Mini-makeover Tips for Your Bath

An outdated kitchen may be inconvenient and
unappealing, but a behind-the-times bath can be
downright demoralizing. Shabby bathrooms are not only
no fun to live with, they’re a big turn-off to potential
buyers.

But in today’s economy – and buyers’ real estate market
– it doesn’t pay to go overboard and over-spend on a
bathroom remodel. A major remodel not only strains your
wallet, it can result in overly personalizing the bath into
something that won’t appeal to a broad range of potential
buyers.

“These days, less really can be more when it comes to
remodeling your bathroom,” says Dan Auer of
Faucet.com, a leading online retailer of decorative
plumbing products. “A mini-makeover can give you the
beautiful bathroom you crave, without breaking your
budget. And you can create a space that is attractive to
both you and buyers when the time comes to sell your
home.”

Any remodeling project that doesn’t require you to dip
into your savings or go in debt to accomplish it can
qualify as a “mini-makeover.” It’s possible to make a big
difference in your bathroom with as little as a few
hundred or as much as a few thousand dollars. You can
save even more time and money by shopping online and
by doing the work yourself.

First, start with the walls. Obviously, tearing down walls
and relocating plumbing can’t be categorized as a “minimakeover.”
But you can do a lot with your walls for very
little money, from simply repainting to adding texture and
art work. Don’t forget towel bars, towel rings and
shelving; these necessities can do double duty as
decorative elements as well.

Next, consider the focal points in the room – namely, the
fixtures and mirror. If you’re working with a budget of a
few hundred dollars, you probably won’t be able to
replace the old commode with a low-flush, designer
model or retile the shower stall. But you can upgrade the
faucets on your sink, tub and shower, replace or beautify
the mirror, and switch out a utilitarian showerhead for
something more luxurious, like a rainfall or massaging
showerhead.

For just a little more investment, you can replace an old
cabinet-style sink and vanity with a stylish pedestal
model. If you’re committed to cabinets in the bath, be
sure to replace outdated door handles and drawer pulls
with a more contemporary style. Many designers now
offer handles and pulls in finishes like brushed nickel or
bronze that coordinate with your bath accessories.

Lighting can also revive a bath. An overhead light and/or
light directly above the mirror are necessities, but you
needn’t sacrifice beauty for functionality. Replace dated
dressing room style bulb-bars with sconces or a fixture
that features decorative shades. Swap out old
incandescent lights with energy-efficient alternatives and
you’re not only beautifying the room, but reducing energy
costs as well.

As a crowning touch, tie the room together with
accessories. A new shower curtain and matching window
treatment can give the bath a fresh look. Decorative hand
towels placed on a towel ring beside the vanity are both
practical and pretty. And don’t forget to throw in a touch
of indulgence, whether it’s some high-end scented
candles or a luxurious towel warmer.

Finally, remember that time is money, even when you’re
doing your mini-makeover yourself. Take advantage of
online resources, like Faucet.com, to avoid wasting gas
driving around looking for just the right products or the
frustration of trying to find what you want in a big box
store. The site offers thousands of products and plenty of
ideas for your bathroom mini-makeover project – plus
friendly customer service that’s easily available over the
phone.

“The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the
house,” says Auer. “Easy updates will make sure it’s
more enjoyable for both you and your guests.”