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Bathroom. Water closet. Restroom. Loo. Whatever you call this small but mighty room, it’s an absolutely integral part of your space, albeit often kind of underrated. It’s the space in which you prepare yourself for your day, in which you refresh yourself and, yeah, we’ll say it - in which you do your business. (It’s 2021, okay, we are no longer being ashamed of basic bodily functions.)
The thing about a bathroom is, that because it’s this multi-use, necessary, inherently un-romantic space, it can very easily be neglected. And that, pals, is something we will not stand for!
Let’s talk about reinvigorating your bathroom. Whether you’re ready for a COMPLETE transformation or just looking for a little refresh, we’ll take you through some options for breathing new life into this special space. Go hard and do ‘em all, or pick and choose for a mini-reboot - whatever you’ve got time and budget for, your bathroom will thank you.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - there is absolutely unequivocally nothing to give a space a new lease on life like a coat of paint. Whether you’re looking for a clean slate or an infusion of something new and exciting, something wild and wacky and sleek and sophisticated, the perfect paint for you is out there.
The top thing to remember when you’re painting your bathroom is that it isn’t just like every other room in your home. This is a space that is usually smaller, that experiences high traffic, and most significantly - GETS WET. Showers and baths and steam, oh my. We’ve got two suggestions here - either choose a paint with mold-inhibiting agents, or go with a super high quality paint. Higher quality paint has more solids, which is the element that forms the protective layer and contributes to durability. You’ll definitely want to stick with a latex paint (easy to clean, scrubbable, low VOCs) and a semi- or full gloss sheen - that shiny finish actually helps to repel moisture.
And then - the world is your oyster! Are you drawn to a chic, luxurious, white on white look? Does a pop of color appeal to you? Are you looking for that bold, bright IG-ready photo op, or maybe a dramatic black and white look? Is this going to be a sanctuary, ready for relaxation, or more of an exciting space to get pumped and prepped? Figure out exactly the feeling you’re looking to have in your bathroom, and then gather your inspo and pinpoint your colors from there.
Need somewhere to start? We’ve got you - take a look at this incredible makeover by Meagan of (@meaganmarquisliving). She used our Refuge Recycled Paint in one of our absolute favorite colors, Malachite, to bring some deep leafy green into her space - this could be you! What are you waiting for?
This is one of our top tips for renters, but can also be huge for bathrooms. You know, it’s a small space, so changing something like door knobs and cabinet or drawer handles can pack a big punch. Besides, these bobbles may be small, but they serve a whole lot of personality! Solid and simple, glass, painted porcelain - heck, you can even find knobs that look like crystal slices or geodes.
We’ve also got some larger hardware elements within a bathroom to consider - the faucet and the shower head. These can have a pretty big impact on the look of your bathroom, for sure, but we think these are more significantly about your comfort and your enjoyment! Have you been dreaming of a rainfall shower head? Why not treat yourself? Looking for a different faucet? It can transform the entire look of your bathroom fantasy in one fell swoop. Consider your towel rods and rings, and your shower curtain rings too!
Like we’ve said before, if you’re renting, this is an update you can do super easily as long as you keep the originals to replace when you move out.
If you’re ready for a bigger transformation, may we suggest - tile! This isn’t for the faint of heart, and takes a whole lot of prep as well as a larger budget, but there really isn’t a material more quintessentially luxe bathroom than tile. It adds value, it ups the sophistication quotient - it’s a win-win!
We did a whole crash course on tiling a while back, which you can read here to get a sense of whether you might have what it takes to tile your bathroom yourself. Spoiler: you totally do! It’s a detail-oriented process but definitely one a committed DIYer can manage. Whether you’re thinking floor, shower, or both, be sure you follow the guidelines of how much to do at once and how long to wait between steps.
There are so many shapes and kinds of tile - subway, penny, picket, mosaic; glass, porcelain, ceramic, marble! You can mix and match various colors of the same shape to create a pattern all your own (I’m currently dreaming of a sunset-toned gradient up the wall and nothing can distract me) or choose a style that’s already perfect and ready to go. We never tire of a penny tile, be it in a classic black and white or something spicier, but why not think about something totally different? Lucky for you, Decorner has a huge selection of tile from simple and stunning to wildly unique. Some of our favorites are Night Sky, Nero Marquina and Laurel Picket - but don’t sleep on our RECYCLED GLASS TILE (yes, you read that right.)
