Indoor and Outdoor Fall Maintenance Checklist

Simple Ways to Update your Bathroom

Gary St. JohnBathrooms

Reviving an outdated or ugly bathroom doesn’t always require a complete overhaul. There are many simple ways to update your bathroom and spruce up the style and character of the space. Evaluate the room’s current condition and focus on the areas that are dragging the space down the most. Making a few simple changes will completely change the feel of the room.

Paint

Freshening up a bathroom with a coat of paint is one of the simplest yet most effective updates you can make. You can change the color of the whole room, or simply update the cabinets. If the existing cabinets are in good working order and provide enough storage, painting is a great option. Either way, paint will allow you to infuse your personality while providing a fresh new look.

Accessories

A bathroom instantly looks more put together when the accessories match. If you have a single accessory that you love, keep it and build the other accessories around it. If you’re starting from scratch, consider accessories that match the theme of the room. For example, a shabby chic bathroom would work well with accessories that have an antique look. Avoid bathroom accessory pieces that are overly matchy. Instead, look for components that coordinate nicely. If you have a medicine cabinet with a silver frame, swap out your standard white outlet covers for decorative metal outlet covers.

Linens

One of the most versatile ways to update your bathroom is with matching linens. Think about replacing the towels, bath mat, shower curtain, and drapes. Take a look at what patterns, colors, and materials are out there. It may be tempting to save a few dollars and choose cheaper linens, but you’ll quickly regret that decision. No one wants to step out of a relaxing shower or bath to feel a scratchy towel or bath mat. Take your time selecting linens that coordinate with your accessories but are also good quality.

Countertop

When it’s time to replace your countertop think about a nice solid surface, such as quartz. Quartz is a modern alternative to traditional granite that is highly resistant to water and heat and is easy to clean. Granite is still a popular choice as well, and offers lots of variations to match any color scheme. For something that can go either modern or rustic, concrete countertops are a good choice. They can be tinted or stained, customized to be any shape or thickness, and only get better with age.

Faucets and Shower Heads

Swapping out the sink faucet or shower head improves the aesthetic of the bathroom without a lot of time or money. Depending on the age and condition of the current fixture, you may also end up improving the water pressure. Any home improvement store near you will offer a wide range of fixtures, ensuring that you’ll find something to fit the style of your bathroom.

Mirrors and Lighting

Of all the simple ways to update your bathroom, mirrors and lighting can have the most dramatic effect. Simply changing the size, shape, location, or number of mirrors in the bathroom can make a small room appear larger or reflect other decorative qualities. Adding more lighting or a dimmer switch will drastically change the mood of the room, as will switching from fluorescent lighting to recessed lighting. You can also consider adding natural light through windows, or for an interior bathroom through a skylight.

Get Inspired

Pictures don't lie. Take a look at the gorgeous photos of the project pictured above!