It’s there because it has to be, not because you want it there. But that doesn’t mean you have to let your bathroom sit ignored and neglected. In fact, if you make the right changes, a bathroom could turn into a room that you’re proud to have in your house. A remodeled bathroom can be a relaxing bathroom, and you might even start to enjoy spending time in there. And that’s a good thing, since it’s estimated we spend about 2 weeks a year there!
In this article, we’ll talk about five ways that you can upgrade your bathroom yourself. If you’re the type of person that gets a great feeling from completing a project on your own, feel free to take a hack at some of these projects. Even if you’d rather bring in a contractor to do the dirty work, read through these project ideas and get inspired.
1. Re-tile using tile profiles
Two of the first things you notice when you walk into a room are the floors and the walls. They’re what surround you, and when they’re gross to look at, they can make you feel pretty gross, as well. I remember that my first apartment after college had a bathroom with walls covered in ugly pale pink tiles. That’s not to say that pink is a bad color, but there are certain shades that definitely should not be used – and when you repaint some spots to cover up scratches or markups, using a different shade of pink than what’s already there really doesn’t help. This was definitely a room I had to use, but not one I wanted. Unfortunately, I was renting and couldn’t do a thing about it. If you own your home, it should be all yours, including the floor and walls of your bathroom. If you don’t like something about it, take the chance to change it! It might just give you that smile you need in the morning to start your day off right.
If you decide to take up a re-tiling job, one of the best ways to add a little flair is to use decorative tile profiles. The tiles themselves are obviously important, but making the edges look just right can really add a sense of completeness and style to the room. For example, consider the Schluter-DESIGNLINE profile. This profile comes in several different finishes, including stainless steel, chrome-plated solid brass, and anodized aluminum, and helps to create decorative patterns on your walls. It’s easily anchored in the mortar and sits comfortably between tiles to create a crisp spacing effect. If you’d like to add small accent tiles to create patterns between your larger tiles, Schluter offers the Schluter-QUADEC-FS. This profile is anchored and placed similarly to the Schluter-DESIGNLINE, but has a recessed section for the placing of accent tiles to make your walls much more interesting.
 |
| Schluter-DESIGNLINE |
 |
| Schluter-QUADEC-FS |
2. Upgrade your sink
Your sink might be considered the centerpiece of your bathroom. It’s standing in the open for all to see and is one of the main opportunities for your style to come alive. Take, for example, the Inscribe Wading Pool sink by Kohler. Not only does it have an awesome, unique shape, but it even comes in fun colors, such as green, pink, yellow, and blue. If you’re looking for something a bit more on the classy side and want to really make an impression, consider the Antilia glass sink. The rippled texture of the glass creates a beautiful, relaxing piece of art while maintaining functionality. Add in the ease of cleaning and you’ve got yourself a truly upgraded bathroom just by replacing one standard piece.
 |
| Kohler Inscribe Wading Pool Sink |
 |
| Kohler Antilia Glass Sink |
3. Replace your sink's faucet and handles
Even if you can’t afford to replace an entire sink (or if you’re just happy with the one you have), you can still accentuate it with a new faucet and/or handles. If you are buying a new sink, one important thing to consider is whether you want your faucet and handles located on the sink or on the wall. Faucets like the Brizo RSVP can be found in both sink-mount and wall-mount styles. The smooth, elegant curves make this faucet appear like a ribbon flowing out of your wall or sink, adding a sense of sophistication to the room. If you want to go all out, Brizo even offers a crystal finial add-on to attach to the top of some of their faucets. Talk about glamour!
 |
| Brizo RSVP Faucet |
4. Update your shower head
Happy with the way your sink looks? Move on to the shower! The shower head is a very functional piece, but it too can be improved both visually and functionally. There are even some great options available that don't have to break the bank. For example, Delta’s Single Setting Shower Head features a unique cubic shape while also helping you save money. This faucet, along with many others by Delta, features H2Okinetic technology, which continually shifts the outgoing water to create a wave pattern, allowing you feel like you are being hit with more water without actually using more. Now you’ll be able to take a comfortable, relaxing shower and save money while you do it. And all it takes is just swapping out your shower head.
 |
| Delta Single Setting Shower Head |
5. Renovate your shower using a Schluter Shower Kit
If you’re the type that likes to go all out, how about taking apart your entire shower? It seems like a mess to deal with, especially since you have to build it all back up again. However, with the Schluter shower kit you can easily waterproof your shower and create a new surface for tiling with incredible ease. The kit comes with all you need to replace or install a new shower, including parts that ensure proper drainage and provide a water-proof envelope. It comes in various sizes, but can also be easily cut down to ensure a proper fit if necessary. With the Schluter shower kit, you’re quickly able to attach the included drain connector and curbs so that you can get right to decorating it with tile. And don’t forget to take advantage of those tile profiles when you tile up the shower. Take the chance to make the shower of your dreams become a reality. Check out the video below to see all the pieces it comes with and how easy it is to install.
Now that you’ve got some ideas on how to freshen up that bathroom of yours, go and do it! There’s no need to let your bathroom sit forgotten when it’s easy to make it an enjoyable place to visit. You’ll appreciate it, your family will appreciate it, and your guests will appreciate it. And if you’re still worried it will take too much time, remember that it’s a great activity to do when it’s cold outside and you’re stuck indoors. Just think about how nice it will be to feel proud of your bathroom and have a place to relax every day. For more styles you can use to fix up your bathroom, visit eComfort.com and explore the wide variety of bathroom furnishings offered.