Now, if tiling your bathroom sounds just a little too high-maintenance for you - why don’t you try a marble-look SPC? It’s waterproof, easy to install and take care of, and it’s more budget-friendly, too. Check out the Trecento collection - these stone-look vinyl planks are renter-friendly, DIY-friendly, and a great way to get the look of marble without breaking the bank.
Trecento White Ocean Luxury Vinyl SPC Flooring
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time with overhead lighting - specifically, with temperatures and colors of lights. Anything too white and sterile is an automatic no for me - I just can’t relax with light like that beating down on me. Warm, soft light is soothing and relaxing - and, might I say, flattering - so it’s a perfect match for your bathroom.
Switching lightbulbs out in your overhead or vanity lighting for something softer and warmer is an easy fix. To change out a fixture, though, is a slightly more involved process. Since we prize safety above all else here at Decorner, we do have to suggest that if you’re interested in swapping out fixtures, you should definitely consult an electrician, as wiring is tricky and can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Don’t let that dissuade you, though, because changing your light fixtures can be totally transformative. Get that chandelier and see how your self-care changes! Go simple and watch your zen go through the roof.
Looking for something smaller? Get your DIY on - you can absolutely create a brand new and totally gorgeous wall sconce with the fixture of your choice (remove the wires!), a battery-powered puck light and, get this - COMMAND STRIPS. Low commitment, INCREDIBLY high reward.
And may we suggest just once more thing? Candles. Lots of candles. You can buy tea lights for next to nothing. Throw in a couple of tapers, maybe an indie scented candle for the ol’ nose, and talk about beautiful. But boosting the ambiance of your space is A WHOLE SEPARATE SECTION - read on for more on that!
This is probably the lowest-cost, easiest way to make your bathroom feel brand new. Upgrading your towels not only freshens the place up visually, but they will also feel incredibly luxurious and special, even if they’re just from Target! Get a matching - or contrasting - bath mat and a brand new shower curtain and you’ve completely transformed your space. Got a window? Do the curtains too!
Photo: Lusophile
Maybe your bathroom is just not serving the vibe you’re craving. Time to switch up the decor!
If your bathroom is where you beat your face and you need it to match your energy, it clearly needs an infusion of fire! Get yourself some color-changing LED strips and frame the door or your mirror. Finally take the leap and buy a piece from one of those artists you’ve been following on IG for EVER. Buy a bath mat with a kitschy slogan and bright, bold shower curtain. Go for it and get some new organizational displays for your make-up! Make it party central in there - it’ll get you pumped and ready to serve face (from the nose up, anyway) as you make your way in the world.
Or maybe you need a place to really unplug. Bring some plants in - they’ll love the humidity. Eucalyptus is a perfect match for your bathroom. Make sure the towels are fluffy and soft and that you have slippers and a robe. And then - might we suggest you invest in a pristine bath set up? A really good, large tray that can hold a book and a glass of wine. A bath pillow - and maybe the underwater version of the color-changing LEDs mentioned earlier. Treat yourself to some salts, a bath bomb and a really good bottle of bubbles. Crystals! And CANDLES! Whether you’re looking for a clean, comforting scent or something a little sexier - hey, or maybe you’re a Gemini and you need both options - get yourself a really beautiful candle and a bunch of tea lights and just see how your space completely transforms.
Whatever you’re looking for, invest in the ambiance of this super important space. It’ll have a huge impact on your mood!
Now, if ambiance or textiles aren’t your love language, let’s try another tack - how about integrating some tech into your bathroom? You’ve got it pretty much everywhere else, might as well! It’s much more than just smart lighting, or a heated floor, or a towel warmer. Let’s bring in the big guns!
Smart showers and smart toilets. Yep. A smart shower can have the water ready for you at your perfect temperature before you’ve even entered the room, and a smart toilet will have you never, ever wincing at a cold seat, every again! You can also get a smart toilet that is touchless, self-cleaning, deodorizing - perfect for the justified germaphobia that has accompanied 2021. Smart mirrors that can tell you the weather or the news!
And speaking of tech - for an element that also boosts your luxury quotient, we suggest - a bidet. They are getting more and more popular and we get why. It’s healthy for you AND helps you save toilet paper.
There are so many ways to reinvigorate your bathroom, whatever size your space, your budget and your commitment level. Go big or go small - you can make changes that suit you that will still make a huge difference. It’s a space that should absolutely suit your needs, and because of the necessary elements, you don’t have to think about furniture.
What are your bathroom dreams - crystal tub? Rainfall shower? Marble sink? Let us know! We want to dream with you.
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