Design Ideas
Bathroom Renovation - The Basics and Beyond
Thinking About Wallpaper?
To DIY or Not to DIY - That's The Question
H&G Advice Article
Bathroom Renovation -
The Basics and Beyond By Alex Honey
So you know your bathroom is in desperate need of an update – but where to start?
Planning, picturing and process is the answer to an inspiring result and stress free renovation experience.
Living with a tired, dated, dripping or just plain daggy bathroom can really drag your life and the value of your property down.
Yet the idea of embarking on a renovation can be a little scary or overwhelming, this is especially true if your valuable free time is limited or have you never renovated before.
That practical, clean, fresh bathroom you’d love to live with is closer and easier than you may think. The solution is to start with some planning.
First write a list of ‘must haves’. Then make a second list of ‘would likes’. Finally put down a few words that describe how you would like the space to feel …picture yourself walking into your new bathroom and put that image into words.
Now if you’re brave, its time to start the process of selecting all the bathroom fittings, fixtures and finishes.
Look for items that get as many ticks as possible on all three of your lists. The ones that have the highest number of ticks are likely to be your ideal purchases.
If you run into confusion or doubts at this point, don’t worry it’s natural.
The good news is you’re not alone!
What you need to do, to get back on track is get the help of an unbiased, experienced professional – one that is working just for you - not trying to sell you a tap, tile or bathroom package.
If the idea sounds like it would be a relief then a consultation could be all you need to get your head straight and give your ideas a bit of a polish.
Or if it’s the look and style you’re stuck with then you may just need have someone else translate the look you like or style you love into design inspired and budget conscious tiles, taps, bench tops and vanity units.
It'll give your project the designer X factor and let you get on with other important decisions.
Back to Top
Thinking About Wallpaper
If your'e looking for a way of injecting life, pattern, texture, colour and personality to your home, then wallpaper will do all that and more.
To make the most of wallpaper it’s best to incorporate it as part of an entire new scheme. That means intergrating your new paper with the existing pieces of your room.
I also know that many people will simply want to wallpaper and nothing else and still come out with everything looking unified.
So which ever way you want to use wallpaper, here are some worthwhile things to think about before you jump in.
What will wallpaper do?
Like colour, pattern can serve many functions. It can be a focal point or a backdrop and it can alter the apparent dimensions of a room. Patterned wall coverings can soften angles and are more effective than plain surfaces for disguising an odd-shaped room or uneven walls.
This shows one way to intergrate a new wallpaper to create a unified scheme
Where to Start with Wallpaper?
When thinking about a pattern, consider how effectively a large area of pattern will complement, or contrast with, your existing or proposed colour and design scheme.
The wallpaper (left) had the ideal scale and pattern repeat for one wall of this Brisbane apartment's bedroom. It works by adding interest, texture and detail with out dominating the room.
Mood and Function
Patterns influence the mood of a room, so start by thinking about the way in which you wish to use the room.
Large, bold patterns – like deep, rich colours – are intense and active; they work best as focal points in large living areas. Small, subtle patterns – like pale, neutral colours – offer a less challenging backdrop.
An example of a active pattern and colour combination
An example of a more restful pattern and colour
Colours to Consider
The predominant colours in a pattern influence mood. Reds have a warm, welcoming quality; blues are restful and calming; browns and oranges are warm; yellows are bright and reflective; greens have a natural, cool and spacious feel. Patterns in pale, neutral tones of these colours act like texture to add depth and interest.
Here are two gold wallpapers one with a bright hot colour and vibrant pattern(above).
The other with neutral colour and a more restful pattern (below)
Back to Top
To DIY or Not To DIY - That's The Question
If you’re place is ready for some home improvements you may well be considering the benefits of tackling the job yourself DIY style.
To DIY or not to DIY it’s definitely worth thinking about. Here are some tips to help you decide if it’s for you or not.
Whatever you choose, keep reading because we’ve given you some great tips on how to plan for a project.
Start by giving yourself and your project a sense of order and progress. Begin with a plan that lists of all the areas you would like to see changed.
You could make the list by room like Bathroom or Kitchen if the entire room needs a complete makeover.
Or if your home only needs bits, not whole rooms make you list by item order, such as new carpet or change all lights.
Make sure you put everything on the list don’t worry if it’s just a small thing like changing a few door handles put it down.
Next take your list and write a number next each item to prioritise. Approach your priorities with consideration to your time frame for completion.
If you plan to complete everything in twelve months and can accept living in a ‘work in progress environment’ for that time then put everything that involves structural or removal type processes at the top. It makes sense to do these types of tasks before new paint or carpet.
Alternatively if you are not embarking on any major renovating or ‘dirty work’ changes write your list either by room or by item. Consider what would make you feel most like you were achieving you goal as your guide for prioritising.
Now you have your priorities review the list and mark each item with either an A or a B according to who is going to complete the task A = DIY B= Breathe a sigh of relief someone else is doing that job!
Beware of over enthusiasm in the beginning! The idea of stripping and polishing your own floorboards may be appealing and look like a synch on a TV show. However your patience, perfectionism and persistence is going to tested.
Consider the value of your free time vs. your need for a high quality result. If in your heart of hearts you know that you will always see and regret the poorer quality of your DIY efforts then it’s time for the professionals.
Similarly if your mantra is Saturday and Sunday’s are for sleeping then again get the ‘blue shorts brigade’ in to do the work.
Back to Top
Designers Secrets - Newsletter
Receive hints and tips in our fun informative newsletter.Click here
Back to Top
STERLING INTERIOR DESIGN 0423 468 865 | info@sterlinginteriors.com.au