Before and after: homeowners transform bland bathroom to chic retreat
When the time came to redecorate their bathroom, the owners used what they already had – making small changes to create a fabulous new scheme
'When we moved in, we weren't keen on the bathroom, but it had some nice features,' say the owners. 'We liked the shape of the basin, the bath was comfy and the big window kept the room bright.'
The couple decided to live with the bathroom for a while to give them time to think of all the different ways to change the space.
'We realised it would be crazy to spend thousands of pounds ripping it all out,' they say. 'The basics were fine and we were sure it could be revamped beautifully.'
Feel inspired: Planning a bathroom – everything you need to know about designing your perfect washroom
The savvy owners worked with what they had. Making smart changes to create a fabulous new on-trend bathroom scheme.
After: regrouting bathroom tiles
Poring over websites for hours, the couple fell in love with the industrial feel of white brick tiles with grey grout. As they already had white tiles, the DIY duo got stuck into scraping out the old grout.
'We found matching tiles to cover the bath panel, which made the room look sleeker and less 'country',' they say. And once the new grey grout was done, the room looked so smart. If this has inspired you to have a go at grouting yourself, our how to grout tiles guide has all the advice you need.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Related: How to clean grout in tiles – get wall and floor tiles looking as good as new
To blend the untiled wall with the white tiles, the couple were torn between two paint colours - white and grey. 'We thought grey would look bolder,' they say, 'so we used Mole's Breath by Farrow & Ball, which has a warm tone.'
Buy now: Mole's Breath Estate Emulsion, £57 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball at Designer Paint
Replacing shower curtain with a glass screen
The owners couldn't wait to get rid of the ugly shower curtain and replace it with a more solid-feeling glass panel. 'Having a curtain flapping around was really annoying,' they say.
The pair also treated themselves to a fixed rainwater shower, which creates a spa-like experience and injects a bit of luxury into the space.
Buy now: White Metro Tiles, £20 per sq m, Topps Tiles
Next, the taps were replaced. 'It's amazing how much difference such a small change has made,' say the owners.
Buy now: Topaz basin taps, £59.95, Hudson Reed at Victorian Plumbing
With regards to storage, the couple found a tall mirrored cabinet at Ikea, which fits behind the door and is great for keeping everything neatly tidied away.
The mirrored front also reflects light from the window on the opposite wall, making the room feel really bright.
Using plants in the bathroom
On their online search, the owners had seen some glass spheres with plants inside hung on walls, and they loved the look.
'We bought some glass orbs and vases on Etsy, and set to work, deciding on exactly where to position them on the wall. Cutting pieces of paper to the size of each vessel and taking our time as we stuck these to the wall to see where they looked best,' say the crafty pair.
'Once we'd got them in a position that we felt was just right, we fixed the vases to the wall and filled them with plants and flowers from the garden.'
On the windowsill, glass bottles also play their part. The owners have arranged a few here to add a quirky apothecary element to the scheme.
With the bathroom makeover complete, the owners are really pleased with their industrial-chic bathroom. 'We're thrilled that we managed to make use of so many existing pieces,' they say.
Related: Shopping edit – best bathroom mirrors to enhance beauty, on every level
'It just goes to show how a few changes can completely transform your bathroom.'
-
5 must-haves everyone should own for wrapping Christmas presents
These time-saving non-negotiables will make wrapping Christmas presents one of your favourite festive tasks
By Ginevra Benedetti
-
This budget-friendly Origin mattress is now just £379 – I put it to the test, and I'm impressed
An affordable mattress that has a lot going for it, our Origin Hybrid mattress review puts this online-only mattress through its paces
By Rachel Tompkins
-
Can you wash a duvet in a washing machine? It's a yes, but you'll need to follow this expert guidance
Any machine washable duvet can go in a washing machine if you follow the instructions
By Katie Sims
-
Homeowner saved £1000s on this Scandi-look bathroom makeover
You won't believe the difference some self-adhesive tiles made
By Laurie Davidson
-
Before and after: an extension creates space for a stylish monochrome en suite
Tired of sharing a bathroom with their teenage sons, the owners extended to gain a spacious bedroom with en suite
By Amy Cutmore
-
Before and after: Blue bathroom makeover inspired by a plush Italian hotel suite
Bright blue patterned units were the starting point for this vibrant new bathroom
By Fiona Mace
-
See how The Holiday’s Rosehill Cottage inspired this stunning bathroom makeover
This chic country bathroom looks straight out the idyllic cottage from the festive film
By Tamara Kelly
-
Before and after: from dated, damp bathroom to flexible, family space
Shots of mustard bring the fun in this smart makeover
By Thea Babington-Stitt
-
Before and after: from bland bathroom to industrial-style space brimming with character
Getting creative kept costs low for this owner
By Amy Cutmore
-
Before and after: ditching the bath made all the difference in this now spacious bathroom
It's no longer cramped and bland
By Thea Babington-Stitt
-
Before and after: This bathroom makes the most of a small, narrow space
The owner got the best from a tricky room
By Amy Cutmore