6 Little Bathroom Upgrades That Make a Big Impact
Not ready for a full bathroom reno? You don’t have to be. Some of the best bathroom upgrades are the small, budget-friendly ones (the kind you can knock over in a weekend, but still make a big difference!) Here are six easy ways to freshen up your bathroom, without knocking down walls or calling in a plumber (well… maybe).
1. Swap Your Shower Head
It’s the thing you use every day, but it’s often the last thing people think to replace. A new shower head can instantly upgrade your space – better water pressure, better design, better mood.
A lot of people are leaning into a Phoenix shower head for that reason. They’ve got a minimalist vibe that looks good in basically every style of bathroom, and if you go for something like a matte black or brushed nickel finish, you can easily tie it in with the rest of your fittings.
A new shower head can give your bathroom an instant facelift. SHOP this Phoenix shower head.
2. Upgrade Your Basin Tapware
If your taps are still rocking that ultra-chunky chrome from the early 2000s, it might be time for an upgrade. Swapping your bathroom mixer for something a little slimmer and more design-forward can change the whole vibe of your vanity.
Designers are currently favouring soft, brushed finishes – think warm metallics or a classic black. Buildmat offers a heap of options that are practical but still feel polished. And if you're mixing materials (say, a concrete basin and brass tap), even better.
3. Add Matching Bathroom Accessories
This one’s subtle, but it makes a huge difference. Things like robe hooks, towel rails, toilet roll holders – all those little details. If they don’t match, your bathroom just looks unfinished. But when they do? It pulls the whole room together.
We’ve got a clean lineup of bathroom accessories that work with whatever look you're going for – whether you want everything in matte black, brushed brass, or chrome. Bonus: they’re actually designed to last, not wobble off the wall after six months.
4. Install an Arch Mirror
If your bathroom mirror is too small or too plain, replacing it can totally open up your space. Arch mirrors are everywhere right now, and they work because they soften the room without being overly styled. You don’t need built-in lighting or a fancy cabinet – just a good shape and the right scale. If you’ve already got bold tapware or a standout basin, a simple arched mirror can balance things out and let the other details shine.
An arched mirror works well in every bathroom aesthetic from minimalist to luxe.
5. Introduce a Pop of Brass
Brass isn’t going anywhere. And no, it doesn’t have to mean gold everything. A simple brass tap or accessory adds a bit of warmth and character, especially if the rest of your bathroom is quite monochrome. It's an easy way to make the space feel considered, not cookie-cutter.
Try it in small doses – a brass mixer, matching towel rail, maybe even a soap dish – and keep everything else clean and neutral.
Brass taps are both stylish and functional. What more could you ask for?
6. Keep the Layout, Change the Feel
If you’re not touching tiles or plumbing, you can still dramatically shift the mood of the room by updating fittings in the same layout. Keep your shower where it is. Leave the vanity. Just refresh the parts that sit on top. If you go for consistent finishes across these pieces, it’ll look like you spent way more time and money on the upgrade than you actually did.
Upgrade Your Bathroom with Buildmat
Sometimes the biggest changes come from the smallest tweaks. If your bathroom feels a little dated or just “meh,” start with one or two of these upgrades. Pick a new shower head, upgrade your tapware, add a fresh mirror or accessories, and give your bathroom that subtle glow-up it’s been waiting for.
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