Have a very basic bathroom? One that is outdated? One that is functioning (for the time being) but really needs a serious overhaul? Just because it's "time" to do a renovation doesn't mean the cash is there, so sometimes a waiting period of a year or two (or more) is the plan. Here are a few ideas to tide your bathroom over, style-wise, until you can take on the big job. Jump below for the list:
5 Thrifty Ideas to Help Put Off a Bathroom Renovation
1. Switching out old accessories makes a huge difference. A new toilet paper holder, towel rods and toothbrush holders can seriously update a space. Add in new towels and shower curtain and the whole room can feel transformed.
2. Take on a paint job. A fresh coat of new color or pristine white makes any room feel better, and in a small space like a bathroom, it's a weekend job.
3. Regrout. A fairly simple (and very cheap) DIY, this project can make the oldest, worn out bathing area feel 1000 times cleaner.
4. Replace the lighting. A bit more expensive, since an electrician is probably a good idea for bathroom, but new, more flattering, modern lighting is one fix that you can make now to improve the "feel" of the room dramatically, and can possibly leave in place once you take on the larger renovation down the road.
5. Stuck with outdated (or even awful) colors of tiles and fixtures? Make a virtue out of a disadvantage by celebrating those (insert funky color of choice here) fixtures or tiles with matching towels, retro artwork and maybe even some over-the-top wallpaper. You can't hide it, so you might as well embrace it for the time being.
Photo: By Ngoc Minh Ngo from Domino's Bold Bathroom Gallery - a great spot to look for inspiration.
Comments (9)
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How expensive is it to move a toilet? My bathroom is (should be) laid out exactly like the pic above except the toilet is flipped around - on the opposite wall! It drives me crazy since i can't imagine why it was done that way! Any thoughts?
view petworthdc's profile
Hey any chance of getting tips for Man's bathroom and Apartment?
I am not saying I dont like the bath above, it just Aint for me.
view phauxtoe's profile
Change the color of the wall and replace the shower curtain and you're all set.
view cityofparis's profile
petworthdc: moving a toilet is not cheap!
But I agree, that is weird.
So weird that maybe there is an even weirder plumbing based reason for it being that way (translation: even more pricey). I'd try to make the most of what I imagine as being a "nook" between the vanity and the tub. Shelving perhaps?
view wendy-rae's profile
Thanks wendy-rae. As it is, it is a bit of a zig-zag getting to the tub so I was afraid to put too much there. I'll try the shelving.
view petworthdc's profile
I think it should also be noted that replacing an outdated mirror/medicine cabinet with a framed mirror (like the one shown above) is also an instant boost to a bathroom making it look more modern.
view IDstudent's profile
My bathroom walls are tiled from floor to ceiling. It's not terribly old looking, relatively neutral with some accent tiles with blue flowers in one bath and gold ones in the other, but not old enough to be chic. The work required to rip it out would be extensive, and expensive. Anyone know if I could just paint over some of the flowered tiles?
view TamTam's profile
petworthdc - the toilet in my bathroom is laid out weird too, similar to how you describe yours. I just got a quote for moving the toilet, and the cost is $600 - $800 because my toilet is on a slab. If yours is not on concrete, it could be much cheaper. However, every plumbing situation is different and, as wendy-rae mentioned, there could be a very good reason for the layout. In my case, it's just very bad design. Keep in mind - I have to tear out drywall, tear up all the tile (it's hideous anyway), and the plumber has to jackhammer the concrete slab to move the plumbing. It's not a small job at all. I'd suggest having a plumber give you a free estimate and then decide if it's worth it. As hard as it is to stomach the cost, I truly can't stand mine the way it is. I'm saving up (thank you, tax rebate!) and I'm going to have it done. Good luck!
view joycouture's profile
Does anyone know where you can find white shower curtains similar to the ones Anthropolgoe sells that aren't around $100??
www.thesalerack.blogspot.com
view The Sale Rack's profile