By Beatrice Kemp | SDUN Columnist

A new year is the perfect time to update your living space but many are unsure where to begin. How about the room where you get ready each day—the bathroom. While a major remodel is always an exciting prospect, the cost can be daunting. But a major transformation can be had on a tight budget by updating what’s already there. Take a close and careful look at your bathroom and decide which updates are needed most and which ones will give the room the most pop.

Here are some ideas that will keep you busy for the first few weekends of the new year.

Start with the walls.
Sometimes a simple coat of paint, which can be done in a weekend, will be enough. But you can add an amazing wow factor by selecting two complementary colors and painting 8 to 12-inch wide stripes all around the room. Start by painting the entire room in a neutral base color, one of the many shades of white offered by every brand of paint is a good option. When the base color is finished ad completely dry, use painters tape, a measuring tape, and a level to draw and paint in stripes of a contrasting color. Go spa-like with
soft water-toned blues and greens or use crisp white and beige for a classic look.

If the major components—tub, toilet and vanity—are in poor condition, consider replacing them. But for the functional pieces where budget is an issue, an update might just do the trick.

An old toilet can be replaced with a newer, more efficient version. Home improvement centers offer a wide selection of choices and reasonably priced installation. If it’s working well, the simplest update to the toilet is a new toilet seat. Again check out what Home Depot or Lowe’s has available. Easy-to-install options can be as low as $15 and will truly make an older toilet look and feel newer.

Rather than replacing your tub, give it a new look with paint designed for covering porcelain. There are companies that specialize in this, or if you’re really handy you can find the primer and paint at paint stores and home improvement centers.

A tired vanity cabinet can be easily updated with a good sanding and a new coat of stain and clear polyurethane, or paint it a vibrant accent color. Installing new hardware on doors and drawers provides great visual impact too. Low-cost solutions are available at Home Depot and Lowe’s or even some local thrift stores or antique shops have interesting options.

If your budget and time permits, one solution is to convert a chest or small dresser into a vanity. Have holes cut into the top to fit a faucet and a drop-in sink, and add a couple coats of polyurethane to protect the top of the piece. Don’t forget to update the mirror above the vanity. One way to do this is to add a frame around an existing mirror attached to the wall. Measure the mirror and the wall space available on the top, bottom and each side. Take the dimensions to a frame shop (Aaron Brothers Art and Framing store is a good local option) and pick a frame style that fits with your design concept. Whichever framer you decide upon will put it together for you and you can simply hang the frame around the mirror. The more dramatic the frame, the more pop in the room. Of course, you can always shop around for a great replacement, starting at Torreon Importers in Hillcrest located at 1035 University Ave.

Light it up
Lighting is another way to increase the functionality and beauty of your bathroom. Replace an old ceiling fixture with a lovely semi-flush fixture. Glass bowlshaped fixtures with several bulbs provide great light and an updated look—even the smallest bathroom can wear a 24-to 30-inch diameter bowl. If you have a venting fan, but no ceiling fixture, an electrician can not only advise you on the possibility of adding a light fixture to the same circuit, but also install the light fixture, a new fan, and switch for a reasonable cost.

Add warmth underfoot
A new tile floor would be a wonderful addition to any bathroom, if your budget permits. Remember togloss finish, as it is slippery when wet. Porcelain is a great option and it mimics all types of stone. Whether you change your floor, or not, adding a rug also adds warmth. Don’t limit your choices to “bathroom” rugs. Check out smaller versions of rugs offered for other areas of the home. Synthetic yarns are durable and can withstand the dampness.

Four weekends later, you’ll have a brand new look, for a brand new year!

Beatrice Kemp is the owner of B. Kemp Interiors, an interior design studio. She can be reached at bkempinteriors@ gmail.com or 977-9006.