First,there's a certain amount of humor attached to the bathroom,of course.It even has a type of humor named after it–bathroom humor!This is because in North America,we're queasy about our bodily functions enough to make jokes about them.Because it's in the bathroom where we're made very aware of our bodies.So in a way,the bathroom brings out an important aspect of our humanity more than any other room in our house.
But,another thing that's associated with bathrooms is the idea of solitude,and relaxation.This is all about the spirit,or at least our states of mind.So,a space in our home where and when we get to spend even a few minutes on our own is like a spiritual oasis for many.It's no wonder then that the bathroom remodel is such a popular home renovation project.
But,as with kitchen remodels,it's the budgetary factors that often decide the extent of the transformations we get to affect in our bathrooms.This is the first in a series of graphically-oriented posts about the bathroom remodel.
This first one takes a budget of$500,and goes to town.Take a look.
With 500 smackers,you're not getting that hot tub installed.But,what you can do is to establish what will gain you the most aesthetic improvements and practical value so that you can scale your room to support some of those bigger changes later on.Here's what I mean.
Color and complementary elements in bathrooms
With this level of budget,paint is a good place to start to establish a base of what is to follow.The above example uses yellow to brighten up the space that doesn't have a lot of natural light.But,if yours does,then paint is still a great place to start,using a more muted color,with maybe an accent color.
Accent elements in general that go along with your color scheme may be the next step.And this doesn't mean a lot of effort.Bathmats,shower curtains,matching towels,candles,and artwork that reflect complementary colors can provide miles of transformative value to a bathroom remodel on a strict budget.
Heck,you can even paint the art piece yourself,if you've got the talent.What better way to establish a unique bathroom than your own art?
Storage,need,placement,and your bathroom remodel
Another aspect of a bathroom remodel is re-thinking storage and item placement.Decide on the most common movements(no pun intended!See?bathroom humor right there…)you make when you're in your bathroom.Then,place(or find for cheap)a hamper,or dresser,or towel rack,or any piece of furniture you've got on hand according to your needs.
Consider the suggestion above on the subject of floating shelves.Not only can they be practical,but they can help you frame smaller momentos and art pieces that might just otherwise take up space elsewhere.
Extend this idea of movement,need,and storage to how you store things like hand mirrors,small appliances,personal hygiene products,and other assorted good stuff on your bathroom vanity.Which ones do you reach for first?Which ones need to be"on deck"as it were,and which ones need to be stored away?
When you re-define a space as important as your bathroom,it's really just your chance to make it more comfortable,as well as better looking,by examining the basics.And on a$500 bathroom remodel budget,thinking small and working your way from there often shows that you don't need a lot of money to get you on your way.
Don't flush your big ideas
With this kind of bathroom remodel,what you have a chance to really examine the essential elements of what you want from this important room in your home.You get a chance to set the tone,and the general shape of a bathroom that is better suited to you,your family,and your home.It also gives you a chance to get the basics established,so that you can define some of your big ideas,too.
Remember:just because you've got a modest budget now,it doesn't mean it's always going to be this way.Use your budget to help you get a shape of what may come later on,while also establishing a space you can be happy with in the present.
