Updating your home on a budget often means that you need to start with the smallest changes possible. However, once your vision is clear and you know exactly what you want in your space, you can start making small changes while you store up funds and build your skills to make more costly improvements.

Clean Everything

Before you start planning an update for any space, make sure the space is spotlessly clean and welcoming. In the bath, this means making sure

●      the tub has been scrubbed, lime and rust stains removed to the best of your ability

●      the toilet is spotless and the outside has been wiped down, particularly around the base

●      the sink and mirror are shiny and clean

●      the floor has been swept and scrubbed

●      the light fixtures are free of dust

Now that you have a clean slate, make a list of what you really don't like. If you like the current color of your toilet, tub, and sink, can you make things a bit more comfortable with a new toilet seat? It may well feel more hygienic and stable, as well as look better.

Consider Your Textiles

If you aren't in a position to change your wall colors, you can still customize your bathroom with color by updating yourtextiles. Start with your shower curtain. A while shower curtain can be quite serviceable, but if you want more color in the space, you can certainly treat yourself to a curtain with more color. If your bath is small, consider a pastel shade to avoid overwhelming the space.

You can easily add stronger colors with

●      patterned bath sheets

●      bright hand towels

●      a richly textured bath mat

Start with a pale shade of your favorite color for the shower curtain, then use that stronger favorite tone in your towels. Add a pop of contrasting color with your hand towel selection. Finally, don't forget to add a pretty soap dispenser and toothbrush holder!

Use Paint

Painting a bathroom can be surprisingly budget-friendly, but it will take time. You will want to use mildew and mold-resistant paint because of the constant moisture challenges in the bathroom. You'll also need some primer to cover any patching you have to do. Once you have your paint,

●      move everything you can out of the bathroom

●      take down towels bars and hooks

●      wash the walls with a sponge and mild detergent, such as dish soap

●      rinse the walls with a new sponge and plain water

●      when dry, patch all holes smooth with spackle; larger holes may take a patch kit

●      sand the patches when dry

●      lightly prime the patches

●      paint the walls

If you're considering painting the walls, take a look at your vanity. Old, dark wood can date a bathroom, especially as many bathroom vanities are not made of high-quality lumber. You can also dress up the vanity with new hardware if you're happy with the wood.

Replace Worn Flooring

Bathroom floors take a lot of abuse and will wear out over time. If your tile is cracked or the vinyl is worn, consider boosting your comfort with bathroom floor plans that will warm the space from the ground up.

Not only will this make stepping out of the shower on a cold morning more comfortable, but this flooring option makes it much easier to control moisture build-up over time. The color options are quite varied and you can easily find something that works with your favorite tones.

Add to Your Storage

Updates can be more than cosmetic. Get out your tape measure and check out the small corners and skinny slivers of space in your bath. If you have a pedestal sink, add a pretty basket underneath for rolled towels, or use a covered box to store cleaning supplies or toilet paper.

Consider also adding wall-mounted shelving. If you don't like the look of an over the toilet cabinet, a lipped metal shelf above the toilet can give you a spot to place your skincare products and make-up.

Conclusion 

Bath updates don't have to be expensive, but you will need to have a clear plan of action before you start to avoid a lot of disruption. Use fans to keep air moving if you choose to paint, and try to tackle this room in small chunks of time.

Guest Contributor: Stephanie Snyder