DIY Design: Personalising Your Aussie Vanity for a One-of-a-Kind Look

February 8, 2025
Dan's Plumbing

Ever dreamt of taking a step within your bathroom and feeling a complete sense of personal ownership, creativity, and stylishness? Well, you’re in the right place! This inspiring DIY guide will show you how to personalise your Aussie vanity and transform it into a functional work of art. We’ve got an exciting list of 20 topics, but today we will delve into the first ten.

1. Crafting Timber Vanity Tops

Timber isn’t just a bar stool and table staple; it can add warmth and character to your vanity countertop too! This Aussie-grown material, available in Tasmanian Oak or Jarrah species, can add a sleek or rustic vibe based on the finish chosen. You’ll need a few building materials like timber sections, adhesive and sealant for this task. And don’t forget – always protect your wooden top from any splashes or water leakages playfully caused by your taps.

2. Utilising Wallpaper for Bold Statements

Think wallpaper is only for your living room walls? Think again! Covering the cabinet doors with punchy prints or textured designs can revamp your vanity experience entirely. There are plenty of home brands offering peel-and-stick options making the application process easier than ever. Remember to perfectly align and smooth out the wallpaper to prevent air bubbles or creases from ruining your hard work.

3. Installing Unique Cabinet Knobs

A quick change to the facings of cabinetry can be just what you need for a new look without turning your bathroom upside down. Replacing existing knobs with ones that echo your personality upgrades your vanity while keeping functionality intact. Whether you prefer polished metal knobs for a modern feel or colourful ceramic knobs for a whimsical touch, this switch will undoubtedly elevate your space.

4. Creating Built-in Vanity Lighting

When your vanity is also your glam-station, lighting is crucial. Installing LED strip lights beneath the countertop or mirror frames transforms the entire ambiance, fostering an intimate or dramatic mood. Just be sure you have basic knowledge about electrical wiring or ask for professional help to ensure your safety.

5. Customizing Vanity Mirror Frames

Yes, mirrors do more than just reflects! A stylish custom frame can turn a plain mirror into a stunning focal point. Paint your current frame in a bold colour or attach wooden pieces to create a farmhouse look. Trust me, this subtle addition would make internet privacy irrelevant as you’d love to share this DIY success with your followers.

6. Designing Concrete Vanity Countertops

If rustic industrialism is your style, then concrete countertops could be your next DIY project. This construction material not only lends a raw aesthetic but also boasts excellent durability. A practical yet trendy choice that will have everyone clicking through for more pictures of your amazing bathroom transformation.

7. Incorporating Beach-themed Decor Elements

Why not bring the outdoor beach vibes to your bathroom? Add some shells as handles on your cabinetry or use oceanic hues and textures as part of your design scheme. This way, every trip to your vanity feels like an effortless coastal escape right within your home.

8. Adding Distressed-finish Vanity Units

A distressed finish vanity creates an invititing feel and that coveted lived-in look. Crafting this involves multiple layers of paint and sanding sessions, but trust me, the result is worth it! And for hardware options? Rustic metal handles and knobs align perfectly with this style.

9. Fitting Fashionable Pendant Lighting

Take your vanity lighting up a notch with stylish pendant lights. Suspend them down the sides of your mirror for a visually striking and well-illuminated vanity area. Just be mindful of the height at which you hang them – you wouldn’t want them hindering your bathroom activities.

10. Applying Natural Stone Backsplashes

Natural stone adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any interior design. Fitting it as your vanity backsplash not only protects your walls from water but creates a stunning visual effect too! So go ahead and explore options in marble, granite, or limestone for a one-of-a-kind look.

11. Building Open Shelving Units

Are you tired of the same old boring look in your bathroom? Consider adding open shelving units for a fresh, modern touch to your bathroom design. They not only add a unique aesthetic appeal but also provide practical storage space. The shelves can be made from different building materials like wood or metal to match your style and decor. You might choose a sleek black metal for an industrial look or a light, unfinished wood for something more rustic.

