Mini-makeover Tips for Your Bath
(ARA)
– An outdated kitchen may be inconvenient and
unappealing, but a behind-the-times bath can be
downright demoralizing. Shabby bathrooms and
bathroom
cabinets 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 “mini-makeover.”
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replace outdated door handles and drawer pulls with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.”
Courtesy of
ARAcontent
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