Bathroom Update - The Finishing Touch

Depending on your budget, there are a number of products that can be used to update a bathroom. Accessories and bathroom-ware in modern design lines and tiles in earthy tones can fashionably transform a dreary-looking bathroom and bring it in line with current trends. 

If you have big bucks to blow on a complete new look and layout you may want to consider one or two key pieces and stand-out design elements. However, it is possible to update a bathroom that’s in desperate need of a make-over on a shoestring budget. “Here, careful planning and selecting the right items are important,” says Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager for Tile Africa. 

For those bigger budget projects consider these items:

• Retile the entire bathroom with a neutral colour ceramic or porcelain tile and tile right up to the ceiling for easy maintenance.
• Include a column of colourful mosaics or sandstone cladding to create a feature wall or add beautiful listelli borders as a finishing touch to the walls. 
• Invest in an impressive-looking free-standing or spa-bath to make a statement. 
• With a big bathroom an impressive double vanity could be your focal point.  Make sure to round the vanity off with a matching mirror for extra flair.
• Install under-floor heating and a heated towel rail for the ultimate luxury of warm feet and towels during the cold winter months. 

Items that can transform the look of your bathroom without blowing your budget:

• Taps, mixers and a shower rose in modern design lines instantly transform a tired looking bathroom. 
• Glass or natural stone mosaics laid either horizontally or vertically as a border in-between neutral tiles. The border can be a single row of tiles or a couple of rows, depending on your budget.
• Ceramic and porcelain tiles that closely resemble natural stone tiles come without the cost and installation hassle of natural tiles.
• Bathroom ware such as a new toilet, basin and vanity in current designs will immediately update the look. 

Affordable items that can make a difference:

• Install a glass shelf to display an eye-catching vase or pamper goodies. Glass shelves are fairly inexpensive and easy to install yourself. 
• A stylish mirror above the basin reflects light and makes the bathroom appear bigger. 
• If the tiles are outdated and extend halfway up the wall, consider a border in glass mosaics to uplift the look and add a modern touch.  

For more information about Tile Africa, their range of products and stores, visit www.tileafrica.co.za or call their toll free number: 0800 002 783.