The Quick & Easy Way Lyndsay Lamb Gives Bathrooms An Affordable Upgrade

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Having a bathroom that feels uninspired and one-dimensional can be frustrating, especially if it seems like the only way to upgrade is with a pricey, complicated remodel. In fact, redoing a bathroom can take up to two months to complete and may cost several thousand dollars, depending on the size and challenges the space presents. If you're not happy with the current look of your bathroom but you want a solution that is cheaper and quicker to accomplish, are there other options? Thankfully, there are. Lyndsay Lamb, interior designer and co-host of the HGTV show "Unsellable Houses," shared on Instagram just how much impact one simple swap — new cabinetry hardware — can have.

By changing out the hardware in a previously flat-looking bathroom, Lamb gives the space a much fresher and more modern feel. It really is as simple as unscrewing the old pulls, knobs, or handles on the vanity drawers and cabinet doors and replacing them with modern versions. Not only is this solution a great way to update your bathroom on a budget, but it is far quicker than even a small remodel. Plus, the trick requires just a few steps and commonly available carpentry tools. Want to follow Lyndsay Lamb's lead? Then it's time to go shopping for new bathroom cabinetry hardware!

Possibly the most important step when looking for unique cabinet hardware options that feel updated and interesting is measuring what you already have. If you don't want to drill new holes, this will help you pick hardware that's the same size and length as what you're replacing; the new pulls will slot right into place. Choose pulls that are roughly one-third the width of your drawers to avoid oversized or too-small–looking hardware. Then you can start thinking about materials.

In HGTV designer Lyndsay Lamb's example, she swapped clear handles for sleek chrome, which gave her bathroom a more contemporary feel. Shiny metals are a good option for small bathrooms because they reflect light, making a room feel bigger. When considering new hardware options for your bathroom, it can be helpful to think about matching other elements in the room. For example, Lamb's metallic hardware matches her sink, light fixtures, and even her towel rack to create a cohesive, intentional look throughout the room.

In addition to aesthetics, it's important to consider practicality. There is a near-endless array of knobs, handles, and pulls to choose from — rounded-cup pulls that you grab from below and edge pulls, which attach to the top of a drawer, are just one comparison. In a bathroom, where slippery, wet hands and feet are commonplace, it may be best to opt for easy-grip handles, like these Alzassbg Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Handles, over rounded or low-profile pulls, which can be harder to get traction on.

Once you've chosen the right type of cabinet hardware for your bathroom, you need to do the practical step of changing them over to give the space a whole new feel. This is exactly what HGTV star Lyndsay Lamb did in her own bathroom, transforming the interior design with little time and effort. Thankfully, it's a very easy DIY process. First, you need to remove the existing pulls. Use a handheld screwdriver to loosen the screws and pull them from the cabinet door or drawer front. Keep the screws and hardware together in case you want to reuse or sell the fixtures.

While the hardware is off, give your cabinetry a wipe down to remove any built-up grime that's collected behind the handles. Then simply slot the new hardware through the existing holes and use a handheld screwdriver to tighten the screws. Don't over-tighten them, however, as this could result in the wood cracking or splintering. If the new hardware rattles a little when you use it, insert rubber washers between the metal and the wood. These will stop the pulls from moving and help protect the doors or drawer fronts from damage.