Loo Blues: Inexpensive Ways to Transform Your Bathroom

When many people think about redecorating, typically the kitchen, living room, or bedroom comes to mind. Of course, these rooms do tend to get more traffic than some other rooms, but if there’s one room in your home that deserves some attention it’s got to be the bathroom.

The lowly bathroom might not be a place that we associate with aesthetics, but due to its generally small size it is definitely one of the easiest rooms in the home to redecorate or redesign. A little goes a long way in this small space, which also translates to less expense when it comes to materials and decorations.

Take a good look at your bathroom and get an idea of the design or theme you’d like to achieve. Once you’ve crossed that hurdle, learn more about completely transforming your bathroom with these easy and inexpensive design tips.

Paint Your Space

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform any space is with paint. A different color scheme can quickly change the mood of a room and it can also open up a brand new palette for decor and other items that will upgrade your space.

It’s best to have a general idea of the look you’re going for before you select the paint. Blues and greens can evoke a beachy feel, while pastel yellow hints at springtime in the country. If you’re feeling particularly bold try a deep red or dark pink wall color with gold accents to create a Parisian boudoir atmosphere, which is especially attractive for a master bath space.

Once you’ve decided on the wall color it’s time to start searching for accents and bathroom furniture.

Get Thrifty

We all know that thrift stores can be heaven for budget redecorators, but the truly crafty know that an open mind and a little bit of searching can yield amazing finds that are perfect for a brand new loo. Don’t limit yourself to one or two thrift shops. Make sure that you’re hitting all of the garage sales and scouring sites like Craigslist and Freecycle, as well.

An old nightstand or small bureau can be refinished and repurposed for use in the bathroom. Paint or stain it in a color that’s complementary to your new wall color, and add some Knobbery cabinet hardware in a funky style to make the nightstand even more unique. This type of small addition makes a huge difference for bathroom storage.

An old mirror can be picked up for a song and transformed into something that is truly one of a kind. If the mirror comes with a frame you can easily repaint it to match your decor. For the truly creative you can cover your mirror frame with a collage of photos or vintage postcards. After a quick coat of sealant, you have a nice conversation piece, even if it is in the bathroom.

D-I- Why Didn’t I Think of That?

Again, because the bathroom is generally such a small space, it’s easy to make your own decorations and personal touches without too much effort or expense. For instance, a sheet that matches your color scheme can be transformed into a shower curtain. Simply cut it to fit and snip a few holes in the top to accommodate the curtain rings. The same type of sheet can also be used for window curtains if you’re having trouble finding the perfect set.

Fresh flowers can do wonders to augment your space. Snip a few blooms from your yard or garden and place them in a pretty vase or bowl. Heavily scented flowers like gardenias or roses make an even bigger impact. As the seasons change, additions like pretty grasses and autumn leaves can perpetuate the natural look throughout the year.

It’s also quite simple to repurpose items from other parts of your home. A wire fruit basket from the kitchen can be suspended over the tub and it can be used to store bath products and other items. Leftover party supplies like paper lanterns and strings of twinkling lights can add a fun and festive touch to your space.

While the humble bathroom may be constantly overlooked, it’s much easier than you think to redo your loo. Get creative with your color scheme, put your thrifting skills to work when you source furniture and decor, and take a look at the items that you already have in your house. Before you know it your bathroom will be a showplace.

Tags: Bathroom, Design, Home improvement

Category: Home Renovation