How to give a bathroom a makeover
Giving the bathroom a makeover doesn’t have to shrink your wallet. Try one or two of these easy ideas to upgrade the one of the hardest-working spaces in the house.
1. Fresh Look
A classic footed tub gets new life when professionally refinished and fitted with new fixtures, and it’s cheaper than replacing it altogether. If you have a cast iron tub you can easily use Rust-Oleum's Tub & Tile to refinish your bathtub.
2. Whole New Hue
Sand and refinish or paint bath cabinets for an upgrade in less than a weekend. Pop into your local Prominent Paints Decorating Centre and start picking out new colours - or go for white - for a completely new look. Previously painted cabinets can be sanded to remove old paint or varnish and then finished in neutral or bold colours to match your new bathroom. Start with an 80-grit sanding paper and finish with a 240-grit sanding paper. If you have a sander - even quicker and better.
3. Hang Tough
Removable adhesive hooks have come a long way, with new finishes (such as brushed aluminum) and higher weight limits. So tack a row of these very inexpensive bath helpers on a wall or door and hang the thickest towels without fear. Everloc is an internationally patented, innovative range of hooks, racks and rails based on one of the world’s strongest ever suction cup systems.
This trendy chrome / stainless steel look range is ultra convenient and you can look forward to having your most essential and frequently used items within easy reach without having to find a handyman or bring out the toolbox.
4. Say 'AAH'
Replace dated fabric window treatments and use glass brick or frosted glass to cover a small window where privacy is needed. With a few matching accessories near the sink, the look will go from blah to spa.
5. Smarten Up
It's hard to make a more dramatic style statement than with stylish sinks mounted on a furniture-style vanity that has additional storage underneath. Another idea: Remove the doors from a cabinet sink, patch holes from the hinges, sand the remaining surfaces and apply a fresh coat of paint. Then use baskets or other storage containers in appealing colours and textures to hold rolled towels and other bathtime essentials.
6. Smart Switch
Replace and coordinate bath drawer knobs, door handles and switch plate covers for a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
7. Fluff Up
Brighten a tired bath with a new set of towels, bath mat and coordinating shower curtain. Still need to trim the budget? Replace the hand towels or washcloths only, and add the more expensive bath sheets down the road. Shopping tip: Check the child and teen decor sections of your favorite stores for bright colors and patterns that wake up a sleepy bath.
8. Colour Underfoot
A new tile floor can require hefty material and labour costs, so consider replacing tile with laminate or cushioned vinyl flooring for a softer, warmer and modern flooring option.