Bathroom after redo: This is our bathroom after the redo. I don’t have a before picture, but after seeing some of the other before photos, I think you can probably imagine what this space looked like! The bathroom was actually my least favorite room on the boat, but after updating it, I believe it became one of my favorite spaces. Peel-and-stick tiles became my best friend! I added just enough detail and personality to make the space feel fresh and updated without overpowering such a small area.
One thing about boats is that, unlike houses, the layout is pretty much what it is.
Yes, you can make major changes, but unless you are ready to invest more money than the boat may be worth, most of us are going to work with what we have.
And that is especially true with older boats.
Sometimes you love the boat… but you just don’t love the look of the boat.
The good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to update an older boat and make it feel newer, fresher, and more like you.
Our first houseboat was a 1973 Nautiline, and I absolutely loved that boat.
But let me tell you… she needed some updating!
I knew that once I added my own touches, changed a few things, and made the space feel more like us, I was going to enjoy it even more.
Here are some of the things I think can make the biggest difference.
1. Change the Fabric on Your Seating
I think this is one of the biggest changes you can make in an older boat.
Changing the fabric on your seating can instantly change the entire look of your space.
And if your cushions are older, this may also be the perfect time to replace those too.
Not only does new fabric give your boat a fresh new look, but it can also help freshen up the smell of the space.
Older fabric holds onto a lot over the years, so sometimes replacing it makes the whole boat feel cleaner and newer.
This was definitely one of those changes that made a huge difference for me.
2. Paint, Paint and More Paint!
Never underestimate what a fresh coat of paint can do.
The good thing is… it’s a boat!
So compared to painting a house, you usually don’t have a huge amount of wall space to deal with.
I personally love a minimal white look.
White just makes a smaller space feel clean, open, bright, and fresh.
A fresh coat of paint can be a total game changer on an older boat.
Sometimes you don’t realize how much the old paint is dating the space until you cover it up!
3. Update the Toilet
Now this may not sound like the most exciting upgrade, but for me, it made a world of difference.
Our old toilet worked.
There really wasn’t anything wrong with it.
I just did not like the way it looked.
LOL!
Once we upgraded the toilet, the bathroom immediately looked better.
And the bonus was that the new one actually functioned better too.
Sometimes those small practical updates make a much bigger difference than you expect.
4. Change the Flooring
We were fortunate because the inside of our boat already had wood flooring, so there really wasn’t a need for us to change it.
But the carpet on the outside areas of the boat?
That was another story.
It was old, and honestly, it made the boat look even older than it was.
Once we replaced that carpet with something more updated, it gave the boat a completely different look and feel.
New flooring can instantly make an older boat feel more current.
5. Bring YOUR Style Inside
This one might be my favorite.
Get rid of anything that doesn’t feel like you.
You don’t have to keep something just because it came with the boat.
If you don’t like it, if it doesn’t fit your style, or if it doesn’t bring anything to the space… let it go.
Bring in pieces that make you feel peaceful, comfortable, and happy.
Add your favorite pillows, throws, baskets, artwork, décor, dishes, or whatever makes the space feel like your own.
For me, my boat is my Happy Place.
So when I walk through that door, I want it to feel peaceful and inviting.
6. Update the Window Treatments
Window treatments can make a big difference too.
A lot of older boats have blinds, and sometimes those blinds have definitely seen better days!
If you can clean them and freshen them up, great.
But if they are old, damaged, or just not your style anymore, take them down and try something different.
You could add rattan shades, simple curtains, or cute drapery that fits the look you are going for.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
Sometimes just changing what is on the windows can completely soften and update the space.
You Don’t Need a Brand-New Boat to Love Your Space
That is probably the biggest thing I want people to take away from this.
You don’t have to have the newest boat at the marina to have a beautiful space.
Older boats have character.
And sometimes they just need a little love, a few updates, and your personality added to them.
Start with the things that bother you the most.
Maybe it’s the old fabric.
Maybe it’s the carpet.
Maybe it’s the paint.
Change those things first, and little by little, you’ll start seeing your vision come together.
Before you know it, that older boat won’t feel so old anymore.
It will just feel like your Happy Place.
I hope some of these ideas help you if you’re thinking about giving your older boat a little refresh.
If you have an older boat and updated it, what did you do to enhance it?
I’d love to hear your ideas!
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