The average lifespan of a bathroom is 10 years or less, yet according to Mybuilder.com it can cost anywhere between £1,900 ($2.5k) to £7,400 ($10k) to install, depending on size and materials. With these prices in mind, it makes sense to invest in a bathroom scheme that will stand the test of time rather than opt for a trendy design that will soon look tired. From classic tiles to traditional decor, take a look at these timeless bathroom ideas that will continue to look fresh, long after the sealant has set!
A well-designed bathroom that makes the most of every inch will certainly stand the test of time. Fitted furniture is desirable and open bathroom storage is functional and practical when chosen in neutral colours. A boxed-in bath and toilet are streamlined as well and makes cleaning a breeze, too.
Brass fittings are opulent and matt black fixtures look chic right now but for timeless appeal, chrome remains the popular choice for bathrooms. Set against a soft palette of white, pastel or grey tiling it's a fail-safe choice and increases the sense of space too. Look out for cleaning products specially made for chrome to make your fixtures sparkle consistently.
If you have space, a separate bath and shower will offer the full bathing experience for years to come and keep house valuations to a maximum. Make sure it's water-tight and sealed and incorporate storage for toiletries for a clean and always up-to-date vibe.
Tiles with simple yet elegant patterns such as marble will always refresh the look of bathroom interiors. Whether you choose to start with a simple white bathroom suite or a more contrasting black vanity unit, wonderful stone-effect patterns will make an opulent update on a bathroom scheme.
As with white kitchens, a bright bathroom layered with various tones of white will always be a popular choice. Natural light will bounce off surfaces creating a bright and airy space. Add warmth with accessories made from natural materials to create a soft sanctuary to unwind in.
Matching wall and floor tiles in a neutral stone shade will maintain a soothing and balanced bathroom scheme. A matching warming wooden vanity will blend right in allowing you to add colour, when desired, with changeable fluffy towels and toiletries.
A monochrome bathroom is a simple yet classic colour scheme that adds a touch of elegance. It suits all looks from farmhouse to contemporary. You don't have to stick to black and white either; the contrasting tones of grey in this country bathroom is soothing and long-lasting.
Wallpaper is a wonderful way of adding interest and character to a neutral bathroom that can be matched to a property's period and changed easily. Thanks to modern technology, all sorts of papers are available that are now especially suited to bathrooms. Showers Direct owner Adam Leech, explains: "Splash-proof or water-resistant wallpaper also claim to resist humidity and water splashes, making them suitable options."
When it comes to window features, a printed blind will make a colourful addition to a simple and plain bathroom. Look for historical prints that will never date like this fresh blue William Morris design. The iconic designer has been popular since the 19th century. We just love the classic blue tones of this Sunflower roller blind.
Give yourself the option to update your bathroom's scheme by tiling only half the walls or less and then adding colour with paint. This global-style bathroom is warming with eclectic charm thanks to an easily adaptable charcoal paint tone, unfussy tiles and an Aztec-style printed bathroom mat.
A chequerboard floor is timeless. The geometric pattern is bold yet classic and the monochrome colourway creates a classic character in both large and small bathrooms. Plus, you don't need to fork out on expensive tiles when you can get the look with paint. @kismet_kouse painted a large chequerboard floor in her bathroom makeover which elongated the stunning space.
The brickwork-style tile effect that first adorned subway station walls in the early 1900s is still going strong. So, it's safe to say metro tiles are a bathroom style staple. Clean lines and a glazed finish make them a fresh and easy to clean option whichever colour you choose. If you want to go for something slightly edgier, opt for matt styles without bevelled edges and try alternative tile layouts, such as a horizontal or vertical placement.
Artwork is an ideal way of adding interest to an otherwise plain bathroom. Here a curated art gallery feel has been created in a period-style bathroom by mounting a set of prints and paintings for an eclectic finish. Art can be swapped out as desired, for a fresh, new look.
Natural stone tiles will bring tranquil depth and warmth to a bathroom. Its versatility means it can look rustic in a cottage environment or spa-like in a modern bathroom. Keep in mind natural stone is porous so will need sealing before grouting, and will require careful cleaning to ensure they last. Tiles Direct explains: "If you'd prefer a tile which requires little maintenance, opt for granite or slate. Whereas polished materials can scratch easily."
