5 Creative Ways to "Renovate" Your Bathroom on a Tight Budget
A bathroom renovation is just not in the budget for me at the moment, but I'm always looking for affordable ways to give my bathroom a refresh without going all-out.
In her latest video, Ashley Bryant, a home renovation expert and virtual paint color consultant, provides practical advice for upgrading dated bathrooms on a tight budget, and I love her ideas!
Bathroom renovations are notoriously expensive, with even mid-range upgrades averaging around $24,000. A primary bathroom remodel involving a layout change can cost even more.
However, Bryant assures viewers that they don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a stylish transformation. She debunks the myth, often propagated by design shows and influencers, that a complete overhaul is necessary to refresh a bathroom:
Table of contents
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1. Creative Solutions for Bathroom Floor
Bryant suggests tackling outdated flooring as the first step. For bathrooms from the '70s, '80s, or '90s with flooring that's no longer appealing, she recommends several creative and cost-effective strategies:
Cleaning grout
Cleaning grout is an easy first step that can make a significant difference. She shares a simple DIY grout-cleaning recipe using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, demonstrating how effective it can be.
Tile
If clean grout isn't enough to improve the look of your tile, Bryant suggests painting the tile. There are DIY-friendly kits available that make this process affordable and achievable for most homeowners.
Another option is to stencil the floors for a unique and personalized look, though this requires more effort.
4 Pieces Reusable Tile Stencil 12 x 12 Inches
LVP
Bryant advises against using peel-and-stick tiles, citing durability issues. Instead, she recommends luxury vinyl plank (LVP) as a budget-friendly and easy-to-install alternative. LVP can be laid over existing tiles or installed after removing the old tiles, offering a versatile solution for updating bathroom floors.
Style Selections Slate Oak Gray 6-mil x 6-in
Lucida Surfaces Luxury Vinyl Flooring
2. Making the Most of Existing Elements
For those not interested in painting or stenciling, Bryant suggests embracing the existing flooring and working with it.
She emphasizes the importance of choosing paint colors that complement the fixed elements in the room, such as tile or countertops, to create a cohesive and intentional design.
By selecting the right wall color, artwork, and accessories, homeowners can turn even the most dated floors into a stylish feature.
3. Countertop and Vanity Cabinet Updates
Outdated countertops are another common challenge in older bathrooms. Bryant discusses several DIY solutions, including painting countertops to mimic the look of marble. While this project requires some artistic skill, it's an affordable way to achieve a high-end look in a guest bathroom or powder room.
Giani Quartz Easy Epoxy Countertop Paint Kit (Venetian Gold)
For those looking for a more permanent solution, Bryant mentions using plywood to create a new countertop, though she cautions about potential water damage over time. Alternatively, homeowners can save money by sourcing countertop remnants from a slab yard, which is more budget-friendly than purchasing new materials.
When it comes to vanity cabinets, Bryant highlights the transformative power of paint. She advises viewers to properly prepare their cabinets before painting to ensure a long-lasting finish. Updating knobs and pulls is another simple yet effective way to refresh a vanity, with products like Rub 'n Buff offering an inexpensive method to change the look of existing hardware.
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit
For powder rooms, Bryant suggests considering a pedestal sink as a stylish and affordable alternative to a full vanity. Adding beadboard or board and batten behind the sink can further enhance the room's aesthetic without breaking the bank.
4. Addressing Dated Tubs and Fixtures
Old bathtubs, especially large garden tubs, can be a major eyesore. Bryant explains that while replacing a tub is expensive, reglazing is a more budget-friendly option.
Homeowners can either hire a professional or purchase a DIY kit to refresh their tub's appearance.
Ekopel Pour On Bathtub Refinishing Kit
For those dealing with dated shower doors, Bryant suggests removing them and replacing them with a high-quality shower curtain for an easy and affordable upgrade.
5. Decorating Tips for a Polished Look
Finally, Bryant shares her favorite decorating tips to elevate the look of a bathroom. She emphasizes the importance of choosing a paint color that complements existing elements, hanging shower curtains high to create the illusion of height, and updating mirrors, light fixtures, and hardware for a cohesive and polished look.
What do you think of these budget bathroom reno tips? I'll definitely be trying some of them out. Let me know if you will in the comments below.
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