you can be creative with a skylight, bringing in spirit-lifting natural light while retaining privacy.

Similar bathroom fittings
Boffi
Similar skylights
Velux.co.uk

Mosaic tiles have moved on leaps and bounds in recent years, and are no longer limited to the usual design styles. Shaped like bricks, these tiles have been given a modern twist, but the look remains classic with a combination of blue and white.

Similar brick tiles
Fired Earth

Glass panels give a sleek finish to bathroom walls and baths. With no grout lines and a subtle gleam they boost light around the room. Plus, they come in all moods from calming muted hues to wake-you-up brights.

Similar coloured glass
Opticolour

Cupboards and drawers can be decorative, too. Rather than disguise a wall cabinet, make a feature of it with a picture frame border. Bathroom designers are increasingly incorporating drawers, both off-the peg and tailor-made solutions are available, as an easy-access storage option.

Similar mirror cut to size
Bespokemirrors.com

The new way to work bathroom tiles is to mix styles, textures and finishes. One way to interpret this eclectic trend is to channel the modern Moroccan look by combining both glazed and encaustic tiles in one space. Use them to create features, such as a ‘rug’.

Similar roll-top baths and tiles
Fired Earth

Pattern doesn’t have to be restricted to walls. This bathroom makes the floor the focus of attention with some delicately patterned mosaics. Not only do they provide contrast to the clean-lined units, making sure they don’t feel too clinical, they are also a good non-slip flooring option.

Similar tiles and fittings
Evitavonni

Install a hand-held shower as well as a fixed head, so you can clean the bath easily. It’s also more practical for children’s bathtimes. The marble splashback is a show-stopping addition that makes a feature of the bath.

Similar hand-held showers
B&Q

A wall-mounted toilet is easier to clean around, and as the floor is left clear, it can make a space feel bigger. The walnut cabinets add warmth while the grey tiles give the space an air of sophistication.

Similar wall-hung loo
Bathroom Heaven

Make sure radiators aren’t mounted too close to the wall, so you can hang towels on them and position them within easy reach of the shower or bath. Dual-fuel towel rails link to your central heating, but they also have a separate electrical switch, so even when the heating is off, you’re never left with wet towels.

Similar heated towel rail
Ripples

Wall niches in a shower space keep bottles to hand without the need for separate hanging racks or clutter on the floor. A central column makes a feature of the bath, highlighted further by the surrounding vivid green walls.

A lick of paint, either as a feature wall or across the whole room, will give your bathroom a totally different feel. A rich colour like this is great for creating a cosy feel, but make sure bathroom furniture is kept light. Anything metallic, like this bath, will help to open up the space, too.

Bathroom storage is essential in any bathroom, especially if you have a large family. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are great for displaying and storing bathroom paraphernalia. For kids, install a hanging rack by the basin so they can reach bathtime essentials.

Bathroom accessories are a simple way to update a bathroom and will cost very little. Colourful towels or a bold shower curtain will transform your bathroom from drab to fab!

Bathroom tiles are a great way to update your bathroom and add some personality. Tiles in a warm cream colour give a classic and timeless feel. Or dare to be bold and use black and white tiles for a modern bathroom.

Twin basins are perfect if you’ve got a large family. Teamed with backlit mirrors they add a touch of glamour for a hotel-chic feel.

Bathroom wallpaper is an easy way to add colour and pattern to your bathroom. Cover the entire bathroom, use it only above a dado rail, or just create a feature wall. If you’re able to, paint the bath in a coordinating colour for added impact.

Make the most of large windows in a bathroom by going for an all-white scheme, creating a spacious feel. Frosted windows work well to allow light in whilst also protecting privacy.

Add a shot of colour and add interest to your bathroom with a patterned blind. If you’re using a bold print, keep the blind simple so it doesn’t overtake the rest of the scheme.

Make your bath the focal point of your bathroom for a spa-style feel. If you have enough room then place it in the middle or under your window. But if not, draw attention to it by hanging a decorative light above and using distinctive tiles or wallpaper to surround it.

A modern and eclectic range of bathroom furniture and accessories works in a large bathroom. We love this feature wall, which is actually wood-print bathroom wallpaper, teamed with a large steel bath and a mish-mash of simple bathroom accessories.

Steal Swedish spa style, without having to splash out on a sauna, with a large pine bench, nature-inspired accessories and a simple stone bath. The painted wood floors give the illusion of space and stop the spa-style feel being more pretty than practical.

Don’t ditch the original features of your bathroom, such as these stunning Victorian tiles. Work with them, and go for an eclectic bathroom scheme that embraces modern and vintage, such as this roll-top bath and funky wallpaper combo.

If you’ve got the space, his and hers basins look fab and save on time – no fighting for the bathroom mirror in the morning! Don’t be put off by the shape and space of your bathroom, this room has used the shape of the eave to create a focal point and a relaxation area. The chunky wooden shelves provide great storage, too.

A monochrome colourway works brilliantly in a bathroom. Keep the scheme interesting with a mixture of patterns and textures. In this bathroom, flock wallpaper contrasts with the square black and white tiles, and the chequerd blind complements the criss-cross-patterned opaque window.

Take decorating inspiration from your favourite hotel with this plush hotel-style bathroom. Lighting set into three wall coves, as well as in the bath panel, gives the room a relaxing ambience. Plus, the sectioned-off sink creates a chic vanity area.

Why have one mirror when you can have four? This small bathroom is transformed cheaply and easily with flea market finds and vintage accessories. The Victorian-style sink and roll-top bath complete the bathroom design.

Wood panelling looks great in a bathroom, especially if it’s painted in a cool colour. This bathroom manages to twin a country-style bathroom with kitsch accessories and old-fashioned tiles, toilet and sink.