Master Bathroom Design Tips

Your Master Bathroom is a huge asset in the value of your home — and in your personal space. Take the time to really plan the decor for your master bathroom and you’ll be glad you did.

Design Tips For Your Master Bathroom

When you redecorate your master bedroom, don’t leave the master bath out in the cold! You can add some zing to your bathroom too and create a cohesive theme between the two rooms that will give you a real sweet master suite.

One thing you need to do when redecorating your master bath is to be sure to tie in some of the elements from your bedroom. You don’t have to make it an identical match, but using a common color or theme will really unite the two rooms. If your bedroom has a cottage theme, carry this over into the bathroom by putting out some shells in dishes on the vanity. If your bedroom is more shabby chic with big floral wallpaper, then think about carrying the color of the flowers into the master bath.

One of the big design elements in the bathroom is the hardware. Faucets and spigots, in addition to tubs and toilets are made in a variety of shapes and materials which can be the centerpiece of your design. Open showers are currently popular with the younger upwardly- mobile crowd, and claw-foot bathtubs are almost always considered to be classic and attractive. When selecting hardware and figuring out a floor plan, think about privacy issues and don’t put the toilet and tub too close together.

Another big element in the bathroom is the tiling. The more expensive tiles should have durability, aesthetic value, and a non-porous surface. Make sure your tiles can be easily cleaned and sanitized, and that it is easy to install and does not require special adhesives which can become costly. When choosing tile, think out of the box. You don’t have to use only porcelain tile, consider marble, clay and anything else you see in the store that catches your eye.

Once you have the design down and selected the major elements, focus on decoration accessories to bring out personality and individualism. The bathroom doesn’t have to just be functional and putting interesting items on the walls or shelves is a great way to give the room some character. Don’t be afraid to use your own ideas and put what you want into the room when redecorating your master bathroom.

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

Bathroom Decor: Improve the Ambiance

Colors and themes matter in the ambiance of your bathroom decor.

Bathroom Decor: Improve the Ambiance for Your Private Time

It can be hard to relax in the tub when your bathroom is in disarray. Sure, shower curtains serve a practical function by keeping water off the floor, but shower curtains are also essential to the design, motif, and the general “feel” of your bathroom. The shower curtain you have will likely stand out more than anything else in your bathroom—so choose your shower curtains wisely. They can make it or break it, as they say.

Shower curtains and bathroom accessories can help you create that perfect, relaxing bathroom you desire. A bathroom can be like a small vacation. A shower or bath is not only meant to cleanse you, but should also refresh you, and be a tranquil experience.

In college I showered every morning in the dorms—sharing one bathroom with three other girls. Plain, off-white shower curtains, shampoo bottles everywhere, and messes from who knows who that would be cleaned up who knows when. I would try to take a bath and relax there, but I couldn’t seem to relieve tension that way. Then I visited home and took a bath in my parents’ bathroom in the master bedroom of their house. Ahhhhh … that’s what I needed – some real relaxation. So, what is the difference?

My parents’ master bathroom has a pale yellow motif. Yellow towels, yellow washcloths, yellow soap dispensers by the sink and yellow bath mats. There is a yellow soap dish, and even the soap in it is yellow. There are two lemongrass-scented candles on either side of the bathtub. And as you may have guessed, this bathroom always has that lemony smell. The shower curtains are also pale yellow with a translucent glimmer. The walls and tile are white, as is the counter with dual sinks. The point is that it is very nice in there. And it really seems to be the shower curtain that ties it all together. Now maybe yellow, yellow and more yellow may not be the way you want to go, but you get the gist. Needless to say, I did not look forward to returning to my dormitory tub.

There are many aspects that must be taken into consideration when you redesign your bathroom—even the color and condition of your shower curtain rings can make a difference. My parents did not go overboard. In fact, they had the right idea altogether. The whole point is to create a bathroom that is right for you. One that functions not only because it has the proper appliances, toilet, shower/tub and sinks, but part of what makes a bathroom wonderful is the shower curtains, the accessories, and the cleanliness of it.

So you want a change? Well, the best place to start is with shower curtains, there are many different people out there all with many different tastes. Pick the shower curtain that reflects your personal style the best and build from there. If you are unsatisfied with your bathroom now, make a few changes and presto! you have created the perfect bathroom for you.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on Home Decor please visit Shower Curtains.

How to Choose a Bath Tub for your Bathroom Decor?

There are so many choices today when you look for the perfect bath tub. Take your time, though, and choose a bath tub that will fit your bathroom decor — AND your lifestyle.

Bath Tubs & Bathing: which Bath to Choose?

Are you considering the purchase of a new bath tub? Unsure of which type or design to choose from? The bath tub is the largest item that you can place inside your bathroom. Thus, it is important that the bath tub that you will acquire will not clash with your bathroom’s design theme. Listed below are the types of bath tubs that you may want for your home. Read the descriptions regarding each design then decide.

