Redecorating your bathroom

When it comes to redecorating, I have found over the years that the bathroom is often the most overlooked and taken-for-granted room in the house. Considering the amount of time that the family members use the room for, and how much of your personal grooming takes place in front of the bathroom mirror, it really does make sense to create as warm and inviting an environment in the bathroom as in every other room of your home?

Redecorate or refurbish?

Redecorating a bathroom can be as simple as just rolling on a fresh coat of paint, or as extensive as taking out all the old fixtures, re-facing the walls and replacing the tired linoleum flooring with Bigelow carpet. Depending on your desire, budget and schedule, a bathroom makeover can take a few hours or a few weeks. The first step therefore in redecorating your bathroom is to consider how big of a change you’d like to make.

Unless you live in a very large home, the chances are that your bathroom is on the small side. With a few simple tricks, it can be made to seem roomier and more welcoming. Start off by choosing a light, neutral color for the walls, such as cream or a soft white.  This will instantly brighten the room and make it appear larger.  Having to dodge around a laundry hamper or other obstacle to get to the necessary features of the room is very irritating, so ensure that it is uncluttered. Use mirrors rather than paintings or prints on the walls because these can be carefully placed to reflect the maximum light. This feature alone will create the illusion of more space, making a room seem larger and more open.

Fixtures

Another important consideration when renovating a bathroom is the fixtures themselves. New fixtures are expensive, and depending on your level of expertise, almost always need to be installed by a professional. If you are fortunate, you already have a neutral-colored sink, tub and toilet that will fit well with the changes you would like to make. If not, or if your home is older, you may need to replace them. When purchasing new fixtures, your color choices are paramount. While that bright-red set might look stunning on the display-room floor, resist the temptation to buy anything that is trendy that will quickly go out of fashion. If you simply cannot afford to replace the fixtures, consider the art of camouflage. A pretty skirt can cover an ugly or cracked toilet tank, and the seat is easily replaceable. A pedestal sink can become a handy storage area with the addition of a curtain around the base.

Flooring

Flooring is a very important consideration. Carpet is luxurious underfoot when stepping out of the bath, and is slip-resistant, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in your home in terms of accidents, and most injuries come from falls. Be sure to choose something that is water-resistant. Even if your family is careful not to splash, the humidity and damp conditions will be detrimental to a carpet. If you choose carpet select the best that you can afford, and enquire whether it is suitable for use in a bathroom before you buy.