Thursday, April 27, 2023

Bathroom Remodeling for Every Budget Range: What Adds the Most Value?

Black and white bathroom with shower and small vanity.

Starting any remodeling project can seem like a massive undertaking, especially when it comes to the potential costs involved. It’s safe to say that cost will be the number one barrier to most remodeling projects getting underway – and with good reason! Without careful planning and budgeting, you can find yourself in a situation that becomes a major money pit. 

If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom or simply give it a much-needed update, you’re probably curious about how much money you’ll need to allocate to the project.  

According to averages from multiple design sources, it will cost around $10,978 to fully remodel a standard bathroom, but it can range anywhere from $2,500 to $80,000 in total. Remodeling magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report cited the average remodeling cost per square foot in a bathroom to be between $600 and $800, with larger bathrooms often requiring higher costs of labor. 

Fortunately, there are ways to add value to your bathroom remodel no matter what you’re able to spend. We’ve identified the top bathroom renovation ideas based on thrifty, mid-range, and luxury budgets to help you get started! 


Person using a roller brush to paint a white wall blue.


For the thrifty budget 

If you’re looking to stretch a thrifty budget and still give your bathroom a fresh and modern update, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to spruce things up. For smaller bathrooms, HomeAdvisor notes the national average remodeling cost is around $6,500, but you can get away with even less if you focus your efforts in the right places. 


Keep the same footprint

The biggest secret to keeping costs low is to keep the same footprint; don’t move the electrical and plumbing from their original locations, if possible. With the bones all in place, you can focus on other updates. 


Liven the space up with a new paint color

One of the most cost-effective ways to transform your bathroom is to roll out a fresh coat of paint in your favorite contemporary color. Depending on what color you choose, the new paint will give your bathroom an entirely new mood and ambient feel. 


New toilet paper roll holder with small shelf for phone.


DIY as much of the work as possible

There are plenty of sanity-saving DIY projects for the bathroom that are both clever and affordable. Doing things yourself means you won’t have to worry about the costs of a contractor or professional installer. DIY projects like retiling the shower, adding a towel warmer, and painting the vanity can transform your bathroom – and be done in a weekend! 


Upgrade outdated fixtures

Swapping out your existing fixtures, which may be a little outdated and well-worn, is a great way to give your bathroom a spruced-up look without breaking the bank. Focus on fixtures that are easy to change yourself, like the showerhead, towel bars or racks, robe hooks, and the toilet paper holder. You can even swap out the door knobs or drawer pulls to match whatever style you’re going for. 


Add sleek and functional storage

 Installing shelves or cabinets can offer helpful storage solutions so your bathroom will be more clean and organized. This will enhance the overall look of the room and free up coveted counter space. 


Large single vanity with flat front gray drawers and white countertop.


 For the mid-range budget 

With a little more money to spend, homeowners with a medium-level budget will enjoy more freedom in choices like top-notch materials and better-quality furnishings. In the world of bathroom remodeling, expert designers say $25,000 or less is considered a mid-range budget. Here are some ideas to incorporate in your mid-range remodel. 


Refocus the lighting

Lighting can have a huge impact on the vibe of your bathroom. Adding new light fixtures or giving your existing ones a facelift will dramatically change how you experience the space. Consider adding dimmer switches or installing fixtures that provide both task and ambient lighting. 


Replace your vanity

Vanities are often the focal point of the bathroom, so you’ll want to make sure your vanity aligns with your ideal style. Replacing your current vanity with a more contemporary option will breathe new life and personality into your bathroom. Plus, it will give you additional storage space, which is always appreciated! 


Small bathroom with single vanity and towel warmer on the wall.


