10 Easy Ways to Update Your Bathroom Without Renovating

Author

Bath Fitter

Posted on

Sep 26, 2022

Book/Edition

Colorado - Colorado Springs

It doesn’t take big bucks and weeks of waiting to transform your bathroom into a sanctuary. With a few accessories and natural elements, you can create the bathroom of your dreams. A sophisticated mix of materials, textures, and good lighting can help you create a swoon-worthy space.

Use these easy bathroom updates to refresh your space over the weekend. You don’t need a complete overhaul, only a little creativity and budget-friendly know-how. Add style and function with these 10 bathroom upgrade ideas that are trending this year.

Add Natural Touches

1. Use Organic Products

Bath accessories, cosmetic bottles and toothbrushes are displayed on a wooden bathroom shelf.

Always dreamt of having a zero-waste personal care routine. Switch to sustainable bathroom products. Conventional products contain many harmful ingredients. Start buying eco-friendly towels, bathmats, soap, and toiletry sets. Eco-friendly products are good for you and the planet. They improve your health while taking care of the environment.

If your bathroom is feeling a bit lackluster and you can’t afford to renovate it, get beautiful, eco-friendly towels to steal the focus of your space. Some bathroom towels come in vibrant colors and have striking patterns. Moroccan-inspired towels can infuse some much-needed vitality and character into your bathroom.

2. Get Bathroom Plants

Two potted plants are placed in front of a bathroom window, with the sunshine peeping through the curtains.

We fill our living rooms and bedrooms with plants, so why not add some leafy accessories to your bathroom? Plants will add a little style to your space, purify the air, and help relieve stress and anxiety.

Spruce up your boring bathroom instantly with plants. Add beautiful pops of color and lift wilted spirits. But take time to choose plants that love humidity and warmth.

If you don’t have a green thumb, you can try low-maintenance plants like the spider plant, aspidistra, and mother-in-law's tongue. Place a small plant on the bathroom vanity, hang a cascading plant, or put a floor plant in the corner of the room.

Get Organized

3. Declutter

A female is organizing toiletries in an open bathroom vanity drawer, under the sink.

Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms in homes, and they are also the messiest. Products can easily pile up under the sink or inside cabinets. Get rid of all the extra stuff you don’t use and create a functional and calming space. Give your bathroom a spa-like feel, make it the perfect place to pamper yourself.

Here are some things you can do to create a spa-like bathroom:

  • 1

    Declutter the medicine cabinet

  • 2

    Store towels, washcloths, extra toilet paper, and tissues in the bathroom closet

  • 3

    Add a cubby or a shelf to the shower area for shampoo bottles and soaps

  • 4

    Add tray organizers to bathroom cabinets

  • 5

    Only keep a few items on the countertop and store the rest

An organized bathroom isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It’s also easier to use and perfect for relaxation. Think function first when decluttering.

Illuminate and Color Your World

4. Upgrade the Lighting

Recessed lighting above a bathtub.

The wall-mounted sconce isn’t your only option when it comes to bathroom lighting. If you still have sconces from the 80s mounted on top of your bathroom mirror, get rid of them. You may have beautiful wallpaper, gorgeous fixtures, but without great lighting, your bathroom will fall flat.

Use lighting in unexpected ways to add a little luxury and drama to your mundane bathroom. If the room has a high ceiling, hang a single pendant over the mirror (you need a 9-foot ceiling to hang a pendant).

Install a small chandelier off-center if you have a large bathroom vanity. A small lighting fixture adds visual interest without overtaking the space. If the ceiling is too low for a chandelier or pendant, it’s okay to go the sconce route, just keep things interesting. Add sleek sconces in matte brass or a modern material such as chrome. Think light and airy instead of dark and heavy.

5. Choose the Right Paint Color

A clean, white bathroom and white vanity is on display in a bathroom.

White never goes out of style. White hues create a crisp, clean look, while off-whites warm up dark spaces. If you want a more modern look, you can mix white with a dark accent color like black, navy blue, or hunter green. You can also let the Pantone color of the year, Very Peri, dictate your color choice.

