There’s something about having your own oasis as a bathroom or powder room that can make a big difference in filling up your “me time” cup. But finding the right balance between ambiance and functionality can be a challenge, especially under constraints like time, money and most of all, space. Small bathroom renovations can be challenging since bathroom fixtures can be large and tough to accommodate if space is a constraint, but it can be done. We’ll show you how with these small bathroom renovation ideas for every budget. 

Related: 30 Before and After Bathroom Renovations

1. Peel and Stick to Your Heart’s Desire

If a new backsplash is what you’re after, an easy, cost-efficient and fast solution is to use peel-and-stick tiles. As long as you have the right measurements for your space, you’ll have your new backsplash up and running in no time.

2. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

One way to add that “wow” factor in your bathroom as well as improve the look or at least the illusion of more space, is installing a large mirror. Not only will a large mirror open up the space, it will help reflect light around the room.

3. Green With Desire

This small bathroom is the perfect example of how to pack a beautiful punch into a small space. The small plumbing fixtures are ideal for the scale of the space while still maintaining functionality. We’re loving the gold fixtures as they add a hint of luxe and work beautifully with the emerald green statement wall. The classic white and black checkered tile actually make the space seem larger than it is. If you can’t do it all, you can pick and choose what you like from this bathroom since there’s so much to choose from.

4. Out With the Tub

If your bathing rituals need an upgrade, consider removing the bathtub and adding a shower with a glass partition to open up the space. The floor-to-ceiling tile adds depth and interest as well as expands the space.

Related: Scott McGillivray Reveals How to Get the Best ROI From a Bathroom Reno

5. A Sideways Glance

If vanity space is an issue, consider placing the faucet off to the side. If you can’t find a small enough freestanding faucet, wall-mounted fixtures are an excellent space-saving hack for small spaces.

6. Insert Here

Recessed shelving is a great space-saving practice and can work with any budget. The above niche is tiled, but they don’t necessarily have to be tiled if there are budget constraints. When space is an issue, having objects that stick out can get in the way but a recessed shelf keeps your items organized. 

7. Not to Be Vain But…

A floating vanity is a great choice in a small space as it has an airy quality that gives the appearance of taking up less space while still providing a functional purpose. It’s also useful to store some cute baskets underneath for extra storage.

8. Knowing Your Angles

If a new tub is on your wishlist but space is not on your side, there are plenty of options to suit your space. With so many people living in smaller spaces, brands are playing around with scale and angles to fit anywhere. A slipper tub is a great option if you fancy a soak but not the space traditional tubs take up. Angling the tub and utilizing a freestanding faucet can be a creative way around space constraints.

Related: Bathroom Renovation Trends That Are Making a Splash

9. Sink About It

If you had lofty dreams of a double sink but your space won’t allow for it, consider a longer sink with two faucets. What you lose in counter space, you’ll make up for in efficiency since two people can be at the sink at the same time.

10. Wash Away Your Worries

Everyone deserves an at-home spa but not everyone has the space for it. Enter the bathtub shower combo. We love this version of it with a freestanding tub within the glass partition. It’s a new spin on a traditional space-saving method and we can’t get enough of it.

11. That’s a Wrap

This narrow wrap-around vanity, spanning from the mini-sink to above the toilet, is a genius way to maximize counter space. As it’s narrow, it requires less stone work than regular vanities. We’re a fan of anything that’s easy on the eyes and wallet.

12. Rounded Corners

Another efficient use of space is installing an angled shower so as not to take up an entire wall. There are so many stylish options offered at many different price points. So if a full bathroom is on your wishlist, have no fear, an angled shower is near.

With any of these small bathroom ideas, you can renovate within your space constraints and create the dream bathroom you deserve.

Related: Here’s Where to Save and Spend When Renovating Your Bathroom

It’s the umami of the colour world. Is it beige, grey, or light brown? It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what colour greige is, but we’re 100 per cent certain we love the hue, and it’s here to stay for the foreseeable future. 

