Give bathroom a 2-day makeover
If you have reached the stage where you want to rip out the whole bathroom and start all over again but your budget doesn't allow for this, there are a few easy and affordable ways to give your bathroom a new look. Here are some tips on how to give your bathroom a makeover in 2 days.
How much to spend
Before you rush out and start buying this and that, take the time to evaluate how much you have to spend now and what tasks could be delayed until you have a bit more to spend. When money is tight you need to look at options that fit in with your budget, but that doesn't mean you can't give your bathroom a whole new personality at a fraction of the cost to replace.
While you might want a new basin, toilet and tub - do you need it? These are the most expensive items for any bathroom makeover and if you can live with them for a bit longer there are other quick and easy makeovers you can do first to give your bathroom a new look.
Take a visit to your local Builders Warehouse to see the range of products on offer and check out the prices of items you will need for your bathroom makeover.
Evaluate the space
Working around what's already in the bathroom, look at what changes you would like to make. Even though the basin, toilet and tub can't be moved around, the walls and floors can be painted or covered, a new shower curtain added, walls and trim painted, and perhaps you can even afford to add a new bathroom vanity.
No space for a shower
As more homeowners prefer a shower to bathing installing a shower in every bathroom becomes a matter of priority. But not every bathroom has space for an added shower, and enlarging the space by adding on is extremely expensive. An affordable option, and one that can be done in a day, is to install a glass shower panel.
In my bathroom I fitted a fixed panel, but you can easily install a hinged panel that allows easy access and converts a bathtub into a combined shower/bath.
An even more affordable option is to mount a chrome rod along the length of the bathtub to allow for a shower curtain. And if there isn't already a fitted shower head, you can buy a shower extension that fits onto your existing taps and allows for mounting onto the wall.
Add personality and style
You need to start somewhere when deciding upon a design for your bathroom makeover. This can be anything from a colour palette to fabric you want to incorporate for a shower curtain, or even a piece of artwork that you want to mount on the wall.
This piece of inspiration will guide you in choosing paint colour and selecting fittings that will be incorporated into the finished look you want.
Start with a blank slate
Clean out the clutter by removing anything that isn't fixed in place. When it's all stacked out of the way you can take stock of what you have and sort out to determine what needs to be thrown out, used elsewhere or whether you need to put up shelves or build storage furniture.
With the bathroom stripped bare you will find it easier to visualise the space and see how the colour swatches look. It also allows you to measure up and determine how much space is available for fitting shelves and furniture, or adding window trim, etc.
Add personality with colour
Even a small amount of colour in a bathroom can make a huge difference and introduce a whole new look and feel. In a cold bathroom look at adding warm colours like shades of orange and red, or add light colours in a dark bathroom. In a bathroom that receives a lot of natural light and tends to heat up, use cool and refreshing colours such as blues and greens.
If you're not sure what colours will work best, pop onto the Plascon Inspired Colour System to select a few options and then pop into your local Builders Warehouse to pick up a handful of paint swatches. Use Prestik to fasten the swatches onto the wall to help with your colour decision.
If you decide to put up wallpaper, make sure it's a style you love and one that you won't want to remove a few years down the line. Also make sure that any wallpaper is suitable for application in a bathroom, in which case vinyl wallpaper is the best choice. As an alternative to wallpaper, and one that you can easily change down the line, think about stencilling a design onto the wall.
Add architectural interest
Adding architectural detailing to a plain bathroom instantly creates a new look. Something as simple as adding trim to an ugly bathroom window can transform the space. If you don't have the skills - nor the time - to add detailing, consider a new window treatment for your bathroom window/s. A simple Roman blind in a plain fabric with ribbon border, or in a fabric that complements your decor, is a quick and easy project you can do in a day.
Pop into your local fabric store and check out the specials. You can often pick up trendy fabrics, cotton and linen at discounted prices.
Repurpose what you already have
It isn't always necessary to buy brand new if you shop around for secondhand bargains or at online auction sales. We are all looking for ways to save money here and there and repurposing an old table or cabinet into a bathroom vanity is just one of the ways to do this.
If you do plan to use an old table or cabinet as a bathroom vanity, make sure to seal the top, add a mosaic countertop or add a piece of glass to protect the surface of the furniture. You can even disguise an old-fashioned pedestal sink by fitting a cabinet to fit around.
Refresh with accessories
Old towels and mildew-coated shower curtains don't do anything for your bathroom, so simply replace old, worn accessories with crisp, new ones. The difference will be immediately apparent, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
When it comes to affordable makeovers, adding new accessories is probably the most inexpensive option. A new set of thick cotton bath towels - in colours to match your new bathroom - will add a splash of colour and luxury. If towels don't need to be replaced, use ribbon or trim to add a colourful or interesting border.
In a weekend or a couple of free days, you can give your bathroom a makeover without going over budget. All you need is creativity - not cash!