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DIY Décor Ideas After a Bathroom Renovation

After you've completed a big renovation, whether it's new tiles, fixtures, or flooring, it's easy to feel like your budget has been well and truly spent. But that doesn't mean you have to skimp on the finishing touches. 

Here are some down-to-earth, budget-friendly ideas we recommend making your bathroom feel more like home. 

Lighting 

Lighting can completely change the atmosphere of your bathroom, and you don't need to spend a fortune to get it right. Installing LED strips behind your mirror or under shelves can create a soft, ambient glow, perfect for evening relaxation. It's a simple, affordable upgrade that lasts and makes the room feel warm and inviting. 

diode lighting installation,installation of LED strip warm spectrum .

Colour Harmony

Keeping a cohesive colour theme by adding items that draw it all together is important. You can achieve this by embroidering or dyeing towels to match your chosen colour scheme. This adds a custom flair without the need to compromise on practicality. 

If you're looking for something that speaks to the region's heritage, consider using Herdwick wool items as decorative wall hangings, adding a soft and cosy unique element to the wall. Always consider how well fabrics will hold up in a damp environment. This would work best in a well-ventilated bathroom. If wool isn’t your thing why not try looking around for unused wallpaper or tiles. 

Metal Spray Paint Pipes 

Consider transforming your bathroom's functional pipework into decorative metallic features by spray painting radiators and water pipes with rich metallic finishes such as copper, gold, or brushed silver. These warm, reflective tones can add sophistication and visual interest to an otherwise overlooked part of your bathroom.  

Metallic accents work well in contemporary or industrial-style bathrooms, creating a cohesive look when coordinated with taps, shelving hardware, or decorative accessories. However, it's crucial to use only paint specifically formulated for use on metal pipes in wet environments, always ensure any product you select is explicitly rated as bathroom safe. 


Thoughtful, Local Touches 

We recommend exploring Cumbria and the South Lakes to find unique, budget-friendly pieces for your bathroom. These local items not only add character and practicality to your space but also reflect the charm and uniqueness of our region. 

DIY Project: Stick-On Fluted Design Vanity Upgrade 

Fluted design adds contemporary architectural detail to your bathroom while remaining budget-friendly and completely removable. 

What You'll Need: 

  • Self-adhesive fluted film or panels 
  • Measuring tape 
  • Craft knife or scissors 
  • Squeegee or soft cloth 
  • Cleaning spray and lint-free cloth 

Instructions: 

  1. Clean your vanity surface thoroughly with cleaning spray and allow it to dry completely to ensure proper adhesion. 
  1. Measure your vanity carefully and cut the fluted film to size, accounting for any curves or edges around taps and fixtures. 
  1. Peel back a small section of the backing and align the film to your starting point, then gradually peel and smooth the adhesive down, working out air bubbles with your squeegee or soft cloth as you go. 
  1. Once fully applied, trim any excess with a craft knife for clean, professional-looking edges around the vanity perimeter. 

DIY Project: Driftwood Wall Feature 

What You'll Need:  

  • Driftwood 
  • Shells/pebbles 
  • Twine 
  • Small hooks 
  • A drill (for mounting) 

Instructions: 

  1. Clean and treat the driftwood to protect it from bathroom humidity (a simple coat of varnish or wood oil will do). 
  1. Either hang the wood horizontally using hooks or use twine to suspend it for a rustic, natural look. 
  1. Glue shells to a board or set them in small hanging jars to create decorative displays that mimic the soothing effect of the sea. 

Look out for slate tiles from old Cumbrian buildings—these can be repurposed as accents or coasters to give your bathroom a distinctive edge. Handcrafted wooden shelves made from reclaimed Cumbrian oak or pine are also a great find and bring a natural, rustic warmth to your space. 

DIY Project: Repurposed Shelving Guide 

What You'll Need:  

  • Old wooden crates or small shelves 
  • Wall brackets 
  • Screws 

Instructions: 

  1. Sand down the crates or shelves if necessary. 
  1. Attach them to your bathroom walls using the brackets. 
  1. Place these above the toilet or near the sink to store everyday essentials. 
  1. Add small decorative touches, like plants or locally made scented candles inspired by the natural fragrances of the Lake District, to soften the look. 

DIY Project: Glass Bottle Soap Dispensers 

What You'll Need:  

  • Glass bottles (recycled from old drinks or bought at a charity shop) 
  • A soap pump top (you can purchase these online) 
  • Liquid soap 

Instructions: 

  1. Clean your glass bottles thoroughly. 
  1. Screw the pump top onto the neck of the bottle. 
  1. Fill it with your favourite soap. 

The bottles add a vintage or minimalist look to your bathroom, depending on your style, and they're a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic dispensers. 

For larger pieces, we suggest checking out local reuse organisations like Restore in Carlisle or Age UK South Lakes, with their outlets in Kendal, Ulverston, Milnthorpe, and Grange-over-Sands. You'll find an excellent selection of furniture and décor that's both affordable and full of character. 

DIY Project: Hanging Baskets 

  • What You'll Need: Wicker or metal baskets 
  • Hooks or wall-mounted brackets 
  • Screws 

Instructions: 

  1. Find a spot on your bathroom wall where extra storage is needed. 
  1. Install sturdy hooks or brackets. 
  1. Hang your baskets from them. 
  1. Use these to store rolled towels, toiletries, or even spare toilet rolls. 

Baskets add texture and a rustic feel while keeping everything within arm's reach. 

Start your Bathroom Renovation Today 

What makes this guide so special is the connection to the local area. When you choose to upcycle or source bathroom fitting from Cumbria, you're not just adding décor, you're bringing a part of the region's rich history and craftsmanship into your home. By incorporating these elements, you're creating a bathroom that is both practical and deeply rooted in local culture. 

At Panararmer, we understand that the foundation of any great bathroom starts with quality flooring and expertly installed tiles. Renovating can be a challenging process, but we're here to guide you through every step, ensuring your bathroom is built to last.  

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