Sunday, April 4, 2010

Finishing Touches For Your Bathroom

If you're contemplating bathroom improvements but aren't quite ready for a full reno, we've got some tips and tricks to help you get started!  Many people opt for a fresh coat of paint to freshen things up, which will certainly help to achieve a new look. However, a few other easy, yet often overlooked updates, will also help to give your space a polished finish.  



1.  Replace that standard-issue porcelain towel bar (a simple DIY!)

Before painting, remove the porcelain towel bar which is typically attached  to the wall with a strong adhesive or glue.  The towel bar can be removed with the help of a box-cutter.  Cut around the base of the fixture (where attached), then use a thin pry bar to remove it from the wall.   

Once removed, use sandpaper to clear away any debris, then repair the wall using plaster or a similar filler.  Depending on the size of the repair, you may also find the use of mesh tape helpful.  Once the plaster is dry, gently buff the repaired area with sandpaper for a smooth finish. You can purchase a new towel bar at your local Home Depot (prices start at approximately $20) or any other retailer that carries home accessories and/or hardware. The new towel bar should be installed after re-painting the repaired area.  When making your selection, consider purchasing something that may better suit your needs, such as a wider bar or a two-tiered rack.

Other finishing touches to consider:

2. Replace that bland old shower curtain!  A huge array of styles can be found across many different retailers. Try Loblaws Superstore, the Bay or Pottery Barn, just to name a few. If you're unsure about what to select, a classic white fabric curtain with some texture will match most decor schemes while achieving a hotel-inspired look. 


3. Replace any rusty or stained accessories such as shower curtain rods, hooks or soap dispensers. 

4. Remove any soap residue, mildew or grime, particularly on glass shower doors.  Some common practices to help with the cleaning are a good old-fashioned scrub, or the application of products such as CLR prior to cleaning.

Enjoy your new improvements and feel free to write to us at info@livehigh.com to share your experiences and tips!