Downstairs loo makeover advice

[Geppili]

I was planning on painting the walls and boxing in awful pipes at the back. A friend has suggested getting a new loo and basin. She implied they are really ugly and old fashioned. Can I have your opinions and ideas please? I could stretch to new loo and basin but not sure about how much it costs to install. Thanks!

Your friend is probably referring to something like this:
www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/minimalist-cloakroom-suite? which has very clean lines, no visible pipes, etc.
At the end of the day it's your downstairs toilet - what she likes isn't really relevant and don't feel obliged to spend ridiculous amounts of money on something if you don't really want it. (I mean that in a nice way)!
Costs to fit a new toilet and sink will depend on what part of the country you are in and whether anything needs to be adapted in terms of pipework etc. Could you get a quote from a local plumber/fitter?

Thanks so much for your reply and v sensible advice.

Thanks so much for your reply and v sensible advice.

The loo looks fine imho (and looks similar to ours) and the sink is same size as ours too. I would say the taps look a bit dated but that's easily fixed. If you box in the pipes and paint walls etc I think it'll look lovely and fresh. You can get a slim pedestal unit to cover sink pipes which may work as long as it's no wider than sink so you can get past to get to the loo.

What is the distance between the two walls where the toilet is?

Most cabinets are 500mm or 600mm. Mine was a stupid 720mm so I had to do my own thing but then DH and I can install our own bathrooms so we are more than competent DIYers. But we did install a back to wall toilet with a concealed cistern.

I prefer fitted furniture because all the pipework collects dust. I hate cleaning behind a toilet and the top of the soil pipe. Much rather it all neatly hidden away.

Thanks so much for excellent advice and opinions. Going for boxing in and a paint job.

Booked my wonderful female decorator. Will post an after pic when it is done.

I would do the following.

Keep the loo & basin.

Move the white mirror & put it over the basin.

Get rid of other mirror.

Put a small towel holder ring to the right of the basin, where the 2 dots are, as most people are right handed they would turn to use the towel.

(The towels in the pic are the first thing my eyes are drawn to)

Smooth the edges around the tiles above the basin with sealant.

Paint the walls - light.

Get a storage box to go under the towel ring, on the floor.

Move the loo brush.

Cost around £30-£40.

Thanks so much!

Maybe some open storage in baskets on shelves above the loo?

www.homedit.com/how-to-fit-the-most-storage-into-a-small-bathroom/
This site has some inspiring pics.

My first thought is that is looks a bit cluttered. I think if you could add it some storage it would look much more fresh and minimal - maybe a cabinet over the loo or a unit under the sink?

Other than that all would do is paint it and box in the pipes - exactly what you're planning!

Yourfly and everyone else thanks for your ideas. Yourfly you are so precise and spot on.