bathroom vanity
There’s nothing we love more than a beautiful bathroom (at an affordable price of course!). However, even when you shop with us to get the best prices on bathware guaranteed, a full bathroom renovation can start to add up.

Our mission here at Bathware Direct is to turn every Australian’s dream bathroom into reality. No matter how big or small the budget, we’re here to help you know how to save, where to splurge and everything else you need to know for a beautiful bathroom makeover that doesn’t break the bank.

So if you’re looking to cut out costs without compromising on quality, read on to see our guide to a DIY bathroom makeover.

Declutter with additional storage 

If you’re asking yourself if you need more storage space - the answer is probably yes!


Often home to cleaning products, cosmetics, dental care and the occasional hair dryer, the bathroom has a lot of responsibility when it comes to storage and functionality. Without adequate storage, cluttered counter tops begin to make the space feel smaller and can take away from the stylish, spa-like retreat that we all dream of stepping into after a long day.

Luckily, there’s a plethora of options when it comes to bathroom storage. From stylish tallboys, floating shelves, shaving cabinets to bathroom vanities, there are many simple solutions to combat the crowded feeling of a busy bathroom. 

Adding additional storage is the perfect opportunity for a bathroom refresh while providing a practical solution to a common bathroom challenge. 

A new bathroom vanity

Every beautiful bathroom needs a stylish vanity to tie it all together - not only does it serve a practical purpose, but the right one can become the focal point of the bathroom.Thereby creating a space that’s both functional and beautiful.

Upgrading the vanity unit is a simple and affordable way to transform your bathroom, and better yet - you can save your renovation dollars by doing it yourself!

With the right tools and materials, replacing or updating your bathroom vanity can all be done in a day’s work - check out more of our curated bathroom tips on our Bathware Direct blog.
Before you embark on your DIY renno project, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right vanity unit for the room. As bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, it’s important to choose a vanity that not only complements the space but logistically fits within it. Be sure to measure the space, consider who will be using it or the space  and note any potential obstacles that may affect the placement, size and general flow of the room (or sanctuary!).

Our hot tip:
Although moving plumbing is not impossible, it does require more work. To avoid extra costs associated with changing the plumbing, choose a bathroom vanity that works with the existing plumbing.

At Bathware Direct, there are endless options of vanity units to suit all bathrooms and budgets.

Take advantage of the many designs and finishes available to customise a bathroom feature piece that suits your needs. To create the illusion of space in a smaller bathroom, opt for a compact vanity with a simple gloss finish, , create an earthy, more natural feel with a wood finish or infuse tone and texture into your bathroom with a stone like finish vanity top. 

Update tapware and fittings

One of the easiest ways you can breathe new life into your bathroom is by updating the tapware and fittings. It may seem small, but changing your fittings can make a huge difference. It’s also a golden opportunity to be creative and incorporate a colour scheme or statement shades into your space 

When selecting new fittings, think about how they work with the rest of the bathroom - do they suit the style and overall feel? Or alternatively, do they create a striking contrast? 

Keep it classic with silver tapware for a high-end finish, or get creative with trendy coloured tapware like a matte black mixer tap to make a statement. (If you missed out on the black tapware trend get the low-down here).

To get a designer look, create a sense of cohesion by matching your upgraded fittings with your new bathroom vanity, tiles and even toilet seat!

Our hot tip:
If you’re moving fittings to a different spot (and why not!?), be sure to check the position to make sure towel rails are conveniently placed and toilet roll holders are at the right height. 

Simply regrout or replace the tiles 

Replacing the tiles or grout can be a more time-consuming task, however for those with patience, it can have a huge pay off. For a smaller bathroom, using larger tiles can make the space feel bigger and more open. In a bathroom that offers more space to experiment, tiles can be used to create a feature, echo the colour scheme or draw the eye to a focal point of the room.

Another option is to simply regrout or easier still - clean the existing grout! If there’s no need to replace the tiles, restore them to their former glory by cleaning the grout and enjoy a bathroom that feels instantly brighter.

Attention to detail

The bathroom is usually a smaller space so you’ll want to make the most out of it. For the ultimate bathroom makeover, the beauty is in the detail. Whether you’re renovating your entire bathroom or just looking to give it a glow-up, styling with accessories is a small and inexpensive way of ensuring your bathroom leaves a lasting impression.

Consider adding a touch of nature with indoor plants to create a warm and tropical feel - a little greenery can go a long way. As bathrooms are often humid with lots of indirect light, they are the perfect environment for certain indoor plants to thrive - try a boston fern, peace lily or spider plant (artificial plants are always a fool-proof option too!).

For those who lack the green thumb or counter space to maintain plants, using the essentials to accessorise is another easy way to add character to your bathroom.

Use a towel ladder to store and display colourful towels or a funky bath mat to add charm and personality. If it’s time to replace the bathroom mirror, consider installing a large mirror to dramatically change the look of your bathroom while simultaneously creating the illusion of extra space.

Whether you dream of a modern and minimalistic bathroom with a bright finish, a rustic, beach-style retreat or a contemporary and calming spa-like style, you’re just a DIY makeover away from the perfect bathroom!