When it comes to updating your bathroom, it's easy to think that a full renovation is the only way to achieve the look and feel you want. However, with a little creativity, some clever choices, and a modest budget, you can transform your bathroom into a stylish, functional space. Whether you’re renting or just don’t want to spend a fortune, these quick and easy bathroom updates are ideal for those looking to make a splash in their Melbourne homes without draining the bank.
1. Update the Fixtures
Sometimes, small changes can make the biggest impact. Updating your bathroom fixtures – such as taps, showerheads, towel rails, and even cabinet handles – can refresh the space in an instant. Choose modern finishes like matte black, brushed gold, or chrome for a contemporary look that doesn’t break the bank.
Where to Shop: Hardware stores like Bunnings or independent Melbourne showrooms offer affordable options, as well as online retailers like Amazon and eBay.
Budget Tips: Look for bundle deals to save money when purchasing multiple pieces at once, or consider buying secondhand from Facebook Marketplace.
2. Re-Grout or Paint Tiles
If your tiles are looking a little worse for wear, don’t rush to replace them. Instead, consider re-grouting or painting your existing tiles. Grout can become discoloured over time, but a simple re-grouting job can give your bathroom a fresh and clean appearance. Alternatively, tile paint (available in most home improvement stores) can cover up worn-out tiles for a completely new look.
Re-Grouting Tip: Make sure you clean the old grout thoroughly before applying new grout to ensure good adhesion and durability.
Tile Painting Tip: Choose a high-quality, waterproof tile paint for the best results.
3. Add a Splash of Colour
Melbourne’s aesthetic is all about bold style mixed with the charm of vintage and contemporary pieces. Introducing colour into your bathroom, whether through accessories or accent walls, is an easy way to update the space. Think vibrant towels, patterned rugs, or a coloured shower curtain. For a more permanent solution, a fresh coat of paint on one wall or an accent nook can create a stylish focal point.
Colour Trends: Melbourne’s design scene has embraced calm blues, muted greens, and earthy terracotta tones, but don’t be afraid to inject a little personality with contrasting colours.
Budget Tip: Opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper for an inexpensive and removable way to add texture or pattern to walls.
4. Install a Floating Shelf or Storage Solutions
Storage is always at a premium in smaller bathrooms, and Melbourne apartments are no exception. Adding floating shelves can help utilise vertical space, making your bathroom feel more open and organised. These shelves are perfect for displaying plants, candles, or stylish bathroom accessories, keeping your countertop clutter-free. If your bathroom lacks a vanity, consider adding baskets or stackable shelves for additional storage.
DIY Tip: Install the shelves yourself with basic tools like a drill and a level. You can find affordable materials at hardware stores or reuse wood from old furniture.
Budget Tip: Use secondhand or repurposed materials like old crates or pallets to create custom shelving.
5. Switch Up the Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in setting the tone of your bathroom. While installing a brand-new light fixture can be costly, simple updates like swapping out a dated light bulb for a more energy-efficient LED or adding a statement light fixture can make a noticeable difference. Consider task lighting around mirrors, as it will make getting ready in the morning easier while adding a polished touch to your bathroom.
Melbourne Style Tip: Pendant lights, brass fixtures, and vintage-inspired sconces are all popular design choices in Melbourne homes. You can often find great deals at stores like Temple & Webster, Beacon Lighting, or IKEA.
DIY Tip: Change your light fixtures for something sleek and modern, or even repurpose an old chandelier with a fresh coat of spray paint.
6. Embrace the Greenery Trend
Bringing the outdoors inside is a key trend in Melbourne interiors, and your bathroom is the perfect place to embrace this. Plants can transform a dull space into something lively and vibrant, improving both the aesthetics and the air quality. Choose moisture-loving plants such as ferns, snake plants, or pothos, which thrive in a bathroom environment.
Budget Tip: Check out local markets like the Queen Victoria Market or plant shops in Fitzroy for affordable plants. Alternatively, you can propagate your own plants from cuttings to save even more.
Stylish Tip: Use stylish planters that match the bathroom’s theme, or repurpose items like teacups or mason jars for a quirky look.
7. Add a Mirror to Open Up the Space
A well-placed mirror is one of the easiest ways to make a small bathroom feel larger and brighter. If you don’t have a large mirror above the sink, consider adding a full-length mirror or one with a unique shape or frame to create visual interest. A mirrored cabinet can also add extra storage without taking up much room.
Budget Tip: Look for budget-friendly mirrors at stores like Kmart, Target, or IKEA.
DIY Tip: If you want a custom mirror frame, you can buy inexpensive plain mirrors and create a frame with inexpensive wood, which you can paint or stain to match your bathroom's style.
8. Update the Shower Curtain or Screen
A shower curtain is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add personality to your bathroom. Opt for a stylish new shower curtain that complements your bathroom's colour scheme. If you’re after a more permanent solution, a glass shower screen is a great upgrade, but if you’re on a budget, stick to stylish yet budget-friendly curtain options.
Budget Tip: Choose a fabric curtain with a fun design or texture, or even a vinyl curtain for a more durable option.
Melbourne Style Tip: Geometric patterns, natural textures, or minimalist designs are trending in Melbourne’s bathroom style.
Conclusion
Updating your bathroom doesn’t have to be a costly or time-consuming project. With a few clever updates, you can refresh your bathroom and make it a stylish, functional space that reflects Melbourne’s design aesthetic. Whether you're working with a tiny budget or just want a weekend project, these quick and easy updates will help transform your bathroom without the need for a full renovation.
