5 Common DIY and Renovation Mistakes That Can End Up Being Costly

The True Cost of a DIY Disaster: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Every year, homeowners across the UK dive into renovation projects that quickly turn into virtual minefields. Driven by a desire to save money or add personal flair, many take on upgrades that are far more complex than they realize.

The problem? Most of us are getting our expectations from home renovation shows that gloss over the true costs and technical difficulties of property work. While these shows make a full-room overhaul look like a weekend task, the reality involves intricate plumbing, precise electricals, and strict building codes.

If you’re looking for a project that is easy to manage, we previously covered several 'DIY Trends' that are budget-friendly and won't break the bank. However, for the bigger "meat and potatoes" of home renovation, you need to be careful. Before you pick up a sledgehammer or buy that expensive new suite, here are five common DIY blunders that could cost you thousands if handled incorrectly.

1. Neglecting the Project Schedule

One of the most common mistakes is failing to create, and stick to a realistic timeline. Planning a home renovation should be taken seriously; proper time must be allotted for the inevitable upheaval, especially during large-scale works.

• Bathroom & Kitchens: Expect at least 5 months for major work involving piping, electricals, and cabinetry. (Always ensure you have a backup bathroom!)

• Loft Conversions: Typically require 6–7 months.

• Home Extensions: Plan for at least 7+ months.

Rushing the process or failing to time your steps properly often leads to "tradesman friction" where you have to reschedule electricians, tilers, or plumbers at the last minute, usually resulting in hefty cancellation fees or project delays.

2. Prioritising Style Over Kitchen Layout

The kitchen is one of the most popular renovation projects, but it is also where most issues arise. Homeowners often prioritise aesthetic design over day-to-day practicality. Love Property recommends starting with the basics and building your design around what is possible, rather than what simply looks pleasing in a showroom.

If you must move your plumbing, it is essential to hire a professional plumber for advice before rearranging your sink or installing new piping. Attempting this yourself can lead to long-term costs that far outweigh the initial savings. HomeServe notes how burst pipes are a common occurrence and can be extremely costly to fix. A professional ensures your water pressure is correct and helps you avoid these expensive plumbing disasters.

3. Misplacing Bathroom Drainage

This is a very common mistake and it happens a lot in DIY bathroom projects. It’s generally due to poor planning and not taking the correct measurements. Apart from garden makeovers, ‘Renovation Projects’ website explains that bathrooms are the second most popular in-home renovation projects in the UK. And unsurprisingly this is another area where blunders happen, particularly when DIYers move fixtures without knowing where their pipes actually run. Before you start drilling or moving a toilet, it is wise to hire a professional Drainage Company to perform a survey. This ensures you know exactly where your existing lines are located, helping you avoid the poor alignment and bad odours that come from misplaced drainage.

4. Attempting Unqualified Electrical Work

Unless you are a qualified electrician, any job involving complicated or potentially dangerous wiring should be left to the professionals. Attempting electrical work on your own is often a recipe for disaster.

A common issue involves incorrectly splicing wires; while they might function for a short period, they will eventually come loose and create a serious fire hazard. A professional knows exactly what gauge of cable is required and where they must be installed within the walls to meet building regulations. They can also advise on your home’s future power requirements and outlet placement. Playing around with electricity is never advisable, so ensure you take these alterations seriously.

5. Risking Unsafe Structural Alterations

Any alterations to load-bearing walls, lintels, columns, chimney breasts or buttresses, or even cutting out roof timber without compensation for the changes can lead to major disasters. While your house may not collapse, Homebuilding and Renovating explain that it can cause all sorts of problems, from warped floors, stuck windows to partially collapsed walls or chimney stacks, among others.

Additionally, any alterations to the building’s structure require an inspection to ensure that it won’t collapse and it’s up to code. Therefore, it’s best to hire an experienced builder to identify which elements are structural and how to alter them safely.

The Bottom Line: Don't Let Your DIY Become a 'DI-Don't'

Renovating your home should be an exciting milestone, not a source of financial stress or structural danger. While the "DIY itch" is strong, especially when inspired by TV transformations, knowing when to pick up a hammer and when to pick up the phone is the most valuable skill a homeowner can have.

