Turning My Dated Rental Bathroom Into A Spa-Like Oasis
When we moved into our condo rental in Aberdeen, I’ll admit I didn’t give much thought to the bathroom. As long as it had the essentials – a functional toilet, sink, and shower – I was content. But after living with the dated brown laminate countertops and warm-toned vanity for a while, I started to feel that the space was lacking in both style and functionality.
I knew I wanted to create a more tranquil, spa-like atmosphere – a place where I could unwind after a long day. So, I began brainstorming some simple yet impactful ways to refresh the bathroom on a budget. The goal wasn’t to completely overhaul the space, but rather to find efficient and creative solutions that would uplevel the existing features.
Addressing Storage and Organization Woes
One of the first things I tackled was the storage and organization situation. When we first moved in, we just threw everything into the cabinets and drawers, resulting in a cluttered and disorganized mess. I added some basic storage solutions like wall shelves and behind-the-door hooks, but it wasn’t long before the bathroom looked cluttered again.
That’s when I decided to get a bit more intentional with my storage approach. I swapped out the hodgepodge of product bottles for a set of sleek, glass jar pump bottles. Not only did this create a beautifully curated look, but it also made it easy to see when I needed to refill something. I also incorporated some acrylic organizers like a toothbrush holder and cotton swab jar to keep the countertop clear and tidy.
Addressing the under-sink storage was next on my list. I got creative with baskets and canisters to optimize the space and keep everything organized. It may not be the most visually appealing solution, but it sure beats rummaging through a cluttered cabinet every time I need something.
Giving the Vanity a Modern Facelift
While the vanity itself was in good condition, the dated brown laminate countertop was really dragging down the entire look of the space. I knew that swapping it out for a lighter, brighter marble-look surface would instantly give the bathroom a facelift.
Now, I’ll admit, this project was not an easy one. Resurfacing the countertop was a bit of a challenge, but in the end, I’m so glad I tackled it. The modern, airy vibe it brought to the space was well worth the effort.
Adding Hygge-Inspired Accents
With the storage and vanity upgrades in place, I turned my attention to the overall styling and ambiance of the bathroom. I really wanted to bring in elements of Hygge – that cozy, welcoming feeling that’s so quintessentially Scandinavian.
Swapping out the old towels for new, textured ones and adding a fluffy white bath mat made a big difference. I also incorporated some natural, earthy accents like a wooden wall clock and some botanical artwork to warm up the space.
Lastly, I made sure to add some mood lighting in the form of a nice scented candle and some flameless LED candles. There’s just something so soothing about soft, ambient lighting in a bathroom.
Embracing the Rental Limitations
Throughout this whole process, I had to keep in mind that I was working within the confines of a rental property. Some landlords may have restrictions on things like painting or making permanent changes, so I had to get creative with my solutions.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper and tiles have been lifesavers for me in this regard. They allow me to get the look I want without any permanent damage to the space. And if I decide I want to switch things up in the future, it’s a relatively easy process to remove them.
Putting It All Together
Overall, I’m thrilled with how my rental bathroom refresh has turned out so far. What was once a dated, cluttered space has been transformed into a serene, spa-like oasis – all on a modest budget.
Of course, the project is still a work in progress. I’m constantly reevaluating the space and brainstorming new ways to optimize it. But for now, I’m just enjoying the calm, cozy vibe I’ve been able to create in my little rental bathroom. It’s the perfect place to start and end my day.
