D.I.Y. Made Easy: A budget bathroom upgrade

It’s no secret that bathroom renos can be expensive. But as committed D.I.Yers and popular Instagram pair Ricky and Haydn proved when they set out to transform a rundown bathroom, there are budget-friendly ways to get the job done. “With a bit of a less-is-more focus and following a budget, we’ve really maximised what we can do in this space,” Ricky says.

Here they share their bathroom refresh ideas on everything from tapware to grout cleaning to show you how quick and easy a D.I.Y. bathroom makeover can be. “Instead of doing those bigger things, we’ve done the smaller things and that has made a big impact,” says Ricky.

The transformative power of paint

Never underestimate how a coat of paint can spruce up a tired space, especially when you plan to update the bathroom without a renovation. “If you’re just getting started at D.I.Y, the easiest thing you can do is grab your paint brush and a roller,” Ricky says. “A fresh coat of paint will breathe new life into an old room. Easy as that.”

Your colour choice will depend on the atmosphere you’re going for – light blues and greens make a small space feel bigger, while darker tones like navy create a moodier space. To keep things feeling modern and create a clean, fresh feel, the boys used a crisp white.

Handy tip: Tell the paint expert at your local Bunnings you’re doing a bathroom – you need to use a paint formulated for wet areas to prevent mould.

Repair and revitalise before replacing

“One of the first things we noticed was the discoloured grout in between the tiles but removing grout and tiles is a big, expensive job you don’t want to do,” Ricky says. “A little bit of a trick is to use a grout stain.”

Grout stain whitens tile grout and helps prevent future marks and discolouration. “If you can operate toothpaste you can operate a tube of grout stain. All you’ve got to do is clean your tiles down, squeeze the tube in between the tile grout and make sure it gets nice and in there,” Ricky says. “Let that dry for half an hour, wipe it down with a sponge and you’ve more or less ‘regrouted’.”

Handy tip: Wet grout stops the stain adhering so after you clean the tiles, leave the area to dry for 24 hours before applying the product.

Hardware updates hit big

“The biggest change is a simple hardware changeover,” Ricky says, suggesting you go as far as the budget allows. For their bathroom fixture upgrade, Ricky and Haydn swapped out the taps, showerhead and towel rail to give the bathroom a more cohesive feel, and moved from chrome to the more modern brushed nickel bathroom fittings.

Depending on your look – and your budget – you could also go for matte black, brushed gold or gunmetal grey. The key is to match all the tapware for a consistent finish.

Handy tip: Tapware needs to be replaced by a licensed plumber, so call in the experts for this one.

Bathroom vanity upgrade

For easy bathroom upgrades that make a big difference, you can’t go past this next tip. Instead of replacing the vanity unit, give it a paint job. “The cabinet is obviously the focal point of the whole room, and it’s pretty easy to repurpose your old doors instead of throwing them out,” Ricky says.

Start by filling in any holes and sanding back the doors. Then two quick coats of paint – letting the doors fully dry and giving them a light sand between coats – and they’re ready to be screwed back in place. Ricky and Haydn used Dulux Sage Green to introduce colour and personality to the white bathroom but go for the colour that suits your theme.

Handy tip: Be mindful of moisture in bathrooms and get interior wash-and-wear paint that’s moisture resistant to prevent peeling.

How to replace a shower head

The final job was in the shower, swapping the single head for a dual-function system with a rain shower head. “The shower head is super easy to do and unlike the taps, you don’t need a licensed plumber,” Ricky says.

Start by turning off the water supply to the house, then use a shifter to remove the old showerhead. Wrap a thread seal around the thread to prevent leaks and ensure a tight fit, then, following the manufacturer’s instructions, tighten the new shower arm in place.

Handy tip: Overtightening the new shower arm can damage the threads and cause leaks, so be careful.

Does your bathroom need a refresh?

Check out our bathroom project ideas and head to your local store to get started.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I update my bathroom on a budget?

You can refresh your bathroom affordably by focusing on small changes like painting walls or cabinetry, updating hardware such as tapware and towel rails, and revitalising grout instead of replacing it.

2. What type of paint should I use in a bathroom?

Always use paint specifically formulated for wet areas. Bathroom paints are designed to resist moisture and mould, helping your finish last longer.

3. Can I replace bathroom tapware myself?

Tapware installation must be carried out by a licensed plumber. However, you can complete simpler D.I.Y. upgrades like replacing a shower head yourself.

4. How do I make stained grout look new without replacing it?

Using a grout stain whitener can restore its look quickly and cost-effectively. It brightens grout lines and helps prevent future discolouration.

5. What are some of the easiest D.I.Y. bathroom upgrades?

The quickest upgrades include painting walls or vanities, replacing a shower head, updating accessories and hardware, and refreshing grout for an instant visual improvement.