On the walls 
Scrape old grout from between tiles and regrout. It may be possible to replace tiles entirely or tile on top of what’s there. This isn’t the cheapest or quickest option but is the most effective. Walls that are not tiled can be covered with a fresh coat of paint (choose one suitable for humid environments). Wallpaper is a great way to introduce colour and pattern without tiling. Provided it’s not too near a watery zone, a splashproof or wipeable wallpaper makes a fabulous focal point.

Lighting updates
Choose new lights to go in the same positions as your existing fittings and, while you have your electrician there, consider swapping the light switch for a dimmer to create a relaxing ambience in the room when desired. Change to low-energy LED bulbs to save money in the long run. 

Window treatments
Changing the window treatment gives the room a whole new look. Roller blinds are inexpensive and practical, but also consider a Roman or Venetian blind, or even custom-made shutters. 

Storage
Clear out the bathroom clutter first, then consider whether anything can be stored elsewhere. For the bathroom itself, look for wall-mounted or tall and thin storage options. For small items, choose a coordinated selection of woven baskets, acrylic and wooden boxes, ceramic pots and so on, adding texture as well as places to hide things away. 

Mirror on the wall
A large mirror is useful and helps increase the feeling of light and space. For ultimate luxury, swap a conventional mirror for a heated one with a backlight and perhaps a shaver/toothbrush charger socket – and even a Bluetooth speaker.

Taptastic taps
Replacing the taps is an easy job for a plumber but make sure you choose like for like – a mixer tap where there is only one hole, and a pair of taps where there are two. Old shower heads and hoses benefit from an occasional upgrade, too. 

Plant perfection
Provided you have enough light in your bathroom, adding a selection of pot plants brings a calming sense of wellness, colour and interesting textures and shapes. Choose plants that enjoy heat and humidity, such as ferns and bromeliads.

Finishing touches
A new set of coordinating towels will make your day. For softness and absorbency choose 100% cotton, and look for closely stitched edges and a weight of at least 500 grams per square metre. For a spa-like feeling, try ribbed, waffle or honeycomb towels, while lightweight linen gets softer as it ages and is lovely for hand towels.