Revamp your Bathroom Without Renovating

Kitchen renovations get all the glory, but what about the room devoted to personal care?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends spending between 5% and 10% of your home’s value on a bathroom remodel. If you’re not up to the mess or cost, there are ways to get around that and still create a fresh makeover.

LIGHTING Swapping out lighting is easy and doesn’t require renovation. Hang a chandelier over that freestanding bathtub or add a modern light fixture for high impact.

Natural light is your best friend in the bathroom, but you need diffused and flattering light for makeup. Make sure you’ve added dimmers, you’d be surprised what a difference they make.

HEATED TOWELS A heated towel rack can make you feel as if you stepped into a luxury hotel bathroom. You may need an electrician to wire it, but in less than a day you’ll have luxuriously warm towels within reach.

WINDOW TREATMENTS Switch out tired window treatments for a quick and powerful change. Add shutters in natural wood or painted, depending on your décor. Think about natural wood blinds or cellular shades in a pop of color for a modern look.

FURNITURE If you have the space, think about adding a bit of seating. Even a small chair or bench can make a world of difference. Choose one that fits the room as well as a color that snaps. WALLS Go for minimal white walls or choose a new color to brighten up the room. Paint one accent wall a different color for a change.

To liven up the room even more, consider wallpaper. Whether you want drama, whimsy or a tailored look, there’s an endless number of choices. It’s an easy project with a bold impact.

ACCESSORIES Investing in new towels can make a world of difference.

Cozy, plush towels make a bathroom feel like a luxurious European hotel and look fabulous folded on a bench or rolled in a large basket.

Swap out plastic or acrylic shower rings for polished metal for a high-end look. And don’t forget to upgrade the shower curtain.

Add a new soap dish and a plush rug.

For a clean and elegant look, decant your shampoo, conditioner and shower gel into stylish bottles and line them up. Store cotton balls, Q-tips, bath salts and even mouthwash in pretty glass jars and bottles.

ARTWORK, PLANTS The bathroom tends to be the last place considered for artwork, but it can add personality and change the mood.

Hang artwork above your bathtub or sink or a large, open wall space. This makes the entire room look more luxe and creates a focal point.

Adding live plants in the bathroom can make it more comforting. Bonus — they love the moisture created in the room.