When choosing a paint color, consider the style of your space. The streamlined look of a modern bathroom pairs well with pretty pastels, crisp whites, and bold hues. Light colors reflect light and are a great choice for small or windowless bathrooms.

Traditional bathrooms look great in almost any color. You can use soft shades to create a calming environment or brighter ones to make a statement. But consider how the ceiling and the moldings will play into your color scheme.

Pedal to the Metal

6. Refresh Cabinets

Wood cabinets are being painted a white color.

If you’d like to give your outdated bathroom cabinets a fresh new look, add new hardware or repaint them. Your bathroom doesn’t have to be all white, repaint the cabinets and rewrite the room’s color story. Choose a lively hue like slate blue to give your old cabinets new life and draw attention from less-than-trendy door styles. Bolder colors add instant personality to white bathrooms.

Swap out old knobs and pulls to quickly update your bathroom cabinets. It's amazing what new hardware can do to aging cabinets. For a modern-yet-traditional look, add brass or gold drawer pulls with clean lines. Hardware with the same metallic finish creates a unified modern theme. Your bathroom cabinets may be old, but they can still evoke character and charm.

7. Add a Bold Metal-Rimmed Mirror

A thick-rimmed. metal mirror displays a renovated shower and bathroom in the image.

A bathroom mirror has space-expanding abilities and can add style and texture. It’s often the focal point of the space and doesn’t just enhance functionality. It adds shape and flair, visually expanding the room and giving it a hotel vibe.

A mirror gives you the opportunity to add something unexpected to your bathroom. Get one with a metal rim–made of brass or chrome–and glam up your neutral bathroom. A bold mirror will make your space feel a little more luxe.

When choosing a location for the mirror, consider what it will reflect. If you want abundant light in your bathroom, install it near the window. You can also use a mirror to highlight artwork. create a cohesive space or accentuate bathroom decor. Consider the sink’s size, the wall space, and your own height when choosing a bathroom mirror.

8. Replace Bathroom Fixtures

A top-down view of brushed bronze fixtures inside a tub.

Your pedestal sink may still be in good shape after decades of use, but the leaky faucet may need replacing. New bathroom fixtures can transform your space in an instant. If you can afford it, replace the faucets, sink, toilet, showerhead, and bathtub.

A handheld sprayer can make taking a bath and maintaining the tub a lot easier. You’ll find it easy to rinse your hair and clean the tub. To update your bathroom in minutes without spending a lot of money, simply replace the showerhead with a newer model.

When choosing bathroom fixtures, stick to neutral options. Bathroom trends can fade quickly, and large fixtures can be expensive to replace if you decide you no longer like them. You can add some bold design flair with smaller accessories and fixtures that are easier to replace when it's time for an upgrade.

Wood is Good

A contemporary cabin bathroom featuring a freestanding vanity and wooden linen closet.

9. Add Wainscoting to Your Walls

A bathroom with wainscotted walls going halfway up the ceiling is shown throughout the bathroom.

Wainscoting was a very popular mid-century modern style. Back then, it was used to cover the entire wall surface, which isn’t the practice nowadays. If you’re not too fond of tiles or simply want to break up the monotony of bathroom walls, wainscoting is the right solution. It creates a trendy, warm, and rustic ambiance.

Wainscoting can protect your bathroom walls from being damaged by water and moisture and add a design element to the room. If you’d like to cover up the blemishes of your bathroom walls, wainscoting will do a great job. It will make your bathroom look stylish and elegant.

Try Bath Fitter—Your DIY Partner

A woman stands before her unrenovated bathtub while playing around with new bathroom designs on her iPad.

Your bathroom is the most private area of your home. It's where you perform your self-care routine, so it should be a space you enjoy spending time in. If the room is due for a makeover but you can't commit to a full renovation, call Bath Fitter. Get quality that’s guaranteed for life. Choose the look and we’ll do the rest. Want a bathroom update without a full renovation? Bath Fitter has all the solutions. Thanks to our unique tub-over-tub process, bathtub replacement is no longer necessary. Choose from hundreds of custom designs and find one that fits your style. In as little as one day, you’ll have a brand-new bathroom.

