For most homeowners, the bathroom is an area where we spend time preparing for the things that are important in our lives. It is also the place where we keep many of our precious personal belongings. It stands to reason that such a vital living space would be warm and inviting with décor that complements our lifestyle. Is your bathroom up to scratch?
If your bathroom isn’t the luxurious spa setting you’ve been hoping for, you may be considering a remodel. But with Remodeling Magazine reporting that the average mid-scale bathroom remodel costs $15,789, it makes sense to look for inexpensive ways to update your old space. Beautiful bathrooms help sell homes and enhance homeowners’ enjoyment of their living area. How can you revitalize your bathroom without breaking the bank?
A little paint goes a long way!
Painting a bathroom is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a significant impact. Color choice is crucial and you should think about other design decisions before making a final selection. Earth tones are popular right now and offer a more durable look than some of the more modern shades. Taking the time to find the perfect color will make it easier to achieve the bathroom transformation you’re looking for.
hardware to the rescue
Changing your cabinet hardware is an easy and inexpensive upgrade that delivers quick results. Most home supply stores offer a selection of styles with updated finishes. Brushed nickel, pewter, or oil rubbed bronze are popular selections that work well with today’s lighting and fixtures, towel bars, knobs, pulls, and switch and receptacle covers.
look in the mirror
What about that huge frameless mirror hanging on the wall? The mirror is the focal point of your bathroom and the one bathroom appointment you look at more than any other. Shouldn’t your mirror get a facelift too?
Replacing the entire mirror can cost a lot of money. They are usually attached to the wall with glue, creating an unsightly mess of cracked plaster when removed. A better option is to frame your existing mirror, a process made easy by websites that offer a variety of frame styles and colors that are custom cut to the dimensions of your mirror. These websites will guide you through measuring, ordering, and installing your frame. The pre-cut back makes installation quick and easy because the frame presses directly onto the mirror surface while it’s still on the wall. The frames cover ugly clips and even work on mirrors that bump into an adjacent wall or sit on a backsplash. When choosing a mirror frame, be sure to consider the color of the paint, the finishes of the electrical and plumbing fixtures, and the style of the hardware.
Arrange your accessories
Updated plumbing and electrical fixtures may be just the finishing touch you need to make it all fit together. New electrical fixtures that add beauty and soft lighting with shades or chandeliers can be placed above or next to your (newly framed) mirror. These accentuate the biggest focal point of your room, so be sure to select a style that is right for you and make a statement in the room.
Plumbing fixture styles and finishes have increased dramatically in recent years. Even the least expensive brands offer a plethora of options. Be sure to choose a style that complements your other upgrades (hardware, electrical fixtures, mirror frame) and make sure the manufacturer offers a good warranty on the finish.
Enjoy!
Doing all or even some of these simple updates can breathe new life into your bathroom. For a fraction of the cost of a full-scale renovation, you can go a long way toward creating the bathroom of your dreams.
