Holiday Ready Bathrooms: 5 Quick Refresh Ideas That Transform Your Space Before Christmas

Are you hosting a holiday gathering this year and you’re worried about whether your bathroom can stand up to scrutiny?

Why The Bathroom Refresh Matters

The fairy lights are twinkling on the tree, the smell of spices drifting through the air as your guests start arriving, dressed to beat the summer heat. With a house full of holiday guests, you know your bathroom is going to see the most traffic it has had since last holiday season. It’s one of the busiest rooms in your home, and it’s also one of the easiest to give a quick facelift to make a major visual impact on your guests. We’ll outline five high-impact ideas you can put into action quickly, along with some tips on design, compliance, and when it’s time to hire a licensed tradesperson.

Refresh Idea One: Updated Tapware, Shower Head, and Fixtures

Instantly modernise any bathroom space by updating your tapware. Whether you prefer brushed metal, matte black, or chrome, these modern finishes will instantly transform your bathroom. Always look at the WELS rating to reduce your utility bills just in time for all those guests. 

If guests are staying over, a new shower head might be a good shout. Take a look at your other fixtures. Can you give them a quick update? To create a cohesive look, coordinate your tapware and accessories.

While a simple shower head or tap replacement is something a DIYer can handle, if any plumbing connections are involved in the task, you need a licensed plumber in NSW. All work must comply with AS/NZS 3500.

Refresh Idea Two: Install New Lighting, Ventilation, and Mirrors

Whether you opt for an LED backlit mirror or a grand decorative mirror to serve as a focal point, wall hangings can make a huge impact without renovating bathroom. With the hot, humid Sydney summer rolling in, improved ventilation is crucial to handling a glut of guests, and you can create a more luxurious look by updating your lighting. 

Any electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician and must follow all safety requirements, such as the wiring rules around bathroom electrical zones to ensure electrical work is safe from water and steam (AS/NZS: 3000:2007).

Refresh Idea Three: Update Silicone and Grout

A cheap, but hygienic update that dramatically improves the appearance of bathrooms in Sydney. Start by removing the old, worn, mouldy silicone and fixing any cracks in the grout before reapplying fresh silicone. You can repair damaged or discoloured grout or freshen it with new grout.

If you are applying silicone or grout to parts of the bathroom that involve the waterproofing system, you must proceed with caution. If the work damages the waterproofing system, you need a licensed waterproofer to repair the problem in compliance with AS 3740:2021. Any waterproofing must be completed by a licensed waterproofer. 

Refresh Idea Four: Replace Your Shower Screen or Replace the Vanity

If you have an old shower screen or an even older shower curtain, you can upgrade to a frameless screen for an ultra-modern look or opt for a semi-frameless screen for a sleek look at a more affordable price.

A vanity refresh can improve both the style and function of your bathroom, whether you install a brand new one or give your existing vanity a facelift. If you are thinking about a new vanity, a floating unit delivers the illusion of space. It might be the ideal choice for the guest bathroom; just be sure you have sufficient storage elsewhere. 

While installing a brand new vanity is a straightforward task, if there are plumbing connections to be made, a licensed plumber will be required. Additionally, replacing your shower screen could breach the waterproofing perimeter, which can impact the membrane. In this case, you would need to call a licensed waterproofer to handle the repairs. We’ve seen a lot of matte finishes, stone, and oak used in our bathroom renovations in Sydney.

Refresh Idea Five: Update Your Style with Accessories and Decor 

This is the easiest refresh idea because there’s no risk of DIY gone wrong and a panicked call to the first tradesperson you can find. You can invest in greenery, new towels and bath mats, candles, soap dispensers, lotion, and art. There are also peel-and-stick tiles or accent wallpaper that can add a special touch. 

Are you a fan of crisp whites, or are you ready to embrace the crisp coastal neutrals or eucalyptus greens of summer living? There are so many options to choose from, but try to create a cohesive design by matching textiles and accents.

When a Refresh is Wrong: Signs It’s Time to Renovate

Not every bathroom is ripe for a refresh. Sadly, some may be too tired, too old, layout-restricted, or damaged. A small update might put a plaster over the damage, but it won’t tackle the underlying issues with poor ventilation or waterproofing failure. If the paint is bubbling or peeling, the grout is cracking, or your space is just outdated, a renovation might be the right choice.

Whether you need a large makeover or a total bathroom renovation, get in touch with Crystal Bathrooms for a quote. The CB team is passionate about tackling projects of all sizes, whether you have huge, detailed dreams or a little kernel of an idea.

Call Crystal Bathrooms

It’s too late to start a full bathroom renovation if you want it in time for Christmas, but these refresh ideas should breathe new life into any bathroom. They don’t require much work, and you’ll have a slick, modern bathroom ready for your Christmas guests arriving. 

As for those bathroom renovations? There’s no need to wait, you can pick up the phone and contact Crystal Bathrooms to arrange a free consultation and quote for a bathroom renovation in Sydney now. You can count on us for end-to-end project management, stellar workmanship, and a reliable team with deep knowledge of Sydney-specific regulations.