Bathrooms often fall to the bottom of the renovation agenda. Whether it's that money has run out or you're lacking inspiration for this very practical space, it often ends up as a bit of a blank canvas. However, bathrooms deserve joy and colour too, so these tricks to add character to your space without needing to open a tin of paint will provide plenty of inspiration.
While paint is a powerful tool, it can be a faff to repaint a bathroom or an expense if you need to call in professionals. Luckily, there are many ways you can incorporate some of the very best bathroom colour schemes and latest bathroom trends without needing to even touch a paintbrush.
Whether you have a weekend to spare or just an evening, these three tips will inspire you to be creative with your bathroom design.
1. Switch out a shower curtain
If you have a shower over a bath then you're in luck, because this is an incredibly easy way to switch up the entire look and feel of a bathroom.
Shower curtain ideas are a handy way to make a practical and essential purchase feel a little bit more exciting. You can choose a fun pattern that has hints of colours you want to incorporate into the design, as seen above, or you could choose a block colour.
The perks of colourful shower curtains are that they don't age as fast as a pure white curtain will, meaning they will last for longer.
This terrazzo shower curtain is just like the one pictured - it will bring in bursts of colour from elsewhere in a bathroom.
Green is always a good choice for a bathroom - this waffle fabric feels cosy, too.
Checkerboard prints are yet to go out of style - this a modern and funky way to incorporate pattern into a space.
2. Trial click-fit tiles
If you don't want to repaint, then it's unlikely that you want to retile either, but there are some modern adaptations that mean that new tiles or flooring aren't as far away as you might think.
'Colour does not always need to come from a paintbrush or a full re-tile. In a bathroom, the floor can be a wonderfully expressive place to begin, especially if the existing tiles are perfectly serviceable but no longer quite you,' explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
'Minerale is designed to be laid over suitable existing tiles, with click-no-stick technology that means no adhesive, no grout and no waiting around for everything to dry before the bathroom feels usable again. For a small space, that makes a huge difference,' she adds.
This clever technology means you don't have to rip up floors to get a new look, and there are also peel and stick options via Amazon, like this checkerboard style, for a more affordable alternative.
3. Add plenty of art
Art is always a focus elsewhere in your home, but bathrooms often don't get treated with the same creative freedom. Experimenting with colour through art allows you to try different colour palettes without overspending, particularly if you choose a print.
'Hanging artwork creates a strong focal point and detracts the eye from areas which you may not be able to change, this will give your bathroom a quick update that won't break the bank. One large print in the middle of a wall will look great, but even better if you have space to hang two or three prints together, in a colour that complements the rest of the room,' explains Sarah Weare, co-founder of Beach House Art.
'Our top art prints for bathroom are watery, fluid shapes of seaweed or coral - for a more nautical feel try beachy shells, knot art prints or beach photography - choose something that makes you smile and feel happy. The bathroom is where we start and end each day,' she adds.
This pretty tulip print would add a subtle dose of colour to a neutral bathroom.
For lovers of florals, you can't go wrong with this print from John Lewis.
Art can still be found on a budget - for green schemes, add this flower market print into a simple white frame.
A kitchen can be just as difficult to update without needing to undergo a proper renovation project - these tips for adding colour to a kitchen without painting will provide an inspiring weekend DIY task.
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