Prepare your bathroom for guests with 7 simple upgrades

NATION — If you’re hosting guests this season, there’s much to do to prepare. Cleaning, baking, cooking and organizing entertainment are likely your priorities leading up to their arrival. However, don’t overlook a space that everyone will use multiple times a day: your bathroom!
Preparing your bathroom for guests is essential to making them feel welcome and comfortable, but you don’t have to completely renovate your bathroom. Instead, try these seven simple bathroom upgrades in prep for the holidays.
1. Mix textures to add visual appeal
Mixing textures, styles and colors for your bathroom’s décor is a simple but effective way to infuse your bathroom with warmth and character. Consider combining different materials like wood, glass and metals for visual appeal.
An easy way to do so is to switch out your bathroom’s hardware, such as cabinet handles and knobs, towel racks and shower curtain hooks. Don’t forget to incorporate opposing textures with soft towels, rugs and shower curtains for a cozy and luxurious atmosphere.
2. Wallpaper
You don’t have to paint your bathroom to change the color and look. Wallpaper is an affordable and easy way to freshen up your bathroom’s aesthetic while adding a touch of personality.
You can wallpaper the whole bathroom or focus on one accent wall. Look for patterned and/or textured wallpapers that draw the eye. Whether you use nature-inspired or bold modern patterns, wallpapering your bathroom with removable paper is a simple upgrade and allows for future flexibility as trends change.
3. Upgrade sink faucet
A practical and visually appealing way to elevate your bathroom is to upgrade your bathroom sink faucet. Look for designs that complement your décor to enhance the space’s aesthetic appeal, but also improve your bathroom’s functionality.
The Stryke® Single Handle Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet is perfect for DIYers. This easy-to-install faucet makes quick work of cleaning toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with a nimble pull-down spray wand, and is available in several finishes and features a subtly upturned spout and handles that radiate elegance.
Guests will appreciate the Delta MagnaTite® Docking, which uses a powerful integrated magnet to snap the faucet spray wand precisely into place, keeping it docked when not in use. The Lumicoat® Finish is also guaranteed to resist water spots and mineral buildup and easily wipes clean without the need for cleaners or chemicals, keeping your bathroom spotless, no matter how many people you’re entertaining!
4. Add a bidet
Adding a bidet is a convenient, thoughtful and hygienic improvement to your bathroom. It adds a sense of luxury, making guests feel pampered and elevating their bathroom experience.
You don’t have to install a whole separate system and fuss with plumbing. Modern bidet attachments and toilet seats are a simple and cost-effective way to bring this modern amenity to your bathroom. Take it to the next level by searching for bidets with adjustable water and temperature controls, heated seats and night lights.
5. Switch out your showerhead
Switching out your current showerhead with a newer model can transform showering from a daily necessity to a lavish, spa-like experience. Depending on the model, a new showerhead can easily remedy low water pressure. Paired with a handheld showerhead, it can even make cleaning the shower and tub easier than ever.
Perfect for a DIY upgrade, the Delta® ProClean™ 6-Setting Hand Shower is a powerful and practical addition to your shower. Guests will be impressed by the pause setting that gives them plenty of time for shaving, lathering and other shower tasks. They can easily restart the water with the same temperature as when they left off, providing a seamless showering experience while helping conserve water and most importantly, your hot water supply!
Best of all, this showerhead makes it easier to keep your shower and tile clean and reduce soap scum buildup with regular use, cleaning shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays. The focused, ProCleanâ„¢ spray lets you easily clean hard-to-reach places without stepping in the shower.
6. Play around with lighting
You can adjust the mood and ambiance of your bathroom space by playing around with lighting. Create a relaxed atmosphere by installing adjustable lighting fixtures, like dimmer switches. Also, avoid bright white lighting. Focus on soft, warm colored LED lights for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Besides overhead lighting, think about adding night lights near the sink and toilet, if possible, so guests can find their way in the dark. This is especially helpful for holiday guests who may not be as familiar with your bathroom’s layout.
7. Improve storage
Improve or expand your bathroom storage to make it easy for you to stock and guests to access towels and toiletries. Look for space-efficient but well-organized cabinets to install. If you don’t have the space for a cabinet, you can easily install shelves and use stylish storage baskets to keep items organized and within reach.
These simple upgrades aren’t just for your guests. Think of these upgrades as holiday presents to yourself that you can enjoy year-round. Create a welcoming and comfortable bathroom space that your guests (and you) can appreciate this winter season and beyond. Happy hosting!
—BPT