For many of us, our bathroom is a sanctuary. A place to refresh, reset and — especially if you have little people at home — take a much-needed moment alone.
Whether it is yours alone or shared, a bathroom that works for you and your home is a must. And while a retro bathroom can be charming, like all utility rooms, it will eventually show the wear and tear of daily use.
A brand new, fully renovated bathroom is undeniably appealing, but a full overhaul may not be essential if the plumbing is in the right spot and the tilework and waterproofing are intact. Updating an old bathroom can make it feel fresh and functional without starting from scratch. Here are some modern updates to bring a breath of fresh air into a retro bathroom.
1. Update your fixtures and hardware
Contemporary hardware with a hint of colour such as cool gunmetal, brushed brass or sophisticated matte black can make a design feature of these hardworking pieces.

Replacing outdated tapware and spouts with sleek, modern styles will give an instant lift. Swap a dated shower rosette with a luxurious rain showerhead featuring an optional handheld shower for a spa-like feel. Update your towel rails and toilet roll holders to match your new hardware finishes and choose fixtures from the same range to ensure a cohesive look.
2. Max your space and energy efficiency
A bath is an everyday luxury if you have the space for it. Swap a bulky inset bath for a back-to-wall design to get the freestanding look without any wasted space — or the hassle of having to clean behind it!

To conserve water, consider switching your toilet to a low-flow option, and choose tapware and showerheads with water saving features.
3. Choose a modern colour scheme
Colour can be the first thing to date a room, but it’s also one of the easiest things to fix with a fresh coat of paint.

Put together a mood board with colour swatches in modern neutral or earthy tones (e.g., greige, sage green, or soft blues). Consider whether you’re working in a warm or cool palette and choose your hardware tones to suit your colour scheme.
4. Refresh cabinetry and countertops
One of the hallmarks of modern design is hidden storage, which older bathrooms notoriously lacked. Update your bathroom’s storage options with floating shelves for a modern and airy look, and add baskets, open shelving, or decorative hooks for towels and toiletries.

Add modern hardware to your vanity in your chosen finish, such as sleek bar pulls or circular knobs. You can also swap outdated countertops for quartz or butchers’ block for a clean, durable surface.
5. Add contemporary finishing touches
Even if you can’t do a full overhaul of your retro bathroom, a few modern touches can easily bring it into the 21st century.
Incorporate rugs and towels in complementary colours to distract from dated features or play them up with fun retro patterns. Finally, add a pop of lush greenery or decorative plants for a touch of life and create a sanctuary-style feeling you can immerse yourself in, every day.