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If a bathroom refresh is well overdue but the thought of pulling up tiles and replumbing taps makes you want to RUN, we’ve got you.

Renovating (and the mess and expense that comes with it) isn’t the only way to breathe some new life into a tired bathroom. All it takes is a little creativity and know-how to spruce up dark corners, balance out mismatched tones and add a modern touch to bathrooms and ensuites.

You won’t believe how effective the smallest of changes can be, and best of all, they don’t need to cost the Earth.

Declutter and add smart storage

Woven basket on a shelf in a white bathroom.
Find a home for everything

Clutter makes a room feel cramped and uninviting, so one of the first steps in your bathroom refresh should be dedicating some hours to decluttering. Trust us, it’s very therapeutic.

Got a hundred items on the vanity? Clear them! Your goal should be a few strategically placed pieces that look great and benefit the function and look of the room. So find a new home for cosmetics and toothpaste!

Storage solutions like wall shelves, drawer organisers, overdoor storage and baskets are your new best friends. They help you maximise space and improve the functionality of the room. And don’t forget, well-chosen storage is another opportunity to balance colour and add texture to the bathroom.

Add greenery

White vanity with small plant and brushed copper tap.
Plants are a fast track to a refreshed bathroom

There are some sound reasons why more and more modern bathrooms feature plants. They immediately bring vibrance and freshness to spaces and the lovely touch of nature creates a welcome ‘day spa’ vibe. Yes, please!

Studies have also shown that indoor plants can help reduce stress – and the good news is that many varieties absolutely thrive in humid conditions. So, whether you go for a beautiful hanging fern, a striking snake plant or a pretty potted floor plant, you’re improving the look and feel of the room as well as your well-being.

Splurge on a new mirror

Two round LED mirrors in a bathroom.
Mirrors can be showstoppers!

Not only brilliant for creating the illusion of more space, mirrors are a major design feature and one of the most powerful ways to achieve a transformative bathroom refresh.

Styles with decorative frames can be a great way to add texture and warmth to bathrooms, while backlit LED mirrors brighten rooms and enhance functionality. Trending arched mirrors soften a space, and asymmetrical styles add a contemporary touch.

There’s a mirror out there for any interior style and purpose. If your current one is past its prime, go ahead and treat yourself to a little mirror shopping.

Swap out your cabinet hardware

Brushed brass bathroom accessories on white vanity.
Updated handles are a quick change that makes a big different

When it comes to bathroom cabinetry, many people think of the cupboards and forget about the importance of great handles. But replacing bathroom hardware is a low-cost, high-impact exercise – and it’s something you can DIY in very little time.

Handles and drawer pulls in matte black, brushed brass or brushed nickel make a statement and inject modern flair into dated rooms. They also look fantastic paired with matching coloured tapware.

Don’t forget to explore modern textures and shapes as well – gone are the days when all handles looked the same!

Upgrade your handheld shower

Trending brushed nickel rain shower head.
A new handheld shower means better looks and performance

Yes, it is possible to upgrade your shower without calling a plumber!

If you have a handheld shower, whether on a single rail or part of a twin rail shower system, screwing on a brand-new handset can be a piece of cake. High-quality ranges come in several different finishes, so it’s quite possible to find a handset that matches your current rail.

Another huge pro of upgrading to a modern handheld shower is the technological benefits it brings. With innovations like Greens’ patented and uber-luxe BubbleJET® technology now available in a handset, showering becomes therapeutic, indulgent and relaxing. Ahhh!

Change up your bathroom accessories

Brushed brass tapware and bathroom accessories.
Hand towel holders and robe hooks are ready for a refresh!

Small bathroom accessories contribute greatly to the overall look and feel of the room. Swapping them out for some newness is a quick and fuss-free way to refresh your bathroom.

From new toilet roll handles and soap dispensers to upgraded towel rails and robe hooks, several pieces can be easily replaced to bring your bathroom into the modern age, even on a budget.

Experiment with trending finishes like brushed copper and gunmetal and see how epic the transformation can be!

And don’t forget wall art!

Guest bathroom with blue wallpaper and brushed copper taps.
Wall art can bring a room together

Artwork absolutely has a place in bathrooms and it’s such a fun way to refresh spaces. Of course, you just need to be mindful of positioning and mount it away from any potential splashes.

A captivating framed print or stunning wallpaper instantly adds substance, colour, depth and flair to rooms. Better still, it’s a way to weave a personal touch into your bathroom that might reflect a location, history or your beautiful family.

Whether you go with one oversized piece or a few small artworks, they are a godsend when it comes to tying the colour scheme of a room together and creating cohesion. Want to create a link between your tapware and your floor tiles? Use artwork to tie the two together.


Making HOME is working with Greens Tapware to bring you this article. Expertly designed in New Zealand for the modern lifestyle, Greens Tapware proudly sits at the forefront of technological tapware innovation and trends through constant research and innovation.

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