Whether you are planning to sell your house or are simply updating its style and function for your own enjoyment, your bathroom is one of the key rooms to focus on for maximum results. You may think redesigning a bathroom is an expensive prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. Many improvements can be made at low cost, and good choices in materials and fixtures will make your bathroom beautiful and functional for years to come. Here are some ideas to get you started.

 

Clean and Empty

The first thing you need to do when planning a redesign is tothoroughly clean and de-clutter your bathroom. Take the time to clean all the nooks and crannies and review the contents of all storage spaces. If you are like many homeowners, old and forgotten items tend to collect inyour drawers and closets. Clear out your vanity and linen closet, and get rid ofanything that is no longer needed. This one simple step will automatically give the room a fresher feel, especially if you regain a large amount of storage space. If you go on to make further changes, cleaning and reviewing the entire room first will help you generate new ideas. Cleaning is also a necessary first step for many remodeling jobs, like painting or tiling.

Just Add Color

Many people use white or neutral shades when designing a bathroom, but adding some color is one of the easiest ways to spruce up this space. A gallon of paint is relatively inexpensive and can be a good DIY project for homeowners on a budget. Most bathrooms are small spaces, so choosing alight shade canmake the room feel larger. If your bathroom doesn’t have good natural light, lighter colors will also help to brighten it up. For slightly larger bathrooms with good lighting, a deeper shade on the wall can work, especially as a backdrop for partially-tiled walls or white wainscoting.

If you don’t want to paint an entire bathroom, look for other ways to add splashes of color. A new shower curtain or updated accessories can add bright accents.

Use Accent Pieces

Creating a great visual look for your bathroom doesn’t mean using the hottest new design for every fixture and piece of furniture. On the contrary, choose some focal points to stand out, and then the rest of your design can be simple and less expensive. For example, use plain, inexpensive tiles for the floor and shower, and then add a section of colorful mosaic tiles around the vanity or as an accent in the showerto draw attention. You can also choose an interesting vanity or sink design, and let other cabinetry or closet doors be painted modestlyto serve as backdrop.

Don’t Replace, Transform

It can be expensive to completely replace a vanity, bathtub, or shower. Instead, consider updating your existing fixtures. Many vanities can be repainted, or the countertop can be removed and replaced with a new one. A dingy floor can be refreshed with new tiles orinexpensive vinyl flooring. A bathtub that is showing its age may be refreshed with new grouting or tiles, or covered completely by a prefabricated surround. These options will probably require professional installation but can still be cheaper than other types of bathtub remodeling.

Think Outside the Box

When designing your bathroom, you’re not required to use pieces that were designed just for bathrooms. Instead, if you are thrifty, you may be able to repurpose items which were originally used elsewhere. An old desk or table may be transformed into an interesting vanity. Look for mirrors that are intended for hanging in living rooms, hallways, or other areas of the house. Many of these are just as functional in a bathroom, and are often more decorative to look at. Just make sure the materials they are made of can stand up to the more humid atmosphere of a typical bathroom.

Spend Money Where It Matters

Consider the use and longevity of fixtures in designing a bathroom. It may be worth spending a little more money up front in order to save money in the long run. For example, fixtures made of solid brass cost more, but good-quality brass fixtures last longer than those made of other materials. Plastic fixtures are the cheapest, but also the least durable. Good quality tiling and countertop materials last longer and show less wear than cheaper materials, which may quickly look dated or dingy.

If you don’t have the money for a major bathroom remodel, these tips can give your bathroom an updated look and feel with a much smaller price tag. A splash of color, an updated sink or tub, a new floor, or some trendy accessories can make your bathroom feel like a whole new space.

Author Bio:  Sasha Shtern has an extensive background in the home improvement. He is currently the owner of Bath and Granite 4 Less in Denver, Colorado – a nationwide distributor of home improvement brands through a unique blend of online sales and an independent retail network. Sasha gains the most pleasure out of building things – putting together a drawing or a plan and seeing it come together.