Ensuring areas of the bathroom most exposed to water are fully protected will mean the space will be water-tight for years to come. Choose neutral colours and subtle patterns that sit well with any scheme as years go by. This muted herringbone splashback offsets a bold lagoon green tone beautifully but would work equally well with a softer hue later.
A combined toilet and sink unit utilises space and is a safe option. The additional storage and surface space makes it an attractive choice but it also creates a coordinated and streamlined look that eliminates clutter. The vanity units also help to conceal pipework.
An upcycled roll-top bath will never date and can save a fortune on your bathroom budget too. Plus, adding a new lick of paint is much easier than it sounds and will add character and charm. Darren Allison at BC Designs says: "The classic shape adds the traditional element while painting it can bring on-trend colours like inky blue that are popular in the 21st century into your bathroom.” @manwithahammer proves us right with his stunning pink bathroom with statement bath painted in Fenwick & Tilbrook's Sea Henge.
Trendy looks that lean heavily on natural materials, such as Scandi design, and the off-shoot Japandi, will have a timeless appeal long after its trend-led marketing angle disappears. Katie Fitzpatrick at Merlyn Showers explains: "Some key features of Japandi design are neutral main colour palettes... Japandi style also leans heavily on the use of wood, and the connection to nature, while also having functionality at the core.”
The obvious benefit of a double sink is its usefulness in family and shared bathrooms. A dual vanity also looks visually classic and impressive in a larger space and creates plenty of work surface and storage space to keep an orderly and clean bathroom. A Shaker style with smart white basins is an ideal futureproof choice.
If pattern is a priority be sure to get the balance right for lasting success. Choose a bright and neutral backdrop such as pale grey, then add just one or two prints into the mix. This statement floor works in perfect harmony with plain tiles enhanced by contrasting grout.
A freestanding bath will make an impressive addition in a bathroom for years to come. Whether it's a classic roll-top or a smooth and curvaceous modern slipper bath the standalone statement will always create an attractive focal point. While the rest of the room can change around this style statement, we don't think you'll ever want to change this.
A statement floor can certainly jazz up a neutral bathroom but a sea of colour and pattern beneath your feet could fall behind the times sooner rather than later. Instead choose a subtle but safe vintage pattern in muted tones such as soft sage and it will remain a tranquil choice.
Neutral penny tiles, like metro likes, are a lasting classic that's always attractive and will offset a richer tone. Here they have been used on the walls to protect from splashes, combined with wood-effect tiles, which create the same soft organic feel of real wood without the maintenance. For an alternative streamlined look, use penny tiles on the floors, walls and even bath panels.
If plain bathroom tiles seem a little boring look for patterns and prints that have been inspired by nature. Leaves, flowers or birds are motifs that are time-honoured and cherished. This panel of blue and white wisteria printed tiles creates a pretty focal point above the statement bath that brings the outside in.
Give your bathroom a traditional vibe with panelling painted in soothing colours. Panels are a period feature that looks great but also serves the purpose to protect walls. This Shaker style has the addition of decorative moulding to add further detail. There is now a range of kits on the market, such as this Homebase one, which allows you to recreate the look easily.
If you are looking to install a traditional bathroom suite that lasts you can't go wrong with a roll-top claw-foot tub as it will never go out of style. Make it practical with an overhead shower that's in a similar vintage style and follow the look with traditional fixtures and wall sconces.
Bath panels are an essential part of a classic bathroom as they cover pipework and create an ideal finish to any scheme. Wooden panels look smart and can add a splash of colour to the room. If you have a small bathroom and are looking for extra storage solutions some even open up to reveal hidden storage around the bath.
Stick to a bathroom scheme that reflects and is sympathetic to your property type and it will never tire. For instance, a contemporary bathroom will look chic in a new build whereas a retro scheme will look the part in a 60s bungalow. This traditional roll-top bath sits next to an exposed stone wall with graceful charm.
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