Updating the bathroom is one of the most popular home improvements for homeowners to undertake. After all, a bathroom makeover does have quite a bit of impact on a home’s value. However, even though the remodeling cost vs. value report for 2013 list bathroom remodels as one of the projects yielding the best returns on investment in 2013, renovating a bathroom can often be very expensive. Thankfully, it is not impossible to make it look like you spent $25,000 remodeling your bathroom when you really only spent a fraction of the cost.
Use Extended Light Fixtures
Old light fixtures can date a bathroom as well, and any improvement on the lighting in your bathroom will make a huge difference. If you have a medicine cabinet, you may want to install wall light fixtures with a long neck that place the lights above and in front of the mirror. If you have a large ornate mirror, you will want to side light it.
Consider sprucing up your vanity
Like with the light fixtures, vanities can end up looking dated as the years go by. While you can find a stylish bathroom vanity at practically any home improvement store; refurbishing your old vanity instead can save you a little extra money and still get rid of the dated look. Most vanities can easily be repainted and things like tilting the mirror or changing the fixtures or can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of your space without going over budget.
Don’t forget about your countertop
Not too long ago, things like granite countertops were pretty expensive perks to consider for the average home makeover project. Thankfully, you can now obtain granite tops for under $400 at most home improvement stores; some even come with an unattached, under-mount sink. In addition, less expensive varieties such as laminate still make the most sense when trying to remain within budget. This is especially true now that laminate countertops can now mimic the look of granite.
Add a splash of art
You may want to consider giving your bathroom and new touch of elegance and visual appeal with a splash of art for the bath. Just like it does in any other room of a home, art can complete the style and look of your bathroom makeover. With art in the bathroom, the general rule is it should be behind glass in order to avoid getting splashed but remember, humidity is an issue so you may want to ask the framer about hanging original art in a humid environment before doing so.
Bathroom tile can also be a potent design weapon when you want to create a unique look. Like with most mosaics, the almost limitless compilations of tile styles can inspire you to create a totally unique bathroom tile pattern that enhances the room’s ambiance through color, texture and pattern.
Plan for adequate storage
Finally, one of the things I find true of every home makeover is that storage is a problem in pretty much every room. With that being said, make sure you take time to visit stores like the Pottery Barn, the Container Store and Ikea for a huge selection of aesthetic and design friendly storage solutions.
About the author
Alex is a writer, husband, father and aspiring urban fantasy novelist. When he isn’t writing for HomeDaddys or completing chores from his “honey- do” list, he’s most likely spending quality time with his wife and kids or working on his novel.
Tags: bathroom, budget, makeover
