7 tips for redecorating the bathroom and toilet

Is it possible refresh the environment in the bathroom in the shortest possible time and at low cost? If you correctly approach this issue, you will be able to significantly transform the bathroom, without resorting to overhaul, the very mention of which scares many. Cosmetic repairs in the bathroom and toilet involve the restoration or replacement of decoration, plumbing, fixtures, the installation of new furniture and other alterations not related to the replacement of water and sewer pipes and redevelopment. Sorted out what can and should be donewhat work will be able to be done independently, and for which it is better to call specialists.

No. 1. Updating the ceiling

Constant temperature changes and high humidity in the bathroom adversely affect any finishing material. First of all it concerns whitewashed or painted ceiling.

You cannot apply a new finish to the old one, therefore First of all, it is important to remove the damaged layer. To delete whitewashing, it is necessary to wet the surface area after area with warm water (use a roller, sponge or spray), and after a couple of minutes, remove the old material with a spatula. If in some places whitewashing will not yieldthen you can use a brush with metal bristles.

If the ceiling was painted with moisture resistant paint, then the work on dismantling the finish will be somewhat more complicated. You can use a tape grinding machine or drill with a special nozzle: the paint is removed relatively easily, but there will be a lot of dust, so take care of the protection of plumbing and furniture, and carry out all work in a respirator. Is there some more thermal method, involving the use of a building hair dryer, it heats the area of ​​paint, which is then removed with a spatula. Alternative option - shock therapy method: First, the paint surface is rubbed with a metal brush until numerous scratches are formed, then it is wetted with warm water and rubbed again with a brush, you can additionally arrange a draft. After all this, the paint itself should fall off in layers.

After the old damaged finish layer is removed, you can proceed to applying fresh. If painting is selected, then the surface of the ceiling should be flat, without cracks, pre-primed. The paint should be resistant to moisture and it is desirable to have antifungal components in its composition. Of inexpensive ways to finish the ceiling, you can highlight cullet and polystyrene tiles. Will cost more suspended and suspended ceiling systems, which perfectly hide the imperfections of the original surface (some do not even remove the old finish under them) and allow the use of spectacular built-in lighting. On the other hand, such structures "steal" part of the height, so if it is in short supply, then it is better to consider other options.

No. 2. Eliminate wall defects

Despite the existence of many ways wall decoration in the bathroom, more than half of the bathrooms today are decorated exactly ceramic tiles. This is the most durable and wear-resistant material, but even small defects may appear on it over time. Depending on their scale, the nature of the work will differ:

• if the whole tile is whole, has no cracks or chips, then it is better to focus on the seams. Under the influence of moisture, they begin to darken or turn yellow, making the bathroom sloppy and betraying the fact that major repairs have not been carried out for a long time. Often enough renew seamsto create the effect as if the tile was laid out just yesterday. If active cleaning of the old grout does not bring the desired result, you will have to remove the old seams with a spatula or knife and apply new grout. You can simply cover the seams with special paint, but all the work will need to be done very carefully. Sanitary may also need to be replaced. silicone sealant, which over time loses its original appearance. It is removed, the place is treated with a compound against mold and filled with a fresh seam of sealant;

  

  

  

  
  
• if there are a couple of tiles small scratches and chips, you can do with minimal investments and smooth the surface with mastics or putties on a polymer basis;
• severely damaged tiles they are removed with a chisel and a hammer, and new whole elements are fixed in their place. True, this option is possible if the tile was taken with a margin, and this stock was responsibly stored until redecorating.

In those cases when the tile is badly damaged in many places or if you want to completely update the situation, resort to a complete dismantle. Next, the choice is yours: use new tile or replace it with painting, Pvc panels or moisture resistant drywall.

You can save the old tile and paint it to match the walls - with a limited budget, but with a careful approach to design, you can achieve excellent results. Craftsmen advise another interesting option to update the tile without dismantling it: a special primer is applied to the surface, allowing you to repaint the tile or draw any necessary ornaments.

If the condition of the bathroom as a whole is not bad, and a minimum of time is allocated for repairs in it, the situation will help to update vinyl stickersthat are absolutely not afraid of moisture. You can glue them on tiles, painted surfaces and other materials. The choice is huge, so you can decorate the walls with floral motifs as well as geometric shapes. On sale you can find a film with a pattern printed on it, it's a semblance photo wallpaper. With such a film it is possible to glue at least the entire surface of the tile, but it is desirable that the base is light and plain.

No. 3. We repair the flooring

Floor in the bathroom it suffers no less, and maybe more, of other surfaces. It is constantly affected by moisture from spilled water and wet feet, so there is a high probability that the floor will also be included in the list of cosmetic repairs.

