3 quick tips for upgrading a builder-grade bathroom

Everybody deserves a home that feels like a sanctuary. The easiest way to create a luxurious life at home is to make your bathroom feel like a spa. Imagine coming home from a long day to a spa - sounds pretty ideal, right? Achieving that feeling can actually be fairly simple!

1. lose the big, unframed mirror

2. add wall sconces

3. bring in vintage inspired textiles

1. Lose the big, unframed mirror

You know exactly the mirror I am talking about. Majority of homes in America have this mirror. Nothing is wrong with it - if all you care about is seeing your reflection this mirror does a great job. HOWEVER, I guarantee if you place a frame around the mirror, or replace it with 2 individual ones, you will immediately see drastic results.

You can buy trim pieces at your local hardware store, and have the workers cut them to the length you need and miter the edges for you!! All you have to do is go home and apply it to the mirror (liquid nails or any construction adhesive should do the trick). There are also websites (framemymirror.com) where you can choose from a variety of frame finishes, send in your dimensions, and they will send you the frame with detailed assembly and installation instructions.

My personal preference is to take the giant mirror down and place a smaller mirror over each sink. This mirror should still be framed - try avoiding unframed mirrors at all costs.

2. add wall sconces

Lighting is important everywhere in the home, but it is MOST important in the bathroom. The upside-down flower lights that are so affordable they are in every single residential bathroom are just not going to cut it. One, they are not visually appealing. And 2, and most importantly, they do not create the best light. Putting a bright scone on each side of the mirror will create an even light on your face while also being stunning!

3. Bring in vintage inspired textiles

A bathroom is the perfect example of when you need to use functional decor. All of the towels, rugs, washcloths, etc are usually visible in a bathroom - so make them beautiful and functional.

If you do not have the space for a water-absorbent mat and a beautiful rug, combine them! West Elm has a great line of bath mats that are designed to look like vintage rugs (shop here). This will bring in beautiful colors and looks way more high-end than a white fluffy bath mat.

If you are going to hang your towel on a wall - make it gorgeous. First, get towels that create visual interest. Olive & Linen sells a wide variety of Turkish towels that not only absorb all of the water but also look amazing! Those specific towels are a little on the pricey side, but Home Goods and Target typically have nice, very affordable options as well.