Design Dilemma Friday - Easy Updates for your Bathroom

This week’s question:
"I have a bathroom I'd like to update but don't want to spend thousands of dollars on that right now. What are some less expensive changes I can make that will still have an impact and help it not feel so dated?" - TANYA

This is a great question. I think we all have those areas we'd like to update but aren't the $ priority. And truthfully, there are about a million ways to spend a lot of money and create a beautiful bathroom. Luckily there are also a good amount of quicker less costly updates you can make. So here's what comes to mind:

Photo Credit: rockymountaindecals.com & ablissfulnest.com

PAINT

In so many applications this is the answer. It's just the quickest way to freshen up and clean up the look of a space. What really makes this effective though is making sure you take time to do the prep work (filling holes & retexturing) and that you use good quality paint. I love the Benjamin Moore line and 90% of the time, I use their Regal Select line for painting walls. It's great value for the money. If you're wanting to repaint cabinetry, consider their Advance line of paint, as it withstands LOTS of wear and tear.

LIGHTING

Replacing lighting can get expensive but, with some looking, you can often find a quality vanity light for between $100-$300. Granted, this price may not get you that showstopping really curated look, but it certainly can take a room from looking dated, to looking current.

HARDWARE

Another easy switch that is typically very cost effective. You can expect cabinet knobs and pulls to run anywhere from $3 a piece to $20+. $20 may seem like a lot for a handle, but if you only need 5 and it transforms the space, you're getting a lot of look for $100. Just be sure of a few things. First, make sure all your metal hardware and fixtures coordinate. They don't have to match but they should complement each other and be limited to 2-3 different finishes. Next, make sure any hardware you choose will completely cover the marks left by the previous hardware. Usually hardware is tightened enough to leave an imprinted mark into the door. So you're new one should be the same size or bigger.

NEW LINENS

It's amazing how quickly towels begin looking worn and tattered. Replacing your hand towels and shower curtain are an easy and instant refresh for sure. For some inspiration on shower curtains, check out Anthropologie, The Company Store, Pottery Barn, Target, Society6 and Burke Decor.

NEW BATH MAT

Same as above...small change with a huge impact. Next to towels, I think this is what shows it's wear the very fastest. Plan on changing this out to a new one about every year or so depending on the amount of traffic your bathroom gets.

NEW SHOWER HEAD

This is an easy change that I think gets overlooked. Sometimes all your shower head needs is a good cleaning but there are times when that ship has sailed. You can find lots of options anywhere between $40 and $150, and it's a simple job anyone can do.

REUSABLE SOAP, SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER DISPENSERS

You may be thinking this is going too far but I promise it will do wonders to lessen the visual clutter in a bathroom. Simply removing all the branding and competing colors is an easy way to calm and elevate your bathroom's style. My favorite place to find these is on amazon or in your local TJMaxx or Homegoods. They almost always have good options.

TISSUE BOX COVER

For the same reason as above. I think it's a basic requirement to have tissues in a bathroom, but cover up that box with a neutral color. Tissues are not a feature you generally draw attention to, so try to find a cover similar to the wall color and it will just blend into the background.

PLANTS

Plants are simply magic. They make all spaces feel cleaner, fresher and elevated by their mere existence. And because many bathroom do get natural light and have a higher humidity, it really is the perfect room for this addition. Whether it’s fresh flowers or a potted plant, you can’t go wrong by putting them in your bathroom.

Photo Credit: studio-mcgee.com, graceinmyspace.com, apartmenttherapy.com, cynthiaharperliving.com

I think that about wraps it up. Hopefully these give you ideas. Even if you made all these changes and you were generous with your budget, I think you could have a refreshed bathroom for less than $1000. Good luck Tanya, and Happy Designing!