DIY

A bright new rug and decorated room partition add a splash of color to a white palette.

DIY

EASY BATHROOM MAKEOVERS

Are you tired of looking at the same old wallpaper and antiquated fixtures in your bathroom? You don’t have to break the bank to breathe new life into this very personal space that should reflect the tastes and character of your home and family. For the do-it-yourselfer, let’s examine a few simple techniques to give your bathroom a fresh face.

REPLACE THE MOVABLE ACCENT PIECES.

Sometimes all that’s needed is a trip to the bath store. Consider the impact you can make to the theme and color scheme by changing out the following items:

•drapery •shower curtain/rod/rings •rugs •towels •counter pieces (toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, soap dishes) •trash can •baskets/storage pieces •wall art Sometimes all that’s needed is a trip to the bath store.

Pastel wallpaper and a flea market dressing table painted white give this bathroom a bright yet soft new look. A new faucet and sink is an inexpensive makeover with a huge impact.

Softer lighting can be mounted in ceiling fixtures or wall sconces.

REPAINT OR REPAPER.

Choose from neutral tones that allow you to add splashes of color with your accent pieces or bold tones if you’re going for a stronger statement. Pastels (preferably from the cooler palette) make for a more relaxed environment. If wallpapering, remember that vertical patterns will make your room appear taller while horizontal ones will make it look wider.

UPDATE THE FAUCETS AND HARDWARE.

bathroom is replace the hardware on your faucets, drains, cabinet/drawer pulls, hinges, doorknobs, wall hooks, towel racks or toilet paper rack. These little updates yield immediate results and usually only involve a screwdriver and your hands.

DON’T FORGET THE LIGHTING!

Ideally, your bathroom should offer more than one source of light. The brightest illumination should surround the vanity mirror area. Softer, less direct lighting can be mounted in ceiling fixtures or wall sconces. For more versatility, install a dimmer on these fixtures so you can dial it up or down as desired.

Sure, you can replace the shower stall, lay a new floor or even gut the whole room, but, before you shell out the big dollars, consider implementing a few of these ideas. Whether your goal is to step up your home’s resale value or simply create a more updated space of your own, don’t be afraid to tackle your bathroom. It’s the most utilized room in your house. Shouldn’t it be the best?