Quick Recap: Your Renovation Checklist

• Time: Allot at least 5–7 months for major works like kitchens or extensions.

• Precision: Always perform a site survey before moving drainage or knocking down walls.

• Safety: Electrical and structural work are non-negotiable; use certified pros.

• Budget: Add a 10-15% "buffer" to any quote for the hidden "minefields" found behind walls.

Ultimately, a successful renovation isn't just about the finished look, it’s about ensuring the work behind the tiles and under the floorboards is done correctly. By avoiding these five common blunders, you’ll ensure your home stays beautiful, functional, and most importantly, safe for years to come.

Final Tip: Before you start your next project, document your current layout. Having clear photos or professional surveys of your existing services can be the difference between a smooth upgrade and a costly disaster.

7 ways to make a small home feel bigger

Photo by Philipp Berndt on Unsplash

It doesn't matter how big our home is, it's never big enough.  You could have a huge living room and your bathroom could be tiny, you could have a big bathroom and your living room could be a few feet too small.  I feel your pain.

In this article, I will share with you some of the top tips I have learned over the years to make a small home feel bigger than it is.

1) Install shelving.

Shelving is one of the best ways to make your home feel big without breaking the bank.  Shelving can go in any room and can free up your floor space, leaving your home feeling much more spacious.

One tip with shelving though is to leave some space on them, filling your shelves too much is going to have a reverse effect making your home feel more cluttered than before.

My advice would be to experiment to see what looks best for your home.

2) Get rid of items you don't need.

All of our homes have items of furniture that we don't need. To make the most of your home you will need to either sell the furniture (eBay or other auction sites), throw them in the skip or put them in a self storage container.

Getting rid of a settee or a bed you don't use will free up so much room in your home and will make your home feel much bigger than before.

3) Match your curtains and walls

This trick can also be applied to the bathroom with your tiles, what you will want to do is match your curtain and wall colour, this way they blend into one and other.  This makes your eye flow across it rather than the curtains breaking up the flow of the room.

In the bathroom the effect is the same by having the same flooring and wall tiles, your eye is tricked into thinking there is more room than there is because it doesn't get distracted in the line breaks with different tiles.

4) Keep items off the floor.

Back in point one where I mentioned installing shelving, I discussed that shelving opened up space.  The same effect is created when you move items off the floor by having furniture that has legs.

The legs on the furniture allow you to see under them and this makes it look like your floor space is open and tricks the eye into thinking there is more space available.

Glass furniture also has the same effect as your eyes can see through them to the floor, by seeing the floor once again you are tricked into thinking there is more space than there is.

5)  Add mirrors.

Another optical illusion to add more space to your home.  Mirrors reflect the view in your room, and by adding larger mirrors you create a larger space.  

If you visit restaurants often you will see many of them use larger mirrors on their wall, the reason for this is so that the restaurant doesn't seem so cramped and feels open.  When in reality they are cramming as many people as possible in a room to make as much money as possible.

6) Don't use rugs or curtains.

In step 3 I mentioned matching the curtains and the wall paint together, but another take on that is to get rid of the curtains altogether.  By losing the curtains you allow your eye to take in the outside world, this brings the feeling of the space outside indoors.

Curtains do offer a certain level of privacy so this tip may not be for everyone, but a halfway hack would be to add a lightweight mesh to cover the window.  This way you still get some of the outside and a bit of privacy too.

Rugs in a small home are a no-no for me.  A few tips above I talked about keeping the floor space open for a feeling of space.  Adding a rug takes away this space and makes your home look cluttered.

7) When in doubt, paint it white.

White reflects light and opens up your room making it feel much larger than it is.  If you paint your walls and ceilings white you also stop your eye from noticing where one space starts and another finishes.

Conclusion

When you have a small home it's very easy to clutter it and make it look smaller than it is.  With the few tips above you can make a world of difference to your home.

If you have any other tips please leave them in the comments below.

Flooring for the Bedroom

After 10 years, we are finally going to bring our bedroom to life, to give it a well-deserved refresh; with the aim to make it cosy and comfortable and warm.

I have a good idea of my desired colour theme, but I am in two minds with regards to the flooring. At the moment, the bedroom is carpeted and the question is do we get a new carpet, or do we go for wood flooring? but, for the bedroom I think I definitely would prefer a nice, warm, cosy carpet.

