The Power of Paint
“Just a few key but relatively inexpensive updates make a dramatic difference,” says H. Camille Smith, a managing editor for HGTV.com. And where better to start than with a fresh coat of paint. If there’s one thing we love almost as much as window treatments, it’s paint.
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way when it comes to transforming the look and feel of your room. And with the average cost of paint somewhere between $15-25 per gallon, paint is an incredibly affordable option. Just remember to take time to fully consider your paint choice. California designer Cindy Garten recommends painting a sample board and revisiting the color to “Make sure you like the color throughout the day” as the light in your space inevitably changes. “A fresh outlook is like a fresh coat of paint,” says interior designer Susan Gale. “It doesn’t cost much, but sometimes it makes a huge difference.”
Remember to keep bathroom colors appropriate for the space. Dark, dramatic colors can often make a small room feel even smaller. But, that doesn’t mean that white is your only options. Light and airy bathroom paint colors such as light blue, grey, and light yellow can help open up even the smallest bathrooms.
Handy Hardware Changes
“Sometimes, the simplest update can make a world of difference,” says Sanders. Instead of splurging for a new sink, toilet, or tub, “save money on your remodel by refreshing your bathroom’s existing features instead.”
You’ll be surprised at just how different your room will look with new hardware, such as faucets, cabinet handles, and light fixtures. These simple and affordable updates can make a world of difference and breathe life into a tired space.
Three Forms of Lighting
Proper lighting includes natural light, general lighting, and accent lighting. By combining these three, your room will look and function better than ever before – without a large monetary commitment.
- General Lighting: Often called ambient lighting, general lighting provides overall illumination for a space. In most rooms, general lighting comes from overhead fixtures or wall sconces.
- Accent Lighting: Accent lighting comes into play when you want to highlight a specific focal point in your room, whether it be a vanity, or a soaking tub. “Accent lighting adds a pleasing variation of brightness,” says Mary Beth Gotti, manager of the GE Lighting Institute. “You’re drawing attention and putting more light on an architectural feature [or other important object].”
- Natural Light: When it comes to natural light, your number one source will be your windows. So, it is important to choose window treatments that not only look great, but also provide exceptional light control.
Window Treatments Pack a Punch
“Don’t put bathroom window treatments at the bottom of your wish list,” says Georgie Rudge, Townhouse Interiors, “as they can add a much-needed decorative blast to a functional space.” The problem is that the bathroom presents several unique challenges:
- Tackling a Harsh Environment: “Bathrooms are often the most humid rooms in your home due to the constant moisture from showers and bathtubs, so window treatments must be easy to clean and able to withstand high humidity without warping or staining,” says Renee Miller, SFGate.
- Balancing Beauty and Privacy: “Bathroom window treatments are more than just a dressing for a window frame,” writes HGTV blogger Sharon Merritt. “They need to pull double duty by beautifying a space and providing privacy.”
- Make That Triple Duty: “Unlike other rooms, bathroom window treatments need to let in natural light while keeping prying eyes out,” says David Rasmussen of Rasmussen Construction in San Francisco.