10 simple ways to turn your bathroom into a space you love

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I’m pretty sure my children’s bathroom—save for some paint—hasn’t been upgraded since our house was built in 1983. So you can understand my excitement when I got the opportunity to chat with a Lowe’s design expert about simple bathroom upgrades.

I was not disappointed. Suzanne Legros, a Lowe’s “project specialist interiors” or PSI, delivered some seriously fashionable potty talk. Note: Every single Lowe’s store has a team of these design wizards at your service.

MORE: The Best Bathroom Sinks

A PSI  helps customers through every step of an indoor project refresh or remodel, including a free design consultation. Legros and other design experts pair your ideas with Lowe’s products to plan your dream house. She even connects customers with Lowe’s-certified general contractors and works with each of her client’s contractors to bring their dreams to life.

While a full bathroom renovation might not be in the cards for your budget (or mine), Legros had some relatively affordable, low-effort upgrades all homeowners can implement in their own bathrooms to make a big impact. And while some improvements—like a new tub—might require a contractor, not all are so complex. For instance, if you have a Lowe’s nearby you can go get a towel warmer today, like right now.

Check out these simple upgrades and unique design elements that can make a big impact in your bathroom.

1. Update Your Vanity

Are you a fan of the farmhouse look? One way to quickly add a rustic element to your bathroom is to replace your old vanity with a furniture-style vanity. An updated vanity—in whatever style you prefer—will go a long way to helping your bathroom feel updated without requiring a complete renovation.

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2. Get A New Showerhead

Replace your standard showerhead with a more flexible option. A 2-in-1 showerhead and hand shower combination adds versatility and convenience, plus the hand shower is especially great for cleaning kids and pups.

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KOHLER Converge Vibrant Brushed Nickel 5-Spray Shower Head, $89.95

3. Add Accent Tile

Tile can be expensive. If you don’t have the budget to tile your whole space in that fancy tile you can’t live without, Legros says consider using it on an accent wall to create a focal point. She recommends placing it behind the medicine cabinet or mirror as a great accent spot.

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4. Buy A Towel Warmer

Two words that will change everything: towel warmer. These simple units, available in a variety of sizes and price points, can be installed in your bathroom right now. Not only do they keep your towels toasty warm, they can also provide extra coziness for the whole bathroom-especially in a small space.

Lowe's

ANZZI Brushed Nickel Towel Warmer, $197.49

5. Go For A Vinyl Shutter In The Shower

Do you have a window in your shower? It’s time to forget the glass block or fogged-out windows of old. Legros suggests adding a custom vinyl shutter to the space for a more upscale look. These waterproof shutters are relatively easy to install, and offer privacy, versatility and style.

Suzanne Legros

6. Upgrade Hardware

Change out old hardware, lighting and fixtures for a fresh take. Gold, black and dark bronze are all making a splash this year! Consider a few stylish upgrades like matte black hardware, trendy vanity lights and bronze fixtures.

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Moen Spot Resist Brushed Nickel Rectangular Frameless Bathroom Mirror, $149

A full hardware overhaul not in the cards for you? Try updating your bathroom mirror. It’s amazing what an updated shape or frame can do for the whole room.

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Global Direct Nickel Beveled Oval Wall Mirror, $272.80

7. Add Some Greenery

Setting a plant on a windowsill or open shelf is a quick and easy way to refresh your bathroom space. Orchids tend to love bathrooms because of the steamy warmth they provide, and nearly-impossible-to-kill house plants like bright-green pothos can thrive even if your bathroom’s low on natural light.

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Phalaenopsis Orchid, $12.98

9. Repaint Your Walls

Updating your wall color can have a huge impact—especially in a small space like a bathroom. If your bathroom’s ventilation is just so-so, go with a high-quality, mildew-resistant paint like Valspar Reserve. Once can can cover up to 400 square feet. Bonus: It’s a paint and primer in one!

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What you’ll need:

9. Go For A Freestanding Tub

A freestanding tub can double as a work of art. These tubs are available in a variety of looks and price points. So whether you like the claw foot look or sleek, modern style, there is a tub for you.

Lowe's

American Bath Factory Chelsea 60-in White Acrylic Clawfoot Bathtub with Reversible Drain, $1,485

10. Reseal Your Shower

Even the best caulk job needs a refresh. If retiling your shower or tub’s not in your budget for the year, take the time to pull up that old, brown silicone and lay a fresh seal.

Investing in this $5 caulking tool set—one tool helps you pull up old silicone, the other helps you smooth out your new application—was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. Add on the cost of new silicone caulk and you’re looking at an $11 project that will make a huge difference in the look and feel of your bathroom.

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What you’ll need:

DIY & Improvement, Home

About the Author
Kate Desmond
Kate is a freelance writer, mommy blogger, safe sleep crusader, and wannabe inventor in search of her next great idea. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and two little girls. They are the loves of her life, but also drive her to insanity. She writes about living on that brink on her blog, The Tiny Fashionista.

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