So, you’ve decided that your bathroom needs sprucing up. The fixtures are still in working order. You’re happy with the general layout, but the paintwork is looking tired. Tiles have started to lose their appeal and the grout is becoming dingy. And the place just doesn’t feel nice to relax in anymore. It’s time for a bathroom update.
Although you know you want to redecorate, it might be tough to know where to begin and how to budget your money to max-out what you can do. Plus, there are so many styles to choose from. And you have the task of matching whatever new style you go for with fixtures that were installed with a different decor in mind. (Keep in mind: Most metallics are neutrals, so many fixtures can chameleon their way from style to style.)
Let’s talk about four important parts of a bathroom update. Then you can redecorate your bathroom without breaking the bank or crushing your good vibes.
1. Budgeting and Planning Your Design
All successful redecorating projects start first with a clear budget and a well-thought-out plan. It’s usually best to start with the plan first. It’s easier to figure out what you want and then try to match your budget to those desires, rather than arbitrarily setting a budget and having to shoehorn it in. However, most of us have an upper limit on what we can spend. So I like to start with what you’d do if budget wasn’t a factor, and then figure out how to achieve it within your cash allowance.
In addition to looking around on MyFixitUpLife.com, Instagram and Pinterest are great places to start looking for inspiration. Collect images and then bring them together on a Pinterest board to decide upon the overall plan with your partner.
Having done so, you can’t start to add up prices for paint, wallpaper, tiles, bidet toilet seat, or whatever else and determine how close you can get to your ideal vision. If you don’t quite have enough, look for options that give you the same vibe at a lower price. Or take away the least important things until you get to a more affordable position.
2. Tiling, Flooring, and Painting (maybe wallpapering)
The paint and surfaces you choose will likely make the biggest aesthetic difference to the room. And of course, you want both of these elements to match appropriately. One of the easiest ways to decide which walls will be painted. And decide which will get another kind of cladding or decoration is to base it on function.
Walls behind a sink, toilet, or tub will likely see the most water action. Tiling or using waterproof manmade cladding is a smart choice. You can also be more minimalist with your tiling and tile only the areas around your fixtures, such as the shower, bathtub, and sink.
Painting can save some money, if you do it yourself. And painting before any tiles are placed makes it easier. Tile installation, on the other hand, should be completed by an experienced professional. It’s not an entry-level DIY project.
A less common option is to use wallpaper rather than paint. If you go this route, make sure you get paper that is specially made for bathrooms so that it’s moisture-resistant. If you have a feature wall opportunity, go for it.
3. The Importance of Proper Lighting
Lighting is key in all areas of the house, but especially so when it comes to the bathroom. Make sure to choose lighting with a color temperature that resembles natural lighting—like 4000K. These bulbs can give you a clearer view of what you look like in the mirror. Using bulbs with lower or higher color temperatures can change the appearance of your decor and you. The carefully chosen paint colors you picked out will likely be not like the paint chip in the store.
Another option that add style and a spa-like mojo is a color-changing LED bulb that can be synced with your smartphone. Both Yee Light and Philips offer these kinds of lighting, and they’re fantastic for setting an appropriate mood during a bath.
There’s also substantial research that blue light disrupts our circadian rhythm. Many reputable sources recommend to switch to amber or red lights two hours before bed. (Or don some blue-light blocking glasses if you MUST look at a screen.) Given that your bathroom is one of the last rooms you use before going to sleep, you may benefit from being able to change the color to something more conducive to rest (and, of course, consider the same lighting plan for your bedroom, too!).
4. The Bathroom Update Finishing Touches
Finally, the bathroom update isn’t complete without some decor. It’s time to add some style and softening elements to your newly updated bathroom. Bathroom-safe rugs are always a good bet for adding a pop of color. Giving the benefits of Biophilic design, appropriate plants can enhance the calm grounding of a space. If you want to amp up your earnings, consider placing a leafy plant in the back left hand corner from the entry to the bathroom. In Feng Shui, this is your money corner. Just make sure to check that any new plant is friendly and safe for your pets.
Also consider some functional items, such as shelving and organizers, especially if you don’t have a linen closet or a sink cabinet or medicine cabinet in the space. Including storage options now means you can avoid a cluttered bathroom in a few weeks after you settle in.
Finally, if you don’t already have one, include a large, high-quality mirror. Mirrors not only serve as a functional part of getting ready for the day, they also reflect light and will make the room look much larger.
Get Started on Your Bathroom Update!
It can be challenging to settle on a new design for your bathroom. It’s crucial that each element works together for functional and style reasons. However, take your time and are methodical about the process. Keep an eye on the budget and timeline. Then you’ll have yourself a bathroom update that’s designed for your current needs that makes you feel good whenever you go in there.