Our bedroom isn't very big, it’s compact - we have fitted wardrobes on either side of the en suite door, a king size bed, bedside cabinets and a chest of draws squeezed into the corner. - its’ a snug space - a space that I try to maximise, but at the same time creating a nice, comfortable environment.

I really do like hard floors (I prefer the ease of cleaning hard floors), but when it comes to the bedroom I am definitely lean towards a carpet.

carpettilewholesale.co.uk offers options that provide a perfect solution for creating a serene and comfortable environment in your bedroom. Opting for a light colour not only helps to brighten the space but also adds depth, making your room feel inviting. Imagine stepping onto a plush, soft carpet that cradles your feet, providing that soothing sensation after a long day. The versatility of carpet tiles allows you to mix and match shades, creating a unique design that suits your style while ensuring each step feels luxurious and comforting.

Benefits of having a carpet in the bedroom:

• It can help save energy as it is a contributor to the insulation of the room.

• Carpet insulates floors, and the room as it provides a real feeling of warmth.

• Carpet feels good, soft, and gentle on the feet.

• Carpets are available in a wide array of colours and materials.

• Carpets provide a padded surface, rather than a hard floor, and with underlay you can enhance it further.

• Carpet offers an excellent sound absorber and can reduce the sound of walking/creaking.

Additionally, a very simple way to make a room, such as a bedroom feel refreshed - other than give it a lick of fresh paint, is to replace things like skirting boards. Areas like this generally get lots of wear and tear over the years with bumps, scrapes and scuffs. Simply by replacing them can really change the feel of a space, especially a smaller space such as a bedroom.

What is your favourite floor covering for the bedroom?

Jazz up Your Floors on a Budget

When it comes to home decor, flooring is important. Laying the right floors makes a huge difference to how good the look, feel, and finish of a room is.

Laminated wood flooring

A good option for homeowners who are working on a tight budget or for those who know that they are going to want to change their flooring on a regular basis is laminate wood flooring. This kind of floor looks great and goes down fast. Laying one is something that most DIY decorators can easily manage.

This type of flooring is relatively inexpensive and is extremely easy to maintain. It comes in a huge choice of finishes and colours, which makes it easy for you to find exactly what you are looking for.

If you tire of it taking it up and replacing it is not a complicated job. In some cases, it is possible to reuse the old flooring in another room or give it to a friend. You just to be careful how you pull it up, and bear in mind that there will be some wastage, which means that you will only be able to use it in a room that is smaller than the one you have removed it from.

Carpet Tiles

For a floor that just need a bit more character, why not consider some carpet tiles, especially, recycled carpet tiles. The possibilities for your floor are endless. Great qualities style and comfort mean they work well anywhere.

Carpet tiles add a bit more diversity to the floor covering as you can change out the individual square or the entire pattern, allowing you to be creative with your floor. Get creative and mix and match colours, textures, patterns and different tile sizes, all to achieve the floor that completes your look.

Bright rugs

The trick is to take your time and buy good quality flooring. If you are the type of person who likes to change their home decor on a regular basis, a good approach is to buy a relatively plain and simple floor.

That way you can use it as a base, and dress it up with rugs to help you to change the overall look of a room. It is an easy way to update your flooring without having to pay to renew it every time you redecorate. Once you have finished with the rugs you can easily sell them on, and buy new ones that fit in with your new home decor style.

As you can see, updating your floor need not be expensive.

5 Ideas For Designing a Sitting Room From Scratch

Image: Pixabay

 Designing a sitting room from scratch is an exciting yet overwhelming task. The opportunity to create a new space for connecting with your family and friends doesn’t always come, so it’s important to take this chance to design something truly special. It might seem like a nerve-wracking ordeal, what with the costs involved, but don’t fret as this article will give you some design ideas in coming up with the perfect sitting room for your household.

Identify the function 

Living rooms are one of the most important rooms in the house because it’s a space that will get used a lot. The most important step in designing a sitting room is identifying its primary use. Will it be a space where the family comes together? Or is it more of a space for receiving guests? If you often host dinner parties at home, for example, your sitting room could house a fully stocked bar. Interior Style Hunter recognises the importance of having a bar in your sitting room because of the sense of occasion that comes with mixing drinks in front of your guests and asking them to help themselves. Envisioning the sitting room’s function is important in coming up with your design.