The design world has come to think of greige as a neutral tone that sits somewhere between a classic grey and beige, making the shade incredibly versatile. If you’re into the monochromatic look, greige has that quiet luxury appeal that’s warm and inviting, while still feeling elevated. No matter your flavour of greige, here’s how to introduce the hue into your home this year. 

Related: Unexpected Red Theory May Be the New Home Trend You Need

Living in Greige

The appeal of greige is that it’s the type of neutral that can be both a cool and warm tone (it pairs well with other cool and warm tones, too). For rooms with plenty of furniture, such as a bedroom or living room, the decorating opportunities are endless. If you’re starting with a cool toned space and want to inject some warmth, try adding a warm greige area rug (extra cozy points if it’s a high pile). The fun thing about bigger rooms is you can continue to layer in pieces until it feels just right.

If the room in question has large windows, window treatments are a functional way to create a design moment in your space, which come in a variety of textures to deliver depth. Pillows and throw blankets are another easy, low-commitment decor element for sneaking in some greige.

Layers of Greige

The above living room is an example of cool-meets-warm greige tones, from the curtains to the couch, accent chairs and pouf. Layering in greige of various shades and textures lends depth to this space.

Related: 15 Beautiful Black-and-White Bedroom Ideas You’ll Love 

Greige Moments

The spacious living room above features small hits of greige that work beautifully with the warm wood focal points (the beams and the flooring). To complement the warm wood tones, greige is present in the pillows, and the area rug is there to tie it all in.

Cozy Minimalist

This cozy sleep corner is one example of how greige ties together a neutral space, pairing with warm wood tones and adding plenty of interest thanks to the patterned headboard and textured shams and throw. We could lounge around in this bedroom all day!

Related: How to Mix and Match Different Wood Tones in Your Home

Sophisticated Sleeper

This sophisticated bedroom pulls together various shades of greige. From the wall colour, bench, rug, bedding and headboard, we’re loving this monochromatic moment with black features. 

Statement Walls

While kitchens are one of the most important rooms in the house for functional purposes as well as social, they can still serve as the most beautiful. Greige has many lives and serves well as pillows and rugs, but it can also live on the walls as a lovely paint colour or backsplash. A greige wall is neutral enough to work with your kitchen no matter your cabinet colours and vice versa.

Related: Must-Have Features All Dream Kitchens Need in 2024

If re-painting your walls is not an option, repainting your cabinets can be an alternative to introducing greige into your space. Greige is also more of a natural tone, so it can work seamlessly with many natural stones, whether paired with a warm wood or featured in a backsplash or marble or quartz countertop. 

She’s a Natural

The above dining room is an example of how well greige works with natural materials like wood. The greige upholstered chairs pairs seamlessly with the large wood table, yet break up all the wood so the table and chairs are not overbearing. The greige tone is a perfect match to the light fixtures above the table, creating a synchronized colour palette without being monochromatic.

Timeless Cabinetry

Greige kitchen cabinets give this cooking space a refined, inviting aesthetic. Kitchens can be daunting to update, and a coat of paint over otherwise tired looking cabinetry is often an easy upgrade that won’t uproot your life, or your wallet. 

Spa Vibes

Another room that deserves attention is the bathroom. With self-care being numero uno in priorities these days, bathrooms are starting to play an integral role in a household. Greige has a soothing colour tone that is present in many stones and tiles. Layering greige stonework with warm white walls, or even greige walls to create an inviting space to wind down, would definitely take your nighttime self-care routine to the next level.

The nice thing about bathrooms is that you can invite texture and elements of design through easy items like towels and bath mats, so if greige stonework is not possible, you can still enjoy the hue with simple, low-cost accessories.

Related: 10 Items That Will Make Organizing Your Bathroom So Much Easier

Greige on Greige

Like we said, greige has this amazing natural characteristic and is a beautiful shade when present in stonework. The stone tile on the floor above, which continues up the wall, pairs perfectly with the adjacent white wall. The white bathtub and floating vanity find their place amongst the stonework by breaking it up and creating a cohesive look.