Spend a little extra on good quality materials

Since you have a bit of wiggle room with your budget, there’s no reason not to integrate quality materials that have solid nuts and bolts. Now is the time to swap out those linoleum counters for granite! Or put money toward that one trendy feature you’ve been dying to add – such as this spa-like shower panel or a heated towel rack


Install brand new flooring

New flooring can give your bathroom a fresh look, especially if the existing flooring has been privy to a lot of foot traffic over the years. From standard vinyl options to more involved mosaic tiles, you can align your new flooring with virtually any style on a mid-range budget. There are even sustainable options, like cork tiles, that are becoming more popular. 


Close up shot of a a rain shower head in silver color.


For the luxury budget 

In a luxury home, a large master bathroom remodel can cost over $50,000. If you’re lucky enough to have a luxury budget, you may want to consider these high-end remodeling ideas: 


Go for the gut job

If you have an older home, or if you simply want to do things right from the ground up, you may want to completely gut your bathroom prior to remodeling. It could surprise you how many problems are uncovered! Potential issues like termite damage, water damage, rotten subflooring, air leaks, and other plumbing surprises will all be exposed during a gut job. This will give you complete peace of mind that all of these problems are resolved as your new bathroom is brought to life. 


An old bathroom undergoing a renovation.


Add heated floors

Installing heated flooring is a no-brainer with no budget constraints. Heated floors are an immediate sign of luxury, keeping your toes warm in the colder months and boosting the resale value of your home. Most radiant heating systems can be installed beneath tile or wood flooring by a professional. 


Upgrade your standard shower to steam

Steam showers will provide a spa-like experience in your home that you’re sure to love. They can also offer health benefits like relaxation, improved circulation, and skin cleansing. Plus, bathing will be more efficient, as the shower will be able to produce soothing steam without constantly running the hot water. 


Call on an interior designer for expert advice

Specialized professionals like interior designers and even architects have creativity and technical knowledge that can make your new bathroom more beautiful, functional, and safe. Based on your vision, they’ll create a design concept, plan of action, and select the products, finishes, and materials for you. Plus, most interior designers will make sure your project is properly installed, so you can just sit back and watch your dream come to life! 


Install custom cabinetry

Custom cabinetry can provide a unique and personalized touch to your high-end bathroom. Consider adding built-in storage solutions made from high-quality materials like exotic woods or hardwoods. Installing custom cabinets can be a game changer, as you can choose the exact layout you want and even create different sections in the space (like his and hers areas). 


Leaning toward a cost-efficient renovation? Check out these 9 cheap ways to remodel your bathroom.

Find More Cheap Ways to Update Your Bathroom 

Thursday, April 13, 2023

TikTok Taught Me These Home Décor Hacks

Close up of phone with the TikTok logo displayed.

If you love learning DIY tips and tricks, then you’ve got to check out Tiktok. You’ll find all sorts of genius hacks and pointers for the smartest DIYers that’ll get you ready for any remodel. 

At Décor Planet, we love what TikTok’s teaching, but it’s time for a bit of extra credit. Want an extra hack to add to your Tiktok hack collection? Here are the very best products to pair with popular Tiktok renovations. 


Brownstone Boys in their One Room Challenge renovated basement.


TikTok Taught Me: How to Win with One Room Challenge® 

Kyla Herbes of @houseofhipsters has been a featured designer in the One Room Challenge® several times in the last few years. What started off as smaller projects like bar cart renovations eventually transformed into wallpaper decorating, furniture renovations, and other larger endeavors like her home office renovation. Now with over 3 million followers, the One Room Challenge® is a viral sensation that’s incredibly rewarding and easy to do yourself. 

TikTok showed us that one room a season is the secret ingredient to a better-looking home. Ready to win your challenge? Here are some project/product pairings that’ll make your room even better: 

Reclaiming Your Basement

During their One Room Challenge®, Jordan and Barry, AKA the Brownstone Boys, turned a boring basement in Brooklyn into a vintage speakeasy-style workspace. One of the focal points was the need for storage space, something you can add with wall-mount shelves or new cabinets by the RTA Cabinet Store. 

The Word on Wainscoting

April Justine of @april_justine_ had one last project idea during her One Room Challenge®. She decided to add decorative wood paneling called wainscoting to her powder room for an extra layer of sophistication. If you want to get even more refined, a new mirror and some wall lighting are excellent complements to wainscoting. 