Look at maximising space

Properties in London are usually small, so it’s essential to know how to maximise your space. The Telegraph suggests having moveable furniture to give you a flexible layout. This is because 18% of people quizzed in a study used their living room for exercise. If you’re one to use the sitting room for yoga or home exercise, having moveable furniture can be a quick-fix solution to increase the space whenever the occasion calls for it. Recommended furniture includes a lightweight coffee table or a jute pouffe ottoman. 

Choose the right furnishings

Many designers stress the importance of keeping your best items on show, not hidden away in some attic. Your grandmother’s antique coffee table could be a beautiful addition to your new sitting room. Coffee tables are central pieces of any sitting room because they’re usually where the rest of the furniture faces. Picking out the right sofa is another decision point, as many factors come into play in choosing the right one. For example, if you’re a taller person you will appreciate deeper seats, while those who are shorter should go for shallower designs.

Have a focal point

Cracked Nails and Split Ends emphasises the importance of having focal points in a room. Creating a focal point is key to a classy and stylish interior. One of the important things to consider is a strong visual element. The right piece of artwork often does the trick. Good Homes Magazine looked at the importance of having artwork that either complements or contrasts your sitting room’s design, depending on the look you’re going for. Either way, what’s important in picking the right artwork is to consider the pieces of furniture in your room and how the two would look together.

Finding the light 

Light sources are another thing to take into consideration when designing your sitting room. Natural light is always a winner; so make sure you have big windows that illuminate your space during the daytime. For evenings, opt for installing a fireplace in your sitting room. This helps create a good focal point while also being a place where people gather around. Moreover, Adorable Homes mentions how it helps in creating a romantic, cosy design that you can only get from old-fashioned heating. However, this doesn’t mean you need to worry about installing a chimney. The gas fires listed on Screwfix show how today’s designs range from traditional styles, which replicate wood-burning fireplaces, to models with more modern aesthetics. The variety of styles means that you’ll no doubt be able to find the right design that goes with your sitting room. Regardless of how you decide to do it, incorporating light sources into your sitting room will help in providing that warm feeling to welcome friends and family.

Complete Your Kitchen Renovation with These Must-Have Accessories

Photo by Al Kawasa on Unsplash

Kitchen renovations are nearly always big projects. They are arguably one of the most time-consuming, expensive, and stressful rooms in the entire house to renovate, especially if the renovation involves gutting things down to the bones. So as the end draws near, and the kitchen is just about done, it’s normal to want to just wrap it all up and start enjoying the space. Before you do that however, there are a few must-have accessories that could really add those finishing touches. Let’s take a closer look.

Window Coverings

If you happen to have a window in your kitchen, there’s no doubt that you love the natural light pouring in while you’re busy with meal preparation. However, there will be times where that light may be a bit too bright, or perhaps you want a little privacy, and that’s why you don’t want to forget about window coverings. 

One option that works especially well in kitchens is roller blinds. There are roller blinds like these from DotcomBlinds which are made to measure, which means they are customised to fit your kitchen's window exactly. The blinds are made from material that is anti-bacterial (ideal for a kitchen), and they are moisture resistant and child safe, so you don't have to worry about them posing a safety risk. 

Not only that, but the blinds also come with a three-year warranty, so you have peace of mind in your purchase. Available in a wide array of colours, it adds a sense of privacy, yet still allows the light to come in when you want it to.

Additional Lighting

Another accessory you may want to add is additional lighting such as hanging pendant lighting over an island, under-cabinet lighting, additional ceiling fixtures, and any other type of lighting that you think would work well in the space. The fact is that you can never have too much available light in the kitchen, as you don’t want any dark spots when you’re busy rushing around trying to tidy up, prepare meals, and even when you’re enjoying a meal as a family.

The Perfect Hardware for the Cupboards

Whether you have included a kitchen cabinet remodel or not in your project, make sure you take a close look at the current hardware (handles and pulls). These can age the cabinets and not allow them to flow with the rest of the design. By swapping these out for something new, it will feel as though you have all new custom cabinets.

