It’s widely accepted that giving your bathroom a facelift adds not only space, comfort and beauty to your home but also adds a little more cash into your pocket when it comes time to sell up. Michelle Kearney, Beaumont Tiles’ product specialist, says creating an airy and fresh bathroom can come from updating select features and laying tiles in particular patterns, all of which will have guests swooning.
“There are plenty of tricks that you can employ using tile placement, colour and light to make your smaller space appear just that bit bigger,” shey said. “Things like utilising natural lighting or installing a wall-hung vanity can bring a beautiful aesthetic that will make your home more liveable for you, and more lavish when it comes time to sell up.”
Here are her top three reno hacks to add size and value to any bathroom.
1. Creating space with tiles
With many Aussies having smaller bathrooms, there are plenty of ways that tiles can be used to create an illusion of space so that renovators don’t have to increase their footprint by knocking down walls. “Tiles increase space in a big way,” Michelle said. “By installing subway tiles vertically from floor to ceiling, you can make the space look taller, or you could make the room seem longer by installing larger scale tiles in a horizontal lay.”
She adds: “Another option for tiles is selecting one tile for both your walls and floors to give the bathroom a seamless and spacious feeling; just be sure to use a lighter tone tile as it can also make the bathroom seem larger as it reflects the light.”
2. Consider light for a better layout
Bathroom renovators who think carefully about bathroom layout in relation to natural or artificial light can create a glamorous space that seems bigger than it really is because when light reflects off multiple surfaces, it creates a feeling of openness.
“If your bathroom has a source of natural light like a window or a skylight it is important to map the space around it if you want it to look larger,” she said. “If your space doesn’t have access to natural light, adding a large artificial light source will also do the trick.
“Make sure that bathroom features, like the shower or cabinetry, don’t block the main source of natural light and allow the light to cover as much of the room as possible. This will keep things bright and expansive as it shows off the beauty of the space.
“Mirrors can be your best friend when renovating and by installing one opposite the main source of light, it will reflect it and create an impression of spaciousness and luxury.”
3. Add a few standout features
Updating a few features can often be the best way to go when renovating a bathroom as it can make the space look larger and bring value to what you already have, whether that’s through replacing tapware, adding a new bath or a new vanity.
“Adding features like a gorgeous floating vanity can make a space appear much larger, while adding new tapware without changing the plumbing can increase value quickly as it creates a beautiful uniformity in the bathroom that will give everything a facelift,” Michelle said.
“I find that one of the best ways to add value is by including a bath in your reno as they are a luxury feature. There are plenty of small baths which are made for squishier spaces but are taller than your average bath, meaning you can still enjoy a full body soak.
“What’s great is that these features don’t have to be updated all at once,” she said. “Instead, they can be updated throughout the year so you can maximise your bathroom’s value without breaking the bank.”
