4 budget bathroom renovation ideas that will cost you less than $1000

Contrary to popular belief, renovating your bathroom doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. While a gut and rebuild job can quickly become costly, thankfully, when it comes to this often-used space, the smallest change can instantly refresh.

It’s possible to make a tight budget work by simply keeping what you can and focusing on affordable, cosmetic changes. Even $1000 can go a long way with simple DIY updates such as painting, swapping out cabinetry handles, and adding floating shelves.

Read on to discover our four favourite ways to update your bathroom on a budget.

4 ways to update your bathroom for under $1000

1. Replace old and dated accessories and hardware

“Also high on the agenda is replacing dated vanity, tapware, lighting or accessories such as towel rails,” says Ania Forster, creative director at Gold Coast design studio Zephyr + Stone. If you can make the stretch, a heated towel rail is a great option – and something you’ll really appreciate come winter. “To really make an impact, concentrate on changing whatever is letting your bathroom down the most, or updating larger surface areas.” Be prepared to shop around to find the best products for the best price.

2. Repaint the tiles, vanities and walls

A coat of fresh paint will give you the biggest bang for your buck. “You can transform your bathroom for less than $600,” says Dulux brand manager Romy Nayagam. Look for specialist paints, such as the Dulux Renovation Range and White Knight Kitchen & Bathroom Range, which can be used to jazz up dated laminate, melamine, and timber cabinetry doors as well as floor and wall tiles.

Add some greenery to your bathroom with a low-maintenance potted plant. (Photography: Martina Gemmola | Design: Cantilever Interiors)

3. Add or up the ante on your bathroom storage

Finally, banish clutter and create Zen-like calm with smart storage. “Look at freestanding shelving or trolley options, and maximise vanity storage with drawer inserts and storage containers,” says Amy Hare, an interior designer for Ikea Australia. “Also ensure there are enough towel rails for everyone – it seems obvious, but this is something people often forget.”

4. Style your bathroom and vanity

From there, aim to style like a pro. “Add indoor plants – they can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the space – and fluffy new towels, beautiful candles and soap dispensers,” says Frances Cosway, design director at Melbourne’s White Pebble Interiors. If your mirror is too small, consider swapping it for a larger style that bounces light around. “I prefer oval or round mirrors,” she says, “to break up all the straight edges that are traditionally in a bathroom.”

>> 5 lessons from a tiny apartment bathroom renovation . (Design: Shannon Vos | Photography: Nic Gossage)

No budget to renovate? Create a new look for your vanity with fresh accessories, says Kaety Thompson of Sydney’s Oliver Thom:

• Add some metal magic Brass or gold accessories add instant elegance.
• Keep a consistent theme Create a cohesive look by pairing chrome tapware with accessories in a similar tone, such as pewter or brushed nickel, or brass with bronze accessories.
• Explore the dark side Accessorise with dark colours, such as dark grey, for a sophisticated feel.
• Anchor accessories Use trays to keep products such as your handwash, lotion and scent diffuser together. Have a separate area for hand towels.

How to style your bathroom vanity

5 bathroom products that will instantly refresh your space

shell-hook

01

Jade and May Dawn brass hook

$46, Hardtofind

If you’ve maxed out your bathroom space but still don’t have enough room to hang the family’s towels, opt instead for a couple of beautiful hooks secured to the back of the door. Available in two sizes (medium and large), simply attach with a single screw and hang your robe, bath towels, or hand towels.

Key features:

• Secured with a screw
• Available in two sizes
• Made in Java

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aesop-hand-wash

02

Resurrection Aromatique hand wash

$53, Aesop

It’s surprising the difference having a beautiful handwash sink-side (as opposed to its cheap, harsh supermarket counterpart) can make to a bathroom. When you’ve washed your way through an entire bottle of this herbaceous-scented liquid, save waste by purchasing a refill.

Key features:

• Key ingredients include Mandarin Rind, Rosemary Leaf, Cedar Atlas
• The bottles are made from a minimum of 97% recycled plastics
• Low-foaming

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bath-towels

03

Aura Home Paros rib bath towel set in Olive Night

$99.50 (usually $199), Myer

Swapping those old crusty towels that should almost definitely be tossed with brand new ones will instantly change how you feel about your bathroom. Incredibly soft and with a ribbed texture, this sustainably-made set from Aura Home includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and one bath mat.

Colours: Olive Night, Sand, Bronze, Shell, Lilac and Clay

Key features:

• 100% cotton
• OEKO-TEX certified
• Knotted fringe detail

brushed-nickel-cabinetry-handle

04

Castella Gallant handle in Brushed Nickel

from $32, The Blue Space

Something as simple as updating your vanity and cabinetry pulls can make a world of difference. This minimal, sleek handle is available in two sizes and three finishes (Brushed Nickel, Brushed Brass and Matte Black), making it the perfect pick for many bathroom styles.

Colours: Brushed Nickel, Brushed Brass and Matte Black

Key features:

• Lifetime guarantee
• Available in two sizes and three finishes
• Modern, refined and elegant design

body-brush

05

Wooden sisal bath brush

$7.95 (usually $9.95), Pillow Talk

This cute (and very affordable!) wooden sisal bath brush bridges the gap between functionality and style. Pop it next to your bath, ready to be used for when you need a good, relaxing soak. Its natural bristles will effectively exfoliate your skin, leaving you soft as ever.

Key features:

• Natural bristles
• Brush diameter 8-9cm
• Ergonomic handle design