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Is your bathroom in need of a revamp?
After the kitchen, the bathroom is probably top of your list when it comes to rooms that need to function well and look good at the same time. It’s also a very important room when it comes to selling a house, and can add – or remove – a significant amount of value.
A full bathroom renovation can be a very costly project, and certainly not something that you would aim to do regularly – and if you’re renting it’s probably out of the question anyway. We installed a new bathroom three years ago, and I definitely don’t want to incur that cost again any time soon!
That said, if your bathroom is starting to look a little tired, there are lots of simple, lower cost ways to give it a new lease of life. Here are some quick and easy bathroom updates that won’t break the bank.
Quick & easy bathroom updates
Declutter
Clutter is the enemy of a smart-looking bathroom, so it’s time to banish those almost-empty toiletries! A good clearout will make the room feel bigger, fresher and more inviting. It will be much easier to clean too.
When you declutter, have a bit of a system to keep the job simple. You need piles for ‘staying’, ‘going’ and ‘storing elsewhere’, plus bin bags to get rid of any rubbish.
Rethink the storage
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to review your bathroom storage. Having adequate storage for toiletries, makeup and towels will make a huge difference to the way the room looks. It will also make it much easier to find what you’re looking for.
Open baskets are great for things like towels and toilet rolls; choose colours and styles that complement your bathroom and it’s colour scheme. Compartmented trays are brilliant for smaller items such as cosmetics. If your bathroom has deep cupboards, consider using a clear plastic box inside them. This can be easily pulled out, allowing you to see all the contents without rummaging at the back of a shelf and causing a mess in the process.
Tackle water pressure issues
If you’re struggling with low water pressure, don’t assume it’s something you just have to put up with. A water booster pump is a great way to increase water pressure and flow, transforming a shower from a dribble to a deluge, and making your taps much more efficient.
Replace the shower curtain
I think a shabby shower curtain acts like a great big warning sign, making you look for everything that’s wrong with a bathroom. Thankfully, replacing a shower curtain is quick, easy and low-cost. There are also some really great designs available to help you divert attention away from other less-than-perfect areas.
A new coat of paint
For a high-impact revamp, redecorate the room. A simple coat of paint can give your bathroom a completely new look, and as bathrooms tend to be quite small it isn’t usually a huge or costly DIY job. Make sure you choose paint that can cope with damp conditions.
Use scent to lift the space
Scent is a powerful influencer on our impression of a space, and you can use this to great effect in a bathroom. Reed diffusers are ideal as they last for ages and don’t cost a fortune, or you could use a room spray on a regular basis. Fresh, clean fragrances work well in bathrooms; go for floral, citrus or seaside-y scents.
Install new taps and handles
This is one of those easy bathroom updates which creates the impression that your entire bathroom suite is new. Shiny new taps will give a sink or bath an instant lift, or you could transform your cupboards by simply replacing the handles.
Add plants for texture and colour
It’s well-known that bringing a little bit of nature into your home has psychological benefits, but houseplants are also a brilliant way to introduce colour and texture to a room. They can be a really low-cost update too.
When choosing plants for a bathroom, it’s really important to buy varieties that will thrive in a damp atmosphere. Check the plant’s care label if you’re not sure. Orchids are perfect for bathrooms, as they love a humid environment. Don’t be tempted to put succulents in your bathroom though, they need much drier conditions. This article has a good list of suitable plants.
Treat yourself to new linens
A new set of towels and bathmats can take your bathroom from washed-out to smart and co-ordinated, and it’s a nice treat for you too. You can use towels that tone in with your bathroom’s colour scheme, or introduce a pop of colour or pattern to give the room a new twist. If you’re on a tight revamp budget, go for new hand towels that complement your other linens. So simple, but so effective!
What are your top tips for quick and easy bathroom updates?
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