5 Helpful Remodeling Ideas

If you watch any of the popular home improvement TV shows, you know that the options are endless when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. From skylights to heated floors, granite countertops to marble shower tiles, there are countless ways to upgrade and personalize the space.

But what if you're not working with a TV-show budget? No problem! All it takes to give your bathroom a boost on a modest budget is a little planning and creativity. These bathroom remodeling tips will help get your ideas flowing.

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way toward reinventing your bathroom—or any room in your home. For most bathrooms, a couple of cans will be plenty, which makes this among the most affordable remodeling tricks.

If your bathroom is currently decorated in a neutral palette, consider introducing some bright, bold colors, creating an accent wall, or adding stripes or stenciling. But remember, it's not just the walls that can benefit from a new hue. You can change the look of your cabinets, shelves, mirror frames, and more with just the swipe of a brush. Be sure to apply primer before you paint, and use a semi-gloss, satin, or glossy paint to defend against moisture and make surfaces easier to clean.

If you're someone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt, check out a local garage or tag sale and look for an old dresser or table that can be repurposed as a vanity. Simply cut a hole in the top for a sink insert and add a hole in the back to accommodate plumbing. Stain or paint the dresser according to your taste, and voila! You have a personalized, functional piece that makes your bathroom feel brand new. Other reuse ideas include reupholstering an ottoman for use as a dressing stool and refinishing an old bookcase to hold towels and toiletries.

While you're shopping for deals, keep an eye out for unique hardware that can add flair to your existing or new bathroom furniture. New or antique drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and other touches can completely change the look of a piece at a reasonable cost.

The same goes for fixtures. Changing out your faucets, light fixtures, and towel bars is a simple way to add style and sophistication to your bathroom.

Retiling your entire bathroom or shower can be a lot of work and a drain on your budget. Instead of retiling the entire space, consider adding some accent tiles for a pop of color or area of interest. For example, consider these options to save money while enhancing the space:

• Remove a strip of the existing tile in the shower and replace it with small, colorful mosaics
• Add a decorative tile border on the walls or floor
• Create an accent wall above the sink or on one wall of the shower
• Retile just the floor of the shower

Beadboard is a type of wood paneling, also known as wainscoting, that typically goes halfway up the wall and can be either stained or painted. While tile lends a bathroom a spa-like look, beadboard provides a homier, more old-fashioned feel that fits well in cottage, colonial, and farmhouse-style homes. It's also often cheaper than tile and easier to install. Remember to always prime the beadboard before you paint, and use a semi-gloss, satin, or gloss paint for improved durability. When staining, be sure to apply a sealing topcoat to protect the wood from moisture.

If your budget allows, you might want to consider including a larger project in your remodel, such as a steam shower. With its many wellness benefits, adding a steam shower to your bathroom can help improve your quality of life and add value to your home.