Did you know that the average person spends 813 days of their life in the bathroom? That’s a long time! As one of the most well-traveled rooms in your home, you naturally want your bathroom to be comfortable, practical, and pleasing to the eye. Luckily, this doesn’t require calling a remodeler or investing in a major renovation. A few small changes can make a huge difference!
Here are a few easy ways to update your bathroom:
Update Fixtures and Hardware
Updated bathroom hardware has a big impact in terms of modernizing the room’s overall look and feel. A new satin nickel faucet or a matching set of oil-rubbed bronze towel bars can add a unique visual focal piece to the room. If you’re ambitious and updating all your bathroom hardware at once, be sure to use the same color and finish for all new pieces to achieve a consistent and harmonious look. Plus, it’s an easy DIY job!
Give the Walls a Refresh
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the room’s entire atmosphere and vibe. Since most bathrooms are relatively small and have very few (if any) windows, you may want to stick with lighter colors to open up the room. However, dark hues can add a dash of moodiness if paired with the right lighting and accessories. Regardless of whether you’re going with a conservative or dramatic color, it’s a good idea to paint a few test swatches on the wall. This gives you a snapshot of what the color will look like in its natural setting. After all, it’s much easier to paint over a three-by-three square than an entire room!
Revamp the Vanity
As one of the largest elements in the bathroom, the vanity has the power to make or break the entire look. Luckily, even old vanities with 80s brass hardware and honey oak cabinets can be given new life. If you’re an advanced DIY-er with the right tools and supplies, you can refinish the wood and replace the hardware in about a weekend. Not only is this cheaper than replacing the vanity, but it also makes good use of an otherwise solid cabinet box.
Enhance Storage and Organization
Is your vanity feeling cramped and cluttered? Are your drawers overflowing with hand towels and hair brushes and makeup? It’s a common issue in bathrooms, which are often small and limited on storage space. An under-sink organizer or an over-the-toilet storage shelf can free up vanity space and bring some method to the madness of keeping your toiletries exactly where you want them when you need them. Floating shelves are also a great way to showcase candles, reed diffusers, or other knickknacks without taking up valuable countertop space.
Add Stylish Accessories and Décor
Bathrooms can have a tendency to feel plain or sterile, so adding a few decorations or knick-knacks can help liven up the joint. A framed or backlit mirror can make a bold statement piece. Thrift stores and retail shops often have beautiful and unique antique mirrors for a fraction of the price of buying one new. Coordinated accessories like a matching soap dispenser, rug, and hand towels create a nice cohesive look. If your bathroom has a window or skylight, you can also incorporate some natural beauty in the form of plants. Humidity-loving species like spider plants, Boston fern, and pothos will feel right at home in a steamy bathroom. Orchids are also a stunning option if you’d like something with a dramatic flair.
If you’re looking to update your bathroom, you’ll be pleased to hear that it doesn’t require completely gutting the room or shelling out for a five-figure renovation. With just a few clever tweaks – many of them DIY-friendly! – you can completely overhaul the look and feel of an outdated or cluttered bathroom. That means you can spend the money you saved on some nice soaps and bath bombs to enjoy in your newly decorated space!
