If your bathroom is looking a little bit outdated, consider a budget-friendly modern remodel. Modern style always says “less is more”- what could be better for those on a budget? Modern style is sleek, clean and easy to live with. This simple approach to design is perfect for bathrooms which can get cluttered fast! Clean lines and shiny surfaces will give your bathroom a modern, sophisticated feeling. Check out these easy tips to modernize on a budget.

The easiest way to update a space is with a fresh coat of paint. Neutrals like white, beige or even chocolate brown are best for the modern look. Keep in mind that the lighter colors will make the space look larger, while using an allover color like dark brown or gray could make your bathroom look smaller. If you’re feeling bold, try painting with slate gray. It’s quickly becoming one of the most glamorous paint colors, and it makes any color you use in the room stand out! Repainting is just the start you need do to modernize your bathroom. Painting is inexpensive and because bathrooms are small, you don’t need as much.

photo credit: Robert S. Donovan

Walls aren’t the only thing that can benefit from paint. If the cabinets are looking shabby, consider giving them a makeover with a new color. You can also give cabinetry an update without spending a fortune by installing new pulls and hardware. Sleek hardware, think clean lines and chrome are very modern and help convey the tone you want to set in the room. It’s much cheaper to spruce up your existing cabinets than having new ones put in! If you have the extra budget, don’t just stop at the cabinet pulls, spend a few extra dollars for a matching metal towel rack or toilet paper holder.

Changing up the bathroom accessories is another cheap way to freshen up your bathroom. It’s as easy as changing the shower curtain and hand towels. Look for a clean style with a geometric or asymmetrical print. Stay away from small prints or anything floral as this can look more country and less modern. New hand towels and wash cloths are sure to make your bathroom feel like new. You can purchase a set of 4 for around 10 dollars at most big box stores.

As a finishing touch, find a work of art to hang in the bathroom. Modern art is often bold and colorful. This is the opportunity to incorporate your favorite hues into the décor. You can find art prints for next to nothing online. Go with something bold and abstract. Or even think about painting a simple color field or a geometric composition to give your bathroom a personalized touch.

While these decorating tips will give your bathroom a chic, modern look, it’s important to maintain the look by keeping things neat. The best way to do this is to keep things organized and off the countertop. Invest in a set of containers or bins to keep makeup, shampoo, soap, etc. in so it stays hidden, but within easy access. Once your countertops are clear, keep only a soap dispenser or a few decorative items out. It will make the whole bathroom look very put together.

This article was written by Erie Construction. For more tips on home improvement, follow Erie Construction on Twitter!

Remodeling is a great way to add a value to your most important investment, your home. But during recent economic tides, what are the numbers saying about remodeling? A recent study from Remodeling Magazine has analyzed the cost of various remodeling projects, and the value associated with those projects. We’ll look at one of the more popular remodeling projects in recent history, bathroom additions and analyze the best way you to stretch your dollar.

Historically, bathroom remodeling has had one of the highest Return on Investments (ROI). As recently as 2003, the ROI of a bathroom addition was close to %100. Over the last decade, the ROI has decreased dramatically to under %60. Because of this decrease in ROI, it is increasingly important to have a firm grasp on market trends in order to achieve the highest value for your bathroom addition. Let’s take a closer look at what makes a successful bathroom addition in 2012.

A “Goldilocks” size for a bathroom addition is 6′x8′ – not too large, not too small. This allows the right amount of space for the essentials; a vanity, toilet, linen closet, and tub/shower.

photo credit: vincentq

A popular look homeowners are looking for in bathrooms include a cultured-marble vanity with a molded sink. Molded sinks have become increasingly popular because of their low maintenance and minimal appearance. However, this is an area where you can have some artistic liberty, especially with the faucets.

Tub/shower combinations will still work, but it’s important to stay away from the “stock” look and dress it up with tile work. You can usually match it with the tile floor and add a decorative tile band for interest. Storage is always an important area for any home remodeling project. If your design permits, it’s advised to add a built in linen closet. Depending on the style of the bathroom, you could also use cabinetry instead. Another way to increase storage in the bathroom is the use of a medicine cabinet.

Lighting is often overlooked in the bathroom, but should be taken into consideration during a bathroom remodel. Using only one source of lighting can be unflattering. Adding recessed lights for ambiance in the shower or above the toilet will not go unnoticed by potential home buyers. The best source of lighting remains natural light. If you are doing a bathroom addition to the exterior you almost have to add a window. But don’t forget to use tempered glass if it faces a major street.

Perhaps most important is adding a bathroom that fits the style of your home. If your home is a traditional ranch home built in the 50s or 60s, it might not be appealing to choose modern fixtures and finishes. Try to stick with a theme that matches the rest of your home, the best bathroom additions don’t look like additions at all.

This is a guest post from author Rob Pankow, owner of Pankow Construction, a leading bathroom remodeling contractor in Phoenix, AZ.

You can read more on the 2011 Cost vs Value Report at Remodeling Magazine’s website -http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/national.aspx