Let’s be honest: The bathroom is one of the most overlooked spaces in the home, and it’s easy to spend your time and money on decorating busy areas like the living room or kitchen. But as a room we freshen up every day, there’s no doubt that our bathrooms also deserve a little refresh of their own.
if you have a small bathroomBudget, or amount of time to DIY, our design experts have quick, easy, and affordable upgrades for your bathroom that can be completed within a day or weekend.
meet the expert
- jan odessanya Mondan & Co. is the principal interior designer at Interiors.
- Inara Tirkonen She is an interior architect and art team lead at home design app Redecor.
- luis carmona VERDE is a master of interior design.
pay attention to vanity
When it comes to making a big impact for less, interior designer Jan Odesanya recommends focusing your bathroom upgrade budget on one eye-catching element.
“If you’re going to fidget anywhere in the bathroom, do this vanity area,” she says. “It’s like the kitchen island of the bathroom—the space that draws the most visual attention and sets the tone for the entire space.”
If an entirely new vanity isn’t realistic, Odesanya says to refresh your current vanity with new drawer handles and a calming color Can be just as effective.
“If you have a perfectly functional vanity but it’s looking a little tired, give it new life with paint,” she says. “Moody Greens, prosperous navyOr even fresh white paint can make it look brand new.”
Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Sign up our free daily newspaper For the latest how-tos, reno guides and more!
upgrade mirror
When building out a vanity area, or if you’re a renter who’s working with a blank canvas of a bathroom, Odesanya says to look at the mirror as a piece of decor, not just a functional one. Necessary for.
“Don’t underestimate bathroom mirror,” Odesanya says. ”Remove the builder-grade one, and hang a framed mirror in its place. It’s instant glam, and you can find affordable options here thrift storeOr even online big box retailers. I once bought an old brass mirror for $45, and my customer swore I’d spent $500.”
swap fixtures
According to designer Luis Carmona, the smallest details can make the biggest difference when decorating a bathroom on a budget, and he recommends investing in new faucets, handles, and shower heads for a big impact.
,Swapping out plumbing fixtures “A space will be spruced up without a big investment,” says Carmona. “Mixing metals or simply adding a new set of hardware with a different design aestheticsThe texture, or embellishment will add a touch of luxury to the space and make it feel brand new.”
create comfortable lighting
Light Designers say it’s important in setting the ambiance of a room. ambient light Sources like wall sconces, shower lampAnd surround mirrors or under-cabinet stripes in the bathroom can instantly make the space feel more soothing and comfortable.
“Swap out harsh overhead lights for a soft, warm glow,” says Odesanya. “I’ve been known to pop in dimmer switch—A very easy upgrade—Add more wall marks To have that soft, peaceful, glowing moment. It’s one of those changes that seems subtle but makes everything feel more high-end.”
Add Spa-Style Details
The Spruce/Alyssa Vela
There are very few things that feel more luxurious than this spa style bathroom—and according to interior architect Inara Tirkonen, they don’t have to come with a price tag to match. Here are their top ways to get the look towelsFabric, and artificial pieces.
“Towels are not only functional; they can also be an important part of your decor,” says Tirkonen. “Invest in soft, plush towels in neutral or soothing colors, a soft rug to make the space feel cozy, and wooden elements like small stools or storage baskets to add a touch of natural warmth.”
lime wash the walls
Wood, marble and stone all have natural textures make the bathroom look expensive Feel more sanctuary-like—and Odesanya says a unique wall treatment can help capture the essence of a bucket list-worthy spa hotel at home at a lower price.
“Want the look of stone but don’t have the budget for a slab of travertine? Use limewash paint,” says Odesanya. “It adds a soft, organic, stone-like texture to the walls, and it’s significantly cheaper than tile. Plus, it’s very DIY-friendly.”
refresh the decor
Although it is most often overlooked, bathroom decor Can make a big difference—and our design experts say certain style choices can make a difference, too small bathroom feels bigger,
“Small touches like a new picture frame or trendy lamp can also add personality and warmth, and add Plants That Thrive in Bathrooms The humidity will help freshen up the space and make it feel more comfortable and calming, says Tirkkonen.
“Choose the option of ceiling-mounted shower curtain rod So your curtains hang higher, making the ceilings look higher instantly,” Carmona adds. “It’s like heels for your bathroom.”
paint or wallpaper
Ursula Carmona’s House built by Carmona
Carmona believes one of the best ways to upgrade a bathroom on a budget is one of the simplest: a new shade of paint—or wallpaper—can completely change the look and feel of a room.
“Transforming the walls is another great way to help make a bathroom feel new and fresh without spending a lot,” says Carmona. accent wall Or just painting the ceiling can give a room new life.”
Try Peel-and-Stick Tiles
The Spruce / Jacob Fox
a change for bathroom rental Might be a little more challenging. But Odenseya says a big makeover is still within reach with the help of one understated decor element.
“If breaking tile is not an option, choose a high quality peel and stick options,” she says. “They’ve come a long way in design (no longer that old-school ‘Grandma’s linoleum’ look) and can totally bathroom floor replacement Or just an accent wall in an afternoon.”