Other Articles You May Like

Fall Prevention: Safety Tips for a Secure Home this Autumn

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, its a beautiful reminder that autumn is upon us. While the fall season brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, it also presents unique challenges, especially for seniors. With slippery leaves, shorter days, and the onset of colder weather, its crucial to take steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some essential fall prevention safety tips to help create a secure home environment this autumn.1. Keep Walkways Clear of Leaves and DebrisFallen leaves can be beautiful, but when they accumulate on walkways, they can become slippery, especially when wet. Regularly rake and clear paths, driveways, and steps to prevent slips and falls.2. Improve Outdoor LightingAs daylight hours shorten, good lighting becomes more important than ever. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly and consider adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and walkways. This not only helps prevent falls but also enhances security around your home.3. Install Grab Bars and HandrailsBathrooms and staircases are common areas where falls occur. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs can provide the extra support needed to prevent accidents. Ensure these are securely attached and regularly check them for stability.4. Use Non-Slip Mats and RugsSlippery floors can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place non-slip mats in these areas and secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent them from sliding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of falls.5. Declutter and OrganizeCluttered spaces can be a tripping hazard. Take the time to declutter your home, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Ensure that cords, shoes, and other obstacles are stored away properly. A tidy home is not only more comfortable but also safer.6. Schedule a Heating System CheckAs temperatures drop, you'll likely be using your heating system more frequently. Before the cold fully sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it's working safely and efficiently. A well-maintained system can prevent accidents and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.7. Check Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsWith the increased use of heating systems, its important to ensure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if your devices are outdated.8. Consider a Free Senior Home Safety AssessmentFor seniors, creating a safe home environment is essential. TruBlue offers a Free Senior Home Safety Assessment to help identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to enhance safety. Our certified Senior Safety Specialists can provide personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors, allowing them to age in place safely.Fall is a season of change, and its the perfect time to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and secure. By following these fall prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more comfortable living environment. Whether its clearing walkways, improving lighting, or installing safety features like grab bars, each small action can make a big difference.At TruBlue, were committed to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule your Free Senior Home Safety Assessment and take the first step towards a safer autumn. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of the season without worry.

7 Innovations In Senior Care

Elevating Compassion CareAging with grace and vigor is challenging. Being a caregiver for an aging loved one maybe even more challenging. Here are some innovations to help those you love are able to care for themselves and lengthen their independence.The Cassia Learning Lab director, Kate Ingalls-Maloney, suggests listing your concerns and then deciding, with some help, which technologies fit those situations. For example, is there a concern about leaving the oven or a burner on? Perhaps theres a worry about falling in the shower. On occasion, are daily medications forgotten? Be very honest with yourself and your family about what causes hesitation or concern. Then make your list.The top two reasons people move from their homes are medication errors and falls. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover home modifications and medication management devices that are designed to prevent these two situations. Waivers and private pay are other ways to obtain home adaptations or devices, and some vendors offer a try before you buy policy.Innovations to support seniors independence and peace of mind for their caregivers.Medication management systems There are many different kinds of medication reminders and dispensing systems: From a simple flip-top dispenser to a lockable electronic dispenser that can give alerts to both the person taking the meds and to his/her remote caregiver.Fall prevention innovations Easy to install lighting, with or without motion detection, can be affordable and also very effective. The adhesive-backed LED motion lights can easily mark a trail to the bathroom at night and provide a safe path. Other strategically placed night lights or touch lamps can also help to avoid falls.Grab bars systems In the bathroom, grab bars can be installed according to the users mobility needs. Newer models incorporate towel bars and toilet paper dispensers. Note: Its important to consult your physical therapist when installing grab bars. Non-skid flooring is another great way to help prevent bathroom falls.Wearable pendants or watches There is a variety of these on the market. They can detect falls automatically or be triggered to summon help if a fall occurs. In addition, there is now a wearable (but not noticeable) tracking device that inserts into a shoe or boot so that someone who tends to wander can be located using GPS technology.Safety in the kitchen There is no need to fear to leave the oven on if you have an automatic appliance shut-off sensor system. They can be installed in both electric and gas ranges.My mother is 93 and has very arthritic hands. Ive been clipping her nails for her. (I bought her a ClipDifferent Pro) and it will allow her to be independent when it comes to doing her nails. NancyFingernail care For self-care, the ClipDifferent Pro automatic fingernail clipper and Lil Nipper automatic fingernail clipper provides a way to safely and independently clip fingernails with no risk of harm or mess. Shop for Lil Nipper or ClipDifferent Pro here.Home voice activation systems Whole-home voice activation systems like Amazons Alexa or Google home, when installed correctly, can be very helpful for controlling thermostats, lighting, doorbells, TV, or calls for help.

