Do you feel lost when it comes to how to decorate a bathroom – specifically your bathroom? I’ve covered some completely doable changes you can make to your bathroom, whether you’re renting an apartment or own a home.
This week, I couldn’t help but think about how much my bathroom needs a little love right now. Maybe my crowded closets are finally getting to me. who knows.
So, if you’re looking for a simple project to freshen up this weekend or you’re hoping to do a little more, we’ve got 13 easy ways (and some inspiring spaces) to make your bathroom feel fresh and totally clean. .
(Photo courtesy of Aisha Pearce)
Here are 13 ways to make your bathroom look fresh and clean this spring…
This all-white bathroom, owned by Alison Fox, is giving me major inspiration to start spring cleaning. It’s very simple and mess-free. I love the plant hanging from the shower head too. In such an open space, with so much white, it’s a nice way to break up the potential monotony.
(Image via Domino)
13 tips for renovating and decorating the bathroom
1. Tame the chaos.
Let’s start with something simple that won’t cost you anything.
If you’re like me, you’ve accumulated way too many (almost) empty bottles of skin and hair products over the years. And these little guys have to go at some point.
So it’s time to binge, binge, binge! Keep the good stuff and throw away, recycle or donate the rest.
I recommend doing this every 3 to 6 months, if you can, and not just when you feel itchy while brushing. This will help make you more conscious of waste, and is usually a great way to start a more serious bathroom update.
2. Bring some fresh scents.
Another cheap and easy way to give you all those fresh spring feelings is to replace those wintery scents you’ve been using with something more this season.
I’m totally guilty of using Christmas scented soaps long after the holiday every year, but I eventually replaced them for spring.
I like to buy floral, citrus, or herbal hand soap, a new candle, and even a room spray to change things up.
You can also make your own candles and create a custom scent just for you. Making candles is honestly very easy. I make a handful of gifts almost every season, especially around the holidays. I have a detailed tutorial here that takes you through the whole process: How to Make Candles Like a Pro.
(Image via The Fresh Exchange)
3. Change your linens.
A new set of towels somehow has the amazing ability to stimulate any bathroom makeover (maybe it’s just me?).
Choose a nice spring color, or stick to neutrals with some bright whites.
If you want to keep things on budget, choose a new set of hand towels that complement your existing linens.
(Image via DesignLoveFest)
4. Replace your shower curtain.
This upgrade is very affordable, and can make a big difference in your space because it takes up a lot of visual space.
There are really a lot of options available for under $50 (from trendy to traditional). West Elm and Urban Outfitters have a pretty good selection of shower curtain styles for under $50 right now.
Or if you want to invest in something long-term classic, The Citizenry has some great options. This is where the above shower curtain comes from and I love it. Available here.
Oh, and if you’re willing to part with a little more, replace your basic shower curtain rings with something a little more exciting, too.
5. Add storage space.
Assuming you’ve taken the time to get rid of the clutter, add storage baskets, shelves, and units above the toilets (yes, they make a few that aren’t unsightly) to keep the clutter away, or at least to help hide it in between. Cleans deeply.
Choose nice, neutral pieces that can easily transition between seasons and update your decor to save money.
I love a good linen basket to hide dirty clothes!
(Image via HonestlyWTF)
6. Update your bathroom rugs/rugs.
Old bathroom mats are very bad. Wash out the old one, donate it, and go for something a little more eye-catching.
There are a lot of fun bath rugs out there these days, but I usually go the sophisticated route with textiles…even bath rugs.
And for those who may cringe at the thought of a wet, old Persian/Moroccan rug, I say this:
They look amazing! Can’t argue with me on that. They are much more durable than you think. If you have a well-ventilated bathroom, you’ll be fine. You can always take an extra 10 seconds to dry in the shower so you don’t get your carpet covered in wet hair.
(Image via Amber Interiors)
7. Introducing some green spaces.
Okay, okay… I realize that the whole houseplant trend has the potential to go from fresh and bright to an episode of Hoarders (plant version) very quickly.
The only good thing is that the bathrooms are generally small!
A simple way to bring life to a space, even a bathroom, is to add some green plants. Add them to your dressing table or shelves, hang them from the wall, or fill the corner of a room.
If your bathroom gets little to no natural light, you can always use artificial monstera leaves or palm fronds.
(Image via Sarah Sherman Samuel)
8. Hang some artwork.
Putting artwork on the walls makes your bathroom look less like a place where you go, well… and more like an actual living space.
I always like to add affordable framed prints or other pieces that I don’t mind a little moisture here and there.
(Photo courtesy of Aisha Pearce)
9. Replace your construction grade mirror.
I’ll say it again, replace your construction grade mirror! If you have any room left in the budget – say an extra $50-$150 – this should definitely be on your list of upgrades.
Removing an old, ugly vanity mirror in exchange for something more upscale and modern can make a big difference.
Bathroom mirrors have this uncanny ability to either stand out as a focal point, or gently complement an already existing focal point, say a rad backsplash or a bold vanity.
Choose what suits your taste, space, and budget – you won’t be disappointed!
(Image via “Lulu and Georgia”)
10. Install new fixtures or update old fixtures.
Second to new mirrors may be new fixtures. I’m talking about lighting fixtures and water fixtures.
If purchasing new lights and faucets is way beyond your budget, consider refinishing your existing lights and faucets instead.
You can actually paint them quite easily with rust-resistant metal spray paints.
(Image via Domino)
11. Throw on some new paint.
This may be more for homeowners, but painting is always a great option for a budget-conscious renovation.
Paint your vanity cabinets, accent wall, and change the grout color in your tiles. The options are endless and because the area is smaller, you won’t have to buy as much paint!
If you’re feeling ambitious, try painting your tile floors, too. I did this in the guest bathroom a while ago and have no regrets!
(Image from “A Beautiful Mess”)
12. Change your devices.
I can’t tell you how many times a new set of handles has changed my furniture and cabinets.
The change only takes a few minutes, and usually won’t cost much. Try this DIY leather cabinet pulls project for a super affordable upgrade.
(Image via Phoebe Choisson for Veneer Designs)
13. Add backsplash or wallpaper accents.
Depending on the size of your bathroom, installing a new backsplash (like I did in these small bathroom renovation ideas) or wallpaper accents may be a great way to update things.
There are a lot of interesting ideas circulating on Pinterest at the moment, and from fully tiled floor-to-ceiling spas to smaller backsplashes, there’s something to suit almost every budget.
There are also renter-friendly wallpaper options that are removable, but still make a big impact. In a renter-friendly yellow bathroom renovation, I made removable wallpaper and there was absolutely no damage when I removed it a year later.
(Image via Alexandra Love on Domino’s website)
That’s all for now. I hope you’ve found some quick takeaways that you can bring home to spruce up your bathroom, without having to pay a professional.
Do you have ideas for updating your bathroom to share? Let me know in the comments below.
