Want to tackle a home improvement project that will make a noticeable difference in your home without breaking the bank? Why not give yourself a little lift every day as you get ready to face the world, and change up your bathroom! Whether you own or rent your home, there are easy and inexpensive ways to totally transform this space.
When I was a starving college student, I learned some super easy tricks to make the bathroom more than a boring, serviceable place. I often use the shower curtain as my inspiration – but your options aren’t limited to whatever you can find in a store. I’ve used cotton blankets, regular drapes or some interesting fabric as a shower curtain (but be sure to also use a plastic liner.) If you see something you love that will cover the space, trust me, it can be a shower curtain – all you have to do is get a little grommet kit from a sewing shop. And if you have sliders on your tub/shower, you can install a tension rod to hide them with an awesome shower curtain – bye-bye ugly sliders!
Once you’ve decided on your theme, choose a color from your curtain to paint the walls. Paint is one of the least expensive ways to make an impact and since most bathrooms are pretty small, you don’t need a lot of paint (or time!).
This is also where you can get really creative. Like bold colors? Just because the room is small, it doesn’t mean you have to play it safe. If you need a jolt in the morning, bold might be for you. Or you might want to create a zen-like spa experience and use softer colors – the sky’s the limit! Don’t forget, though, that paint isn’t just for walls – if you have cabinetry that has seen better days, with the right preparation and application, you might paint that too. (If you rent, always ask for permission to paint first, but it will be easy to repaint before you move out if necessary.)
Next is lighting – there are some great options that are stylish but reasonably priced that will make a huge difference. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Lamps Plus and countless online resources all have bathroom lighting for under $200. No need to call an electrician – a handyman should be able to switch out the fixture easily.
Do the cabinets have hardware left over from the 80’s? That’s another easy way to update the space without buying new cabinets. Big box stores usually have a wide variety of hardware that will make a swap out easy. Same goes for faucets – you’ll be surprised at how big a difference a new faucet will make.
Don’t forget to add some art to the walls – it’s another place you can get creative! Try to corral your personal items on counters into organizers or baskets – less clutter will help you to clear your mind and calm your senses. And I can’t stress enough how important it is to buy the best towels you can afford – this will add to your quality of life more than you can imagine. Here’s a tip to keep towels soft – don’t ever use a dryer sheet or fabric softener. Just tumble-dry them, and vóila! Each day, as you step out of the shower and wrap yourself in softness, you’ll feel pampered.