Plenty of Seating

Finally, there is the seating. You want to be sure that you don’t just think about how many seats you’ll need at the table on a regular daily basis, but also if you are entertaining. Think about what the space allows rather than how many seats you think you need. If the space allows for extra chairs, then you’re best to go ahead and add them. Chances are they will be used.

Capping Off Your Project with Functionality and Style

Each of these must-have décor accessories and essentials will allow you to finish your kitchen renovation project with functionality and style as a priority.

5 creative ways to decorate your bathroom

Photo by Abigail Lynn on Unsplash

5 creative ways to decorate your bathroom

Many people play it safe when it comes to decorating bathrooms. If you're bored with the standard and plain designs that are commonplace, there are some simple and creative changes you can make that won't require an entire renovation. 

If you want a bathroom that stands out from the rest, read on for some creative decor tips. 

Paint the radiator a crazy colour. 

If your bathroom consists of mostly muted, monochrome tones, it can start looking a little clinical. One of the best ways to avoid the room looking boring is by incorporating pops of colour. 

Choose your favourite vibrant hue and give your radiator a coat of paint. Why not go for a bold royal blue, a pastel purple, or a bright and cheerful yellow? You can also extend this to shelves and small cabinets if you want to repeat the look throughout the room. 

Upcycle an old bicycle into a bathroom sink. 

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or just a lover of vintage, re-using an old bicycle as the base for your sink is unique yet practical. Simply use the frame of the bike to support the weight of the basin and countertop. This creation by New Orleans artist Benjamin Bullins uses the basket to store hand towels, but it could also be used for any toiletries. 

This is a guaranteed way for your bathroom to stand out, and every guest that comes through will be immediately impressed. Another plus is the use of existing materials, so it's one to consider if you're a lover of recycling. 

Place a fish tank in the bathroom. 

One way to add some life to a room is with aquatic life! Fish can be a perfect first pet, and keeping them in the bathroom will definitely remind you to feed them. 

If you're into the idea but not sure where to start, Fish Lab has you covered with all the best aquarium equipment you could ever need. They'll also help you set up your first tank, and teach you about the various breeds of fish.

Hang your towels on a rustic ladder. 

Replace your standard silver towel racks and go for something with a little more character. Bamboo ladders to hang your towels on are available to buy at many home decor shops and are incredibly affordable. 

Alternatively, you can easily re-purpose a ladder you already own. If you're really in the mood for some DIY, you can even follow this step by step guide to building one from scratch. 

Divide space with a screen. 

Screen dividers are great if you have a large, open space bathroom. Not only do they obviously divide your room, but they can be used for other purposes too, such as hiding away clutter. You can find vibrantly coloured oriental dividers to use as a beautiful decorative piece. 

4 Tips To Choosing A Modern Bathroom Vanity

Source

Choosing a vanity for your bathroom may not exactly be a glamorous task, but it is a task that needs to be done nonetheless. There's no denying the fact that a bathroom vanity either makes or breaks the design of your bathroom. If the vanity is placed in an awkward space, uses poor or mismatched materials, or does not boast of enough storage space, the rest of your bathroom will greatly suffer. Without straying away from the topic any further, here are 4 tips for choosing a modern bathroom vanity! If you are looking for bathroom vanity units in the UK, you should start your search here, bathroomcity.co.uk!   

Tip 1: Opt for custom designs

If you are prioritizing efficiency over everything else, you should perhaps opt for a modern custom vanity. Contrary to popular belief, modern custom vanities aren't always more expensive than factory-made vanities.  What gives modern custom vanities the upper hand is the fact that they can be tailored to suit your needs, requirements, and configurations. For instance, if you don't want the bowl to be placed in the middle, you can go ahead and tell your custom builder to fix it. In addition to that, you can also put electricity in the cabinet box i.e. if you want to keep the hair dryers, electric toothbrushes and other necessities ready to go. You also get to choose your vanity materials and play around with different styles and designs when purchasing a custom vanity.  

