Giving your bathroom a facelift without major surgery

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Published Date 1/20/2022

According to Fixr.com, the average national cost for a bathroom renovation ranges anywhere from $4,500 to $9,000. But Realtor’s Erin Flaherty isn’t having it. She writes about how just a few upgrades can spruce up any bathroom without breaking the bank and without getting a migraine as well.

Thing is, small spaces are fun to deck out and can become game changers if you take the time to address them. Even a new shower curtain can make a big difference. “Most people don’t think twice about hanging a standard plastic shower curtain in their bathroom, but it’s a lost opportunity to make a design statement with a much nicer-looking cloth hanging that can dictate the whole vibe of the room,” says Flaherty, reminding you not to forget to hang a plastic vinyl liner behind it to prevent water spillage. She suggests a few modern designs from society6.com that feature graphics by working artists.

Forget the fruitless effort of scrubbing your grout within an inch of its life. It’s probably time to replace it. Grab a handheld grout removal tool (less than $10 at Home Depot), apply one of the many masks you’ve Covid-collected, and gently scrape and chip existing grout away. Wipe the area clean. Then mix your grout and apply using a spreader and finisher (YouTube videos for this are a godsend). “Depending on the look of your existing tiles, you may want to match the color, or use a darker shade of grout to add contrast to light tiles,” says Flaherty.

Okay. So replacing your existing sink or tub exceeds your affordability index. Better idea? Get thee to a local big box store and stroll the bathroom fixture aisle. Then prepare yourself for nirvana. New fixtures like faucets are surprisingly inexpensive and can change the look (and age) of your bathroom. Most sets available are standard sizes, so all you have to do is choose the design. If you’re uncertain of what type to choose, snap a smartphone photo of your current fixtures, take it with you to the store, and have a salesperson show you which ones to consider (widespread, mini-widespread, etc.). But don’t stop there. Match up that gorgeous matte black faucet with a new shower head and control — perhaps a higher-end rainfall model? Hiring a plumber to install these new beauties may take only a few hours’ labor if you’re unsure about your DIY skills. More matching is even more fun. Add to or replace cabinet door handles and pulls — even your TP holder, door hooks and garbage can — with black pieces to match. Flaherty says matte black is currently one of the most popular choices, especially if you want to spend less.

Changing out your bathroom’s wall color is one of the easiest fixes. Despite the sometimes-bizarre ideas you see on HGTV shows, crisp white is best when it comes to making a small space seem larger. Choose a mildew-resistant formula to help prevent mold. While you have your materials out, why not paint outdated cabinetry for a more dramatic revamp? 1990s honey oak can transform into a clean white or pale gray and — presto! Your bathroom has a brand new face. Painting cabinets is not simply a matter of slapping the paint over the old surface, however. Again, YouTube vids can show you how.

Reglazing an old tub is far more budget-friendly than replacing your current one, running around $500. “It’s a relatively simple process that transforms your grimy old bathtub into a sparkling-new watering hole,” says Flaherty. “This is not a task you can easily achieve on your own, so hiring a professional to do the honors may be the way to go.”

What’s the point of all these elegant changeouts if your light fixtures don’t show them off properly? While statement light fixtures used to be reserved for high-end renovations, there are now so many affordable options thanks to online shops like All Modern, Schoolhouse, Shades of Light, YLighting, and LampsPlus. Change your lights and change your life.

A final touch? Go to HomeGoods or scroll through the pages of Wayfair for a sweet little piece of art for a bathroom wall. Metal sculpture pieces or cleverly framed photos of the beach or nature are perfect choices. Just make sure their scale doesn’t overwhelm. Less is more for this part of the decor.

Now stand back and take a look. Piece by piece, you’ve taken a tired, outdated bathroom and made it your own, right down to the TP holder. Whether it's used for guests or simply contains the best seat in the house, you have a brand new design statement.

Realtor, TBWS

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