Letting Your Laundry Room Shine

A stunning transformation from “ugly” to outstanding was the final product of Jennifer Laura’s—@jenniferlauraliving—One Room Challenge®. One of the more underrated aspects of the project was the utility sink—something you can find on our website. 

Everyone’s a winner when they take the One Room Challenge. But let’s not forget the kitchen champions. 


Fireclay sink in a kitchen with marble countertops.


 TikTok Taught Me: How to Spice Up My Kitchen 

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular DIY projects. That’s because it’s up to you how big and bold you want to go.  

TikTok teaches us that a completely overhauled kitchen can be as simple as rethinking your cabinets, countertops, or tile backsplash area. Let’s discuss a few of our favorite design hacks and some products you can include with them: 

Make Room for a Monochrome Makeover

Melike Kazar of @easyinterieur used upcycled covers and chrome spray paint for a monochrome-looking sink, countertops, and cabinet pulls. You can make it even easier by choosing a cover for your countertops and using one of our cabinet pulls or kitchen sinks for the finishing touches. 

A More Powerful Backsplash

For an extra bit of power and a pristine aesthetic, user @thezhush added a line of power strips at the top of her backsplash immediately under her cabinets. It’s a clever upgrade you can use for powering your appliances or shining light while using your cutting board. If you like the concept but want something a bit different, try one of our many under-cabinet lighting options. 

Building an Eco-Conscious Kitchen

If you’re like Ereka Vetrini of @erekasfood, some leftover aluminum cans, and a vivid imagination are all you need to make earth-friendly kitchen décor. Eliminate waste even further by adding a garbage disposal to your sink. 

Cooking in your kitchen has never been more comfortable. And speaking of comfort, you can’t forget about the comfort of your bathroom. 


Modern bathroom with wood vanity and vessel sinks with round mirror.


TikTok Taught Me: How to Build a Better Bathroom 

You spend a lot of time in the bathroom each day, so it’s easy to see why bathroom renovations are a top priority. But there are a lot of elements that make up a bathroom, so it might seem too difficult, right? TikTok taught us that’s not true. 

From your vanity to the shower, bigger, bolder bathrooms don’t need to take hours. These simple hacks are good enough—alongside our amazing bathroom products of course: 

Pole-Wrap Wallpaper

Kimberly of @lemonleafhomeinteriors had a eureka moment in the trim aisle. She saw a pole wrap product that looked like an easy and aesthetically appealing choice to cover her damaged bathroom wall. With over 4 million views of the finished product, TikTok definitely agrees with Kimberly. Add one of our modern vanities as the centerpiece for an extra bit of flair. 

Renter-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades

Renovating a rental can be a bit tricky, but that didn’t stop Stefanie Bloom of @beingtheblooms from finding a way. Using contact paper as makeshift wallpaper and tile, Bloom transformed the look and feel of her bathroom without making any permanent changes. If you’re a renter that needs to upgrade, in a non-invasive way, include our shower caddies, towel warmers, and all sorts of great accessories. 

Improving the Shower Without the Extra Hassle

Cynthia Montalvo of @c.mproperties didn’t feel like spending the time and money on replacing her tile. Instead, she and her husband refinished it in a beautiful bright white for an extra pop of color the easy way. If you like easy shower hacks that’ll add to this one, you can also add in a new shower faucet or shower drain. 


TikTok and Décor Planet are a match made in DIY heaven. Want to see our whole selection of DIY-friendly products? 

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Thursday, April 6, 2023

The 10 Best Spring Cleaning Hacks You’ve Never Heard Before

Person cleaning the oven door with soap and a cloth.

With winter finally fading and springtime on its merry way, it’s time to turn your attention to the task of spring cleaning. For many, spring cleaning may evoke a sense of immediate dread, leading you to put it off until you simply can’t anymore.

