Fixing the plainest bathroom ever

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

The only way to describe this space is "bleh". It's so bland it's almost criminal. The massive upswing is that it's also new and magnolia, so is prime for fixing. I'm hoping your suggestions can liven it up a bit!

I'm open to anything except "major work", ie. I'd rather not remove any existing tiles or set fittings. I was a bit unsure what would go with the wall tiles already in place, but then stayed somewhere that had a blue tone (with green hints) that worked wall, and made be think that a paint may work. I also think I need to do something with that plain wall on the left, but figured that artwork may not be wise, and that fittings may get in the way/ make the space seem almost cramped if you have to avoid them when walking in. That said, I could use somewhere to put towels, bedding etc as I don't have a linen closet or anything like that (although could put them elsewhere so it's not a major issue).

The wall to the right of the sink is also a shame. The fittings you see are for a towel rail that get tired of working. I can easily put it back on but thought I'd wait to see if anyone had any suggestions for what else could go on that wall.

As always, thank you!

Featured Answer

Charles Buckley

9 years ago

I would replace the radiator with a tall towel / designer radiator. Make sure it has sufficient BTU output. I'd be tempted to paint the radiator wall a colour that would suit the tiles. Farrow and Ball / Laura Ashley do a nice choice of greys / tans. I would also get a more contemporary bath panel. Bathstore have nice panels or if you're a DIYer, get a sheet of ply and panel it to fit and paint it a suitable colour to match the feature wall.

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Comments (15)

User
9 years ago
Dear Zach, there is nothing wrong with your bathroom but one of us is on drugs!
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Thanks, Andrew. The layout in the CAD render I sent should work for you. I would urge caution with some of the other options proposed which move the WC - you just need to take care with adding too much distance & too many bends to your soil pipe. Another option is to move the basin closer to the door and have a large wetroom area beyond it which includes the WC - a bit like CreatePerfect proposed, but without changing the window, and with the WC in the “wet” area. It can either be close coupled, or a false wall (or half wall) added and a hidden cistern, with the wall fully tiled. I would then keep the shower itself further away from the WC. Personally, I prefer the first option shown, albeit a little unusual- but your space does not make an “elegant” solution easy!
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User
9 years ago
Oh no! Suddenly all the perspective has changed.....so whose on what?
Joanna C
9 years ago
I'd definitely dress it. I'd add a towel rail by the sink to hang towels up, add a funky blind in the window, pictures on walls, a mat on the floor etc. And ideally repaint and,as suggested above, change the radiator.
Kelly Jakeman
9 years ago
so the wall to the right, I would match one of the darker shades in the tiles and paint the wall a darker colour, get a nice long radiator cover to put over the radiator, this will give you extra shelving for maybe a candle? something to set a mood when you walk into the bathroom, maybe have it white or a light matching cream to contrast that darker wall, above that I would hang a big mirror, can't afford one? make one! use old wood or old skirting boards, the mirror will brighten the room up more and with the light from the window it should reflect nicely on the opposite Walls, maybe accessorise with a big brown fluffy rug, one that can absorb the water?
Jonathan
9 years ago
I agree with you that it is a bit plain. If it were mine I would want it to also look a bit more expensive.
I would put a deeper colour on the wall, replace the radiator with a chrome ladder, then I would think about replacing the sink with a bigger vanity. I would be looking for a vanity in a dark wood and then get a slatted blind to match.
PRO
Period Property Store
9 years ago
Hi Zach W,

We think some dressing with some contrast would definitely help. A wooden bath panel, a wooden mirror, maybe some wall lights could soften the room. If you want to go a little bigger on the budget, we would suggest a wall or floor standing radiator, or replacing the floor tiles with something with a bold pattern . Here are some ideas below for you. Hope this helps!

