The bathrooms that I see on Instagram and Pinterest have me wanting to rip out all my existing bathrooms and start over! That’s kind of the downside of social media, right? Always making us feel like somehow what we have isn’t quite good enough! And that’s really sad, since most of us have really been blessed with so much! So I hope that my post today will be taken more in the spirit of “Are there small changes that I can make that will make an impact in my life and help me to love what I already have?”, rather than “Oh, I hate my bathroom and need to gut it and start over!” Read on for 8 beautiful bathroom updates you can make today.
Small changes can make a big difference. And no, you may not end up with a magazine-worthy bathroom, but that’s okay! As long as it works for you and your family and you love it, then that’s what really matters.
Today I thought I’d show you 8 things you can do to update your bathroom. Each of these suggestions can be implemented separately to bring small but meaningful changes to your bathroom, or you could put them all together if you’re in the market for a full-blown bathroom reno.
Here are my 8 ideas for an updated, beautiful bathroom:
1. Add a specialty wall treatment on at least one wall, such as painted shiplap, board and batten, or a simple boxed pattern.
If you’re on a budget and can’t add a whole lot, then choose one wall to accent with shiplap or board and batten. In the bathroom pictured below, the homeowners surrounded the vanity with shiplapped walls. I really am loving shiplap that’s painted in other colors right now, too. I’ve seen some really beautiful dark-painted shiplap (black, dark gray, or navy) that really helps to ramp up the style in a bath.
Board and batten, or other simple architectural patterns are also great ways to add some interest to an otherwise boring wall.
2. Install an interesting tile on the floor, such as the really popular encaustic tiles, or the lower priced porcelain look alikes.
Cement tiles are pricey, but you can’t argue with the style and impact they bring to a space. Since they are pricey, small hall or powder baths are good choices for adding cement tile floors. Also, there are companies now making knock-off versions of the cement tiles. They’re not cement (they’re either ceramic or porcelain), but they give a very similar look at a much reduced price. They’re certainly worth checking out if you love the look.
3) Change out those boring vanity bar lights and add some interesting pendant lighting.
There are some amazing pendant lights available, they don’t cost any more than sconce lighting, and they give a really unique look to your bath. In a bathroom with double sinks and mirrors, you can hang the pendants above each mirror. In a bath with only one sink, try hanging pendants on either side of the mirror. I love this custom look.
4) Try adding a unique mirror instead of the usual plate mirror.
Round mirrors are super popular right now, but you could also go with an interesting antique or shaped one.
You can check out more of my favorite mirrors here and here.
5) Try a little something different with your vanity.
Right now I’m loving the look of open vanities, but in lieu of installing a completely new vanity, you could try painting yours, or updating the hardware for a freshened-up look.
The idea behind this tip is to personalize your space a little by changing up a boring, builder’s grade cabinet. You could do this by installing a new vanity, such as this beautiful open, stained number shown below, or even by painting what you already have. Gray, navy, or black would look lovely and custom in most bathrooms.
6) The workhorse of kitchens and bathrooms everywhere: white subway tile.
White subway tile is such a staple that it is now associated with a really classic look. If you want to shake things up a bit, try using a darker grout to make the tiles stand out, or try laying the tiles in a less traditional fashion (herringbone, stacked, vertical).
The other benefit of white subway tile is that it is readily available, and quite inexpensive. So you can get a classic look even on a limited budget.
7) Install a freestanding tub
It used to be that the only freestanding tubs you could find were of the clawfoot variety. But nowadays, there are so many great options to choose from – all kinds of sizes and shapes. The added bonus of using a freestanding tub is that they take up less room, both visually and in actual square footage.
8) Install wall mounted faucets
Wall mounted faucets really give a high-end look, and admittedly are not an inexpensive fix. They take some planning, because the plumbing has to be run in the wall rather than down through the vanity, but they are beautiful and really give a distinguished look to a bathroom.
SHOP THIS BATHROOM LOOK
(Affiliate Links Used)
Moroccan Mosaic Tile – Amoud
Hudson Valley pendant light
Round Mirror – Rejuvenation
White Subway Tile – Emser
Soho Soaking Tub
Wall Mount Faucet
So there you have it – those are my 8 ideas for creating a really beautiful, updated bathroom. As I said before, choose one or all tips to incorporate into your next bathroom project. I’d love to hear about ways that you have updated your bathrooms – leave me a comment!
Have a great day, friends! xo