Bath tubs of cast-iron

This kind of bath tub may be very expensive especially the antique ones. It projects an image of classic luxury and elegance. If your old tub is made of cast-iron, it is advisable that you contact first your local bath tub dealer before replacing it with a new one. It might turn out that your old tub may still cost a decent amount of money and it will be a waste to just throw it away. You can actually sell it to second hand stores or even through a garage sale. The popularity of cast-iron tubs is growing and if you opt to keep your old one, you may instead get the services of company to restore your old tub back to its sparkling old self. Some companies will do the restoration at their workplace while others may offer to do a home service. This type of tub is also very heavy, requiring two to three people to lift it up a flight of stairs and requires more time to maintain than ordinary tubs.

Modern bath tubs

The trend in bath tubs today is to make use of materials like steel, plastic, and acryllic to build a bath tub. Modern bath tubs are remarkably like and still very tough and solid. Tubs made from plastic or acrylic can be easily carried by a single person while steel made ones require at least two people to carry it. Tubs made from these materials can be formed into unique shapes and designs as well as matching it with panels, front and rear taps, as well as color themes. White is currently the most popular color for modern bath tubs.

Circular bath tubs

Having a large floor space for your bathroom is important if you want to install a circular tub. Putting one in your bathroom brings about it a certain vibe and display that will truly make your time inside the bathroom worth remembering. Coupling it with an impressive interior design will really put glamour and flair that other people will not be able to resist.

Space saving tubs

There are bath tub designs maximize the space inside your bathroom. This type is usually placed at the side or corner of the room. This is very popular today because of its uniqueness as well as space saving characteristics. The tub is angled in a way inside the bathroom to take as little wall space as possible to make way for shelves or even a towel warmer. Another option is to place a compact shower cubicle alongside the tub is space permits. It comes in different colors, themes, and sizes making customization an easy thing to do.

Regular bath tubs

Regular bath tubs are rectangular in shape and is the most common as well as the most inexpensive type of tub available. It can fit any theme or design of the bath room and different lengths are available depending on the use.

These are the styles and types of bathrooms that you can get to replace your old one or to furnish your new bathroom. Either way, be sure to choose the design that will complement and will be in harmony with your bathroom’s theme as well as the overall design of the house.

Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of bath tubs & bathing. Claire provides more information on her site about jacuzzi bath tubs that you can research at home.

A Guide to Bathroom Remodeling

There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their awards in their bathrooms — all their guests will visit that room at some point, so why not put the trophies were everyone will see them? But even if you haven’t won any Academy Awards, your guests will be still checking out you bathroom. A well-done bathroom remodeling can impress your guests and boost the value of your home.

Bathroom remodeling can be as simple as new paint and fixtures, or it can be a total renovation and expansion. If you want to begin bathroom remodeling, the first thing you should do is assess your current bathroom.

Think about these questions to make sure you get the most out of your project:

How many people will be using the bathroom?
If a family shares one bathroom it may be a good idea to have a separate area for the toilet and shower so that someone can be showering while another person uses the mirror and vanity.

What is the bathroom’s current condition?
Attacking grimy tile with bleach or industrial tile cleaning solution, polishing the fixtures, and adding brighter lights can put the sparkle back in your bathroom and cost lest than a renovation. But if the bathroom is out-of-date, falling apart or just boring, consider more intense changes.

How much money do you have for the renovation?
Before you begin, think of how much money you can realistically afford. No remodeling project should put you in debt. Once you have a budget, take a trip to your local hardware store to check out prices. Comparison shop and start looking for deals before you start your renovation project. You don’t need to buy everything at once; you can easily wait for store sales to buy the tools you need and store them.

How much work can you do one your own?
If this is your first remodeling project, go easy on yourself. You will need to use this room, so make sure you don’t get yourself into trouble. If your bathroom needs new wiring, plumbing, or even tile, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. Just make sure you account for it in your budget.

How much space do you have?
If you can knock down walls, be sure to plan ahead. Pocket doors and a shower, not a bathtub, are easy ways of conserving space.

How long will you be using the bathroom?
If you are remodeling to help sell your house, or might be selling soon, it may be best to stick with simple, conservative changes. Make things work and look clean, but don’t add your dream whirlpool tub.

These questions address some of the most basic points of bathroom remodeling. Plan ahead, budget, watch for deals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, bathroom modeling should be fun, and the results are all for your enjoyment. Make the most of it.

Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.

Bathroom Remodeling Plans Checklist

When remodeling your bathroom, start with a checklist. Here’s how to plan your bathroom remodeling project.

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project. Before you begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, a list of supplies, a timetable, and important legal considerations. Let’s break it down by subject.

First, create a budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of even more space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to let in light.