The leader among floor finishes in the bathroom - ceramic tile. The update methods here are the same as for the wall-mounted counterpart. The seams will need to be put in order in any case, since on the floor they darken much faster than on the walls, and then we look at the state of the tile. We repair or replace damaged elements, or if everything is completely bad, then remove the entire tile and lay down a new one, or use a different type of coating, for example, bulk floors.

Number 4. We put in order plumbing

Repair old plumbing cheaper than buying a new one. Old bath can be cleaned of contaminants with special store-bought products, or you can use a solution of wine vinegar and salt to get rid of rust. If this does not help, use more costly, but also much more effective ways:

• enameling. For work, you need a special enamel, hard and soft brushes. The enamel is prepared in accordance with the instructions, the first layer is applied with a hard brush, then after about 20 minutes a second layer is applied with a soft brush, trying to make it as even as possible and without smudges.It will take about a week to freeze;
• "bulk bath" method involves the use of liquid acrylic. The mixture is poured onto the sides, and it freely flows down, forming a uniform layer. From the old cast iron bath it turns out a new acrylic. The material freezes for about 4-5 days, during this period water should not fall on its surface;
• use of acrylic linersthat completely repeat the contours and dimensions of the old bathtub. This is the fastest way to update, but it will cost a little more than the previous two and is not suitable for bathtubs of non-standard configurations. Installing such an insert yourself is difficult - you will need the help of professionals.

The outside of the bathtub also needs to be put in order and the easiest way to do this is to close it screen. Plumbing, which does not cope with its functions, cannot be repaired or simply does not suit in appearance and functionality, will have to be replaced. Designers say you just have to change mixer on the bath or in the sink, and the room will be perceived completely differently. It is necessary to focus on the choice of a new mixer not only on the appearance, but also on the type of connection and other parameters.

If small alterations can be mastered independently, then work on complicated plumbing repairsreplacing it, connecting new equipment is better entrust to professionalsin order to be sure that everything will work for sure, and your own bathroom and neighboring apartments will not be affected by the flood. Residents of Moscow and the Moscow region can apply for qualified help to the Etalon construction company, which will also help with plumbing and, if necessary, carry out turnkey renovation of apartments: the price per square meter is calculated depending on the work performed.

No. 5. Replace the lights

When carrying out repairs in bathroom lighting often do not pay due attention, making a big mistake. Well-organized lighting and interesting lights can affect the perception of the room no less than a new tile or shower.

The easiest way to replace the ceiling of the old lamp. You can go a little further and create some new lighting zones using lights or an LED strip near a mirror or cabinets. A great option for the bathroom - bus systems that can be mounted to existing wiring. Their light is easily sent to anywhere in the bathroom.

When organizing a new light source wiring will have to arrange outside the walls. There is an option that provides for laying the cable in the seam between the tiles, but it will be much more reliable to use special boxes. When choosing a luminaire, make sure that it is suitable for use in wet rooms.

No. 6. We organize the right storage

The main problem of modern bathrooms is their insufficient area. Therefore, all things stored in the bathroom should be carefully examined and discarded, almost empty jars, old washcloths, unnecessary utensils that only clutter up the space. All really necessary things are best stored on closed shelves and in cabinets.

Performing cosmetic repairs of the bathroom, you can replace old furniture or restore existingrepainting it or sticking a film. The mirror can be replaced with a mirror wall cabinet, above toilet door hang a shelf, and provide the door itself with hooks, baskets and an organizer. Neatly laid out things are the guarantee that the bathroom will be perceived as more free and spacious.

Number 7. We take into account the little things

The details make up the overall impression of the bathroom. Accessories can greatly affect the perception of space and transform even the most simple repair. Consider Buying new rug bath curtain, a set of towels, as well as a soap dish and a glass for toothbrushesmade in the same style.This is not a very big expense, and the bathroom will immediately take on a touch of novelty.

It may be worthwhile to transfer the hooks for towels to increase the level of comfort and aesthetics of the room. The curtain under the bathroom can be replaced with a screen: in most cases, this option will be more justified, with the exception of the bathroom in the style of provence or country. If necessary, replace the handles on furniture and doors, hooks and other fittings.

In conclusion

Cosmetic repairs last from a couple of days to a week and are able to give an excellent result with minimal waste. Do not overdo it with attempts to save - some things related to plumbing and electricity are best left to specialists. If there is no time, opportunities and minimum skills, then cosmetic repairs in general can be entrusted to a team of professionals. Remember that even the highest quality repairs can be quickly ruined if you do not maintain order and cleanliness.