Empowering Independence: How Technology Supports Aging in Place

Recently, I tuned in to an NPR program that was discussing the concept of 'aging in place,' inspired by an insightful article in the Sun Times. As the host engaged in a conversation with her two guests, I was intrigued as they explored various aspects of traditional aging in place concepts, from the installation of safety equipment like shower grab bars to employing plug-in LED lights in hallways and on stairways to prevent falls. They emphasized the importance of having a communication plan for emergencies, ensuring that those choosing to age in their homes have a way to reach out to loved ones or first responders if the need arises. The discussion also touched on how to determine the correct timing for seeking additional assistance from in-home care companies, which offer services ranging from personal care and bathing to meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping. My sister owns one of these types of companies, Wisdom Eldercare, which serves clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area, so I have direct experience with the remarkable level of care and services she and her caregivers provide to their clients. Undoubtedly, these types of services play a crucial role in supporting individuals who wish to maintain their independence at home. While the conversation covered these essential considerations, it surprised me that neither the host nor the guests mentioned the significance of embracing and understanding technology to assist in the aging-in-place journey even once. Although I attempted to bring this perspective into the conversation through a call-in, I unfortunately wasn't selected to participate in the conversation. Since I couldnt bring the technology component of aging in place to that conversation, I'd like to share some of my thoughts and insights on leveraging technology for successful aging in place here. In recent years, the term 'Smart device' has become increasingly prevalent, reflecting a lucrative market where companies aim to capitalize on producing 'smart' products. Everywhere you turn, be it on TV, radio, or the internet, you encounter references to Smart Speakers, Smart Assistants, Smart TVs, Smart Watches, Smart Lights, Smart Doorbells, Smartphones, and more. At its core, a 'Smart' device is simply one that can connect to the internet. The importance lies in their capacity to assist, and I want to highlight a few ways in which they can enhance the aging-in-place experience. Smart Speakers are a category of smart devices that I find to be among the easiest to incorporate into your home, offering a wide range of features that prove immensely beneficial for aging in place. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google have introduced Smart Speakers such as Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo, and Google Nest devices, each equipped with their own Digital Assistants Siri and Alexa for example. These devices can answer queries, from simple ones like checking the weather to assisting with more complex tasks like controlling lights, locking, or unlocking doors, accessing security cameras, and even instructing a robot vacuum to clean the kitchen. For Smart Assistants, via Smart Speakers, to interact effectively, the other connected devices with which they are communicating and controlling must also be 'Smart.' Incorporating Smart LED lights, door locks, cameras, and even robot vacuums into your home offers a seamless integration of additional Smart Devices. Picture someone ringing your doorbell, and with a simple voice command through a Smart Speaker, you can engage in a conversation with them, see the visitor, and even unlock the doorall made possible through the wonders of Smart Devices. Or imagine a scenario where your dog has knocked over their bowl of kibble and hundreds of tiny pieces of dog food are scattered all over the kitchen floor. With one simple voice command to your Smart Speaker, you can instruct your robot vacuum to clean it up eliminating the need to get out the broom and dustpan. As we consider the various elements contributing to successful aging in place, let's not overlook the tremendous potential of technology. Integrating Smart Devices into your home can empower you, providing a level of convenience, safety, and independence that complements the more traditional measures previously discussed. Embracing technology ensures that you not only adapt to the changing times but also thrive in them, creating a blend of modern innovation alongside the desire for a comfortable and secure home environment. And, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, let us not forget the profound impact it can have on our livesushering in a new era where the golden years are not just lived but lived exceptionally well, thanks to the synergy of thoughtful planning, caregiving, and cutting-edge innovation.