Bathroom Design
12 Tricks for Updating the Bathroom
Give your bath a lift with a fab new mirror, rug, hardware, wall covering or color
Now that’s it’s officially the new year, it’s time to start freshening things up around the home. Ask yourself this question: how is the bathroom looking these days? Do you feel as if it could use a little something extra, but not quite sure what’s missing? Whether your bathroom remodeling budget is big or small, there are solutions for all. Read on for ideas to help you reinvent your bathroom this year.
Browse bathroom remodeling ideas | Find Kitchen and Bath designers
Browse bathroom remodeling ideas | Find Kitchen and Bath designers
Swap out your mirror. Mirrors can make a big difference in any room, but they are particularly important in the bathroom, as they need to be highly functional yet also in line with the overall décor. Make sure yours is large enough for everyday tasks like shaving and applying makeup, but also check to see if it fits appropriately in the space allotted and matches the bathroom’s scheme. If not, it may be time for something new.
Add a rug. Note: this is not the same as a bath mat. Rugs in bathrooms feel a little unexpected, and because they’re generally more colorful and textured than a typical bathmat, they add loads of personality and flair to the space.
Replace your hardware. This can be an inexpensive change that can make all the difference. Hardware options these days give you near-endless choices of styles and finishes. Look for something that is distinctive while complementing your décor.
Get the walls in on the act. Bathroom wall treatments can define the style of your space. Whether you want to make a statement with bold wallpaper or create a calming atmosphere with a neutral paint color, it’s a change that will improve the entire room in an affordable way.
Introduce color. To jazz up a neutral room, add pops of color through accessories, furniture, towels — even bar soap.
Maximize your vanity. If the year ahead holds a bathroom remodel, then be sure to consider your vanity. It’s possible you’ll want it custom made to fit all your needs, such as the addition of a makeup counter in this example.
Assess your lighting. We spend a lot of time pampering ourselves in the bathroom mirror, so your lighting should be top-notch. Maximize as much natural light as possible, and be sure your vanity mirrors are flanked with lighting to reduce shadows.
Consider your flooring. It’s easy to fall back on typical bathroom flooring options such as tile. However, consider making a statement by choosing a bold option like these herringbone floors. Your bathroom will feel so chic.
Amp the storage. Take a good look at your bathroom. Are your storage options carrying their weight? If you’re renovating, make storage one of your top priorities by thinking of all the ways you can sneak it in, such as adding a vanity tower like this.
Thankfully, adding storage doesn’t require a full-on renovation. Hang shelving on the wall to create space for towels and other knickknacks.
Consider a glass shower door. Yes, glass shower doors reduce the privacy of the shower. However, in small bathrooms, they help the space seem larger, which can greatly improve the look and feel of the room.
Add accessories. Personalizing a space always makes it feel more homey and comfortable.
Bring in the flowers. Every space is improved with the addition of fresh flowers. Pull a few flowers from your garden or market and you’ve created a fresh and colorful accessory for very little cash.
Next: Browse photos of bathroom designs
More: Top 20 Bathrooms of 2012
Next: Browse photos of bathroom designs
More: Top 20 Bathrooms of 2012