Third, make a list of the supplies you’ll need and make sure they are available when you need them. Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can buy.

Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people at home improvement stores to plan how much time you’ll need. If you’re hiring contractors, work with them to design a timetable you all can follow.

Plan projects according to the time you have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don’t have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don’t paint the walls or install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of — you don’t want to damage work you’ve already done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to happen.

Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure you, your contractor, and any workers have insurance coverage, and keep children and animals away from the construction area.

By following these checklists, your bathroom remodeling plans will be a snap.

Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of Kitchen Remodeling Web.

Create a Bathroom Retreat

You are stuck in your bathroom every day. You could make it a necessary evil or it can become a place of respite. A retreat. Here are some ideas to create a bathroom retreat in your home — and increase the value of your home at the same time.
Create a Bathroom Retreat and Increase the Value of Your Home

Giving your bathroom a facelift not only increases the value of your home, but can turn your bathroom into personal retreat. Bringing out the artist within you and turning the bathroom into a masterpiece carries no boundaries with today’s fine selection of traditional and contemporary bathroom furnishings.

Estate agents say spending the money and time to upgrade the bathroom is both a sound investment and is a good return on investment for homeowners who will recover most of the costs upon the sale of the home. Redecorating your bathroom using quality and high-end products can produce an average return rate of over 90 percent.

Since bathrooms and kitchens are big on the minds of home buyers, quality bathroom suites, bathroom fixtures and finishes will sell a home much faster.

A fresh new look in the bathroom accentuated with modern bathroom furniture from bath to basins situated in a lavish bathroom vanity can sell a home much faster since the home buyer won’t have to incur further costs by having to redecorate immediately. Although everyone has their own unique individual tastes, remodeling a bathroom using high-end products is more appealing. Replacing an existing bathroom suite incorporating a new toilet, bathroom sink and bath may only require the purchaser to simply repaint the bathroom and add a few bathroom accessories suited to their design needs becoming less of a burden for the buyer.

If a complete new bathroom suite is not within your remodeling budget, consider updating with less expensive bathroom furniture pieces such as a bathroom vanity, embellished with a beautiful bathroom mirror accentuated with built in lighting encased with individual glass shelving. Keeping in mind any upgrade you give your bathroom creates another single selling feature that home buyers are looking for.

Whether you are preparing to sell your home or simply wanting to give your bathroom a design update and create a dream bathroom for you and your family depends on the functionality of the bathroom itself. Consider how many people will use it, do you require single or a double basin vanity unit for extra storage and more counter space? Another practical consideration is the shower and bath especially when space is an issue. Baths that fit into the corner of the room can provide a more open space. Finally, deciding on the bathing experience you want in your bathroom whether you are looking for a whirlpool bath, air jet spa bath or simply a soaking bath, think about what would make your bathroom a more comfortable place while meeting your budgetary requirements.

When it comes to any type of home renovation, there is no one set of rules that clearly defines a persons’ decorating tastes. Today’s latest trends in both traditional bathroom furniture and contemporary bathroom furniture are designed to enhance lifestyles by incorporating new technologies. Bathroom suppliers and distributors have become one-stop shops carrying coordinating bathroom ensembles, making it easy to create a theme based bathroom that can also easily be accessorized with finishing touches from storages cabinets to mixer taps.

Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.

Shelley Murphy brings with her over 10 years of Search Engine Optimization and e-marketing strategies to web based businesses. Holding two BA’s in English and Journalism Communications her writing skills have been a great asset for both onsite writing and monthly newsletters publications.

Bathroom Makeover: Shower Curtain

If your bathroom needs a makeover and you are on a frugal budget, don’t fret. You can easily start with a new shower curtain and give your bathroom a makeover for only a few dollars. Here’s more information…
Shower Curtains: The Perfect Facelift for Your Bathroom

Looking for a quick makeover for your home? Start with your bathroom! Installing a new shower curtain can be the coolest way to cheer up your bathroom without investing a lot of money in the process. There are many styles of shower curtains to choose from, and you may be surprised at how dramatically a simple shower curtain can change the dynamics of a room. You can choose shower curtains that will stand out from the rest of your bathroom’s colors, or you can choose one that provides a subtler match. It’s all up to you: the possibilities are virtually endless!

If you are tired of cleaning up your shower enclosure — and anyone that has been forced to combat soap scum before is likely darn tired of it — will find shower curtains to be an effective solution to this issue. Shower enclosures, as well as shower curtains, accumulate humidity and, after a while, they become ugly. The difference is that changing shower curtains costs almost nothing compared to changing a glass or acrylic shower enclosure.

Sometimes people dismiss shower curtains as being cheap and generic, but when you consider the wide variety of styles and price tiers you’ll find that curtains are hardly limited to cheap white vinyl curtains. If you have children, you can choose a nice shower curtain with dolphins, little fish or funny ducks printed on it, or you can go with more “formal” designs, like geometric patterns or lines. You can even choose a loud color to make your bathroom festive!

