By Bobvila
The bathroom may not be the venue of choice for your next social gathering, but on any given day, it receives a number of visitors—and for that reason alone, it’s worth paying extra attention to the design and decor of your bathroom. Consider too that bathroom upgrades can have a great return on investment. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of time, money, or effort to transform your bathroom for the better. Even if you’re not in the market for a full bathroom renovation, consider a DIY makeover using one of these updated ideas. With a bit of inspiration and basic skills, you can accomplish each one of these projects in just a day’s time.
Paint a Mood
Oh, what a coat of paint can do—especially a tranquil watercolor shade of blue against pure white. The restful combination will make you feel like you’re visiting your own oasis.
Windowsill Arboretum
Even in a small space with artificial light and lots of humidity, many houseplants will thrive. Bring the outside in with bath-loving plants like aloe, azaleas, and ferns.
Mirror Art
Replacing a bland mirror with a couple of more artful versions can help a bathroom feel a bit less sterile. Making mirrors yourself, with the addition of vintage frames or a wide grosgrain ribbon at the top, will give your mirrors a style all your own.
Make a Splash
Tiling a bathroom doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. Choose a small space—for example, above the sink—and lay a tile backsplash to add interest.
Hook It Up
Although you usually see these in a foyer, a simple shelf or bar with hooks is right at home in a bathroom. If you have an open wall near the tub, adding hooks will ensure that your towels and robe are always at the ready.
Make the Pulls Pop
There’s nothing like a new set of cabinet hardware to refresh a room. The possibilities are endless: Go modern, rustic, or vintage, or as in this case, pick a style that literally “pulls” the bathroom together.
A Reason for Vanity
Don’t replace your vanity—paint it! Whether you opt for a color to blend in and match the walls or an alternative bright shade to set it off from the rest, a paint job is guaranteed to give the whole room a facelift.
Get Down to Brass Tacks
If you have dated brass fixtures, achieving an updated look is easier than you may think. From towel bars to toilet paper holders to lighting, a coat of spray paint can completely transform your collection. If you like a less glossy look, companies like Rust-Oleum offer several sprays in an antique finish.
Sitting Pretty
In comparison with some of the other appliances in your home, swapping out a toilet isn’t terribly difficult. A new commode will make a dramatic difference. Visit Buildipedia for a video tutorial on how to do it yourself.
Blind Them with Style
Wooden plantation blinds really pull together a room, and you can never go wrong with classic white.
Refresh the Accents
Even if you never pick up a hammer or nail, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a transformed space if the accents are new. If you have neutral walls and fixtures, here’s your chance to be bold with the shower curtain, towels, and rug!
Be Spa-Minded
Details can be delightful. Why keep your cotton balls and Q-tips under the sink when you can display them in pretty glass jars like these? Or, if the glass in the bathroom seems like an invitation to disaster, score a few low-profile rattan baskets to store your wares.
Say It with a Stencil
A wall-to-wall stencil covering a solid paint color will give you the look of wallpaper without the pesky peeling problem that can plague humid areas. It will take some patience to do this yourself, but the result will be well worth it.
Caulk It Up
This is a practical project that also improves the appeal of your bath. Recaulking a sink or tub will not only tidy things up, but will also help prevent leaks and water damage.
Board Room
Beadboard is often added as a custom element during initial construction, but thanks to full sheets of beadboard paneling, you can do it yourself. With some Liquid Nails to start and a nail gun to finish, you can install beadboard in your bath to create a bright, upscale effect.
Refresh the Accents
Even if you never pick up a hammer or nail, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a transformed space if the accents are new. If you have neutral walls and fixtures, here’s your chance to be bold with the shower curtain, towels, and rug!
