Bathroom, Be Beautiful

I work with a variety of clients, but one common thread is, “how can I update my bathroom without gutting the entire room? I have found that you can do a custom fix with a few neat tricks I’ve learned along the way.

I typically try to find some of the existing materials that can be utilized in the fix, such as the flooring, and then devise a plan that can transform the room. 

I can patch and prep walls for new, fabulous paint, change out a cheap [read: ugly] light fixture and, bingo, instant upgrade. Then, maybe find a bargain piece of granite or marble, paint out the vanity and install a new hardware, faucet and under-mount sink and the room starts to look 2011 instead of 1985. Adding a mid-range Moen faucet, which carries a lifetime warranty, won’t even break the bank. But taking out and replacing a whole new floor can. 

Many companies clean and replace grout, which is also an instant improvement. All of a sudden that tired ceramic floor starts to look good. Add a top-of-the-line shower curtain in lieu of a custom pivot door and, again, you have an inexpensive upgrade at a lowball price.

I’ve done this countless times with client projects that give the necessary improvement, but without an equity loan. Sometimes it’s a challenge, and sometimes there’s no way around a total remodel. But 90 percent of the time, a new bathroom is realistic without the downtime and big budget. 

My only caveat: Hire an interior designer to implement the plan and he or she will save you time and money and the overwhelming aggravation.  

Know your limitations, I always say.