12. Painting Vanity Units with Stencils

Have you ever tried giving a unique twist to your vanity units by using stencils and paint? Use this creative technique to personalise and refurbish your existing vanity unit. Whether it’s geometric patterns, floral designs, or simple lines and shapes, a little stencil work will lend a handcrafted feel to your bathroom vanity. This decision will rely on your choice of visual theme, brand of paint and the existing interior design. There’s no need for professional help; it’s a fun DIY challenge!

13. Using Aussie Flora for Decor

Bring the outside in with some native Aussie flora decor! Placing strategically chosen plants around your sink can give your vanity a lively appearance. You might opt for species that thrive in wet conditions like palm-leaf ferns or bird’s nest ferns, they’ll love the humidity from the shower! These plants not only increase internet privacy but also thrive without direct sunlight, making them perfect additions to your bathroom’s interior design.

14. Adding Handwoven Baskets for Storage

If you’re after more storage space without resorting to traditional cabinetry, why not consider adding handwoven baskets? These versatile containers are perfect for storing toiletries, towels or even extra rolls of toilet paper. Beyond their practical uses, these baskets also add a comforting and warm touch to your vanity, giving it a beachy Aussie feel. You can place them on the countertop, under the sink or even hang them on the wall.

15. Incorporating Reclaimed Wood Elements

For a more rustic and naturalistic vibe, consider incorporating reclaimed wood elements into your vanity design. This can include a countertop made from old barn doors, or a mirror frame crafted from salvaged planks. This eco-friendly design choice not only looks incredible but also adds unique character to your bathroom while promoting sustainable building practices.

16. Fitting Wall-mounted Tapware

Moving away from traditional tap valves that are attached to vanity tops, consider opting for stylish wall-mounted tapware for your sink. It’s a popular choice in modern bathroom design for its sleek and clean appearance. In addition, this tapware design leaves more room on your vanity countertop for other accessories or storage options.

17. Using Traditional Aussie Colour Schemes

To make your bathroom truly Austrailian-themed, why not incorporate traditional Aussie colour schemes? From cool blues that elicit thoughts of stunning Australian beaches to rich greens reminiscent of our vast bushland, using these colours can bring the essence of iconic landscapes right into your bathroom. Throw in some earthy browns to represent outback soil and you’ve got yourself a colour palette that’s distinctively Aussie.

18. Creating Mosaic Glass Tile Accents

To add some sparkles and visual interest into the construction of your vanity, consider creating mosaic glass tile accents. They can be used as backsplash over the sink or as decor around mirrors and shelves — anywhere you might want to add a pop of colour and texture. Choose colours that complement your overall theme for an impressive and cohesive look.

19. Adding Hand-Crafted Soap Dishes

For a quaint addition to your vanity, consider adding handcrafted soap dishes alongside your plumbing fixtures. These can come in various shapes, designs and materials, depending on your preference. A hand-crafted soap dish allows you not just to display soap but also adds a unique touch of charm, making it a functional accessory.

20. Installing Frameless Glass Showers

If you’re looking to create an open, spacious feel around your vanity, a frameless glass shower may be just the way to go. Its sleek design with minimal metal can help make your bathroom feel larger and more luxurious while creating less visual clutter around sink and vanity areas.

Wrapping Up the Renovation

In conclusion, personalising your Aussie vanity is not as complex as it may seem. You can easily incorporate various design elements like open shelving, wall-mounted tapware or a blend of traditional Aussie colours to achieve the perfect look. A vibrant use of native flora for the decor or fitting handcrafted items will highly improve the overall impression of your bathroom vanity. Whichever choice you make, remember that in DIY projects, each step is an expression of you.

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Dan's Plumbing

Bathroom Tips and Plumbing Content Team at Dan's Plumbing

Dan's Plumbing is one of Australia's leading emergency plumbing services. We deliver rapid plumbing service to many Australian cities including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

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