Let’s face it, out of most rooms in the house, the bathroom is central to our lives. It’s where we “take care of business”, spruce and prep, and occasionally (or regularly) indulge in a relaxing bath. Everyone wants their bathroom to look and feel like a haven. If that’s not the case in your home, there’s still hope. You don’t have to feel like you’re walking into a tacky throwback from the 70’s anymore. With a few simple tips, you can refresh your old bathroom and make it new again.
Let’s face it, out of most rooms in the house, the bathroom is central to our lives. It’s where we “take care of business”, spruce and prep, and occasionally (or regularly) indulge in a relaxing bath. Everyone wants their bathroom to look and feel like a haven. If that’s not the case in your home, there’s still hope. You don’t have to feel like you’re walking into a tacky throwback from the 70’s anymore. With a few simple tips, you can refresh your old bathroom and make it new again.
1. Modernize
What makes a bathroom look old? Typically it starts with fixtures that are extremely outdated. This simple fix can revitalize a bathroom space in some amazing ways. Replace any old faucets, sink and shower handles, and showerheads with fixtures that have effortless lines and shapes. Anything that is too ornate or intricate should be done away with. Install handles and faucets with simple shapes. This will give your bathroom the contemporary update that it needs. Instead of glimmering metals, opt for fixtures that have a matte finish. These types of finishes aren’t limited to only darker shades. There are gold, brass, and silver finishes you can choose from to add interest.
A new vanity can also spruce up your old bathroom. Selecting a new vanity isn’t just about choosing the trendiest style, though. It is also important to stay within your budget. A slim vanity works best in a bathroom with a closet or medicine cabinet, while a larger one is best if you have room to spare.
Don’t neglect the handles on cabinets and drawers. Sometimes these tiny fixtures can be the worst offenders. Even if your cabinetry or storage is outdated, you can rejuvenate their look just by replacing the handles. Again, stick to clean lines and subtle finishes. Don’t choose anything that will throw off the new look that you’re trying to achieve. Keep it modern, sophisticated and fresh.
The light fixtures are also of utmost importance when it comes to making your bathroom look newer. Our eyes always tend to gravitate towards light, so installing lights that look clean and modern is key. You can do this by looking for light fixtures that don’t completely enclose the lightbulb, but rather expose some parts of the bulb or the whole bulb. This will also brighten the entire room. There’s plenty of contemporary styles that you can find at your local home-improvement store.
2. Lighten and Brighten
Dark hues or too many outlandish colors mixed in one small space are a major contributor to making your bathroom look like a blast from the past. Grab some primer and light-colored paint and revamp the entire room. Bathrooms are not the biggest room in the house, so it’s essential to have as much light flowing in as possible. You can achieve the illusion of a bigger and brighter space by painting the walls lighter colors and removing any heavy shades from the windows.
Because of the constant exposure to moisture, look for paints that are water-resistant. Mold and mildew are not your friends, so do some extra research before you choose your paint. Wallpaper is another option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of painting but keep the
same moisture issue in mind. There are some varieties of peel and stick wallpaper that will expedite the process. The varieties range far and wide so keep in mind that simplicity is best if you want your bathroom to look bigger and well-lit.
Another tip to brighten the area is to install shower doors made of glass. The see-through look will allow for more light to reflect around the room. If you’re feeling a bit unsure about a full-exposure encasing, consider shower doors that have a light gradient shading. Avoid shower curtains if possible. It’s an easy and affordable option but it doesn’t lend itself to brightening a room. If that’s your only option, select shower curtains with light colors and avoid over-stimulating patterns. Keep it elegant and simple.
3. Add Accents
Execute a flawless and shining bathroom update by adding accents. The first place to start is finding a spot or two that could use a splash of color. A simple pop of color will do wonders on old bathroom. Stay away from darker hues and add colors that will complement the other elements in the room. Be careful not to add too many different colors in the mix otherwise you’ll end up back where you started. You can do something similar by adding patterned wallpaper to only one section of the bathroom. An accented wall of patterns can make your bathroom feel new and fun. You can also consider wood as an option for a vintage look that’s stylish.
Adding textural accents will help to amp up the revived look of your bathroom. If you can dish out the big-bucks, adding modern tiling can make a big difference but it’s achievable with peel-and stick tiles too. Using the tiles as backsplash will act as a distraction from any other elements that you might not have the time or money to change. Ultimately adding texture by tiling sections of walls or even some sections of the floor (yes, there’s cheap options for that too.), adds a spark of uniqueness. If there’s no room in the budget, a simple repaint of outdated tiles can get the job done too.
Other accents that will add an element of warmth and comfort to your new bathroom look are candles, rugs, and plants. Choose candles that give off aromas that calm and soothe the body such as lavender and chamomile. When choosing rugs or mats for the shower area, keep them simple and remember that less is more. Finally, to incorporate some freshness for an immaculate ambience, incorporate plants into your updated bathroom space. Stick with plants that are easy to maintain. If you’re too busy to keep up a green-thumb, try adding a few fake succulents.
There’s nothing quite like resigning to the bathroom for a candle-lit bath. It’s a “pat on the back” for all of your hard work. The bathrooms of frill and medicine-like colors are a thing of the past. With these practical tips in hand, you’ll be “out with the old and in with the new” in no time.
Written by Emmy Neol.