The tiles, bathtub or sink in the bathroom of a rented flat or house may not always be to your liking. Consider making small changes before you rip out the whole bathroom.
A splash of colour is the easiest way to brighten up a bathroom. "Light wall colours make a room appear larger and airier," says Mareike Hermann, a representative of the DIY Academy in Cologne. Although white paint is perhaps the preferred colour, light natural tones or pastels are also an option. If the bathroom is large, you could also try darker and bolder colours, but these can make the room look smaller.
Beige and green tones are making a comeback, according to Frank Reinhardt, a trend researcher and design expert. "Bold, soft shades of yellow and red are also on the rise," he says.
Whatever the colour, use damp-proof paint such as latex, silicate or certain emulsion paints. A new wallpaper may be an alternative for your bathroom. Glass fibre, fleece or vinyl wallpaper that is highly washable and moisture-resistant is recommended, says Hermann.
If you are tired of the floor to wall tiles in your bathroom, try painting them with a special paint instead. Then, treat them with varnish or roller plaster instead of retiling the entire bathroom. This can be done in three phases, according to the DIY Academy.
Wash the tiles with a sponge and cleaner to ensure that they are clean, grease-free and dry before starting. Then fill in the tile joints. Apply filler evenly with a plastic spatula to even out uneven tiles and joints. Apply primer with a foam roller.
Roll on the plaster: Stir the plaster slowly and apply with a short-pile or effect roller. Seal the plastered surface. Apply a semi-gloss, transparent drying sealer evenly to the surface using a foam roller. However, make sure your landlord agrees to these changes in advance as they cannot be undone.
Wall panels made of waterproof wood, on the other hand, can be removed, says Reinhardt. "Click tiles can be easily and reversibly applied to the existing tiles." However, each additional layer makes the bathroom slightly smaller. If you no longer like your old tiled floor and your bathroom looks cold and uncomfortable, try a damp-proof laminate for a cosier feel.
Another option is tiling, which mimics the textures and colours of wood floors. They are laid in a staggered pattern like laminate, but because they are tiles, they are glued and grouted onto the existing tiled floor.
You can rip up the existing floor and lay the tiles on top of the screed, but you cannot reverse the process. If you want to keep the existing flooring, try freshening it up with a new bathroom rug. They come in all kinds of colours and patterns and can be round or square.
Ceiling and mirror lighting, as well as indirect lighting, can enhance the feel-good factor in a bathroom. Mirrors can also make a difference. "Large mirrors enlarge the space above the sink," says Hermann, as they reflect light and create a sense of extra space. Mirrored cabinets and tiles have a similar effect. LED-framed mirrors are popular at the moment and provide a bright, glare-free light over the sink. Dimmable versions can be adjusted from warm white to neutral and daylight white to suit the time of day.
Jars of cream, make-up jars, soaps and hair clips are usually stored in bathrooms. A wall unit and small baskets or bowls on the sides of the sink can be very practical for all these bits and pieces. Baskets in wood, rattan, fabric or metal can also blend in well with the overall look.
A tidy look can make all the difference in small bathrooms. "Don't overcrowd. Choose fewer pieces of furniture with closed fronts," Hermann recommends. Reinhard says: "Products for a terrace are also suitable for the bathroom as they are also suited to the humidity there. Plants on a shelf or in a hanging plant basket can improve the air in bathroom."