Tip 2: Storage

You will need to take into account the products you truly use to help you decide how much storage space you will require in your modern bathroom vanity. When selecting a modern bathroom vanity, it is always suggested that you to add about 30 per cent more space than you think you´ll require. Doing so helps take care of your current needs and also gives you extra storage space for more products that you may need in the future.

Tip 3: Size and scale

It is ill-advised for you to attempt to cram a huge modern vanity into a small bathroom. Even if you have extra storage needs, you should never select a modern bathroom vanity that is too big for your bathroom. In addition to making your bathroom feel cluttered and small, an oversized modern vanity can largely overpower your space. Plus, such vanities may not be completely functional and practical; there must be enough room for the drawers and doors to open and shut.

Tip 4: Choosing the design

When selecting a modern bathroom vanity, you should ensure that it not only blends in well with your bathroom style but also accentuates the other furniture and accessories in the bathroom. When choosing the vanity, you will need to focus on the design, finishes, materials used, configurations, and faucet colours.

Choosing The Right Bedding for the Bedroom

Photo by Nik Lanús on Unsplash

Over the past few months, we’ve been slowly redecorating our bedroom with fresh paint, new furniture, and the ultimate Simba mattress and Ottoman bed. Now, I’m on the hunt for stylish, high-quality bedding to complete the transformation. Join me as I share tips and ideas for creating a cosy, beautiful retreat.

We spend a significant portion of our lives cosied up in bed, whether it's for rest, relaxation, or sleep, so I firmly believe that it’s absolutely worth investing in high-quality mattresses and bedding. Doing so can help create that perfect, comfortable sanctuary where we can unwind and truly recharge our minds and bodies.

Below are some points I've considered when choosing my new bedding

Material

I prefer 100% cotton, ideal for not having to iron - I'm rubbish at ironing bedding. Cotton also gives you durability, comfort, and breathability. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and doesn’t need ironing, making it perfect for busy lifestyles. Investing in quality cotton bedding can transform your sleep experience while saving you time and effort.

Thread Count

This is the total number of threads woven into a single square inch of fabric. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the softer and more luxurious the sheet will feel against your skin. Good quality sheets typically range anywhere from 200 to a high-end 1000 thread count, offering varying levels of comfort and durability for a better night's sleep.

Fit

It goes without saying that you should always make sure to buy the correct size sheet for your bed. I personally prefer fitted sheets, as they help to ensure a smooth, snug fit that stays in place throughout the night. Plus, let's be honest—I simply don't have the desire or the time to do those complicated hospital corners with unfitted sheets. Fitted sheets make my life a little easier and more comfortable, allowing me to focus on other important things instead!

Pattern

I've still not made my mind up yet about whether I want plain, simple sheets or if I should opt for sheets that have lovely, eye-catching patterns. I do know that deep down, I want to embrace whites and soft, light pastel colours in my bedroom decor, steering clear of anything bright or too vivid in color – which is the complete opposite of what I currently have.

Thus, I have a rough idea of what I want for my bedroom decor, but I still need some visual inspiration to help refine my choices. Recently, I’ve been exploring the Julian Charleswebsite, which features a stunning selection of bedding. They offer some lovely options that really catch my eye! I’ve spotted a few pieces that I genuinely like, but now I just have to take some time to narrow them down to find the perfect set.

8 Ways to totally Re-Invent your Bathroom

Source

Whether it’s an issue with lighting, problems with the hot water, or a drippy tap driving everyone crazy, something always needs fixing in the bathroom. Sometimes, when it comes to decorating or transforming your home, the bathroom can often slip down to the bottom of the priority list, which is funny, because when it comes to home necessities, it is probably the one room that we all need the most (without going into too much detail). For a space that we spend a lot of time in, it can be a bit depressing if it’s dated, dull or shabby. There might even be some of you that have had a spur of motivation, begun a complete bathroom overhaul and then life got in the way. Your bathroom may now be half tiled, have bare floorboards and no storage and some of you might be all too familiar with a cold shower. If this is you, it is definitely time you did something about the situation.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Basically, now is your excuse to get a big, fancy mirror, as these things are not only practical but can also look really great in the bathroom. When choosing a mirror for your bathroom, you want something that is going to be extremely clear and precise (because it is often here that make up will get applied!) but also something that is also going to look nice and fit in with your bathroom’s design. Backlit mirrors are a great choice because rather than having an ugly, overly bright light hang over the top of your mirror, the light is hidden inside and provides perfect, soft illumination, plus you can feel like a film star whilst applying your foundation – total win.

