Working with a budget and a landlord? Opt for small changes with a big impact.

02.06.22 | By Juna Xu | Interiors

11 Ways to Refresh Your Bathroom For Less Than $300 - No Renovation Required

Working with a budget and a landlord? Opt for small changes with a big impact.

While we’ve previously discussed all the ways you can update your kitchen without a renovation and your bedroom, when it comes to updating the bathroom, it can be slightly trickier. If you think about it, so many of the changes you might want to make will be structural and therefore require some serious (and expensive) renovations, which for the renters out there, aren’t landlord-approved, either.

Luckily, there are ways to elevate your bathroom and give it a fresh look that are not only budget-friendly, but are also landlord-approved and work well for any sized space.

So, if you think your bathroom is in need of a transformation – big or small – here are eleven easy ways to update your space without having to make any serious changes.

1. Lay down a nice bath mat

Not only do bath mats help keep your feet warm, they prevent you from slipping on tiles and are a fantastic way to add texture and bring colour to your space. Opt for high-quality styles like our ultra-absorbent, plush designs to bring a chic touch and five-star hotel feel to your bathroom - Your feet will thank you.

2. Replace the shower curtain

The colour, material and pattern of your shower curtains makes a surprisingly large difference.

If you’re feeling uninspired by your bathroom, swapping out the shower curtain will elevate the room immediately, simply by introducing a new colour or print to the space. Best of all, they’re relatively inexpensive, so you can feel smug as you exchange your grimy old curtain for a fresh one.

3. Use towels to add colour

Artwork can be a great addition to a bathroom, but for most of us with bathrooms on the smaller side, framed prints are best kept to the bedroom and living areas where ventilation is better and there's less chance of bumping it off the wall.

In saying that, bathrooms definitely don't have to be boring. If you're a fan of colour and pattern, choose to express it through your choice in towels. Worn out, stained or damp towels don't make the best impression on guests. Invest in lush styles like our 100% linen waffle bath and hand towels to add a touch of luxury to the space.

4. Update your hardware

Outdated tapware is one of the main features that can make a bathroom look and feel unpleasant. Consider heading to the local hardware store and picking up some modern taps for your sink, shower and bath.

The difference a sleek black tap can make to a minimalist bathroom is huge, especially considering how affordable it is, too. Opt for a simple shape in matte black or brushed brass for a contemporary and fresh look. And remember, it doesn’t just stop at tapware – you can also install new towel rails and hooks. Just remember to keep the old ones if you're in a rental – you'll want to swap them back before you move out.

5. Add a stylish tray

The best way to pull together a curated, stylish bathroom is to create simple vignettes that make it Pinterest-worthy.

First, use a simple tray to collate things like hand wash and your most-used skincare products. Then fill a small vase with your favourite flowers or even some freshly-picked branches from your yard, and before you know it you’ve created a cute, stylish bathroom vanity.

6. Consider pendants

We all know overhead lighting is one of the least flattering sources of light found in bathrooms. It definitely serves a useful function, but if you want your space to have a bit more ambience and romance (and want that #mirrorselfie), consider installing a pendant light or wall sconce to achieve a more flattering and aesthetically pleasing way to get ready.

7. Include a plant

To really transform your bathroom into an aspirational oasis, some natural elements are necessary to evoke a sense of zen and help purify the air. Plus, we all know plants look amazing.

Be sure to select a variety based on the amount of natural light and temperature it needs to stay thriving as bathrooms don’t get much ventilation. Opt for a damp-loving variety, such as a colourful orchid, a china doll or spider plant. Or better yet, go for all three. When it comes to house plants, the more the merrier, right?

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8. Optimize storage

To keep a bathroom looking its best, you should invest in storage solutions that are easy on the eye.

If you have a habit of throwing your dirty laundry on the floor before you shower, add in an affordable woven basket. You can also store toilet rolls in a ceramic planter, and keep your makeup in holders or make the most of drawers and cabinets.

Or for an option that requires a bit of handy work, add in floating shelves that you can style with a few necessities. You can find them quite cheap and they shouldn't take long to install, either. Use the previous vignette and basket tips to keep your shelves cohesive with the rest of the room.

9. Vessels and ceramics

If you have some available bench space, use a ceramic vessel to style yourself a chic yet functional bathroom workspace. Fill a vase with eucalyptus trimmings (this will not only give your bathroom a delicious fragrance, but eucalyptus oil has amazing healing properties, too), use it to hold your toothbrush and toothpaste, or simply leave empty.

10. Get out the paint

If your tiles are old and discoloured, then there’s a very good chance your bathroom looks old, too. This doesn’t mean you have to rip out all your tiles and replace them with new ones. Instead, all you need is a fresh lick of paint to give achieve a fresh, contemporary look.

A spray paint applicator is the best way to paint your tiles as this will result in a smoother and more even finish compared to a roller or paintbrush.

Work slowly and start at the top corners, making your way in and down.

If you want to add a finishing touch, you can wait until everything is dry and then repaint the grout in a contrasting colour.

11. Light a candle

Is a bathroom actually complete without a candle? Not only will candles help set the mood for your ultimate at-home spa experience, but they'll also work 24/7 as décor. Our exclusive hand-poured Australian-made candles will transform your bathrooms into a spa-like sanctuary whether they’re burning or simply sitting still.