We Answer Wednesday - Quick Bathroom Updates

"I am in need of a makeover for my bathroom.  I don't have a big budget so I cannot renovate but I need some quick and easy ideas to freshen up my bathroom."

The bathroom is one of the smallest but also one of the most used rooms in the home.  A renovated bathroom can be costly and time consuming but you definitely have some easy updates that are quick and affordable that can really make a splash!

Try working with the colour scheme in the bathroom instead of against it.  So if you have coloured tile - add some complimentary colour in there.  If you fight with the colour or ignore it - you won't get the end result you want!

Change up the textiles - easy and affordable! So add a new shower curtain and liner, add some new towels too and maybe even a bathmat! Stay from toilet covers...



Add some fresh bling - so switch out your old cabinetry hardware and add some new knobs or handles! This is a quick change but it really makes a difference (this is also a great update for a kitchen). If you are handy, you could even update your towel bar an toilet paper holder.



Switch up your mirror - adding a new mirror with a decorative frame will instantly freshen up your space and give it a custom look and feel without the custom price tag! If your lighting is looking a bit dated (and you are handy) consider updating the lighting as well.



Add some accessories - a plant, some art, candles, new soap dispensers - easy updates that make the space feel and look new again!

 

If you are looking to take it to the next level, consider paint! It's a small space so it would be a quick weekend job but be sure to get the right paint so let the salesperson know that you are painting a bathroom. 



Sprucing up your bathroom is also a great idea if you are considering selling your home.  When we stage bathrooms we like to keep them clean and clutter free but also styled in neutral tones and add some accessories to set the scene.

Adding some personality

We've just moved into a brand new house. Our bathroom has been nicely finished with white Shaker-style cabinets, limestone floors and mosaic tile in the bathtub-shower area, but it still looks very plain. What can we do to add interest and colour?

What a perfect blank canvas to work with, all it needs is some personality! For instant (and inexpensive) graphic punch and colour, add a great shower curtain. Stripes are really fresh and fun but there are some great patterns in scroll motifs too which would add some more sophistication and glam to the space. Adding colour with towels is another super easy fix. Work off of the shower curtain to keep a flow and theme in the room. Towels also add some great texture and soften the room (a lot of hard surfaces such as tile can make a room feel cold). You could even go with a solid shower curtain and a patterned towel combo - the possibilities are endless! Some pretty paper wrapped soaps or soap bottles can up the 'look' of the room too. A small detail but details to make a difference! Think flooring, a simple bathroom mat is OK but what not really make a splash with a really textured and fluffy area rug. Adding some natural element to the space will also add some warmth, try wood framed mirror. I love to add interesting art pieces in a bathroom, again it adds sophistication to the room. It can be any style of art - watercolour, photography etc...Think about organization too. a basket or tray on the counter top to keep personal items makes the space feel clean and tidy. A bathroom can easily be transformed with some splashes of colour and accessories, an easy and affordable makeover!

Pamper yourself!

8 great ideas to pamper yourself in your own bathroom!

As a new mom I take any chance I get to treat myself. Days at the spa are a thing of the past so I transformed my own bathroom into a perfect getaway! You can too and here's how:

1 -- Get some new towels. White is classic but you could opt for colour too, it is really up to you. Find towels that are plush and cotton (better absorption). You do not have to spend a fortune on quality towels check out your department stores as they often have fabulous sales!

2 -- Bamboo bath accessories. They can make any bathroom look like an organic getaway. Bamboo has a natural warmth about it and a calming effect. Look for bamboo mats, waster basket, soap dispenser etc. but don't over do it on the bamboo...

3 -- A new shower curtain. Can really spruce up a tired bathroom. Look for something that works with your existing colour palette or something that evokes the mood you want to create.
Stick with something cotton, not vinyl, it looks more chic.

4 -- Furniture pieces. Yes, furniture! This is best in a large bathroom, for example a small side table can look very elegant next to a free standing tub and is a perfect spot for a glass of wine, candle, a book or the phone.

5 -- Functional decor. Use tall glass vases and fill them with bathroom items such as Epsom salts, soaps, cotton balls - it is useful, appropriate and looks stylish!

6 -- New hardware. Can transform a bathroom instantly! It is an easy fix and not expensive. This can make cabinetry look current too.

7 -- Plants. Add some natural elements to the space. Look for bamboo which does very well in rooms with little sunlight and damp spaces. If that is too much maintenance, add some tall vases with natural sticks. Anything natural adds calmness and serenity to a room.

8 -- Lighting. Change out the basic lighting and add some thing special. We kepth the pot lights but did a beautiful pair of glass pendant lamps over our vanity. Candles can also change the lighting and atmosphere in any bathroom (an easier and less expensive option).

If you cannot get to the spa, bring the spa to you.