5 Ways to Upgrade an Outdated Bathroom

If your bathroom is looking tired, or if you've recently moved into a time capsule, an update is in order. Of course, bathrooms have some serious limitations in terms of variety; your must-have items will take a lot of real estate. However, you can greatly improve the aesthetic in a variety of budget ranges.

Budget-Friendly Starts

Check out the biggest real estate hogs and carefully review the color. If you've just moved in and have limited time, add some luxury with new towels in a rich color, such as plum, navy, or teal. For those who like a simpler look, add a white cloth shower curtain to distract from the avocado toilet or the brown vanity.

If the fixture themselves are old, such as a wall-mounted sink or free-standing tub, revel in them by adding old-school touches like a sink skirt or a ceiling-mounted shower surround until you're ready for a big upgrade.

Paint

If you have the time, repaint tired-looking walls with something clean and light. Smoky rose, pale silver-grey or a whipped-butter yellow will all look great with new white fixtures when you get them added.

Consider also painting the existing vanity for a time until you're ready for a big change. If hardware is dated or corroded, swap it out. If you have time for a big change, consider putting a kitchen base cabinet in instead of a vanity. If the doorway is narrow, this may not work. However, a kitchen cabinet will be taller and offer more storage if you are trying to age in place. Additionally, you can easily get a custom top cut and a drop-in sink added.

Sharp-Looking Storage

Hang an over the commode storage cabinet in a pretty wood tone or paint it the same color as your refreshed bathroom vanity. Consider getting one with at least one clear glass door, such as on the top shelf, where you can add a unique nightlight in the color of your choice.

The colored stained-glass film can be a wonderful addition to such a cabinet door and you can turn a basic white bath into a charming oasis with a simple motion detector light each time you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

White Fixtures

If you have the time and budget, contact a bathroom remodeling professional and get classic white fixtures added. Consider using a tall commode in your bathroom update if you plan to live here for a while. Consider also treating yourself to a bidet while you're updating your potty.

Now is also the time to add a white shower surround to keep things cheerful and tidy. Once the bath has gone back to gloss or matte white, you can add other color options any time you want. Again, if you plan to age in place, add a grab bar and a fold-down shower seat. If a member of your household shaves their legs in the shower, add the seat no matter how old you plan to be when you sell.

Decorative Items

As you work through the bathroom renovation, look for ways to change up your decorative items. Add a small plant in a pretty pot that doesn't need much light or TLC and give it a spritz of water after you floss. Update your toothbrush holder with something classic or elegant. For those who aren't keen on color, add frosted glass pieces.

Of course, if you are keen on color, you can and should go a bit mad. Bathrooms can be humid places, so skip the photos and prints. Instead, hang brightly colored tiles from cords in varying shades on removable hooks. Consider adding a bell or porcelain windchime that you can "ding" in the middle of your shower to become more aware of just how pleasant hot water can be.

A beautiful bathroom is a great way to start your day. You can add color in portable pops that can easily be removed or updated for the holidays. If you love lots of bright colors, load the space with towels, soaps, and tiles that appeal to your eye. Avoid putting brightly colored tile in a permanent spot until you are certain.