This is the time of year when, as you’re getting ready for the holidays, you might start to think of your living space in terms of how visitors will view your home. Especially if you’ve inherited a bathroom straight out of the 70s or 80s but really can’t afford to do a major renovation right now, it might really start to bug you as we make our way toward Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas. But you don’t have to be stuck with it entirely. Especially if it’s some color that has long since gone out of style, some simple, inexpensive changes like a little paint or new towel and bath mat sets will go a long way improve the look and feel of your bathroom without spending a lot of cash or time.
Choose Classic Colors
The quickest way to change the mood and appearance of a room, the bathroom being no exception, is to paint. Some might say neutrals are “boring” but soft shades of white, gray, beige and tan tend to brighten up the space while adding a soothing or tranquil element. Even if you’re stuck with outdated fixtures, classic colors like antique cream or pearl gray can neutralize the impact of the avocado tub-toilet-sink trio and transform the bathroom from outdated to updated.
Cosmetic Touchups
Whether you opt to paint or not, do a quick inspection of the tub/shower area and any other place in the bathroom where there is tile, including the floor. Does it appear dirty or dingy? Like adding a coat of paint, recaulking the bathtub and/or tile can whiten the tile work, and have a big impact on the bathroom’s overall outlook.
While the walls might be a neutral hue, accessories like matching towel sets, bath mats and decorative items like bottles, vases, jugs, etc. can be as colorful as you would like them to be. Some people don’t like things in a bathroom out in view, taking up counter space, particularly if the bathroom is a small one. But keep in mind that when you accessorize a bathroom (it actually applies to any room in your home), you are adding character and personality, which makes the room inviting.
You might not be able to invest in the time or money it would take to replace the bathroom vanity, but how about a new medicine cabinet or a new bathroom faucet?
Buy Basic then Customize
If you do have room in your budget for a vanity, consider purchasing an inexpensive bathroom vanity, then spending a little bit of cash to customize it. By replacing the countertop with a marble veneer one or buying more stylish hardware, you will create the look of a custom or high-end vanity at a fraction of the cost.
