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.

We Answer Wednesday - Colour in my all-White Bathroom

"We live in a new home and we were able to pick all of our interior finishes.  We both love a white bathroom - it is so clean but our master bathroom is completely white and although we love the white it's just too white! What can we do to add some colour to the bathroom without an expensive renovation?"

White is a great 'colour' for a bathroom - it's clean, it's fresh and it's timeless! But you are right too much of anything isn't good.  Any room in one tone starts to look and feel a little one dimensional over time but have no fear, we are here to help!

Even though the bathroom is a small space, you do have a lot of opportunity to add colour, texture and personality to your bathroom.

1 - Shower Curtain - pattern, colour and maybe even texture.  To keep it simple, use the shower curtain as your inspiration or jumping off point for the other elements like the linens, paint etc...Be sure to have a liner so your shower curtain is protected from the water in the shower



2 - Lovely linens - towels and a bath mat can add colour, pattern and texture. The texture of the linens adds some softness to the bathroom (which is already full of hard and smooth textures) and try mixing some colour and pattern with your towels.




3 - Framed art - look for some wall space to hang some colourful or calming art.  Photography is also a great way to add some personality to the bathroom. Find art that adds to the mood you want in the space.  there is no wrong answer and no price tag...go with what works!




4 - Unique lighting - lighting is a great way to add some personality.  Overhead, vanity, sconces - bathroom lighting doesn't have to be boring.  It can add drama, glamour, elegance or even a funky vibe to your bathroom.  There are so many options for lighting and it can really enhance the look of your space - not matter what room it is!



5 - "Custom" mirror - replace your builder grade basic with something framed - there are many options - this automatically and (easily) adds a custom look and feel to the bathroom.  Double sink, add 2 matching mirrors and matching vanity lighting - a very upscale look (this is also a great upgrade if you are considering selling your home).  We love this image because it mixes the framed 'custom' mirror with bold wallpaper and these sconces.  such an elevated and upscale powder room




6 - Display space - small floating shelves over the toilet or maybe a small corner on the counter top or maybe even around your tub (it depends on the layout of your bathroom and the amount of space you have).  Try adding some plant or flowers, candles and vases are also a nice touch.  We love using a small tray to group your display items together.




7 - Touches of wood - a few wood accents can really break up the wood and add an organic spa feel to the space. Think small accessories, wood frames mirrors, bathroom stool even wicker baskets for toiletries



8 - Paint!  adding paint colour (or wallpaper) to the walls will definitely change up the look of the bathroom and give it instant personality. Be sure to think about how you want the bathroom to feel and let that steer you towards the paint.  Something calm should have a soft and soothing tone but it you want drama opt for depth.  Because the base is white you have so many possibilties



9 - Get Creative - try using an unexpected piece in the bathroom like a stool or side table, these are great by the bathtub and it really adds some personality, too



The great news about having an all white bathroom is that you truly have a blank canvas and you can add any accent you like.  Wood and other organic textures with calm tones can give your bathroom a beachy or spa feel; black and a metallic accent like gold can give the room a luxe or glam feel; adding aqua or even a soft pink gives the bathroom a retro look....the possibilities are endless!

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!