5 Simple Bathroom Updates That Make a Big Difference

1. Change Out Fixtures
Start with the faucets. “Fixtures are the jewelry of the space,” says Muller, owner and principal at Four Point Design Build. “When you swap those out, you can shift the whole look. You can have a lot of fun and add a lot of personality with the finishes.” Try a matte black finish for a bolder choice, as seen here; a swooping spout adds an au courant elegance to the look. Or go with a low-profile brushed nickel faucet for a metallic twinkle and streamlined style. Match hardware and hinges to your faucet for harmony, or mix metals for an on-trend option.

Also keep function in mind. Look at faucets that conserve water while keeping flow steady. Handles that are ADA-approved make them easy for everyone to turn on, regardless of age or ability.

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2. Upgrade the Shower
A quick switch can take your shower from ordinary to indulgent. “There’s now a diversity of options so you can get all you want for your family, adding handrails and rain heads without having to add more plumbing,” Muller says. Gone are the days when both your tallest and smallest family members had to soak under the same-height shower head.

New options have multiple functions to fit everyone. Look for shower kits that combine an adjustable hand shower, rain shower head and various spray options to suit different tastes. The shower kit seen here connects to your existing shower outlet without tools or tile damage.

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3. Switch Out the Toilet
Remove your tired, ever-running or water-hogging toilet and install an efficient, elegant option in its place, as seen here. If possible, “keep all the ceramics — the sink, toilet and tub — in the same family of brands to maintain the same white or cream or whatever color you choose,” Muller says.

As for function, choose a toilet with new technology that will take care of itself. Options include antimicrobial surfaces and self-cleaning bowls that infuse each flush with air freshener and cleaning agents. And don’t forget slow-close seats. “Slow-close anything helps make things quieter and tidier, and avoids having things go bang in the night,” Muller says.

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4. Enhance Lighting
Additional illumination can make all the difference in a bathroom. “I love a 4-inch dimmable recessed can light that’s a minimum of 3,000 Kelvins for a nice, crisp white look, so all the fixtures appear just as beautiful at home as in the showroom,” Muller says.

Make sure it’s damp-rated, she cautions, for safety. Add sconces for a flattering glow or a pendant for a pop of personality. “Another great way to update is to add a [lighted] mirror,” Muller says. “A mirrored medicine cabinet that has integrated lights adds storage and looks seamless.”

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5. Work Wonders With Paint
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh paint. Cover your walls with a calm, neutral shade for a serene space, or go bold with a bright accent color. If you have a darker-hued tile in your shower, try layers of oyster, beige and taupe, Muller says. She recommends painting the walls and ceiling with a low sheen to minimize imperfections without having to skim-coat the surfaces first. Choose anti-mildew paint for low maintenance.

Then look beyond the walls. “Perk up a bathroom by adding sheets of [painted] paneling or beadboard — it’s a very affordable change,” Muller says. Or paint your vanity. “You can have fun there — paint the doors one color and the base another,” she says. “Finish by adding in fun stuff like towels and artwork.”