For most homeowners, the bathroom is an area where we spend time getting ready for the things that are important in our lives. It is also the place where we keep many of our precious personal belongings. It’s only fitting that such a vital living space should be warm and inviting with décor that complements our lifestyle. Is your bathroom up to par?

If your bathroom isn’t the luxurious spa setting you’ve been hoping for, you may be considering a remodel. But since Remodeling Magazine reports that the average mid-scale bathroom remodel costs $15,789, it makes sense to look for inexpensive ways to update your old space. Beautiful bathrooms help sell homes and enhance homeowners’ enjoyment of their living area. How can you revitalize your bathroom without breaking the bank?

A little paint goes a long way!

Painting a bathroom is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a significant impact. Color choice is crucial and you should think about other design decisions before making a final selection. Earthy tones are popular right now and offer a more enduring style than some of the trendier shades. Taking the time to find the perfect color will make it easier to achieve the bathroom transformation you’re looking for.

hardware to the rescue

Changing your cabinet hardware is an easy and inexpensive upgrade that delivers fast results. Most home goods stores offer a selection of styles with updated finishes. Brushed nickel, pewter, or oil-rubbed bronze are popular selections that pair well with existing lighting and fixtures, including towel bars, knobs, pulls, and switch and receptacle covers.

look in the mirror

What about that huge frameless mirror hanging on the wall? The mirror is the focal point of your bathroom and the one bathroom appointment that you look at more than any other. Shouldn’t your mirror get a facelift too?

Replacing the entire mirror can cost a lot of money. They are usually glued to the wall, creating a nasty mess of broken plaster when removed. A better option is to frame your existing mirror, a process made easy by websites that offer a variety of frame styles and colors that are custom cut to your mirror’s dimensions. These websites will guide you through measuring, ordering, and installing your frame. The pre-cut back makes installation quick and easy because the frame presses directly into the mirror surface while it’s still on the wall. The frames cover ugly clips and even work on mirrors that bump against an adjacent wall or sit on a backsplash. When choosing a mirror frame, be sure to consider paint color, finishes on plumbing and electrical fixtures, and style of hardware.

fix your accessories

Updated electrical and plumbing fixtures may be just the finishing touches you need to make it all fit together. New electrical fixtures that add beauty and soft lighting with shades or sconces can be placed above or next to your (newly framed) mirror. These accentuate the biggest focal point in your room, so be sure to select a style that’s right for you and will make a statement in the room.

The styles and finishes of plumbing fixtures have increased dramatically in recent years. Even the least expensive brands offer a plethora of options. Be sure to choose a style that complements your other upgrades (hardware, electrical accessories, mirror frame) and make sure the manufacturer offers a good warranty on the finish.

Enjoy!

Making all or even some of these simple updates can breathe new life into your bathroom. For a fraction of the cost of a full-scale renovation, you can go a long way in creating the bathroom of your dreams.