These fresh takes on wainscoting, tile, flooring, and more make it easy to trade up to one-of-a-kind style.
1. Subway Wall
Create an accent wall with tile in a warm neutral color, like this soothing gray. Taking the tile all the way up to the ceiling will make the room appear taller.
Similar to shown: U.S. Ceramic Tile in Tender Gray Matte, about $30 for a box of 80 tiles; The Home Depot
2. Salvaged Shutters
Forgo pricey shades and dress up a window with painted shutters instead. Louvered-on-top designs like the ones here offer privacy without blocking light, and the adjustable slats let you direct the sun’s rays.
Similar to shown: Check out etsy.com for salvaged shutters, starting at about $25 each.
3. Mixed-Material Floor
Add some variety underfoot by combining textures—in this case, wood planks and pebble tile—for an unexpected twist that brings the great outdoors inside.
Similar to shown: Polished wine pebble tile, about $12 per square foot; Strata Stones
4. Beadboard Canopy
Give the ceiling a lift by covering it in beadboard and extending it down the walls a bit for a canopy effect. Paint it a tranquil shade of sky blue to evoke the porch ceilings of yore.
Similar to shown: 5½-inch-by-8-foot PVC beadboard panel, about $15; Lowe’s. Paint: Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa paint in Sea Isle, about $70 per gallon; benjaminmoore.com
5. Sink Stand
Add a curvy console towel rail and gleaming chrome legs to a wall-mount basin—or even swap out a pedestal base—for a style and storage boost.
Similar to shown: American Standard Console Leg Set in chrome, about $330; The Home Depot
This article originally appeared on This Old House.
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