A Few Changes for a
Bathroom Makeover

A bathroom makeover can refresh a dated bathroom creating a stylish and more inviting new look.

What the bathroom looks like reflects on property value, so making improvements to them (and kitchens) bring one of the highest return on investment of anything you do to a house.

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a bathroom makeover and have an immediate impact.

If you have outdated colors in the tile or fixtures make them look like they were purchase intentionally.

The easiest way to do this is to find fabric, towels and bath accessories in the current color trends that compliment the outdated color. Pink tile for example could be coupled with chocolate brown.

Look at the color wheel for ideas of using color.

Using textural paints will draw attention away from older fixtures and add a European element.

If you are sprucing up the bath for resale, stay with a neutral base for maximum flexibility and bring in your other color choices through accessories.

Replace a sink or vanity for a fresh look and more storage.

Change door pulls and other hardware on your existing vanities.

Stock vanities from a home center offer style and finish options in standard sizes and are usually more cost effective but the choices can be limiting.

Semi custom bathroom cabinets are outfitted with custom options upon your order such as pull out trays and bins, door style choices and custom finishes and are midrange in price.

Custom vanities are built to order, designed by your architect and are typically the most expensive options.

A popular trend is to turn an old chest or console (needs to be at least 34" high) into a bathroom vanity by retrofitting it with a sink. Some furniture manufacturers offer new cabinet styles specifically for the purpose of vanities. Take a cue from the rest of your home for style.

A new bathroom sink can make an impact to your bathroom makeover.

Looking at the different options of sinks, for example vessel sinks that sit on your counter top or an under mount copper or porcelain sinks can turn an ordinary bathroom into a designer showcase.

Update the sink and tub with new faucets. The bathroom faucet is jewelry for the bath and plays an important role in the way the bathroom looks and functions.

Faucets are available in many finishes that should reflect your taste, mixing with the other elements the room.

Making selections from the styles available, think about the handles and if they would become hard to grasp. If a single lever offers you the clean look you desire, install one with a hot limit valve so that kids can't scald themselves.

Updated tiles can give a whole new look to the bath.

Shapes are moving away from the standard 4x4 to a larger square or rectangle up to two feet.

But if your bathroom makeover budget is tight, use tiles judiciously by covering the walls above the shower and tub only.

Re glazing out dated tiles with an acrylic like coating is a less expensive option to consider rather than replacing them.

Replace an old shower door. Consider opting for the clean style door without a frame.

Adding a bath liner is among the less costly options to update a bath. A bath liner fits right into the existing bathtub and often to the walls.

Instant Updates

• Re caulking around the tub and shower and get a new shower curtain.
• Pull out the old-fashioned medicine cabinet or skimpy mirror and replace with a framed mirror as large as you can, to visually double the space.
• Update the window treatments with wood blinds or shutters of bamboo reed or grass to add a natural element.
• Replace a builder grade or inadequate light fixtures with reasonably priced light sconces on either side of the mirror, or consider a chandelier.
• Installing crown molding or adding a chair rail adds instant architectural interest especially in a small bathroom and can be enhanced even farther by painting the walls a deep rich color.

Return from Bathroom Makeover to Take a Bath