Turn Your Before Bathroom Into an After

A bathroom remodel is one of the biggest bang-for-your-buck projects you can undertake. Even small changes, such as replacing lighting or do-it-yourself tile, will yield big returns.

By: Layla Palmer

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Spring for a Vessel Sink

Vessel sinks are gaining in popularity due to their high-end look and increasingly affordable prices. There are literally thousands of styles and materials available including porcelain, glass, stone, copper and even polished wood. Before selecting a vessel sink, measure carefully to ensure that there is ample clearance at the front and back of your vanity to accommodate the vessel's bowl.

Replace the Vanity

Make a small bath feel more spacious by replacing the vanity cabinet with a pedestal sink. If you have a lot of toiletries, you'll need to add shelving elsewhere in the room to make up for lost storage. Timeless in style, a pedestal sink is the perfect fit when you desire a vintage look. Design by Grace Sorensen.

Add Floating Shelves

If your bathroom is short on storage, add wall shelves above the toilet. They'll keep toiletries within reach while providing a place to display a few decorative accessories. Catalogs carry floating shelves in a variety of styles or you can hit you local hardware store for an easy do-it-yourself kit. Design by Abby Schill.

Upgrade Lighting

Dramatically change the look of your bathroom by simply swapping out the lighting fixtures. Need help from a pro? Electricians typically charge $30-$70 per hour, with most fixtures requiring less than an hour to replace. Thrifty Tip: Use low-voltage vanity lights to save money on your energy bill. Design by Grace Sorensen.

Deck the Walls

Smooth, three-dimensional pieces such as vintage dishes, wall sculptures and sealed art canvases will add visual interest and hold up well in a bathroom's damp conditions. Thrifty Tip: Search flea markets and yard sales for one-of-a-kind items that won't break the bank. Design by Grace Sorensen.

Finish the Look With Molding

Trim molding is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to quickly update the look of any bathroom. Add timeless appeal with wide crown and baseboard molding or install a chair rail, beadboard or paneled wainscot for a charming update. Design by Abby Schill.

Add Style With Tile

Just as the right accessories finish your outfit, the perfect tile will rev up the look of your bathroom. Whether you choose sleek glass or opt for rustic natural stone, new tile will add architectural interest, color and texture. Thrifty Tip: Online auction sites and builder supply warehouses are great places to shop for designer-quality tile at bargain prices. Design by Grace Sorensen.

Turn Your Before Bathroom Into an After

Related To:

Shop This Look

Spring for a Vessel Sink

Replace the Vanity

Add Floating Shelves

Upgrade Lighting

Deck the Walls

Finish the Look With Molding

Add Style With Tile

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