The bathroom is a place of sanctuary for many who enjoy providing themselves with some much-needed self-care. Whether that’s at the end of a long day or just after waking up in the morning. Your bathroom is a space in which you can relax and unwind or prepare yourself for the start of the day.

However, a bathroom might not be providing the right ambiance or environment you need in order to get the most out of your day. Whether it’s lacking certain features or it’s not seen much of an update in a decade or so, then it’s time to make some changes.

With that being said, there are lots of updates you can make that will soon change how the space looks and feels. Here are ten updates to transform your bathroom this year.

Replace any tiles 

First and foremost, tiling is an important part of the bathroom. Chances are, you have tiles somewhere in your bathroom and if you haven’t, then you’re missing out on a fuss-free and low-maintenance option within your space.

Sure, painted walls are ok but you need tiles to be able to protect your walls from too much exposure to moisture. After all, your home’s structure can become compromised if it’s exposed to too much water - and that includes moisture from your bathroom appliances.

Some of your tiles might need replacing, whether that’s due to them looking a little outdated or having some sort of damage inflicted on them. Over time, it’s best to replace your tiles once they’ve started underperforming in their purpose.

Take a look at the wonderful range online and in-store at your local DIY and tile stores. There are lots of variations out there and you can take complete creative control in picking out a new style if needed.

Regrout where it’s stained or broken away

Talking of tiling, it’s important to do any regrouting when the current grout is letting down your bathroom’s appearance. Even with the appearance of newer tiles, if the grout has suddenly turned yellow or is chipping away, it ends up ruining the beauty of the tiles themselves.

Even modern tiles can look dated when the grouting isn’t as it should be. Regrout when it becomes stained and if a stain remover doesn’t work on the grout itself. Where it’s broken away, it’s worth replacing sooner rather than later. Why? Well, with broken-away grout, it loosens the grip on the tile and that could mean your tiles fall off eventually.

Regrouting is pretty simple to do and there are plenty of how-to guides online for those who want to do the grouting themselves. There are, of course, plenty of laborers out there who be happy to do it for you at a cost.

Install a rainfall shower

Rainfall showers are a great way of giving your bathroom that spa-like vibe. If you’re someone who loves spending time in the shower and often spends a little too much time washing their hair and body, then it’s worth getting a rainfall shower head or system installed.

It’s a great addition to a bathroom and certainly transforms it into a paradise that you’ll likely spend even more time in. Rainfall shower heads are very common in hotels, which is probably why so many households are looking to recreate them within their own homes.

For any bathroom appliances, it’s worth doing some research and comparing costs before going ahead with the one you like most. 

Consider replacing the shower door

The shower door is an important part of your bathroom because it often separates your shower or bathroom area from the rest of the space. It helps with any splashes caused in the bath or shower, that would otherwise end up spilling onto the floor. 

There are lots of variations in shower doors, some that move and others that don’t. It’s worth thinking about the layout of your space and whether you need the flexibility of a shower door that can move freely, especially if you're constantly bathing your children or pets. In such cases, having a shower enclosure with a door that opens and closes would be beneficial.

Make sure that the shower door is something you can maintain easily without it needing to cause you too much trouble when it comes to cleaning. A good squeegee is useful for keeping the watermarks minimized on the glass.

Change the hardware of your taps

For a subtle but instant change to the space, think about changing the hardware in your bathroom. This means your taps and even your toilet flush handle if it’s appropriate.

This is a cheaper and more affordable change that most people can make without it having to break the bank. If you’re someone who is looking to make some improvements to their bathroom but maybe have a limited budget, then hardware is the next best thing to change in the space.

Take a look online and offline, researching the different materials that taps are made out of. It’s important you’re choosing the right material because some hardware like brass is a lot harder to keep clean and in good condition. 

Add lighting to your mirrors

When you’re stepping into the bathroom on a cold, dark morning, you want to be able to see what you’re doing without having to put on that harsh bright lighting in the ceiling. For an alternative to using wall lights, why not invest in some mirrors that come with lighting? 

Alternatively, you could also put strip LED lights around the top, bottom, and sides of your mirror to illuminate the space itself.

There are some great benefits to adding lights to your mirrors, one being that you’ll be able to see more clearly in the mirror before you step into the shower. Whether that’s applying your makeup or aimlessly staring down at yourself as you brush your teeth, illuminated mirrors are always a great shout. 

Consider more storage for the space

Storage space is often a limitation when it comes to most bathrooms. Not every bathroom in the average household is particularly big, which is something that’s important to note. Why? Well when you’re transforming your bathroom, you don’t want to include too much that it becomes cramped.

Instead, opt for storage that is utilized in areas of the bathroom where appliances already are. For example, it’s worthwhile getting some corner storage in your shower or going over your bathtub.

Storage space is a good use of your budget, especially when it comes to your bathroom. By incorporating different storage types, you free up more space around the bathroom so that you can walk freely without tripping over.

Incorporate some greenery

Greenery is an important feature in any part of the home, particularly so when it comes to impacting your mood in a positive way. If you’re looking to transform your space, then consider adding some indoor shrubbery to your space.

Of course, it’s important to think about the type of greenery you’re adding to the space because bathrooms generate a lot of moisture in the air. It’s therefore useful to look at adding in some succulents or hard-to-kill plants. 

This might be a good time to take a look online at what plants are most suitable for the bathroom area.

Replace your soft furnishings with new options

Soft furnishings over time like your towels and bath mats will become a little worn and tired. It’s important that you’re replacing these not only for aesthetics but for hygiene purposes too.

There are plenty of great options for soft furnishings and even if you fancy going all out, you could switch them up seasonally. From summer towels to winter options, to festive-themed picks.

If you see a towel or bath mat that’s gotten tired over the years or has worn to the point that it’s fraying, then it’s time to throw it out. Out with the old and in with the new as they often say! It’ll make a world of difference to the space. 

Add heated underflooring

Heated underflooring is a wonderful thing and it’s something that definitely is worth the investment if you have the budget to do so. This is particularly needed during those winter months where every bit of heat you can get into your body is much appreciated.

Consider what underfloor heating types would work for your bathroom and how much it’s going to all cost. There’s obviously the cost of running this underfloor heating too, which for some, might be too much.

However, if you love to be warm and you hate the cold during the cooler months, then it’s an investment that will give you great satisfaction. Not only that but it will contribute to those spa vibes that you might be trying to create at home.

Your bathroom space deserves a little TLC over time, especially as it’s an area of the home that experiences heavy footfall daily. With that being said, use these tips to help transform your bathroom this year into something wonderful.