How to Remodel a Home Bathroom

Make your bathroom into a place where you can really spend some you-time.

Bathrooms are sanctuaries. They are places to gain privacy and to escape from the busy lives that exist beyond their doors. Therefore, bathrooms should be inviting, comfortable and clean, as an outdated or grimy bathroom is not a place you're going to want to hang out in. If your bathroom needs to revamped, remodeling can be done on your own without major demolition or breaking the bank on interior designers or contractors.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Plumbing wrenches
• Plastic sheeting
• Painter's tape
• Primer (optional)
• Paintbrushes and rollers
• Gloss paint
• Light fixtures
• Tub faucet
• Sink faucets
• Mirror or medicine cabinet
• Light switch cover
• Electrical outlet cover
• Towel holders
• Towels
• Artwork

Instructions

1. Determine a design style for your new bathroom. This could be modern, classical, antique, rustic or retro.

2. Choose a color scheme of two or three colors for your bathroom. Keep in mind that lighter colors will make the space feel more open, and darker colors will make the space feel more closed. Pick colors that will work well with your design style. For example, if you are creating a rustic style, you may want to choose natural, earth tones.

3. Choose a metallic finish for the fixtures in your bathroom. This could be brass, brushed nickel, polished nickel, chrome or patina. Pick a finish that is appropriate to your design style. For example, nickel or chrome are appropriate for a modern design, whereas brass or patina would work for antique, classical or rustic.

4. Turn off the main electrical and plumbing lines to the bathroom. Unscrew and remove the old light fixtures, using a screwdriver. Unscrew and remove the old tub, shower and sink faucets using a screwdriver and wrenches.

5. Unscrew and remove the mirror or medicine cabinet from the wall. Unscrew and remove towel holders, light switch covers and electrical outlet covers.

6. Mask off sensitive areas for painting, using plastic sheeting and painter's tape. Prime the walls if they were previously painted with gloss paint. Paint the walls and trim using two colors from your color scheme. Use gloss paint, which is easiest to wipe clean.

7. Replace the light fixtures and faucets with new ones that have a finish matching your design style.

8. Install a new mirror or medicine cabinet, new light switch and electrical outlet covers, and new towel holders. Install items made with the predetermined metal finish according to your chosen design style. Use furnishings with fancy ornamentation, for example, for a classical design style. Wood items, in conjunction with brass or patina metal finished items, are suitable for a rustic style, while a modern style calls for sleek items with minimalist designs.

9. Add towels that fit the color scheme.

10. Hang a couple of pieces of artwork to accent your style. If you were creating a classic bathroom, you might use prints of Renaissance-era paintings. If you were creating a retro bathroom, you could frame images from vintage clothing catalogs. Black-and-white photographs of cityscapes or abstract drawings would be appropriate for a modern bathroom.

References

• This Old House: 19 Ways to Dress Up Your Bath on a Budget
• Kohler: Faucet Finishes