Nate Berkus on Updating a Dated Bath

Editor’s note: Since bathroom remodeling is an expensive undertaking, we reached out to Nate Berkus—TV host, designer and master of smart, budget-frinedly room transformations—for his advice on updating a dated bath. Here’s what he had to say:

Nate Berkus. Photo: Sam Jones

Consider the space. If you don’t have a lot of room, a full cabinet vanity—while enticing for the storage—might make the room feel small. Instead, consider a pedestal vanity. To make up for the missing storage, consider lidded baskets as a place to stow away all your products. If your space allows for a vanity, consider one that is open with places to stack towels.

Fraser bath vanity from Home Decorators Collection

Rethink the mirror. For the vanity mirror, think well beyond the medicine cabinet. I love finding mirrors that weren’t meant for this room and retrofitting them into the space. They tend to up the ante on the space and feel more interesting than a plain mirror. If you live in a home that already has a wall covered in a mirror that will cost too much to remove, consider installing a more interesting mirror right on top of the existing one. It requires a skilled hand to do it, but it makes the space feel more tailored.

Upcycled mirrors from BeautiSHE on Etsy

Dress it up. Beyond that, consider a new shower curtain and fresh towels to make the space feel finished.

Gradiated Stripe shower curtain from West Elm

For more on bathroom remodeling, consider:

Bathroom Decorating Ideas
5 Small Bathroom Space-Busters
Quick Tip: “Budget-Smart” Bathroom Remodeling