A Sure-Fire Spruce Up Four easy ways to make your bathroom look fresh and good as new

In our post-modern society, where everything is a flurry of fleeting new trends and fast-paced activity, the pressure to keep up with the turn of the age is always seemingly evident. It can be seen in almost every aspect of our lives. From fashion trends that change as often as (sometimes, even faster than) the seasons do, to the utilization of technology that gets increasingly and increasingly advanced. As generations differ, so do the trends and tastes that define society. And quite often we want to keep up with these trends, to move with the flurry of change, to keep in step with society as it marches forward –– and so it is under these circumstances that we find ourselves faced with the prospect of having to remodel our homes, or at least part of it. And too often, one of these areas is the bathroom.  

Now, Bathroom Remodelling is not unconventional or unheard of, as far as (home) makeovers go. It has become one of the many popular trends in the United States, as well as one of the most valuable ones. According to Jacob Hurwith, an author on improvenet.com, Bathroom Remodelling projects yield a 60% return on investment. This means that owners not only enjoy the luxury and style of a modern and updated bathroom, but also its monetary return.  

However, under no circumstances is Bathroom Remodelling considered to be an easy task. It can be quite overwhelming, considering the choices one would have to make, the things they must be willing to let go, and the risks they would have to take. And since not everyone necessarily has a bathroom contractor or a pro within immediate reach, we have taken the liberty of rounding up 5 simple things that will make all the difference, when remodelling your bathroom:  

1. Make use of light-coloured paint

Believe it or not, making your bathroom look larger and more stylish is not as difficult a task as it may seem. New paint can transform it from a drab-looking space to a fabulous modern bathroom.  

The trick is in keeping the colours of your walls and tiles within the same spectrum, or at least making sure they blend well. For a calming effect, the use of pale pastel colours can be utilized, with undertones of orangey-nude hues to lend some warmth into an otherwise cold room. You may paint horizontal-striped accents to make the room seem wider, or vertical ones for a taller illusion. Natural coloured walls also mean that a splash of colour can be added. Only make sure that it blends with the tiles, towels and such, to tie the room together. 

2. DIY as much as you can

There are plenty of ways to save money on certain products or services, when remodelling your bathroom. Some of these take effort and time, but will end up cutting a tremendous amount from your costs. Here are a couple of DIY projects that are easy enough to do, and require minimal help.  

1. DIY Shower Unclogging and Cleaning 

Shower drains are easily clogged up. This presents a struggle, especially for women with long hair. Fortunately, there are a few simple, conventional, and sure-fire ways to unclog your shower drain without having to call a professional.  

• The Baking Soda & Vinegar Solution: After pouring boiling hot water down your drain, add a ½ cup of baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, add a ½ cup of vinegar and one hot cup of water. Cover the drain.  

• The “Gorilla Style” Method: Bend a metal coat hanger so that the hanger portion forms a hook. This is a great way to fish out any clumps of slimy hair that might be clogging your shower drain. With an old plastic grocery bag acting as your catch-all for the mess, quickly tie the bag shut when all the gunk is gone to contain the odor. Pour baking soda down the shower drain. Then, add vinegar and immediately plug the shower drain with the rag. Wait 20 minutes for tougher clogs. 

        2. DIY tile installment 

This task requires a bit of elbow-grease and muscle. Retiling a shower is not a project for the weak. It takes effort to get your old tiles out, and replace them with new ones. You are going to have to completely knock out your old tiles and lay out a new set. It is a bit less easy, but still simple enough, and very much doable. Home Design provides us with a few easy steps to retiling: 

After removing your shower head and handle, cover your shower floor with newspaper. Take your hammer and chisel and start from the bottom corner. Gently place the chisel on the side of tile and use your hammer to push the tile out. Start gently. As you move on, you may have to use some real elbow grease to get these tiles out. Once all tile has been removed, chisel off any remaining mortar as well. 

After cleaning the walls, prepare them with mortar. Cover the bottom half of the wall with thin set mortar and spread it with your notched mortar trowel. Press down hard with your trowel. Make sure it’s clean and even throughout the wall. 

Set the bottom row of tile in place, starting at the center of the wall. Press the tiles into the mortar with spacers between them. Work your way to the sides, cutting the end tiles if you need.  

3. Renovate your tub

The bath tub is the second most important feature of the bathroom, next to the toilet. If you are dissatisfied with the way it looks, or are simply looking for a fresh way to liven up your bathroom, there are many effective ways to make your tub look good as new.  

One is to use the existing tub as a foundation over which an acrylic, durable bath can be fitted. ABS tubs are finished with a glossy, acrylic surface that’s relatively easy to clean and maintain. It can be used immediately after installation, with no disruption, which means the tub can be used that very same day. It is a convenient way to spruce up your bath tub and make it look new, without having to go through much trouble.  

Another way is to install a shower in a freestanding tub. Why not have the best of both worlds? With an addition such as this, you may enjoy the benefits of having a shower, without having to pay the thousands needed for a regular shower installation. The process is also DIY-able, meaning you can save more by doing it yourself, instead of having to call for the services of a plumber.  

4. Invest in an exhaust fan

The bathroom is where we do our “business.” So, naturally, the bathroom will get foggy and smelly. And this will further contribute to its atmosphere. No matter how pretty of bright your bathroom may look, we can all agree that the presence of an unpleasant smell would counter all of the work you have put into making your bath look nice. No matter who is using your bathroom, it’s going to smell and the mirrors are going to fog up. One way to combat both dilemmas is through a bathroom exhaust fan. Luckily, exhaust fans are easy enough to install, and DIY-able too.  

Over all, Bathroom Remodelling is one of the most popular ways that people use to keep up with the recent modern trends. It makes you house look nicer, too. The bathroom is one of the most trafficked rooms in the home and as such, deserves to be one the most attractive and functional as well.