Start with your shower curtain, which is equal to the scale of a wall, as updating it can be as transformative as an allover coat of paint, particularly in a small area. Even swapping out plastic or acrylic rings for polished metal gives your room a “larger-end look,” Chu provides. Afterwards, swap the stuff you touch daily, like plush cotton towels—we like Martha Stewart Collection Quick Dry Reversible Cotton Towels ($16, macys.com)—and gentle rugs, or even your ceramic soap dish. Luxe versions of this stuff can actually refine the place.

As for the physical items necessary in your remodeling project, …