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Too small? Too cluttered? Too cold? Bathrooms can come with a lot of design flaws. If a large-scale renovation seems too daunting, don’t despair – we’re sharing budget-friendly ideas and quick fixes to solve your issues.
Tip: Ask at the Special Orders Desk in store about our Skylight Installation service*.
If skylights aren’t an option, maximise available light by installing a glass privacy door and large mirrors to reflect it throughout the bathroom.With so many hard surfaces, the bathroom isn’t always the cosiest room in the home. However, if your space is uncomfortably cold, interior designer Alix Helps (alixhelpsinteriors.com) says there are a number of solutions to try, especially if you’re able to commit to a larger refresh. “We recommend installing underfloor heating,” she says. “It’s often perceived as a luxury item; however, it’s not an extravagant purchase and relatively economical to run.”
For a more straightforward fix, consider installing a heat lamp overhead and a heated towel rail.
Lack of storage can result in countertops cluttered with personal products like soaps, skin creams and toothbrushes. A cost-effective way to increase storage in your bathroom is to replace your standard mirror with a cabinet mirror. “Minimal depth is required, and you’d be surprised at the capacity within,” says Alix.
Elevated mirror cabinets are available in oval, rectangle or circular shapes to suit your space and style, and they can also house items out of the reach of children. “Face-level storage is the best solution to keep your vanity surface clean and clear,” says Alix.
Are you forever misplacing your bathroom essentials due to a vanity cupboard jam-packed with products? Think about replacing doors and shelving with large drawers. “If your vanity drawers didn’t come with built-in dividers or sectionals, you can purchase these and fit them afterwards,” suggests Alix. “Opting for drawers over cupboards is key to providing easy access to well-organised spaces. This can help to maintain some order and keep everything right where you need it.”
Tip: Keep little toiletries and other fiddly items together in small containers (below).
Lights that are positioned on the bathroom ceiling directly above a vanity can cast harsh downward shadows. The fix? Wall lighting. “Add wall sconces next to your mirrors to elevate the look of your bathroom and also to improve the face-level lighting for enhanced functionality,” advises Annebel. “If you prefer a more subtle effect, invest in a mirror with built-in LED lights.”
Busy bathrooms can be overrun with wet towels and dirty laundry on the floor. If your wash area isn’t big enough for a dedicated laundry drawer, help is at hand. “There are loads of stylish freestanding laundry hampers that can disguise the pile,” says Alix. “Try to pick something lightweight with handles for easy transport.”
Some wet zones can be challenging to keep clean; pre-existing design flaws or poor tile choices are often the culprits. “For example, a mosaic tile in a shower area will have lots of grout lines, and the more grout lines, the harder to clean,” says Annebel.
Be selective where you put your tinier tiles. “Place your smaller feature tiles behind the vanity for an elevated look with less maintenance,” she advises.
Tip: Make grout in mosaic tiles easier to keep clean by applying sealer.
If your mirror always appears dirty, there’s a good chance it’s scratched. “Replacing a mirror is a quick and easy fix and will brighten up your bathroom in an instant,” says Alix Helps.
Opt for the biggest mirror you can fit when choosing a replacement and consider taking the opportunity to increase storage by installing a cabinet mirror in its place.
Tip: A wall-hung vanity offers ample storage, floats elegantly in the space and it’s easy to clean under.
If your shower has low water pressure, there’s probably no need to call out the plumber – a new showerhead with the right technology might do the trick. Look for a Methven nozzle equipped with the Satinjet feature, which will deliver more than 300,000 water droplets per second, bringing a spa-quality shower experience to your home.
Slow-draining showers can increase the risk of flooding. The good news? It’s most likely a quick fix. Try a drain-cleaning product that will clear clogged pipes in no time, getting rid of the build-up of hair, soap, grime and the usual suspects. Enzyme-based products are less caustic than traditional formulas; however, always read the instructions and use the proper safety equipment.
Check out our guide to give your bathroom an affordable new look.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores but may be ordered.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