Modern Bathroom with Traditional Accents · More Info

Contemporary Style Bathroom with Wall Mounted Towel Rail · More Info

Light and Bright Modern Bathroom · More Info

Period Styled Bathroom with Geometric Tile Flooring · More Info

Period Bathroom with Spanish Inspired Encaustic Tiles · More Info
Ann Wright
9 years ago
Liked this feature - more like a real life scenario. Would put clear glass in window with a couloured vertical blind outside the recess.
pastelgirl01
9 years ago
This is very similar to our bathroom - we just moved in. I would change
the mirror and fittings above the sink. For example, a 1920s round
beveled mirror could work well, and maybe a bamboo shelf instead of
glass? Also agree with the suggestions of changing the sink vanity.
PRO
Bromley & Fitch
9 years ago
The tiles are not that bad actually! If it was myself I would change the toilet by puting a unit in there with two small usable cupboards either side (200) so you can store your toilet cleaner and spare rolls in one side and on the other you could have it with a small bin in and a toilet roll holder so it is hidden when the door is shut. a granite work top if you want to go the full hog (can get cheap if they have a broken piece or off cut) or just a laminated one. I would definately change the rad to a chrome ladder or vertical radiator. I picked this one up for
£56 and its stunning . Remove the basin and unit and install a modern basin and unit with a lever tap, I got the one attached for £45 but have just seen it on the internet for a mere £15 Bargain!. Above, I would get a tall mirror and fix it to the wall, makes it look for elegant Then I would find a warm colour for the walls, put a classy picture up, a really bold colourful Roman blind up at the window with a little bit of the colour of either the borders on, or the tiles (please dont go for a bland browns and beiges one! ANY colours will work blues, reds, green, oranges, any, then just pick out a colour in the blind and buy some towels picking out one of the colours. Oh and change the bath panels to a more solid one or match the units. You could even paint a wooden one in a colour out of the curtains.

Good luck!
PRO
Feature Radiators
9 years ago
Swapping the radiator seems a popular suggestion, so here are a random selection of funky radiators I thought might jazz the space up, but you would be better having a look on our website if you get a min www.featureradiators.co.uk
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Pat Oliver Interior Design
9 years ago
You have a fairly small bathroom, which is why the tiles have been
kept neutral and light. What's missing is some items that will pop.

You
could spring for a nicer sink arrangement. The cabinet around a
pedestal was never a good look. Is there enough room between the bath
and the opposite wall to turn the sink and move it towards the toilet to
give you more worktop space and storage at the end of the bath? If
not, keep the sink where it is, but use a vanity to look more fitted.

The
bath can be altered to provide more storage. Although this image shows
open storage, you could have a panel front created with a drop down
panel on a push fitting http://www.dovcorbathrooms.co.uk/blog/view/a-great-bath-storage-idea

Changing
the radiator to a heated towel ladder you will be able to hang
colourful towels. Put up a hand towel bar or ring above the right hand
side of the sink. Get rid of the toilet roll stand and hang the roll
from a holder that matches the hand towel rail. Store extra rolls under
the sink.

Paint the long wall in one of the colours in the border
tile, perhaps a richer beige. An interesting large mirror would
visually widen the room. Alternatively, try a pale blue wall colour and
richer mid blue towels mixed with brown towels. (this photo shows how
sophisticated blue, brown and beige can be) [https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/sioux-falls-residence-contemporary-living-room-minneapolis-phvw-vp~15685118[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/sioux-falls-residence-contemporary-living-room-minneapolis-phvw-vp~15685118)

There doesn't appear to be any lighting other than overhead. A light over the sink area would vastly improve that corner.

The
floor does nothing for the room. Why not choose a vinyl floor from
Amtico or Karndean in a dark wood board effect? The tiles in your
bathroom can be skimmed over by a professional fitter and the new floor
laid directly on top. It would also be warmer underfoot. http://www.karndean.com/en-gb/floors/explore-by-room/bathroom.
PRO
Make My Blinds
9 years ago
Couldn't agree more that a funky or stylish blind woudl help towards transforming the bathroom. We have a whole range of bright and bold roller blinds: http://makemyblinds.co.uk/roller-blinds.html?great_for=42

Or you could opt for a Faux wood blind to give some style and sophistication. Going for a classy gloss white, or polar white with tapes will make that window look modern: http://makemyblinds.co.uk/faux-wood-blinds.html

Personally I woudl opt for the Faux wood venetians as they will alow light in and help improve the window at the same time - make the most of that natural light!

Thanks,

Make My Blinds
Elena Dejnak
9 years ago
Some new decisions you can find at: https://houseofenki.com/baths.html
User
9 years ago
You can use mywoodwall panels to make an interesting feature wall. They are real wood, but good for a bathrom, as they will not warp even in high humidity areas and you could transform the wall in less than an hour of work.