Bathroom Redo - A Whole New Look on a Budget

Updating a bathroom can costs thousands of dollars, especially if you hire an interior designer and opt for high-end finishes, like granite countertops and modern designer fixtures. While you may lust for a more stylish bathroom, your pocketbook likely imposes limits on what you can spend. Thankfully there are affordable ways to update your bath, from easy fixes for tired cabinets and old fixtures to infusions of style with wall decor and modern accents. If you're not among the nouveau riche and you want a stylish and updated bath that doesn't cost more than a new car, read on!

Fresh Fixes for Tired Cabinetry

Outdated cabinetry can be given a fresh modern look for the price of a quart of paint. Remove the door and drawers and set them on a work surface; lightly sand them and the cabinet unit with medium grade sandpaper; wipe off residue with a clean damp rag, then apply a coat of sealing primer. Let it dry completely and follow with latex enamel paint. Creamy shades of off white, neutral gray or taupe or even glossy black will make the cabinet look modern and chic. Go a step further and replace the sink and dated countertop with a single piece molded unit that drops into the cabinet. Finish with a little bling - sleek new faucets can be found at your favorite home improvement store and new cabinet hardware, from polished stone to gleaming metal or stainless steel can be found in every color, shape and theme to give your bath a new attitude.

Easy Ways to Modernize

• Swinging swag lights from past decades can be easily replaced and brought into the current century by changing the lighting fixture. Simply replacing the fixture at its current location is the quickest and least expensive way to go. But if you'd like to install additional or a new configuration of lighting, fixtures are inexpensive enough to make this upgrade worthwhile, especially if you can do the work yourself. If necessary, take a class at a home improvement store or hire an electrician by the job, not the hour.

• A dated medicine cabinet is easy enough to replace with new styles that look like contemporary framed wall mirrors. Tilting mirrors that pivot on hinges are another great modern look. Pull the look together by adding wall decor and modern accents that complement the new mirror.

• Keep the look clean and modern by minimizing clutter. Countertops that display modern tabletop accents will give the bath chic spa appeal. Less is more; let a few well chosen pieces set the mood and style. Repeat colors and styles in wall décor that adds subtlety and flair. A wrought iron wall hanging in a bold graphic shape will add dimension to the walls while still keeping the room looking spacious and open. Choose accents that don't add clutter; for example, simple glass shelves with modern metal brackets allow you to store everyday necessities in simple glass canisters while throwing in a decorative vase or small sculpture for a dose of modern style.

• Go with the flow when your bathroom has good condition floor or wall tile. Even if the colors are dated - think neo 60's aqua blue - you can use this feature to your advantage. All white porcelain fixtures against aqua tile will look fresh and clean. Choose your look with accessories: Vintage inspired chrome fixtures and towel bars add retro flair; matte gray accessories can inspire a more serene and neutral palette; or make it fun and colorful with brightly colored striped towels and a shower curtain that repeat the aqua shade along with splashes of hot coral and sunshine yellow.