New Mirror or Redesign?

I recently helped a client redo their bathroom and instead of taking down the old mirror which was steadfastly fixed to the wall, I used a edging product found at Lowe's to frame the mirror and WOW, a brand new mirror.  Much cheaper than purchasing a new mirror and very easy and quick to install.  Several different choices of frames too to suit any decor.  This one matched the new vanity and the look is totally updated.



The bathroom and mirror before Redesigning

The product is simply called "Mirror Edge" and all you need is a tape measure and utility knife to score where to snap it to fit around the perimeter of the mirror.  Double sided tape is included or you can buy a special glue as well for permanent adhesion.






The bathroom after the Redesign with the "MIrror Edge" 



Tackling the Toilet

I know I've been on a bit of a bathroom kick lately.  Guess it comes with renovating that room in my own house.  Today though, I want to focus on the TOILET.  Yes that lowly bowl we all so well know. . . OK I will stop here!  

From a Professional Home Staging point of view, I've seen a lot of toilets and they are not all pretty.  No Sir, some are downright ugly and gross.  The point I want make though is that the toilet often sets the tone for the whole bathroom.  When prospective buyers are viewing a home, a clean, well presented toilet speaks volumes about the rest of the home too.  Cleanliness is next to godliness and there is nothing better to turn off prospective buyers like a toilet that is not pristine enough to brush your teeth in.  OK I may have gone a bit too far again but you get the point!  It's not only the inside of the toilet that needs to be stain free but also the outside front and sides and also behind it on the floor etc.  Fluffy rugs on the lid, tank top or the floor do not enhance the look or disguise stains or odors that might emanate from the throne.  On the contrary, those little shag covers are harbours for germs and other nastys.  Kleenex boxes too are not considered decorative accessories in my mind either.  The library can be re-located too! 

And please keep that lid down.  No one wants to enter the bathroom to be immediately confronted by the open abyss beckoning to them.  Prospective buyers often are attracted to bathrooms that appear never to have been used.  This is what you want the toilet to say (if it could talk)!

Tips to Update Your Bathroom under $50

When thinking of selling your home there are many relatively inexpensive up-dates you can do in your home yourself to give it that WOW without breaking the bank.  For instance, in the bathroom here are five up-dates that cost under $50 and can give new life to a tired or outdated decor.  They all speak "well-cared for" to a prospective buyer and can distract from more major renovations that could be done.

1. A new coat of paint in a pleasing neutral colour is the most obvious up-date and can transform the bathroom from a dingy, outdated room to a warm, inviting and clean space.  The bathroom pictured here is painted with ICI Oyster White, #30YY 64/149.  Previously it was a gaudy aqua blue which was cold and oppressive.
2. New fluffy white towels for showing are an inviting addition to any bathroom and aren't expensive if you don't buy designer towels or you manage to get them on sale (they seem to be at every major store at any one time).
3. A new coordinating shower curtain speaks volumes about freshness.
4. Un-dated hardware for the cabinets may be just the thing to up-date the older vanity in your bathroom.
5. Matching small plastic bins to store personal items neatly under the counter in the vanity when not in use are a smart and inexpensive choice.  Prospective buyers do not want to see your deoderant or toothbrush lying on the vanity counter when viewing your home.  This can be a huge turnoff.

These are just five inexpensive tips for up-dating your bathroom.  Now that I've got you started, I'm sure you can think of some more yourself.  However, if you would like some more inexpensive and helpful ideas for up-dating your bathroom or other rooms in your home before selling your home, I'd be happy to come to consult with you!  For a free quote on my services do email me at kathryn.a.wilson@gmail.com.