Wallpaper Revamp

- About $150
Traditionally wallpaper isn’t the best solution for wet areas, but it can brighten up a separate toilet room if it’s been specially treated to withstand excess moisture and humidity.
1. Remove the existing wallpaper and clean walls with sugar soap, using bleach to remove mould. Remove protruding hardware including the toilet roll holder, to repair any cracks, then sand and dust the surface.
2. Measure for ceiling-to-floor lengths of paper, adding about 50mm to the top and base to allow for trimming, or add more to match up repeat patterns. From the first corner draw a plumb line from ceiling to floor, equal to the width of the paper.
3. Prepare wallpaper as directed, or mix wallpaper adhesive and apply with a brush or roller. Hang the first strip against the line, in case walls aren’t straight. Overlap the paper around the doors and windows then crease and trim to sit squarely.

Stencilled Feature

- $85
Stencilling is a modern DIY decorating technique, and stencils are available from craft and hobby stores, costing from $30. Or make simple ones from sheets of acetate. Artist’s acrylic paint is recommended as it has a thick consistency and dries quickly, ideal for repeat patterns.
1. Clean and dry backdrop surface.
2. To prevent paint from bleeding, spray the back of the stencil with repositional adhesive, or use low-tack tape (which won’t take off the wall paint when removed), and press the stencil onto the wall. Dip a brush in the paint and circle the bristles on paper to distribute paint evenly.
3. Apply paint in the cut-out areas, from the edges inward, swirling for a smooth finish or dabbing for a more subtle effect.

Mirror Tiles

- $48
Mirror tiles make a small bathroom appear larger by reflecting light around the room. They’re also a decorative alternative to a single mirror above the vanity. Square tiles can be arranged in a square, rectangular or diamond shape, and are easier to position on the wall above an existing tile splashback.
1. Ensure walls have been waterproofed then start with a clean, smooth and dry surface. Pencil a line down the side edge of one tile positioned against a bottom corner. Use a spirit level to ensure the line is plumb, then extend the line to the top of the area to be tiled. Check the first column of tiles fits in the corner and, if not, move the tile in from the corner rather than cutting it to show where the first tile goes based on how square the walls are.
2. Stick heavy-duty double-sided tape to the back of the tiles to adhere them firmly against the plumb line. Butt the base of the next tile against the top of the first, working vertically, and continuing horizontally.
TIP: Protect eyes and hands, and wear safety glasses to score through the tile when using a glass cutter. Wear heavy-duty gloves to turn the tile over and snap backwards to break it along the line.

Mosaic Benchtop

- $120
Revamp old benchtop tiles with modern mosaic tiles. Consider moving tap hardware onto the wall rather than atop the basin, and have a plumber reconnect any plumbing and hardware necessary.
1. Remove existing tiles or apply a primer with bond enhancer over the old tiles to prepare the surface.
2. Cut mosaic sheets to size, leaving room for the waste pipe. It’s best to position a freestanding basin on top of the tiles to avoid tile cutting.
3. Apply tile adhesive with a notched trowel, pressing and sliding the mosaic sheets into position and ensuring the tiles connect with the adhesive. Wipe away any extra adhesive before it sets.
TIP: For a different look, try grouting tiles with coloured grout.

Frosted Glass

- $30
Using a stencil and a can of glass frosting, create a pattern to match tiles or make the room more private by frosting the glass in the door. Condensation affects the durability of a DIY frosted surface so it isn’t generally recommended for wet areas. But it can be used on glass panels of bathroom doors or separate toilet room windows, and is cheaper than frosted glass panes.
1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry, and protect the floor from overspray. Frosting should be applied to the glass side protected from the elements, such as on the outside of the bathroom door. On windows, apply frosting to the inside of the glass.
2. Hold the can 300mm from the surface and apply several coats, allowing 10 minutes drying time between each. Use mineral turpentine to clean up any overspray.