How to give your bathroom a quick facelift

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We’re not talking full-on facelift – just a little brightening up. A little bathroom Botox if you will, can be just the thing to make a bathroom lose a few years, and after that, maybe, you might feel like springing for a bit more work – I mean, it’s looking so much better already, right? Some people feel that bathrooms need to be timeless, so white on white has been the logical ‘go to’. Timeless is another word for ‘safe’ and safe can be a tad tedious over time. Let’s start with baby steps.

SHOWER CURTAINS (DON’T GROAN) CAN BE TRANSFORMATIVE PROPS
Don’t shop for a new one in your usual haunts; go online and find something that really sings to you. Digitally printed treescapes are so organic, especially if the sun comes through in the morning, you couldn’t help but feel uplifted. Classic Marimekko prints add amazing energy to every bathroom from mid-century onward, in a range of non-gender palettes. Or, you can custom design a curtain – supply an image and voila. If you have a glass shower, and suffer from overspray (ugh) don’t discount the shower curtain. They can be hung from the ceiling or an expanding shower rod can fit the shower space.

MOVING AWAY FROM MINIMALISM IN THE BATHROOM
Award-winning interior designer and stylist Fiona Gould enjoys the freedom bathroom colours offer homeowners. “There are no rules when it comes to colour choices, especially in a bathroom which is quite separate from the rest of the home, so it’s your chance to have fun and go bold,” she says, seeing the trend of houses on the whole moving away from minimalist white and into a layered concept. Fiona sees the bathroom as a palette for both colour and texture. “Wallpaper in the bathroom is a beautiful way to introduce some pattern and texture. From venetian plaster to wall panels, there is an abundance of interesting options in the market now that you really aren’t restricted to just tiles.”

IF I COULD AFFORD ONE DAY WITH A PLUMBER – WHAT WOULD I CHANGE TO UPLIFT FROM CLINICAL TO COLOURFUL?
Easy, and major change can be had with a tap fitting update. Yes, it’s sometimes hard to think outside the chrome, stainless steel, brass fittings – they’re so safe. But we are on the path to bold and uplifting. Sussex taps, Australian crafted, super minimalist design, have more than 30 colours to pick from in the Calibre range; red, blue, yellow, mango are divine, but be prepared for the cost. More on the dark and sexy road? Amp it up with Ikona Kara taps in rose gold and black from Caroma. If you’re not switching from separate hot and cold to mixer taps, this is really a half day for the plumber.

BORED OF YOUR WHITE TUB? THERE ARE NO RULES WHEN IT COMES TO COLOUR CHOICES, ESPECIALLY IN A BATHROOM
If you are getting the go-the-whole-hog vibe – bathtubs will be on your mind. Victoria & Albert’s new coloured baths (pictured) are amazing – 200 colours to choose from. Talk about a colour pop. Or, and if you know this column, you will be aware of my ‘shiny things’ fixation, the resin baths from Cassa Design are like catnip to me; giant, shiny, translucent lollies – in 10 colours. Made in Melbourne they are over the $5000 mark, so you will need a sweet tooth. Still feeling a bit clinical – can you add an easy spa pop? No problem. When money’s tight but hopes are high, get creative. Trending this year will be the handmade, highly textured look, so take the lead here and add both. Hang a picture (or many) in the bathroom. Let this bring in the colour, the theme, the mood. All tiles? Don’t wimp out – use suction /adhesive picture hooks. From family photos, to paintings, to vintage travel posters – this is a great ‘can do’ update. Do not forget the organic spa type joy a bunch of flowers, a leafy branch, or live plants can bring to a bathroom. Even the white bare branches you bought at Christmas and threw in the garage – it’s still texture and nature. Spray paint will come in handy my friends.



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