An Afternoon Bathroom Makeover

This seems to be a recurring scenario: the basics-paint, vanity and fixtures- are in pretty good shape but you really want to update your bathroom.  You don't have a lot of time and you have limited funds. No need to lament.  You can do it in no time and on a reasonably small budget, if you shop creatively.

Recently we took my mother-in-law shopping , to purchase a new shower curtain and accessories, and I was floored by the prices. The only thing going through my mind was that I knew I could completely change the look and feel of my bathroom for the same price as that shower curtain.  To prove this to myself I embarked upon a 'Design Outing'. My goal was to source out enough items to change a bathroom for under $75.00.  It wasn't a difficult task and one, I'm sure, anyone can accomplish. My main piece of advice-think outside of the bathroom door!

Why is it essential to have an official shower curtain or bath mat?  I found some amazing drapery panels at a Discount store (where I live it's Giant Tiger) for $10 each and if you have a window you just purchase an extra panel, or two, to match or co-ordinate.  You already have a liner so you can use just about anything as the curtain.

As far as mats go, there is no decor law stating you have to use 'bathmats'.  You can purchase any kind of mat as long as you ensure that it's washable and, for safety, that is has an non-skid backing. If not you can always pick up the grip pads.  I found some great mats at the Discount store for $5.00 each and they really work well with the colours I had chosen.

Complimentary colours stand out!

Everyone has basic towels but it's always nice to have some that help show off your bathroom, the kind you bring out when you have company, and you can always pick up some less expensive towels when dressing your bathroom. My choices, in complimentary colours, offered a layered look and only cost $14 for 2 large towels, 2 hand towels and 2 facecloths. Fresh, new towels always help.

Use office accessories for your bathroom

Counter and toilet tank accessories were easy.I found a great rectangular basket, to sit on top of the toilet tank, for only $5.  This could be used for any number of things-extra towels, toilet paper or any other accessories you wouldn't mind being on display.  I also found an assortment of woven basketware office accessories at the Dollar Store.  These would be great on a counter to hold soaps, toothbrushes , hairbrushes or even extra smaller towels.  All four pieces cost $6.  Great aesthetics and extra storage for a few bucks.

Basic black is always good to have in any room.  It is a grounding colour and only adds to whatever look you're going for. The easiest way to add black to this bathroom is with wall art and I found a 4 pack of frames for $3. Whether it's special family photos, landscapes, co-ordinating scrapbooking pages or even painted glass, you can quickly compliment your design or colour choices by placing these around the room or in a collage to give a greater impact.

If your vanity needs a little something you can always make your own panel inserts for the door and drawer fronts.  Inexpensive placemats, sticky shelf liner or even wallpaper can be cut to size and attached.  Once your hardware is re-attached your vanity will look completely different.  I found placemats for $1 and some interesting shelf liner rolls for $1 each. Mounting the placemats can be done with thin velcro for ease of removal for cleaning and to make possible changes a breeze or with double sided tape if you decide to keep them as is.

So, let's recap: a shower curtain, window dressing, 2 mats, an assortment of towels, vanity panels  and basket accessories...a completely new look for your bathroom for $75.00 and all of this can be assembled in an afternoon (or an evening if that works better for you)  It can be done.  Just go on a Design Outing of your own and let the fun begin.

I found a few other things that would be great additions to what is already assembled and would also take care of a few common problem areas but that's for another day....