Bigger and better Bathrooms.

Bathrooms are one of the toughest areas to address when I do
consultations for clients. They are easy to stage for sale, but making one pretty for living,without doing expensive renos, is more challenging. A lot of the time, the bathrooms in many homes have wood vanities with very traditional door profiles, tiles tend to look a bit dated and they often have those large strip lighting bars over the builder basic mirrors. Some people are opposed to doing much in the way of painting the cabinetry as they think-small space, why bother. Even though kitchens are much more work, people are more open to making changes and updates as it is a much viewed room. However, the second most used room in a home by your guests is the bathroom. Therefore, it should reflect the style in the rest of your home. With the new trend towards spa style in bathrooms, why not borrow a little of that aesthetic and bring in some "light " and freshness to this vital room.
My top recommendations for updating your bathroom are: 1. paint out those cabinets to white or a shade compatible to it (the color of most toilet/sink/tub combos) 2. Add new hardware to the cabinetry in a metal finish that complements the finish on your taps and lighting fixtures 3. add a beautiful shower curtain. If you are afraid of pattern, select one in a white waffle or diamond weave reminiscent of hotel style 4. install a wow sink faucet and vanity lighting fixture. Go for vintage styles that will never go out of style. 5. Get rid of mats- make that toilet lid covers, plush bath mats, etc. Less is always more in a bathroom 6. Accessorize with style. Apothecary jars (which you can pick up at the Dollar Store) filled with cotton balls, soaps, or q-tips look attractive but not distracting 7. Add substantial moulding trim to your flat mirror or purchase a new one. Bevelled edged mirrors in interesting shapes can be found at Kent, Home Depot, even Canadian Tire (thanks Debbie Travis!) for approx. $50 8. Avoid fussy window treatments. Bathroom windows tend to be short and squat and require only privacy dressing (i.e. white faux wood blinds look great as do plantation shutters) 9. I buy only white towels for my towel bars. They are bleachable and never clash with your colour scheme 10. Last but not least, consider hanging a chandelier in your bathroom. It looks luxurious and makes you feel quite decadent as you lie soaking in your tub looking up at it.
Have fun updating your bathroom. After all, it is not only our guests who see it in all its glory. Pretty it up and have fun with it!
** my bathroom is the top right photo with the medicine chest- a real bargain from Canadian Tire...I got it for $60 (reg. $100). It looks just like the ones in Restoration Hardware! The pedestal sink was purchased at Home Hardware for $220. I love getting high end looks for less!!!