When it comes to adding value to your home, one of the best places you should invest your time and money is the bathroom. Nothing makes a home feel tired or undervalued more than a neglected or outdated bathroom. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to sharpen up your sinks, tidy up your tubs and make your wash room really shine all without breaking the bank. Check out these 5 helpful tips and you’ll be on your way to a showcase bathroom worthy of a DIY reality show.
Paint Colors
Does your bathroom have a “unique” design theme? Peeling border paper, weird wall colors and funky features make it impossible for your bathroom to seem like a calm, relaxing retreat. If your bathroom décor is stuck in the 90s, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and hit the hardware store for some new paint. A fresh coat of bright white or a light neutral tone goes a long way to freshening up the feel of your bathroom. Be sure to pick bathroom-specific paint that can withstand wet, steamy conditions so all your hard work doesn’t get undone. Bye, bye weird wallpaper!
Tubs and Showers
Does your bathtub or shower look more like an eyesore than an “ahhh”? If your tub or shower needs a total rehaul, then this may be the area where you’ll spend the most money on your bathroom remodel. If you still have modern, neutral and clean tiling, then move on to the next part of this checklist! However, if your tub and tile look like they are from another era, consider upgrading with neutral, contemporary styles. If you are remodeling with the intent to sell your home, keep the look clean and bright with white subway tiling, a white tub and stainless fixtures. If you’re creating a new oasis for yourself, consider the overall aesthetic of your home when it comes to picking tile styles, tub options and fixtures.
Countertops and Sinks
Sick of sharing a sink with your spouse in the morning? Ready to rip out that ugly old countertop? Your countertops and sinks are another important area to pay attention to when it comes to giving your bathroom a major makeover. If you’ve been looking for more vanity surface space, now is the time to think about expanding your countertop to a double sink.
If you are updating your bathroom with the intent to resell, keep thinking neutral and contemporary when it comes to the countertop. Rip out that old laminate counter and replace with a sleek white or gray granite, quartz or marble slab that’s sure to catch prospective buyers’ eyes. There are a wide variety of countertop options to choose from, but it’s smart to keep your countertop pattern sleek and simple if you have resale in mind. Top your new countertop off with a cool modern sink and you’re on your way to creating a truly spa-like feel.
Toilets
It’s gross, it’s ugly, it’s … an essential part of your bathroom. Yeah, it’s the toilet. No one likes to talk about it, much less deal with it. If you’ve recently purchased a fixer-upper, or have been living in your current home for quite a while, then chances are your porcelain throne is in need of an upgrade. So grab your plastic garbage bags, put on your plumber’s hat and get that thing outta there! A new toilet is a relatively inexpensive way to freshen up your bathroom.
Flooring and Fixtures
Does your bathroom flooring still feature cheap looking vinyl or (gasp) … carpet!? Get rid of yucky, outdated flooring and get ready to make a major impact in your bathroom. If you are considering tile, choose a neutral hue that will compliment your countertop and bath tile. Large scale size ceramic or stone tiles are an excellent option for giving your bathroom a crisp, modern feel. Wood may look nice, but it is never recommended to install wood flooring in your bathroom. Opt instead for wood-look porcelain tiles or laminate flooring to get the aesthetic you want in moisture-friendly materials.
If your budget for bathroom reno is small or nearly non-existent, then one surefire way to make a big impact on a dime is to simply update your fixtures. Take down that wall-to-wall mirror or icky old medicine cabinet and upgrade to an elegant framed mirror or spa-style storage option.
Next, switch out an outdated light fixture for a cool modern sconce. There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to light fixtures which can be a great way to express your style, while keeping the look sophisticated. If you feel like your bathroom has started to look a little too sterile and boring in the name of keeping things modern and neutral, an artistic light fixture is the perfect way to add a punch of personality back into the space.
If you haven’t already updated the faucet, this is another fixture you’ll want to pay attention to as well. Be sure to match all your finishes to one another so your shower head, light fixture and faucet are all the same metal-tone. Consider choosing stainless or brushed stainless if you’re updating to resell or choose a metal finish to suit your personal style if you’ll don’t plan to sell anytime soon.
Finally, change out any old towel racks, hand towel racks and toilet paper holders for modern options that match your bathroom remodel style. Sleek stainless options are ideal for adding to a spa-like aesthetic, so stay away from towel racks and toilet paper holders with ornate finishes. For an unexpected but modern look, do away with the old towel rack idea and try a few perfectly placed hooks instead.
Whether you are looking to create a few cosmetic updates, or are ready to undertake a major bathroom overhaul, updating your wash space is essential to making your house feel like a home. Try a few of these tips and enjoy a sleek new bathroom that feels truly transformed!