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5 Easy and Affordable Hacks for a Stylish Bathroom Makeover

June 17, 2024
|
By 
Hannah Haber

We often regard the bathroom as merely functional space not requiring too much embellishments . As a result, it can look a little bland and lackluster compared to other spaces in your home. But you know it’s not really a crime to spruce this often underrated area up a bit. And we’re not talking about expensive major replacements and renovations. There are simpler and cheaper ways to do a bathroom makeover and achieve the same (or even better) final results. 

Spruce up with Paint and Wallpaper

5 Easy and Affordable Hacks for a Stylish Bathroom Makeover.
Photo from Serhii Kadulin

A fresh coat of paint or a lovely patterned wallpaper is an easy bathroom makeover project even beginners can do. Painting and wallpaper are budget-friendly alternatives to tiling. And you can save on cost by doing it yourself.

With a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from, these give you more flexibility to experiment and personalize. If you only want a few pops of color, you can apply them on smaller or statement pieces. But you can make an accent wall if you want to define a specific area of the room. You can also adopt the color drenching technique and paint the surfaces with tones and shades of a single color. Or build a color scheme using the color wheel and color psychology

Along with their ability to align with your style, paints and wallpapers can cover minor blemishes and imperfections. And to save up a few more money, choose easy-to-clean or waterproof varieties to truly enjoy a refreshed, hassle-free bathroom. 

Rugs and Mats for Freshened Bathroom Floors

Boffi Flyer Bathroom, Designed by CRS Boffi | DePadova

Rugs and mats are a quick, easy, and affordable way to update the look and feel of your bathroom. With the wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures available on the market, you can effortlessly swap them out for a different design. 

Plush and absorbent materials like cotton, chenille, and microfiber can save you money in the long run. Due to their materiality, they’re much easier to clean and are mostly machine washable. Aside from being sustainable and upkeep-free, these kinds of floor coverings also feel great underfoot and dry quickly. 

But if you want additional safety, opt for rubber, felt, or vinyl for better floor grip when stepping out of the shower or tub. 

Furthermore, you can also use rugs and mats to define zones in your bathroom, like separating the sink area from the shower zone. On top of that, they can also help temporarily hide minor imperfections such as chipped, scratched, or worn out tiles.

Bathroom Hardware Flair

5 Easy and Affordable Hacks for a Stylish Bathroom Makeover.

If your bathroom hardware is still quite new but you want to give them a newer look, a simple cleaning and polishing can do wonders. Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution appropriate for the finish to remove grime and restore their shine.

There are special paints and sprays available specifically designed for metal finishes. Choose a color that complements your bathroom décor and follow the instructions carefully for a successful update.

However, replacing small elements can make a big difference on the overall look of your bathroom cabinetry makeover. Swap out tired or outdated hardware like knobs and pulls for a touch of modern or classic elegance. 

Sleek lines, chrome or brushed nickel, and simple and straightforward designs can create a contemporary feel. On the other hand, traditional design and warmer finishes like brass, oil-rubbed bronze, or ceramic evoke a timeless appearance. But both offer a good balance of affordability, durability, and style. 

Textile Transformation

5 Easy and Affordable Hacks for a Stylish Bathroom Makeover.
Photo from Ben Hosking

A new shower curtain and liner can be a surprisingly powerful tool for your bathroom makeover. You can explore a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to find the perfect match for your taste and bathroom décor. Neutral tones give off a calmer vibe while vibrant and patterned styles allow even a piece of drape to be the statement piece. 

Then, choose a high-quality, mildew-resistant liner for ultimate sanitary spa retreat and peace of mind. Recycled polyester and tightly woven fabric are common water resistant, durable, and affordable materials for shower curtains. Most of them can typically be wiped clean with a damp cloth, while some are machine washable. 

Aside from being easy to maintain, they’re also considered as relatively low-impact materials since they both undergo eco-friendly manufacturing processes. 

Better if you coordinate your bath towels and hand towels with your new shower curtain. They don’t have to be an exact match. But they could tie into the overall color scheme you’ve created for a cohesive look.

Finishing Touches

Photographed by Ed Simon

A few well-chosen and affordable pieces can become the focal points that unify your entire bathroom makeover and reflect your personal flair.

Start by bringing the outdoors in. A touch of strategically placed, low-light greenery can work wonders. Snake plants, ferns, Chinese evergreen, peace lily, and bromeliads are all excellent choices for bathrooms as they thrive in humid environments and require minimal sunlight. They also help remove household toxins, which improve air quality and doesn’t leave your bathroom smelling stale. Put them in stylish pots like ceramic or glazed terracotta to add texture and visual appeal. 

Decorate your walls with framed photographs, artwork, or nature prints.  Remember to choose moisture-resistant frames to prevent warping or damage from bathroom humidity. Consider glass, acrylic, or even sealed wooden frames.

Add a decorative mirror to create the illusion of a larger space. Opt for a unique frame design or consider a mirrored medicine cabinet for additional storage. Incorporate small storage solutions like decorative baskets or woven bins to keep toiletries and bathroom essentials organized and out of sight.

Along with visual decor, elevate your bathroom experience with calming scents. Flameless candles or diffusers with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus can create a relaxing atmosphere. Place them on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface away from water sources and flammable materials. 

Bathrooms don’t always have to be sterile and overlooked in decorating your space. Much more, makeovers don’t always have to be draining every penny in your wallet. Through these simple budget-friendly hacks, you can transform this limited, often oversimplified, space into another area of relaxation reflecting your personal style. 

Read more: Ricco Ocampo Introduces His Newest Bed and Bath Line, Forthway

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