Luxuriating Bathroom Design on a Budget – Part 2: Simple Solutions

by Christina Mogk, MeCC Interiors

Your “old” bathroom is screaming for an update. You’ve gone through the steps:

1. Be Honest
2. Be Realistic
3. Prioritize
4. Shop Around
5. Visualize

Or have you? Perhaps you are still trying to complete steps four and five, which can be done concurrently. You have your budget and your list of priorities. But how do you incorporate your priorities with the rest of the bathroom to create the perfect space on budget?

Consider the following when completing your visual picture.

Quick & Easy

One of the simplest ways to refresh any room is to tackle the walls. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and/or ceiling can yield tremendous effect. This holds true in even the tiniest of bathrooms.

Because the typical bathroom does not have a lot of wall space, your treatment can have an even greater impact than it would in any other space. It will also take a fraction of the time (and cost) to complete!

Choose colours, patterns, and textures that evoke the mood(s) of your “theme.” Given the smaller space and relative low cost of materials, do not be afraid to experiment to get the look you want to capture.

Structured Storage

New vanities and storage cabinets can be prohibitive in price. Depending on the existing layout of the bathroom, they can also prove difficult to reach. If your cabinet is as large as it can be, work with it as it is.

Most cabinets can be repainted or re-stained, with the proper preparation, to achieve the colour or finish of your dreams. You also can very easily remove and replace the existing door and/or drawer hardware. The completion of these two simple tasks can give you a brand new piece of furniture.

If you want to push it a little further to maximize your storage, re-configure the cabinet. Basic builder cabinets feature two doors beneath a sink and not much else. Measure your cabinet and explore the possibility of buying doors and drawers to fit the frame you’ve already got.

If that’s beyond your budget or you’re unable to find what you want, visit your local home organization store. There are countless solutions available now. You can very easily add shelves throughout the unit and place baskets or trays inside for organization and easy access.

Lighten Up

Lighting is key in all spaces, particularly when there are very specific tasks to be performed. Shaving in an ill-lit room, for example, can lead to less than optimal results.

Consider adding sconces on either side of the mirror. If hiring an electrician is beyond your budget, investigate both wireless and plug-in options.

Another way to lighten the look and feel and instantly enlarge your space is to replace your boxed in shower walls with glass. This is particularly effective with corner shower units.

Consider adding complementary decorative tile to the sections of exterior wall that need to be repaired to further highlight the newly opened space.

Sparkle and Shine

Reflective surfaces always add a great quality to a bathroom. The space automatically feels brighter and more substantial with a few great pieces.

The odds are great that you have an existing mirror. If it is small or less than attractive, consider having a larger, framed mirror installed. Or add a simple frame around the mirror you have to give it more presence and detail. The difference will be well worth the effort.

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