Sprucing Up - It Doesn't Have to Cost a Lot

Got the winter blahs?  Got the shut-in blues?  Just need a change?
It doesn't have to cost a lot to change things up a bit and change your view and attitude.

Last fall, I decided I just had to spruce up the bathroom.  It hadn't had a thing done to it in years.  It was worn and dingy in my opinion.  Hubs was not one for change.  He always thought everything seemed like a big project - so I just left things alone.
Around Thanksgiving, I chose to spruce up the bathroom a bit and add a little cheer to my view!

There was no major work done - all the big things stayed.  Tub, sink, toilet, cabinet, lights all the same.  I was not into having a huge project with a contractor or anything - just a little perk-up!

Many years ago I bought 2 gallons of paint - one light blue and 1 light yellow - never used them.  My bathroom was already yellow - so I decided to use the blue.  I mixed and shook and mixed and shook some more and the paint was fine!!!

I bought a sample of white paint with primer for the trim.  I paid $3.99 for that versus spending a lot of money on a quart or gallon.  I still have plenty left.  (I had places that needed primer as the paint was worn totally away).

My tub surround was put in 32 years ago and is vinyl.  It had totally yellowed over the years and looked so dingy.  My solution - paint it!  YEPPERS it worked.  I cleaned it thoroughly and used a Rustoleum  paint that was good with plastic.  The surround is pretty white and looks great.  I used a small roller and then cut in around the edges with a small brush.  It is indoor/outdoor paint and the shower water does not hurt it.  (I already had this on hand as well - for some other project).

I used different pictures and knick-knacs that I had in storage for decoration.  I have a window in there, but no need for curtains.  The window is muted glass, I have blinds and used a nice floral piece I had for a valance.  I DID buy a new outer shower curtain which cost less than $15.00.  I had a nice blue rug to use as a bathmat.
I wanted a little something different on the borders - I have had some peel and stick faux 'subway tile' looking paper - so I meticulously cut it to make a trim.
I still have to redo the floor.  It is extremely worn do to hubs rolling chair - but I have had the tile for that in my storage for several years as well.

More than anything - my cost was a little time and energy.  I did it all myself and it makes me happy.  It is cheery and bright and that is what I was going for.  NO designer bathroom - it is simple, the way I like things.

View looking in from hall.  Pedestal sink, toilet on right and tub at back.  Storage cabinet on left (I revitalized the wood on that).  Yep, it is little - but it mine!

Here is a view of the vinyl surround after painting - white!  Yes my window is over the tub - don't know why that was ever a good idea - but it is there.  Guess it was the only way to get light in there.

Looking at the door side.  Those vintage towels were bought last fall at a thrift sale for next to nothing.  My headbands (for yardwork) hang on the back of door.  The towel hanging on the wall is actually hanging over a handicap grab bar!  I figured I better keep them in place - you never know.

I am sure if you added everything together, even if I had bought new paint, it would have cost less than a $100 to totally shift the feel of the room.


Think about things you have around the house.  Sheets can become window coverings or furniture covers.  A little paint changes everything up.  Look around your storage for different pictures or do-dads to use.  Switch things from one room to another.  Move your furniture if you can.
Maybe get a new throw rug or something small to change it up.
Put together some patchwork for pillows, curtains, bedding or even a shower curtain.

Here's another example.  My window valances (I have 2) in the bedroom is ladies hankies.  I placed a cup hook on each side of the window and used heavy jute to make a 'rod' and laid the hankies over it.   I have lots and lots of pretty hankies.  Just simple and dainty.  I don't have ANY curtains in my house - just blinds and valances.  I like things bright and airy.

This may not suit any one else, but I like it.

Stop and think outside the box a little.  Use what you have and change up the view a little.  You can change things inside or out for next to nothing!!  

Trust me - it really can LIFT YOUR SPIRITS!!!!

HAVE FUN