Turning Rental Bathrooms Into Dreamy Spaces
It’s been about six months since I moved into my new apartment in Aberdeen, and I have to admit – the bathroom has been the thorn in my side the whole time. Don’t get me wrong, the space itself is perfectly fine. It’s just…not very me, you know? So, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands and transform this rental bathroom into a cozy oasis, all without risking my deposit.
Swapping Out Fixtures
One of the easiest and most impactful updates I made was switching out the lighting fixtures. I always make sure to keep the old ones in a box, ready to be reinstalled when I move out. For this space, I chose to replace both the ceiling light and the vanity light. It’s amazing what a difference new fixtures can make!
As I learned from this video, I needed to be careful when painting around the new fixtures to avoid any messy lines. I used my trusty Dremel Versa and some kitchen scour pads to smooth out any high paint spots before brushing on a fresh coat. Not the most thrilling task, but it was worth it to create a seamless, polished look.
Tackling the Tough Stuff
Next up: the grout. Now, I’ll be the first to admit – scrubbing grout is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But as the DIY Huntress taught me, it can make a huge difference in how fresh and clean a bathroom feels. I used a grout cleaner, applied it with a spray bottle, and then went to town with my Dremel Versa and a brush scrubbing attachment.
While I was at it, I also decided to re-caulk the tub. This video had some great tips on using a grout saw to scrape out the old caulk before applying the new stuff. It was a bit of a tedious process, but seeing that sparkling clean tub area was so satisfying.
Accessorizing with Style
Of course, new fixtures and clean grout are just the foundation. To really make this bathroom feel like my own, I knew I needed to accessorize! Swapping out the sink faucet, shower head, towel rack, and shower curtain rod was surprisingly easy and made a huge difference.
I have to say, finding the perfect shower curtain was the icing on the cake. As demonstrated in this video, a simple mudcloth number adds the perfect touch of boho style. Pair that with some floating shelves I built for extra storage, and voila – instant rental-friendly bathroom makeover!
Making the Most of Small Spaces
Speaking of storage, that’s always a tricky one in rental bathrooms. But I’ve learned a few tricks, like utilizing the space behind the door. As seen in this video, a simple over-the-door organizer can provide a ton of extra room for towels, toiletries, and all that other bathroom clutter.
And those floating shelves I mentioned? I actually tried two different DIY methods – hidden brackets and basic but trendy ones. Both worked great for maximizing the nooks and crannies in my space.
The Final Reveal
So there you have it – my rental-friendly bathroom transformation! I have to say, I’m pretty darn proud of how it all turned out. What was once a generic, forgettable space is now a cozy, personalized oasis that makes me smile every time I walk in.
And the best part? I can take it all with me when I eventually move out of this apartment. No security deposit worries here! Just a beautifully updated bathroom that’s ready to come along for the next adventure.
If you’re a fellow renter struggling to make your bathroom feel like home, I highly recommend giving some of these DIY updates a try. With a little elbow grease and a whole lot of style, you can turn even the most basic rental into a retreat worthy of a magazine spread.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a soak in that freshly caulked tub calling my name. Cheers to DIY bathroom bliss!
