Updating your bathroom doesn’t always require an entire remodel. Sometimes, changing a few elements of your design is all you need to give your scheme a new look and feel.
Whether your bathroom ideas are looking a little tired or your style has simply changed, a simple refresh might not quite do the job. But there’s a middle ground between that and a major change – think of it as a thoughtful update.
But where should you focus your attention? We’ve asked interior designers what you should be swapping out in your bathroom this year to revitalize the design – and there’s something here for every budget.
5 bathroom swaps designers recommend to update your bathroom
This year is all about making our bathrooms feel more lived-in and cozy. So the best way to give a scheme an update is to focus on the finer details, rather than the larger features like the shower, bath, and vanity. Instead, these simple swaps are the key to a refreshed bathroom that feels personal and on-trend, from bathroom countertop decor to functional elements that double up as decorative designs.
1. Swap out old shower curtains for luxurious linen ones
(Image credit: Bethany Adams Interiors)
A feature that is always visible in your bathroom and one of the few places to bring in a softer texture, shower curtains are an area of contention, often cheapening the look of a scheme if you don’t choose them wisely. But it’s an area where a simple swap can instantly elevate the look of your space.
‘Add a touch of luxury and splash of color to your bath by swapping out your big-box store shower curtain and liner for a pair of 100% linen curtain panels,’ suggests interior designer Bethany Adams, who designed this timeless bathroom scheme. There are plenty of places to buy shower curtains in various styles and different price points, and according to Bethany, they are easier to maintain than you might expect.
‘Yes, they will get soaked while you shower (double up with a linen liner if you prefer), but your bathroom will remain dry. The panels dry quickly after showering, will be wrinkle-free, never mildew, and look stunning. Toss them in the wash every so often if you like – they’ll be fine.’
Lillian Linen Shower Curtain
For anyone who loves a soft neutral bathroom, this linen shower curtain from McGee & Co is a charming choice. The organic aesthetic paired with the green bows at the top adds plenty of character to your scheme.
Shower Curtain Protective Liner
If you prefer that extra level of protection, a shower curtain liner will provide reassurance that everything is waterproof. Made from polyethylene vinyl acetate, it can easily be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth.
Lanie Printed Shower Curtain
For a shower curtain with a bit more prominence, this floral print design adds color and interest while maintaining a sense of elegance. This option is made from 100% cotton and is machine washable on a cold setting.
2. Focus on the floors
(Image credit: Ca’ Pietra)
Your bathroom flooring is one of the most hardworking elements of the room – functionally and aesthetically. Which is why they can easily begin to feel tired, worn, or even a bit boring on the eye. So, focusing your attention here for an update is a great option.
There are a few ways to refresh your bathroom floors, depending on the scale of work you’re willing to put in. For a larger project, replacing the tiles might be the most effective, or if you want a new look without the mess, installing removable tiles is an easy and renter-friendly choice.
‘If you are looking for a quick update, consider exploring a collection called Minerale. It’s a click-no-stick-tile made from composite stone that replicates the look of wood or natural stone and can be laid over your existing tiles. It is a DIY-er’s dream, so you can save costs by installing it yourself,’ says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
Or, if your floors are still in good condition and just need a fresher look, stylish bath mats can instantly elevate your bathroom. Look for more luxurious designs that mimic the look of rugs you’d find elsewhere in the home for a truly elevated design.
3. Bathroom artwork
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
It’s time to stop thinking of a bathroom as a purely functional space. Decorating your scheme should include just as many decorative touches as you would in other rooms – and art is a great place to start.
‘I always encourage clients to add intentionally chosen wall art to their bathrooms to add extra polish and personality,’ says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.
‘There’s no reason your bathroom shouldn’t be as thoughtfully designed as any other space in your home, and taking a moment to add wall art that is meaningful and beautiful really makes a huge difference,’ she explains.
If you don’t already have art on your bathroom walls, try adding one or two pieces to an empty wall to add character and interest. If you already have a few pieces on display, consider swapping them for something more unique, or even switching out the frames for a fresh look.
Janet Hill for Artfully Walls Forest Creatures Wall Art
If you’re sourcing art for a bathroom, why not stay on theme? These vanity paintings are so charming, especially in a gold frame. Choose between the green or pink theme to suit your bathroom scheme.
Artfully Walls Ink Bird Wall Art
Birds always feel like a fitting subject for bathroom art. We love the simplicity of this design with a classic blue and white color palette. This piece would feel right at home in bathrooms big and small.
Mediterranean Islands Wall Art
If you’re looking for something more serene, this beautiful coastal artwork is the perfect choice. Depicting the views over a Mediterranean island, it’s the ideal piece to admire as you unwind and get unready.
4. Swap out your bathroom hardware
(Image credit: BC Designs)
A small yet meaningful change, your bathroom hardware is a feature that not only completes a scheme but can make it look tired, too. So, for a simple swap, try updating your faucets and coordinating accessories.
‘Updating your brassware can make a huge difference to your bathroom design and can instantly refresh it. Investing in brassware can make your bathroom look more expensive, so if you have the money to buy a more premium model, then go for it,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.
‘Bathroom trends are also changing. Brass and brushed brass have been the go-to for several years but we are seeing a shift to nickel, brushed nickel, and whisper it…chrome! So it might be that you want to change up the finish on your brassware as the newer trends emerge.’
5. Lighting
Lighting is an important feature in every room of the home. Whether the space leans functional or cozy, the right fixtures and illumination are key to conveying the right atmosphere. And the bathroom is no exception.
This year’s lighting trends are all about designing rooms with layered lighting. While this might seem more difficult in more utilitarian rooms, it’s a look that’s actually really easy to achieve with bathroom lighting.
The easiest way to update your bathroom with lighting is to start by swapping out the fixtures. Whether you have a ceiling light, wall lights, or both, swapping them for something more elegant and on-trend will instantly lift the look and feel of the room.
If you have the space, introducing cordless lamps to windowsills or bathroom countertops is another way to bring in a new light source that doubles up as decor. Style it with pretty soap dishes and framed art for a stylish vignette.
These expert-approved ideas are simple yet incredibly effective ways to give your bathroom an update this year. However, if you do want to make bigger changes, why not consider using vintage pieces in your bathroom or installing a bathroom island if space permits? But whether your project is big or small, these bathroom update ideas will certainly come in useful.
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