When you purchase a historic home, you might do it for the charm that it offers as well as the character that could be dated back hundreds of years. However, there are some areas of the home that you've just purchased that you might want to update at least minimally so that they function as they should. The bathroom is one of these areas with the following ideas being simple ways that you can craft a modern bathroom with little effort.
A Coat of Paint
One of the things that you can do to change the appearance of the bathroom in your historic home is to paint the walls. Consider a neutral color that allows you to use a theme in the room or that allows for using any color combination instead of being limited to colors that blend with the paint option that you select.
Sinks and Showers
Since you might not know a lot about the plumbing system in an older home, it's sometimes a good idea to have the pipes and hardware replaced. You should also consider getting the septic tank pumped as well. Replacing the toilet with a new one, even if it's a basic design, usually isn't too much trouble. Other ideas to consider would be a walk-in shower, a free-standing tub, and a new sink if the one in the home looks a bit dated.
Lights
Brighten the bathroom with a few new lights. You can install vanity lights on the sides of the mirror to make it easier to see when you're getting dressed. Recessed lighting is an option to consider as well and can sometimes deliver more light in a small room than traditional fixtures. If you don't want to use artificial lights, then consider a skylight that allows natural sources to shine through.
Storage
Modernizing your historic home's bathroom can be as simple as increasing the storage space. Try to organize items on top of the counter so that they aren't tossed around everywhere. A shelving unit in a cabinet can increase the space that you have and is easily hidden by closing a door.
Your historic home is something to cherish. Sometimes, there is a bit of history leftover when you purchase the home that could be updated to reflect the modern details that are used in other homes. Once you've changed the main features, you can then work on the small details to make the home your own.
