Update Your Bathroom in 4 Easy Steps

Update Your Bathroom in 4 Easy Steps

Does your bathroom feel outdated? Are you ready to give it a bit of a face-lift, but aren’t quite ready for a full-scale remodel? Then this guide is for you. Today, we’ve pulled together four quick tips on how to give your bathroom that update you’re craving without the heavy-duty price tag attached. Sometimes a few creative tweaks are all you need to get a refresh and feel right at home once again.

Step #1: New Counters, Faucets, & Hardware

The vanity is usually the anchor point in a bathroom, so updating this will give you the most bang for your buck. Start by refreshing your countertops – especially if you’ve got those old-school vinyl counters that start to peel up at the edges over time. We recommend using quartz, marble, or granite for a contemporary, yet timeless, look that also gives your bathroom a high-quality base to work from.

Next, you’ll want to switch out your sink faucet. Style-wise, be sure to select a faucet that fits your intended look for the space. Are you more of a modern lover? Then opt for a sleek single-handle faucet. More of a traditional fan? Consider farmhouse-inspired styles that retain those classic curves and finishes. Regardless of your style, though, be sure to go for a brand that ranks high in quality. Our favorites are Kohler, Brizo, American Standard, and Delta – you simply can’t go wrong with any of them.

After you’ve got the countertops and faucets in place, you’ll want to update your hardware. There are endless options out there, so be sure to choose a style that – like your faucet – fits your overall vision. As for brands, we highly recommend going with either Emtek, Rejuvenation, or Top Knobs – their styles fit the bill for any space, and their quality is unmatched.

Step #2: New Light Fixtures

Next up is light fixtures! You’ve got plenty of options for this, including wall sconces, a hanging pendant, or a vanity light. All are equally stunning, but before you fall in love with a certain one, be sure to consider whether or not you want to reroute your electrical units. If your bathroom is already equipped for a certain lighting style, then to save money, it makes sense to keep to that layout and just switch out the fixture. However, if you’re dying to try a new arrangement, just know that there will be an added expense to alter that location. Regardless, our favorite brands for fixtures are Hudson Valley, Kichler, Hinkley, Feiss and Visual Comfort. You’ll find absolutely stunning options from them that fit your dream style, and once you’ve got that new light mounted, your bathroom will have a whole life!

Step #3: Fresh Paint

There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to give a room an upgrade. And whether you’re painting the walls, trim, or vanity (or all three!), it’s the most inexpensive way to make your bathroom feel like your ultimate getaway. For vanities, we love soft colors that still make a splash (think powder blues or subtle greens), and for walls and trim, we recommend sticking to neutrals that feel comforting and inviting (think creamy whites and warm grays). Pair these combos together, and you’ll feel like you’ve got an instant spa right at home.

Step #4: Accent Wall and/or Flooring

Finally, adding an accent wall and/or new flooring can completely change the feel of a bathroom. Shiplap is a great option for an accent wall because while it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the room’s colors, it adds a pop of texture that gives the space needed depth and dimension. For floors, we love tile – not only for its durability (it’s hard to keep hardwood floors looking good when a lot of water is involved), but also for its wide variety in style options. You can make the floors stand out and make a bold statement with a graphic tile, or you can opt for something subtle by sticking to a neutral color scheme but playing with shape and size. In this bathroom, we chose to do a penny floor tile in white – it kept the overall feeling of the space fresh and crisp, but still added texture and interest.

Got your dream bathroom all sketched in your mind? Are your Pinterest boards bursting with inspiration? Then follow these four steps, and you’ll have your bathroom upgrade in no time.

By Megan Johansson, Contributor to Molly Howe Design