Refresh Your Bathroom
Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009
by Annie Deakin
Annie Deakin
You don't have to splash the cash to give your bathroom a new look. Follow these easy tips from experts to perk up your bathroom for 2009.
1. Keep the look clean
Pared down decor is the most calming option for the bathroom. Strip your furnishings back to a minimum and opt for cool,off white walls and natural finishes. Recessed storage helps keep the clutter under control and freestanding baths ensure the emphasis is on serious wallowing. Browse the UK's largest selection of baths
'You want to look as beautiful as possible in your own bathroom,' says Kelly Hoppen. Make the most of natural light by placing mirrors opposite windows, like a simple but chic Paris wall mirror from Danetti. 'Don't install floor-to-ceiling ones unless you have no hang ups,' Hoppen warns. It's a good idea to fit the space with dimmable lighting for when you're not looking your best.
3. Sit back and relax
'As we fret about what is happening in the wider world, people's natural instinct is to cocoon themselves away,' says designer and trend-spotter Mark Garside. 'Homely details are creeping into every aspect of bathroom design: upholstered furniture, open fires, richly coloured walls and rocking chairs.' Shift the balance from function to relaxation in your bathroom with items like a glam bone inlay rams head chair from Graham & Green.
4. Curtain call
Nothing lets a bathroom down more than a tatty old shower curtain. Give the space an instant lift with a chic damask curtain from Amazon. Machine wash it to keep it looking pristine. Big impact at little cost.
5. Top of the taps
Just as new accessories give fresh life to an outfit, new taps will instantly pep up your bathroom. They're 'an easy way to update a room without too much disturbance,' says Millie Jendall, co-founder of Ruby & Millie cosmetics. Remove rusty old ones and swap them for these gleaming beauties - Valadares lima bath taps from big bathroom shop.
6. Store it in style
'Freestanding storage appears to be the way forward in current bathroom design,' says interiors expert Victoria O'Brien. Habitat's Palena range, made from oiled oak, is lightweight and hits the trend for natural, organic style. Stash away towels and bottles in storage unit's neat drawers.
7. Colour wash
Liven up your bathroom with new towels, bath mats and accessories like toothbrush holders. Small details can make a big difference. Give the space the fashion edge with some Jazz towels by Missoni at Amara.
8. Bamboo for you
Make a feature out of your towels by hanging them on a chic ladder propped against the wall. The eco friendly bamboo towel ladder from notonthehighstreet.com will add a decorative touch to the space.
9. Ban the clutter
'Edit down the items you wish to display and store the rest away,' counsels designer Kelly Hoppen. Reclaim space in your bathroom by stashing unsightly lotions and potions in stylish boxes. Go for the natural look with a set of three Waterhyacinth storage boxes from Heal's.
10. Contemporary chic
Want to add some modern glamour? Choose slick fittings like the Phoenix Design square shower head from big bathroom shop. The large surface area of this striking model will give you a really invigorating shower. Match this with a slick surround. 'The latest showers, designer and budget, are all sporting frameless screens, and the shallowest (if any) trays,' says design writer Tess Williams.
Annie Deakin is an expert furniture and interior design writer who is currently intrested in fire surrounds, bedding and fridge freezers
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