There’s nothing like flipping through the latest editions of House & Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Elle Decor, Style at Home, or House Beautiful to have you craving a new house or major renovations. Both are costly options!

Instead, try to redecorate and fall in love with your current home all over again. It’s amazing even simple redecorating changes can dampen your desire to move or renovate.

Redecorating your bathroom this spring doesn’t have to be expensive. A few well-chosen accessories, new towels and bath mat and a coordinating shower curtain will give you a whole new look without breaking the bank.

This bathroom was painted in neutral colors, the most versatile backdrop when you want to redecorate because it allows for a bunch of different looks.

I always like to start with the shower curtain, and take my cues for other items like the towels and bath mat, from there. Make sure you choose a color scheme you really love and bring in some fresh flowers or a plant.

The harder part for some people, but one that has a dramatic effect on your mood every day, is ditching the clutter. Start by getting rid of old toothbrushes, shampoos, prescriptions, cosmetics and other items you’re not using anymore. Then look at whether you can store remaining items in covered baskets.

Have you ever redecorated your bathroom without renovating and experienced how much that can lift your mood? Please share your comments below.

Learn more about how Six Elements can help you with home staging advice and decorating or redesign advice.

Debra Gould, President Six Elements Inc.

Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is President of Six Elements Inc. and creator of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. An entrepreneur for 20 years and author of several guides, Debra has staged millions of dollars worth of real estate and uses her expertise to train others worldwide.

Bathrooms are such small rooms and so easy to update without spending much money. Whether you’re moving now or later, why not fluff your bathroom and make it a more enjoyable room? In the case of powder rooms, all you need is some art, a bud vase and a nice fluffy towel.

For more ideas for the bathroom, check out this $500 weekend bathroom makeover that totally transformed the space.

Need help with your own bathroom makeover project?

With a minimum two hour consultation in your home, I will give you new colors to consider and suggest many other changes that will transform your bathrooms and any room in your home at minimal cost. Contact me to learn more.

If you’re outside the Toronto area, I can still help you by phone working from photos you email me. Learn more about this virtual consultation service.

Debra Gould, President Six Elements Inc.

Internationally recognized Home Stager Debra Gould president of Six Elements will supercharge the appeal of any property. If you’re looking to profit in the real estate market, your best investment is a home staging consultation with Debra.

Whether you are decorating your house to sell, or planning on staying where you are, this before and after story will help you see the potential that waits in the next room.

Studies have shown that renovating the main bathroom in a home has an estimated payback of 60% to 65% when the home is resold. But it can cost well over $5000 to complete, not to mention the significant inconvenience.

Before calling a contractor, consider whether cosmetic changes will be enough to get the look you need for resale, or better yet, for you to enjoy until it’s time to sell.

Many bathrooms look ugly or tired but the expensive items are basically there. This was the case in this weekend bathroom makeover example:

What Six Elements Did

If you are selling your home, buy your new towels, mat and shower curtain before you move. You can use them to prop your house while it’s on the market and then enjoy them when you move to your new home.

The old plastic towel bar was replaced with a brushed metal one with matching glass shelf over the sink and toilet roll holder.

The white melamine cabinet was replaced by a shorter trolley (which could be painted to match). The top is used to display an art object and vase of dogwood branches or seasonal flowers, instead of general bathroom clutter which is now hidden in the baskets below.

The medicine cabinet was painted to match the walls and the 1970′s vanity light (not shown) was replaced by a brushed metal halogen fixture. It provides more general light than the original fixture, matches the other new hardware and contributes greatly to the fresh modern feel of the “new” bathroom.

So, whether you are moving or not, why not consider how your bathroom can be enhanced with paint and accessories? You will appreciate it every morning and make it your refuge at the end of a long day.

What it Cost (materials only)

NOTE:

If this house were sold, all that would be left behind is the $195 spent on paint, light fixture and hardware. All the other items can be used in the next home! Considering how important bathrooms are to home buyers, this is a very insignificant investment.

Before contacting your real estate agent, or even a house fluffer if you decide to use one, there are simple steps you can take on your own, like decluttering, to improve the overall look of your home. Be sure to approach the task with a highly critical eye. It can be hard to see your own home objectively after living in it for so long.

Not Planning on Moving Any Time Soon?

Then what are you waiting for? It’s time to freshen up that bathroom you’ve always hated with a whole new look. “It’s really sad to see how many of my clients suddenly realize they could have enjoyed living this way for years when I come in to stage, or decorate their homes to sell. Spend some money now so that at least you’ll get to enjoy the results before selling it to someone else,” says Debra Gould Toronto’s leading home stager, or house fluffer as she’s also called.

Not in Toronto, and Need Help?

Through her Home Staging Coaching Service Debra Gould offers advice by phone and email to clients all over the US and Canada.

“Virtual Staging,” as this is also called, is an excellent way to have your questions answered by a home staging pro as you need help. Learn more about how you can get home staging and decorating help by phone.