Budget-friendly ensuite makeover

Pull out the paintbrushes

An easy way to refresh a tired ensuite is to give it some fresh paint. Even if you have floor to wall tiling, giving the ceiling, window sills and door a fresh lick of paint will give the room a brighter, whiter and cleaner aesthetic.

Remember to use a paint product specifically designed for wet and/or humid conditions and to take the time to prepare the surfaces and protect the edges and other surfaces from potential spills before you get started.

Add a touch of colour to freshen up your ensuite. Image supplied: REECE

If you have painted walls, a great way to inject some new style into an old space is with on trend colour. All white is the obvious ‘timeless trend’, while colours found in nature – think eucalyptus leaf green, deep ocean blue or a deep desert rust red are currently in vogue.

And while painting can be one of the easier DIY jobs, if you have a few rooms that need refreshing or your walls are in poor repair, consider calling in the experts – they can get the job done quickly, to a high standard.

Resurface your tiles, tub and sink

If your tiling is tired or the colour of your tub no longer suits your style but they are still in good condition, rather than replace them, resurfacing may be a most cost effective solution – particularly if the layout and style still works.

Resurfacing, much as it sounds, involves applying a new durable finish or coating to your bathroom surfaces (basins, benchtops, tiles, showers or baths or almost any material from ceramic to metals, laminates and tiles can be resurfaced.) While a full bathroom renovation can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $30,000, resurfacing can come in anywhere between $150 – $3000.

Give your grout new life

Grout can become discoloured, stained, or cracked over time, which can make the entire tiled surface look less than perfect. Depending on the age and condition of your grout, a professional clean can make a big difference to the overall appearance of your ensuite.

If your grout is damaged, regrouting is the better option. Regrouting  involves removing and replacing the grout between tiles. It has benefits beyond aesthetics too – old and damaged grout can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria, especially in areas with high moisture levels, like bathrooms.

Regrout your tiles to breathe new life into your ensuite. Image: GETTY

Regrouting is generally more cost-effective than completely replacing tiles as well, making it a budget-friendly option for refreshing the look of your tiled areas. Depending on the style of your bathroom, changing the colour of the grout can dramatically alter the appearance of tiled surfaces.

Replace dated fixtures and fittings

Taps, shower heads and handles can get dull or damaged over time, and they are a defining detail when it comes to style (you can add elements of Art Deco with curved tapware and handles, period with brass, and sleek and modern with wall-mounted silver or black, for example.)

Fixtures and fittings are also relatively inexpensive to replace and there are bargains to be found by shopping around in store, in online sales and auctions (carefully read the description before placing your bid to ensure there is no damage and check the warranty conditions) or check out big box hardware stores.

Both shower screens and mirrors can become aged and hard to clean thoroughly over time, and both can add serious style to your bathroom without a big investment.  They are also a great way to add design elements that can be echoed in your tapware – curved glass making a big comeback in both mirrors and frameless or semi-frameless shower screens.

Revamp the vanity

Update your vanity for a more modern look. Image supplied: REECE

Upgrading your vanity is an excellent way to give your ensuite a fresh look. Instead of replacing the entire vanity, consider refinishing it or simply replacing the doors and hardware. This can save you a significant amount of money while still achieving a polished appearance.  A new vanity countertop is another affordable way to create a fresh look on a small budget.

Add style through accessorising

Give your ensuite a polished look with matching accessories and accents – while thread count and size matter (nothing says luxe like oversized Egyptian bath sheets and matching fluffing robes, bathmats and hand washers), think about the colour and style of your bathroom and choose your colours accordingly.

The same approach should be applied to soap dispensers and other bits and pieces. As well as complimentary colours, these items can also add to the overall style of the room with shape – if you’re using a curved mirror, vanity or taps, this can be carried through to your accessories too.

Also consider artwork and plants to add extra style and elegance without expense – a potted plant on the vanity or a framed piece of art on the wall can introduce a touch of nature and personality to the space and both can be purchased second hand – or repurposed from another room. If you lack the green thumb but love the idea of adding lush greenery, artificial plants are ideal.