If this sounds like you, then you just haven’t found the right approach for making your spring cleaning a satisfying and even enjoyable activity! Since spring cleaning only happens once a year, you can get creative with the way you do your list of chores. You shouldn’t simply be running the vacuum and dusting the shelves like you do every week; you should turn on some music, think outside the box, and tackle those forgotten-about areas with springtime spirit! 

Luckily, you don’t have to come up with all the tasks yourself. There are some pretty creative spring cleaning tips out there, and we’ve put them together in one little organized list. Check out the 10 best spring cleaning hacks you’ve never heard of below! 


Coffee stain on a table with person holding white mug.


1. Use baking soda to refresh stained coffee mugs

If warm mugs of hot cocoa and coffee have been powering you through the winter months, it’s high time to tackle those brown rings stained inside of them. Simply fill your mugs with one part baking soda and two parts water and let things soak overnight. This will take the stains right out! 

2. Clear the gunk off your oven door

Over time, your oven door will become caked with saucy splashes and food scraps. Tackle that gunk by wetting a pumice stone, scrubbing the oven door, and wiping it clean. This approach will not only leave a clear and shiny door, but doesn’t require any harsh chemicals. 


Vacuum brush attachment being used to vacuum an air vent.


3. Vacuum your air vents

During the winter and really year-round, your vents will gather dust, dirt, and other debris, which can lead to clogged ducts. To make sure your air vents can breathe, use the attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear them out. 

4. Clean your lampshades with a lint roller

If you’ve ever tried to clean lampshades with a rag, you know how frustrating it can be to clear the dust off. The most effective hack to actually dust them is to use a lint roller! The lint roller will work wonders and leave you with sparkling, dustless shades. 


An assortment of houseplants in white containers.


5. Wipe down your house plants

Plants are often overlooked when spring cleaning because many people assume they naturally clean themselves. However, upon closer look, you’ll find dirt, dust, and grime on their leaves and in their pots! Ever so carefully, use your vacuum’s attachment for an initial pass. If that doesn’t work, try dampening a rag and wiping them down gently. With a little TLC, they’ll be greener than ever and ready for spring! 

6. Clean your microwave without scrubbing

That’s right, you can make your microwave squeaky clean without using any elbow grease whatsoever. Simply place one cup of water into a bowl and place it inside. Warm up the water for four minutes, or until the microwave is steamed up. The steam will loosen any sticky or stuck-on food, which you can wipe away almost effortlessly. 

7. Check expiration dates

In reality, you should probably do this more than once a year, but it’s nevertheless a task that’s often forgotten about beyond the pantry or refrigerator. This spring, check on the expiration dates of your toiletries, especially makeup and skincare products. These can collect bacteria, leading to rashes and other unpleasantries, so you’ll want to confirm that your products aren’t spoiled.   


Red dog sleeping on a bed with brown blanket.


8. Vacuum your mattress

You wash your sheets every Sunday, but when’s the last time you gave your mattress a little refresh? Mattresses harbor dust mites, skin cells, and other allergens – gross! Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to get rid of these. Make sure to vacuum the box spring, too. 

9. Wash your reusable grocery bags

Chances are it’s never crossed your mind to clean your reusable bags that you take grocery shopping. However, transporting produce each week can result in a buildup of bacteria over time. If your bags are fabric or cloth, you can pop them right into your washing machine. Otherwise, use all-purpose wipes to scrub them down as you spring clean. 


Open drawer filled with odds and ends.


10. Declutter that junk drawer

We all know, maybe all too well, how junked-up the junk drawer can get in a manner of weeks. Rubber bands, stamps, receipts, pens, chargers, paperclips – you name it! Spring is a great time to pull out all of this junk, and categorize the like items. This way, you can get rid of any duplicates and efficiently pare down the contents.  


What other areas of your home need to be cleaned as spring approaches? Here are our favorite toilet cleaning tips and tricks.

Take a Deep Cleaning Dive Into Your Toilet