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hate our shower room - how can I improve?

5 years ago

What can I do to improve this shower room so I actually like it?!
We have a limited budget so I can't re tile the shower. I think it's the blue wall colour that I don't like. What colour would work best?
Space is really limited as it's a tiny room we squeezed in off the utility room.

Thank you so much. Paint colour is currently Farrow and Ball Blue Ground

Featured Answer

Karen

5 years ago

We have a very similar shower room off the utility, and are doing exactly as Heidi described. We're going for a dark wallpaper with beautiful flowers above the sink, and then will paint the other wall in the matching dark colour.

This is the wallpaper we've picked, but it's yet to be hung:

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Comments (20)

Heidi Cullen
5 years ago
What comes to mind immediately are the colours. They look a little institutional in such a small space. Retiling is a big undertaking so maybe keep the tiles and just regrout and go for a picture wallpaper with loads of colour or a baroque black and white theme. You could always paint the whole room white and 'colour' in with all the accessories in your favourite colour.

Whatever you do good luck and show us how it turned out.
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Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to comment. It's really tricky taking good photos as the space is so tight, but I will attach another photo and sketch to give a better idea of the space. Daisy- the photo was stretched, I didn't realise my portrait photo would be converted to landscape. So the sink is just set into a 50cm wide unit. I think the idea of moving the sink to the current bidet position is a good one, although as you'll see from the sketch there's very little wall on the left of the window so not much space for a mirror in front of the sink. Carolina- I love that photo! The bit I can't quite get is how the shower door would work if the shower head remained on the right (all the shower controls/electrics are on the other side of the wall, taking up space in a wardrobe!!) and the sink was on the left. whizzywig- the door opens out (my sketch should show it now) and the photo was taken from outside the door. I think the distance you asked for is 74cm. And yes, we queried the plumbing for a wc when we bought the house, but unfortunately it's not there - they said they didn't like the idea of a loo near their bed!!!
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caef1
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you. Will wallpaper be okay in a shower room? I have been told it will eventually peel off and / or paper will go mouldy from moisture in the room as it's a small space not a large bathroom with window etc
Karen
5 years ago
I must admit this wasn't a concern for us as the shower will rarely be used.

This article may be of use:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/bathroom/news/amp1448/wallpaper-bathroom-types/
Anthony (Beano)
5 years ago
Overall it’s a nice ‘small’ space but it’s the blue as you point out! I’m a grey person so I’d prob go a lite or dark grey, f and b pavilion grey or crown celestite (have to get it mixed now) I’ve the two and they are hands down the best greys I’ve came across, both warm!

Never seen a sink on top of the toilet before! That’s a first, possibly a nice led surround lit mirror and very small shelf to replace the existing small mirror and that’s all I’d do!
minipie
5 years ago
I think the room could do with a horizon dividing line of some sort, eg a modern dado or panelling to dado height, or tiling to that height but that’s pricier. Then above the line can be a deep bold colour, and below can be white. or the other way round. Will help make it feel wider and less like a tall narrow box. A bigger mirror above the loo will also really help.

What’s the flooring like?
Sonia
5 years ago
I agree a nice simple mid grey ( not too pale) would make it look a little classier than the blue. I love the botanical wallpapers above, and I’ve read you can varnish them to make them waterproof. Here’s a few ideas of grey.
turquoisetree53
5 years ago
Minipi has made very good practical suggestions. I think the tiles are great and classic. . Just be glad you have’t got some eye-dazzling horrors in there. I think the above loo sink is great, just like something in Amsterdam. This room has great potential, but that blue must go. particularly on the lower section of the wall. You could try sponging effect over it, as a first move ?
minnie101
5 years ago
Hi. I agree, it's just the paint colour. Maybe paint it in something like setting plaster? You could paint the niches a charcoal grey and add decorative items. You could also go for a mirror like in the 2nd photo where the bottom of the mirror is halfway between the 2nd and 3rd niche. (I suggest that style of mirror as assume you can't lean over the sink (?), if not just a skinny industrial style mirror). The photo may be deceptive but the ceilings look high, if they are then maybe a plant hanging in the top right hand corner of the shower
Jonathan
5 years ago
For me the paint colour is the issue. You would never find a high end spa decorated church hall blue- you would expect earthy colours, natural materials and discrete lighting
Juliet Docherty
5 years ago
Agree with both of the above comments, it's the blue paint colour. I would keep it simple and natural. Nothing garish.
caef1
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all so much. It has totally confirmed what I was thinking to get rid of the blue as a first step. I have Little Green French grey paint left from another room I might trial or FB setting plaster. Didn't think about hanging plant and adding horizontal line with panelling both great plans. thanks. Maybe after doing this I will feel less need to start totally from scratch.

Loo over sink - as an FYI to others - is great in principle as we didn't have enough space for a separate sink. On reflection wouldn't do again. Sink is too small and very annoying to use. But it is eco as the water from washing hands is recycled and used to flush the loo!
E D
5 years ago
Nah, no need to start from scratch. It looks like lovely little room. Glad you have a positive outlook on it now :)
PRO
OnePlan
5 years ago
In my humble opinion ... Good quality White paint - small (free ) samples of funky patterned wall paper in the niches to add interest. Keep it light and simple and it will feel bigger. Add colour with towels if you need to.
E D
5 years ago
I like the wallpaper samples suggestion but although I'm all in favour of white in a bathroom, in this case it might look a little bit hospital-like.

The shower door has that look already somewhat.
AMB
5 years ago
So you definitely don't recommend a sink over toilet combo? I'm thinking of getting one for a tiny downstairs cloakroom.
AMB
5 years ago
I think a darker grout or a bright coloured grout in the shower might help too.
caef1
Original Author
5 years ago
This particular one the sink is so small it's only really great for kids to wash their hands in. It's from B&Q. If you can get one with a bigger sink then I think it could be better
PRO
Duriya Bhaiji Interior Studio
5 years ago
I would definitely suggest light or mid grey as well on the walls and perhaps some nice framed prints on the wall opposite the toilet for some interest. Good luck!
PRO
User
5 years ago
Grey would be good which looks clean and sharp. Maybe put some succulents in concrete pots in the recess areas. Lovely new towels in grey with a pattern would instantly update the bathroom too. A much larger, longer mirror with a nice frame would make the room feel bigger, lighter and great for getting ready! Good luck!

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