Modern Greige

We love this example of a modern bathroom with lots of black accents but warmed up with greige tiles and a textured bath mat. What could be an austere space now becomes cozy and tranquil when paired with warm greige tones.  

With so much inspiration to pull from, we’re predicting greige days ahead, with no end to this trend in sight!

The countdown is on to create a fun and festive holiday table in time for Christmas meals. If you’re feeling the crunch after holiday shopping, we’ve found five easy centrepieces you can create for under $20. (And who doesn’t love a little holiday crafting with an Home Network marathon running in the background?) We’ve done all the legwork for you, so sit back and settle into a cozy scroll and get your DIY centrepiece game on.

Related: Our Favourite Made-in-Canada Holiday Decorations to Support Local

A Sweet-Meets-Citrus Centrepiece

Did you know you can find affordable items to create a beautiful centrepiece in the produce aisle? Look at us keeping you on your toes! Dried orange slices are a beautiful, rustic Scandinavian choice for Christmas decor. Add some sticks of cinnamon and star anise and you have yourself a crafty Scandinavian centrepiece that smells just as delightful as it looks. You can scatter the mixture on top of a table cloth, runner or greenery such as garland or spare Christmas tree cuttings. If time is not on your side (when is it ever during the holidays?) you can buy pre-dried slices like these.

 

A Festive Foraged Centrepiece

Greenery or garland is a romantic and classic take on Christmas decor and can be used in a variety of ways. If you have the time you can forage the greenery or use extra Christmas tree clippings, but if you don’t fancy yourself a forager, craft stores have you covered with this berry and leaf garland for under $20. Laying the greenery lengthwise down the table may be all you need to create an atmosphere of abundance and freshness. If you’re looking for more of a statement, when in doubt add twinkly lights. They can be found here for under $15.

Related: Top 5 Places to Put Holiday Lights in Your Home

Pretty Pinecones on Display

We love this DIY centrepiece because it starts with a winter walk in the great outdoors. Adorning your table with pinecones and an assortment of nuts does the trick in the nick of time, and all for under $20. Snag these pinecones and then head over to the bulk section of your local grocery store to pick up an assortment of nuts. You can make use of a decorative bowl, tablecloth, runner, or place the pinecones and nuts on a bed of greenery collected from the outdoors. This natural and minimalist centrepiece will enhance any blank canvas of a table.

Related: The Best Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones

Put a Wreath on It

Wreaths are another classic choice when it comes to Christmas decorations. Our motto when it comes to wreaths is the more the merrier. Believe it or not, wreaths can be a versatile piece of decor and doesn’t always have to be used outside your front door or hung on a wall. Place your wreath in the middle of your table and voila! A Christmas centrepiece that’s a feast for the eyes. While certain wreaths can be costly, check out this beautiful option for under $10. You can easily and affordably add colourful red berries for under $10, twinkly lights, and votive candles of varying heights for that extra jeuge factor.

 

Choo, Choo, Choose This Centrepiece

If you’re the type that loves a good old Christmas village (the child in us sees the child in you) try repurposing an electric train for your table and garnish it with Christmas ornaments and twinkly lights. We love the idea of setting up these charming LED ceramic houses for $10 along the track, and ceramic trees for under $15, and these wooden ornaments for $3 each.

 

With any of these affordable DIY centrepiece ideas, your table will be fit for the festivities come Christmas day. Happy crafting everyone!

 

You might also like: How to Furoshiki Gift Wrap

If you’re anything like us, you’ll understand when we say our love language is gift giving and gift wrapping. It’s an art form that we get to fully express on special occasions.

With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to flex our craft and try a new, sustainable approach: furoshiki Japanese gift wrapping.

What is furoshiki wrapping? We’re so happy you asked! Furoshiki gift wrapping is a tradition that originated in Japan 1,200 years ago that utilizes fabric to wrap and protect objects. Instead of using wrapping paper that ends up in landfills, furoshiki Japanese gift wrapping is a beautiful, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to wrap presents.

