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Bathrooms are one of the most used spaces in our homes. While they need to be functional, your bathroom should also be a space where you can relax and enjoy taking a bath or getting ready for the day.
The problem is, a full blown bathroom renovation isn’t always an option. Luckily, there are lots of small upgrades you can do to make it a space you can truly enjoy.
If your bathroom is in need of a quick makeover, these 9 easy ideas are for you …
1. Update Your Cabinets
If you want to give your bathroom a facelift, consider replacing your vanity or cabinets with a new piece that matches your aesthetic. There are lots of styles from modern to traditional to eclectic. If replacing your cabinets isn’t in the budget, you can give your existing vanity a makeover with a fresh coat of paint.
Normally, when choosing colours for your bathroom, you need to be careful. Certain colours can change the way your skin tone is reflected in the mirror. For example, bright blues can accentuate blemishes while greens can make you look washed out.
The good news is, this isn’t a problem with lower cabinets. If you’re looking to experiment with colour, this is a great place to do it. If you opt for a neutral colour pallet, consider distressing the paint or using contrasting tones to give the cabinets more personality.
You can also add interest to your cabinets by using contact paper on the interior of drawers and cabinets.
2. Replace Hardware and Faucets
Another great way to update cabinets is to replace your bathroom pulls and knobs. Even without a fresh coat of paint, these small changes can have a big impact on your bathroom's overall feel.
For a vintage touch, go with antiqued bronze or hardware with floral designs. For a more modern take, look for simple, geometric handles in black or gold. If you’re going for a country vibe, try oversized centre cup pulls.
And you don’t have to stop there! You can also update door handles, towel bars, hooks, toilet paper holders and other bathroom hardware. But stick to similar styles and finishes to keep the space cohesive.
This is also a good time to consider replacing your showerheads and faucets. Not only can you choose low flow options to help reduce water consumption – matching the finish to your hardware will help complete your overall look.
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3. Give Your Mirror A Face Lift
Swapping out your mirror is another easy way to makeover your bathroom. This is especially true for mirrors that are cracked, chipped or cloudy. To help cut down on costs or looking for simplicity, look for a frameless mirror. To make more impact, look for something with a bold modern frame.
If a new mirror isn’t in the budget, consider giving your old mirror an update with a DIY frame or adding a backsplash to help make it pop. You can go simple with subway tiles or add interest by using patterned designs and layouts. For a less permanent upgrade, you can use adhesive tiles, vinyl or wallpaper.
4. Update Lighting And Venting
If you are all about functional upgrades, you can add new light fixtures or venting to your bathroom.
To save time and reduce headaches, look for lights that have the same mounting systems as your current fixtures. If you aren’t ready to replace your fixtures, give them a good clean and replace the bulbs. Look for warm white LEDs. These will help you save energy, help your space feel more comfortable and are a good light for getting ready.
While replacing your lights, you may also want to replace your old ventilation fan. A newer model will be quieter and do a better job of removing moisture and odours from your space. There are also more design options these days, which means you don’t have to forfeit design for function.
5. Replace Your Shower Curtain
When it comes to bathroom makeover ideas, this is one of the easiest. Shower curtains are one of the largest textiles in most bathrooms but are also one of the most forgotten.
For a quick bathroom upgrade consider replacing your shower curtain. There are lots of different styles and textures in every budget. If your curtain shows up in your mirror's reflection, choose colours that will compliment your skin tone.
You also want to consider lighting. If you don’t have good lights in your shower, consider a transparent or frosted curtain. This will help everything feel brighter and more open. If you prefer a solid curtain, look for one with a sheer section at the top. This will give you privacy while allowing light to travel through space better.
You can also replace your straight curtain rod with a curved one. This is a great way to make your shower feel bigger without affecting the rest of the space.
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6. Paint Your Walls
As with any upgrade, paint can go a long way when freshening up a space. It’s also a great way to add personality and change the overall mood.
For smaller bathrooms, choose a lighter colour to open up the space. If you’re the type of person who constantly redesigns their rooms, go with a neutral and use decor and textiles to add colour and personality. Light neutral colours also reflect more natural light, which is great for getting ready in the morning.
Soft pinks are also more flattering when getting ready. Whereas blues and greens can create a more sickly or exaggerated pallor.
Regardless of what colour you choose, this is one of the most impactful bathroom makeover ideas. Just be sure to buy paint for damp conditions and use primer. This will extend the paint’s life, protect your walls and prevent water spots and stains from condensation.
7. Break Up Plain Spaces
Another good way to add interest to your bathroom is with beadboard, tiled walls or wainscotting. All these add interest and help break up empty walls.
In smaller bathrooms, go with shorter applications that cover approximately ⅓ of the wall. This will help the room look taller and more spacious.
Covering half the wall or more is better for larger spaces. It helps create movement and is more visually appealing.
For an even more budget-friendly option, use a two-tone paint treatment to break up your space and create visual interest.
8. Refresh Your Accents
Larger bathrooms give you more freedom when it comes to decor. The problem is most homes have smaller bathrooms, leaving little space to add extras.
If you’re limited on space or prefer your bathroom decor to be minimal and functional, there are still some great options. One of the easiest is to find unique jars for everyday items, soap dishes and toothbrush holders that match your personality and colour scheme.
Another easy way to upgrade your bathroom decor is to replace your towels and your bath mat. If you like to change up your look depending on your mood or season, buy multiple sets in different designs and colours.
9. Clean Up Caulk (And Grout)
This is a practical project that will make a huge difference in your bathroom.
If any of your caulking is discoloured or peeling, remove and replace it around your tub, sink and toilet. This will not only make everything look newer and cleaner, it also helps prevent leaks and water damage.
While you are at it, you can also give the grout a good clean. If cleaning doesn’t work, you can find touch up pens to recolour your grout.
These are just some of the many ideas you can try to makeover your bathroom without doing a full reno. If your bathroom is in need of a little TLC give some of these a try and see what a difference they can make.
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