... to ask what YOU would do to achieve this?

[firsthome2333]

Hi guys,

I have recently moved into my first flat and I am making a few small unaffordable changes. I have attached photos of what the bathroom currently looks like, followed by a couple of photos of the style I prefer: dark grey and modern.

I am a clueless 24-year-old and I have no idea where to start! What changes do I need to make and what are the cheapest ways of doing so? What would you do?

Thank you all so much in advance!!

A little declutter (no offence), new fluffy green towel and a feature plant. Store tooth brushes away/ out of view. New plain but modern taps on sink and bath, if you can stretch to them.

I would buy good quality branded paint like Dulux Bathroom, or whatever they call it now. I have found cheap paint often, not always, takes more coats to get a good finish and ends up costing more than the quality paint. Having said that. I have had some good result from Wilko paint, but the last big job. Kitchen in Chalk White was a pain, and after 3 coats I am still not 100% happy. Wish I had got Dulux or Crown.

To (smugly) show you my new bathroom that cost £150... http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/amiibeingunreasonable/4334765-to-smugly-show-you-my-new-bathroom-that-cost-150

First I’d measure up to ensure you have space for the changes. Then remove all the things that aren’t essential like the wall art, scruffy rugs, mirror, shower curtain. Then I’d gradually replace the dated fittings with modern ones. To achieve that level of tidiness you need a large storage cabinet so maybe focus on that part first?

B&Q have a 20% off paint think it finishes Monday, and this week I've decorated using their own brand paint in Hamilton, a medium / dark grey, it look really nice and covers really well.

Well done on getting your first place!

I guess it depends how long you are going to be there? I assume it has an extractor fan? I would live with it a little longer to understand what bugs you the most about it.

Short term - I would paint the ceiling with anti-damp paint (Polyfilla was one I used) and paint walls with whatever colour you like (I only use Dulux paint). Get some decent brushes, a couple of rollers & trays, blue masking tape. Paint pads used to need watered down paint to work properly - maybe not now though. Clean walls down beforehand and if you have any holes or dents in the walls use a bathroom filler. Most things are shown on YouTube for guidance. Definitely have a shower panel and invest in a window vac that you use to get rid of excess water. Replace silicon surrounding bath and sink every year or so. Tiles look nice as is unless there are broken ones? Only have a rug for getting out shower. Loo rug thingy a bit yucky to me. A new loo seat in a decent plastic/resin material. Maybe a mirrored cabinet above sink or a corner one to left of loo? A different loo roll holder (single suction one). A nice matching set of soap dish/toothbrush holder/soap dispenser. New towels in another colour you like - grey is flexible - I went for some mustard coloured ones as they were cheap and the colour is calming to me.

Long term - tile more of the room and tile the floor. Maybe change sink and loo if you want a more modern shape and taps in bath too.

Either way, good luck with it all.