Interiors: Bathroom Refresh

Published: 00:02 BST, 25 July 2021 | Updated: 00:02 BST, 25 July 2021

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From standout tiles to relaxing touches, Amy Neason has all the tricks to give the most overworked room in the house an instant update (just beware: the queue for it may get a whole lot longer!)

To combine different tiles cohesively, opt for the same colour across both designs. Wall tiles, £2.16 each, and floor tiles, £7.20 each, both bertandmay.com

The daily demands on a bathroom require it to be a hard-working space. However, while practicality is key, this doesn’t mean compromising on style.

The trick is to treat your bathroom like any other room in your home. Afford it the same decorative eye as you might a bedroom or living room, with attention paid to colour, texture and feel for a space you’ll love to relax in.

With sanitaryware the main focus for any bathroom, look for something a little out of the ordinary: a colourful concrete basin or a statement bath will instantly up your bathroom’s style credentials while maintaining functionality, too.

Walls and floors need to withstand splashes and steam, making tiles a popular choice. Try mixing and matching designs for a scheme with depth and interest – perhaps pairing a bold pattern with a plain tile in a complementary colour.

If a full-scale renovation is off the cards, try these smaller projects and instant updates to give your bathroom a well-deserved boost.

For an ultra-glamorous look, place a freestanding bath against a backdrop of luxe marble. Wall tiles, £145.99 per sq m, floor tiles, £99.90 per sq m, and bath, £1,600, all claybrookstudio.co.uk

Keep it neat and sleek

For a bathroom you can truly relax in, storage is key. Streamlined units that can store items tidily under the basin are a winner, as are cabinets behind mirrors and other wall-hung units that free up valuable floor space. Got a large room? A freestanding wooden cupboard can be a beautiful focal point as well as providing space for toiletries, towels and linens.

Black, industrial-style pieces create a modern vibe. Basin, £700, metal stand, £1,375, taps, £750, wall tiles, £39 per sq m, floor tiles, £118.94 per sq m, wall paint in Kate Blush, £45 for 2.5L, and mirror, £450, all claybrookstudio.co.uk

Add a touch of comfort

Furniture is a great way to help your bathroom feel more homely and welcoming. A handy side table or comfortable armchair will transform how you use the space. When on the lookout for pieces, cast your net a little further than bathroom-specific designs and consider vintage buys – their beautiful time-worn quality will add softness to the surrounding hard finishes.

For a relaxing feel, look to a palette of warm neutrals. Wall tiles, £7.68 each, bertandmay.com

Try an instant update

Want to keep your existing tiles but give them a new look? Try regrouting them in a colourful hue. It’s a great way to refresh your scheme, while, of course, introducing some mood-boosting colour. White tiles look great with a vibrantly coloured grout, while a complementary shade works well with patterned tiles – the combinations and possibilities are endless.

Check out Mapei’s range of brightly coloured grout, including metallic gold, from £9.99, tiles-direct.com

Power up the paint

As long as you choose a finish that is specifically formulated to withstand steam, paint is a great choice for adding colour and interest to a bathroom. Think outside the box – as well as walls and floors, consider painting the windowsill or even the side of your bath in a bold colour to breathe new life into an existing piece.

Bold shades add drama to this bathroom. Walls in Vulcan Intelligent Matt Emulsion, £53 for 2.5L; Windowsill and bath in Livid Intelligent Eggshell, £68 for 2.5L, and floor in Livid Intelligent floor paint, £74 for 2.5L, all littlegreene.com

SHOP THE LOOK: Freshen up your bathroom with our pick of functional and fabulous pieces