Now you may be thinking, how do I furoshiki gift wrap? Well there are many ways to furoshiki gift wrap but everyone has to start somewhere so we’ll start with wrapping simple objects. In Japaneses gift wrapping tradition, this is called otsukai tsutsumi.

Related: How to Gift Wrap Like a Pro

Step 1: Gather Material for Your Furoshiki Gift Wrap

Since we’re starting with the otsukai tsutsumi method, find yourself a square furoshiki gift wrapping cloth. This can be any cotton, silk, polyester or even chiffon cloth as long as there is some stretch to afford you flexibility when it comes time to wrap. Repurposing or thrifting vintage scarves or table cloths (depending on the size of your gift) for your furoshiki gift wrapping is a great first step and you’re guaranteed to find one of a kind patterns.

Step 2: Check the Size of Your Fabric

Once you’ve found the right cloth, lay it down on a flat surface diagonally and place the item in the center. Make sure to double check the size of the cloth, by pulling up the corners to meet, to ensure it covers the item!

Related: Try This Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap For a Zero-Waste Christmas

Step 3: Cross Opposing Corners Over Your Gift

Once you’re sure the furoshiki gift wrapping cloth is the right size, position the item so the flat edges correspond to the cloth’s corners. Take the corner closest to you and lay it over the gift, tucking the extra fabric under the gift. Do the same with the corner across from you (don’t worry about tucking in the extra fabric on this side).

Step 4: Tie the Remaining Corners of Fabric Into a Decorative Knot

You’ll notice most of the gift is covered at this point, leaving two ends of fabric on either side, which is perfect — you’re in the home stretch! Take those pieces and narrow them to line up with the gift. Hold the corners and pull them over to the middle and tie them in a knot. Now tie it again in either another knot or a lovely bow.

And that’s it! It’s that simple. You can recreate this technique easily with any size square or rectangular gift. It can even be applied to tricky-to-wrap round objects.

So before you reach for paper gift wrap, look around your home for fabric or scarves to repurpose and try furoshiki Japanese gift wrap this holiday season!

Related: Make Gift Wrapping a Breeze with Tiffany Pratt’s DIY Takeout Containers

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in an Home Network-worthy home, now’s your chance to get a taste of it! The luxury suites designed by Mandy Rennehan and her industrious team on Trading Up with Mandy Rennehan are now available for short-term vacation rentals.

Where is Rennesouth Located?

If you watched the show, you’ll remember Rennesouth, Mandy’s former workshop located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. When her team outgrew the building, she saw the potential to convert the beautiful old space into three separate rental units.

Together with her team, Mandy was able to showcase the building’s original beauty, like exposed brick and sky high ceilings, while ensuring the units had all the modern comforts that vacationers would expect. It was truly a labour of love, and one that spoke to Mandy’s dedication to preserving historical architecture while revitalizing the town of Yarmouth.

“I put my whole heart into this project,” says Mandy. “My love of old buildings combined with my hometown pride made this renovation something very special to me.”

Related: 10 Facts That Will Make You Fall in Love With Yarmouth

How Many Suites Are There?

Choose from one of three units in the property: The Merchant’s Quarters, a hip and industrial two-bedroom rental; The Courier Room an elegant two-bedroom with historical details like the original glass postmaster’s door; or the Parisian Harbour, a luxurious romantic one-bedroom suite with tin ceilings and herringbone floors.

What to do in Yarmouth?

While you could easily spend your entire vacation cuddled up in one of the cozy suites, Yarmouth offers so much for visitors to explore and enjoy. From Yarmouth’s delectable butter tarts, and mouth watering lobster feasts, to the spectacular lighthouses and Gothic Revival architecture to see, we have no doubt you’ll want to extend your stay!

How to Book Your Stay in Rennesouth

Book your stay in Mandy Rennehan’s luxury rentals through Airbnb or the Rennesouth site, and discover the beauty of Yarmouth in a breathtaking Home Network-designed suite.

Related: How and Where to Book the Properties Featured on Renovation Resort