Budget shouldn't mean boring, and sometimes, all it takes to totally flip the vibe of your space is a sneaky little upgrade that looks ridiculously expensive (but totally isn't). We're talking about genius fixes for droopy couches, must-have kitchen hacks, and decor pieces that scream "I hired a designer" without leaving your wallet on life support. Whether you want to add some drama to your doorstep, organize your chaos, or bring full-on luxury spa energy to your bathroom,
Because it's so important to the function of my home, it's become an afterthought when it comes to making it beautiful. All I need is a functional, clean space - it doesn't need to feel as relaxing as my bedroom or living room. Plus, it's not like I have the time (or money!) to invest in transforming the bathroom space by hiring a stager or designer. But I'm interested in making each space feel a little more beautiful these days.
I have a confession to make: When I first toured my apartment, I did not look behind the bathroom door. Rookie move - I know. I was enamored by the large bedroom and ample closet space that I didn't have in my previous apartment. And, to be frank, the offer was too good to refuse. So I signed the lease and moved in shortly thereafter.
Marcel's 1940s Milwaukee home, which he shares with his boyfriend, Ben, fell into that first category of being an unfinished space for storing almost entirely forgotten stuff. "It had cinder block walls with chipping paint and some old wood paneling that had been roughly cut out at the bottom from the previous owners installing a drain," Marcel says. "It was cold and full of spiderwebs when we first moved in, and not a place we ever wanted to hang out."