Buying a new bathroom suite can be an expensive business – and that’s before you’ve budgeted in the cost of tiling, plastering and getting a good plumber in to fit your new sparkling chrome taps.
It can also be rather daunting choosing a colour scheme and then shopping for tiles which will enhance your chosen suite and make your bathroom dazzle. I’ve had years to practise putting an outfit together, but as soon as it came to thinking about a new bathroom I really didn’t know where to start!
When we were renovating our home a few years ago I was repeatedly told that large tiles would make my small bathroom look bigger, even though I’d set my heart on a 1920’s theme which would add colourful character to the period flat we’d just bought.
I’m pleased to say that I stuck to my original idea and two years later I still love the end result. But, whenever I flick through interior magazines I always get inspired by the different ways you can update a bathroom without having to call in the builders. Whether it’s a retro shower curtain, some bold photo frames or a statement mirror it’s really easy to accessorise your bathroom and add a stylish twist. All you need to do is go shopping!
Bathroom 1: Vintage Drama
Choose from a selection of white, chrome and silver accessories to revitalise a tired looking bathroom and bring it bang up-to-date. Adding a new set of flock towels, a twinkling chandelier, or a statement mirror can change the feel of your bathroom in an instant. If you want to go one step further, look at repainting your walls with a sage green paint and add the finishing touch with a bunch of soft, pretty flowers.
Credits: (1) Isme Rose Heart Shape Mirror, £69, (2) Zara Silver Glass Bathroom Set, £17.99 to £19.99, (3) Laura Ashley Hydrangea Camomile Printed Towels, £34, (4) www.berryred.co.uk Wire Soap Tray, £7.75.
Bathroom 2: Retro Colour
This bathroom proves you don’t need to be scared about experimenting with clashes of colour if you choose your accessories wisely. Keeping in mind a 1950’s vibe, hunt around for a bold shower curtain and make sure your instincts are geared towards bright punchy colour and retro inspired patterns which promise to make your bathroom a talking point for all the right reasons!
Credits: (1) Rigby & Mac Origami Fairy Lights, £36, (2) French Bedroom Company Flounce Flock Ruby Shade, £50, (3) www.cloth-ears.co.uk Transistor Radio Cables & Clobber Bag, £28.99, (4) Orla Kiley Towels, from £3.50 to £36.
Bathroom 3: Monochrome Magic
A black and white bathroom will never go out of fashion and this year the trend for checker board flooring doesn’t look like it’s going to go away. Because of its timeless elegance you can either decide to keep things simple with crisp white walls, or add a touch of warmth with a wash of mauve or dove grey emulsion which can be accessorised with some stylish black picture frames.
Credits: (1) Red Candy Umbra Montage Photo Art Display, £99, (2) Rigby & Mac Set of 3 House Box Shelves, £98, (3) H&M Candle, £3.99, (4)Love From Kent ‘Do Not Disturb Mummy Is Having A Bath’, £7.95, (5) Tesco Black & White Storage Boxes, from £4.95.
How do you accessorise your bathroom? Please leave your Comments in the box below.