5 Ways To Upgrade & Refresh Your Bathroom Ready For Summer

The summer is just around the corner, and hopefully the fine weather will continue to flood our homes with plenty of natural light. It’s a natural time to review and plan some home improvement projects to create a refreshed and contemporary space. Here’s a look at five ideas to add some extra light and luxury to your bathroom.

Frameless glass shower screens

Frameless shower screens held in place with a stainless steel glass channel create a clean and modern aesthetic for any bathroom. They allow sunlight to flow freely throughout the room, unimpeded by bulky frames and hardware. 

This helps the space to feel larger and brighter, and showcases the full beauty of the tilework, particularly if you opt for ultra-clear low-iron glass. 

Statement lighting fixtures

Refresh your bathroom lighting design to create the perfect balance between task lighting and ambient lighting. For example, backlit LED mirrors are ideal for detailed tasks such as applying makeup or shaving, while a frosted pendant light adds a touch of drama and elegance to the bathroom. 

Include a dimmer switch and changing colour temperature bulbs for those evenings when you want to soak and unwind in the bathtub after a long hard day. 

Add splashes of greenery

The trend for nature-inspired spaces continues, and it’s a perfect way to refresh a tired bathroom with more summery tones. If you don’t have the budget for big changes, simply bringing in some greenery can instantly change the atmosphere. Plants can help us to feel calm and relaxed, as well as adding an extra layer of visual interest. 

Look for species that will thrive in high humidity, and can handle the levels of natural light and average temperatures of your bathroom. For example, Boston fern loves bright light and plenty of humidity, while a spider plant is one of easiest plants to grow and will thrive in most conditions, although bright indirect light is best. 

For an option for cooler, darker, and less humid bathrooms, go for a ZZ plant, which has lush glossy green leaves and grows slowly. Snake plants are another hardy plant that will do well in most conditions. When selecting bathroom plants, aim to create a mixture of heights and leaf shapes, and even a few flowering varieties such as lilies or orchids. 

Natural textures and earthy tones

The summer is a time when we value the connection with nature and the outdoors most strongly, and a bathroom with plenty of natural tones and textures can feel at once soothing and uplifting. Choose rustic colour schemes such as sage greens, muted greys, and soft hazelnut shades. 

For a calm and grounded feel that also takes a sustainable approach, use wood accents in reclaimed wood or FSC certified products for vanities, panelling, and storage units. If you want a more contemporary twist, pair wood features with glass for a pleasing contrast. 

Natural stone such as sandstone, granite or marble is a beautiful choice for countertops, tiles, and flooring. Stone flooring is wonderfully cool underfoot on hot days, although for year-round comfort it’s best combined with underfloor heating. 

Go clutter-free

Whether you are a fan of the minimalist look or not, a clutter-free bathroom will always be stylish and a pleasure to use. Prioritise storage with integrated solutions, such as wall mounted shelving, and handy wall-mounted soap dishes, cup holders, toothbrush holders, and dispensers. 

If you have a larger bathroom or just a lot of clutter, consider fitting floor to ceiling units to make use of every inch of available space. A fitted vanity unit is ideal to save space, but if you do not have the budget for this, or just want that cool retro vibe, upcycle a piece of free standing furniture, such as a cabinet or even a slim wardrobe or bookcase.