Who Needs a Full-Blown Renovation: 3 Easy Upgrades To Salvage a Tired Bathroom

Realtors often state that kitchens and bathrooms are the main selling points of any home. However, unlike kitchen renovations, people focus on bathroom remodels for increased comfort, not resale value.

According to a Statista report, 33% of homeowners who remodeled their primary bathroom stated they simply could no longer stand the old one. With the typical bathroom renovation costing an average of $10,000, homeowners must really despise their porcelain pantry.

Thankfully, spending thousands of dollars is unnecessary if you only seek a change. Regrouting bathroom tile costs a fraction of a renovation budget and can provide pretty stellar results. There are several ways to give your tired bathroom a facelift without breaking the bank.

1. Don't Shy Away From Color

Many old bathroom designers made questionable choices in the pursuit of style; they opted for pink or powder blue toilets accompanied by a complimentary tile or installed particle board cabinets and dull yellow lighting. While color is often the right choice in a bathroom, it has no place on a toilet or in lighting. Toilets, tubs, and lighting should be white (according to this author's opinion).

The place to get adventurous with color is on the walls or in the cabinetry. Painting the walls a vibrant or moody color can elevate a tired design and bring it into the modern century. If you prefer subtle wall colors, such as gray or off-white, consider painting your cabinets or installing metal knobs — bronze or gold are excellent options.

2. Upgrade Lighting and Fixtures

Many older homes have dismal lighting, especially in bathrooms. A modern bathroom needs bright lighting. If you are not a licensed electrician, consult one before considering any upgrades.

While lighting might require professional installation, you can upgrade bathroom fixtures yourself. You can install a new showerhead by screwing the old one off and the new one on. However, before purchasing a showerhead or faucet, ensure it is compatible with your existing plumbing.

DIY installations are possible for most fixture upgrades, but hiring a licensed plumber for inspection and product advice is always wise.

3. Decorate the Walls

Painting is not the only way to improve the visual appeal of your bathroom. You can also choose to wallpaper the room. Wallpaper comes in various colors and patterns, allowing you to create significant visual interest with little effort. Aside from patterns and colors, you can also purchase murals as wallpaper, allowing you to bring a landscape into your room.

Besides wallpaper, you can also decorate your walls with paintings and artwork. You will want to keep artwork a safe distance from water, but properly ventilated bathrooms should be safe for canvas prints and framed works. Still, because there is a minor risk to paintings, you are better off using prints in a bathroom.

People jump into full-scale renovations too quickly and too often. If you have the $10,000 to spare, then by all means, live it up. However, in most situations, a tired bathroom can thrive for several years with a facelift, costing only a fraction of a renovation budget. With fresh paint, improved lighting, and some decorative elements, you can turn a "pee-ew" potty into a luxurious bathroom.