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The Evening Post - 'How to Update Your Bathroom on a Budget' - Interiors Column - Nov 2009
The bathroom is one of the most important spaces within the home, a place I myself dream of escaping to after a hard days work. Previously seen as a practical and functional environment, a room used merely for ablutions, the bathroom is now considered a luxury retreat. It will take you in when you've had a stressful day, cocoon you from the harsh realities of the outside world and soothe all your aches and pains.
A well though out and attractive bathroom really can have a positive effect on your lifestyle. While innovative features such as whirlpool systems, hydro jets and chromotherapy lighting can all play a vital role in creating the right mood and targeting tired muscles, these types of products usually come with a hefty price tag - great for those with buckets of cash, but generally out of the every day homeowner's league.
It's good to know however, that small, simple and inexpensive changes to the bathroom can set the mood just as effectively. As life becomes increasingly hectic, it's important to mould your bathroom into the perfect resting place for you and your family. Water therapy can do wonders for both the mind and body, so when you come to making interior inspired alterations to your home over the coming year, make sure that the bathroom is high up on the list.
Most bathrooms incorporate tiles in some way shape or form, be it to cover the floor, a section of the walls or in many cases, both. Tiles are primarily called upon to protect the surfaces from water damage but they can be used as a styling tool too. There are so many glorious options available; from glimmering iridescent mosaics to textured Limestone that can help transform your bathroom into a space that reflects your own individual taste.
Tiling need not be an expensive and time consuming task, especially if you decide to tile over the existing tiles. Providing the substrate can take the weight of the new tile and the correct adhesive and grout is used, there shouldn't be a problem, and achieves a bathroom that boasts a completely refreshed look and feel.
It may be the case that the tiles in your bathroom are in excellent condition yet the grubby, stained or faded colourant is detracting from their beauty. Simply, re-colouring the grout can make the world of difference and it definitely won't break the bank either - a tin will set you back around £30 and the result can last up to 15 years.
Grout colourant will not only refresh the look of the tile layout, it will seal the grout from any future stains, making maintenance far easier. Also, if the initial grout colour didn't quite complement the tiles in the first place, a more suitable shade of colourant could transform the partnership. It's even possible to lighten a dark colourant, just use a further coat or two. Log onto the Tile and Stone Care website; www.tileandstonecare.co.uk for some handy tips and a wide range of products for purchase.
When shopping for tiles, think carefully about what aesthetic you wish to achieve. Opt for shimmering glass tiles for a glitzy, glamorous effect or silky smooth natural stone for a more subtle yet un-refined approach.
Mirrored surfaces are great for creating the illusion of space. Where smaller bathrooms are concerned, a mirrored wall could make the room appear twice as big and equally twice as appealing. As obvious as it sounds, make sure the mirrored panel can fit through the door of the room before you start work.
Another cost effective way to transform the bathroom is with a lick of paint. The trend for bold feature walls has been massive this years and it's likely to hold longevity well into 2010 and beyond. Adding interest and a theme to work around, a striking feature wall would lend the bathroom character and a sense of identity. Not all paints are suitable however, you must specify an 'Egg Shell' finish as this type of paint will not peel, fade or deteriorate in wet areas. Dulux also sells a range of 'wet area' suitable paints for the home - these will be more resilient to high moisture environments and so will be able to stand the test of time, even where family bathrooms are concerned.
A little tip for using paint in the bathroom; for an up-to-the-minute, en-vogue look, use a dramatic colour such as anthracite grey or purple on one wall, preferably behind the bath then balance it out with a lighter, complementing shade of paint or wall tiles. In the same way, a roll of wallpaper can too have a dramatic effect on the bathroom, or any room within the home in fact - just make sure it's solid vinyl. Also, limit the design (preferably intricate in detail and bold in colour) to one focal wall and accessorise around it. For instance if you have selected a deep red design, team with red bath towel and beauty products.
For the ultimate mood enhancing trick, add a simple (not to mention inexpensive) dimmer switch which can be purchased from any local DIY shed. Then, when you're reading your favourite book or soothing your achy limbs in a hot bubble bath, you can dim the lights to create the perfect, relaxing atmosphere.