Get Creative with Storage

Most bathrooms are typically small in size and so storage can often be an issue. Even if you have a fair sized bathroom, I can guarantee there is all kinds of rubbish that falls out of your bathroom cupboard when you open it, shampoo bottle after shampoo bottle gather dust on the side of the bath, and towels are stuffed awkwardly on the radiator. A simple storage solution would be to have some cabinets fitted and put everything away neatly. However, this can risk your bathroom looking a little ‘too’ clean (is there such a thing?) and a little clinical. Using creative storage solutions such as wicker baskets to store toilet rolls, cute mason jars to store make up brushes and shelves to house your rolled up towels means that you are killing storage and decoration with one stone.

Get rid of the Shower Curtain!

Shower curtains are finally becoming a thing of the past, and if you are still clinging tightly on to yours, it’s time to get rid. Not only do they just look a little 90’s, they also gather all kinds of dirt and grime, and they are an absolute pain to clean – basically, they rarely look good, and there are some great alternatives that will spruce up your space in an instant. If you like a minimalistic approach, then a plain glass screen will do the job just as well, and whilst it may get a little grubby through steam and fingerprints, a quick wipe with glass cleaner and it will look like new again. If you want something a little more creative, you could forget the idea of containment altogether (curtain or glass) and opt for a wet room. Open plan can often allow for small spaces to appear bigger and a wet room is a stylish, contemporary alternative to the traditional bathroom. You can also have a lot of fun with the décor and create dimensions using tiling techniques.

Go all green Fingered

Plants are a great, natural decoration for any part of the house, but they work particularly well in brightening up bathroom décor and adding a fresh feel to even the pokiest of spaces. Greenery can also create a fab sense of tranquillity, making your bathroom a relaxing and mindful space. There are a range of different house plants that will thrive in your bathroom environment and due to low light and high humidity, it is probably the best place in the house to have them. Orchids look great placed in the bathroom and will automatically give your loo a luxurious spa feel! If you want to go a bit greener, then something as simple as an Ivy pant will provide a fresh pop of colour – especially if your bathroom is white!

Put on your Overalls

It can sometimes be all too tempting to keep it plain and simple when it comes to bathroom decoration. Whilst this might work for some spaces, if your bathroom is a considerable size, you might want to tone down the white with a bit of bold colour. Giving a lick of paint to bare walls can really enhance the mood of a room and you will be surprised at the different it can make to its overall appearance! Why not go for something a little crazy like a bright pink or maybe a patterned wallpaper? Go on, be brave!

Spruce up your Bath

Of course, everyone dreams of a huge, standalone bath, full to the top with bubbles and candles, but in reality, a lot of bathrooms are simply too small and so if we want the luxury of a bath it has to be fitted in. But not to worry! There are still plenty of ways to make a fitted bath look chic and expensive. If your existing one is looking a little tattered, why not re-tile around it? Big, white tiles with dark grouting can immediately make for a funky look or why not fit a new tap onto your existing tub? Big, gold vintage taps can immediately turn a basic bath tub into something grand and upmarket.

Be a little Daring, Darling

If there is room for it, why not buy a piece of funky, modern furniture to sit in your bathroom such as a patterned chair or stool or even a big piece of elaborate wall art? When it comes to wall art, the bathroom is definitely a space for quirky, funny pieces that you wouldn’t necessarily hang anywhere else in the house, so why not go a little crazy?

Out with the Old, In with the New

If you want a fresh, new bathroom, you’re going to have to just bite the bullet and do it. Bite the bullet and bin any shabby, threadbare towels and grubby bath mats and buy completely new. There is only so long that towels and bath mats can stay looking fresh, and sometimes the accessories in a bathroom can really contribute to its overall look and feel, particularly if you have opted for the on display storage solutions I mentioned earlier. When buying new towels, you don’t have to go totally expensive – shops such supermarket home ranges or stores such as Wilkos and Matalan do really nice towels and other bathroom essentials for really reasonable prices – just make sure you choose a colour scheme and stick to it!