Bathroom shower curtains are made of different types of washable fabrics, including polyester, plastic and even cotton. Most of them have a weight attached at its bottom to avoid the “shower curtain effect” (which is the effect of the curtain unpleasantly wrinkling and/or sticking to your leg when you take a shower). Most shower curtains are also waterproofed, and it is also possible to attach an impermeable liner to your shower curtain if you’re using a fabric curtain.

Another advantage of the use of shower curtains in your bathroom is that they don’t need you to drill any holes on your walls: just get a spring loaded rod, adjust its size to fit between two walls and suspend your curtain from it by using hooks or rings. This ease of installation also saves you money by allowing you to do it by yourself rather than paying someone to install it.

Dots, stripes, waves, animals and many other designs are available, ensuring you will find shower curtains that fit virtually every need, even if your design preferences can be considered unique or offbeat. Nautical themed curtains as well as the old standby known as the rubber ducky are very popular, but nowadays you can find every design you like; I have even seen shower curtains featuring Mexican hats! And, if you are really specific, you could look into having a curtain custom designed specifically for you. Wait no more, and provide an exciting new look to your bathroom with new shower curtains!

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Visit Shower Curtains Showcase to receive a variety of free bathroom design ideas as well as view a wide assortment of the shower curtain possibilities ranging from kids shower curtains to designer shower curtains.

Planning Bathroom Tile Design and Decor Ideas

An important part in the decor of your bathroom tile is planning. Honestly, no tiling project that started without planning ever ended up getting done without a second attempt (and possibly marriage counselling). So, on that note, here are some tips for planning your bathroom tile installation.

Planning your Bathroom Tile Design, Pattern & Installation

If you are planning to tile a bathroom by yourself, this article will help you plan your bathroom tiling installation in the best and cost effective way as well as giving you some tile design ideas. We will guide through your new bathroom tile design and installation planning step by step.

Attention – Note that planning your tiling installation properly is the most important step for smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Remember a DIY bathroom tiling installation isn’t a quick job, so don’t miss the point and plan it right. All the time spent planning your tiling installation will save you money and headaches.

You have to plan your bathroom-tiling project carefully; choose the tile design and tile patterns, what materials you need and which tools you require.

Choose your Bathroom Tile design & Tile patterns

The tile patterns that you can create with different tiles are limited only by your own Tile design ideas. A large variety of standard tile designs, ideas and tile patterns are available. Some tile manufacturers may make special custom tile designs for you.

Choosing the tile design is obviously the first thing you need to do, with out deciding this you can not start planning your bathroom tile installation.

You can find a few basic bathroom tile design ideas & tile patterns, check it out.

For some Inspiration you can check Google pictures for some Bathroom Tile design ideas, there are over a million bathroom pictures here.

Tile suitability – Tiles are made in porous and non-porous varieties. When planning a bathroom tile installation, you should choose the non-porous ceramic tiles.

If your bathroom is small and the tiles have designs on them, you may have to go for smaller sized tiles as they have smaller designs. Too large tile designs may not suit small bathrooms so choose a smaller tile design for smaller bathrooms.

If you go for a plain color, the size isn’t that important, however try to follow the rule above anyway.

A good tile design idea is to choose contrasting colors for the floor tiles and wall tiles. Then have a skirting line the same color as the floor tile.

Another tile design idea is changing color at chest level, which will change the look of your bathroom.

Try to choose bathroom accessories that compliment the color of the walls.

Materials – How much will you need? – To calculate the quantity of materials that you need, you must take precise measurements of the total area that you wish to tile.

From the total area and the size of each tile, you can calculate the number of tiles required (you must know the size of the tiles you have chosen).

You must also remember to take into account the gaps between tiles when calculating the number of tiles needed, so make sure you include spacers appropriate to the tile size chosen.

If this equation becomes a little complicated, you can always use the table “Calculating your Tile needs” (link here) on this page.

When calculating consider more than half a tile as a full tile and less than a half tile as a half tile. If you have chosen a multicolored bathroom, calculate each color separately and note down the tile requirements.

Ordering tiles – Order the tiles on the basis of the measurements taken. Note that tiles are packed in boxes and the supplier is unlikely to sell tiles individually.

Remember to order extra tiles as you can be sure that some tiles will break during installation (even the best professional breaks tiles). In addition some of these extra tiles could be used in the future if any tiles need replacing. This is not only good but an advisable practice.

Always order additional tiles since the tiles you have ordered may not be available in future, and if you require replacement tiles, you will have difficulty finding a match.

Best tools for a good job – Make sure you choose the right tool for the job. It’ll make the job easier and safer too. You probably have a basic toolbox however for tiling installation you need special tiling tools.

Some of them are expensive but don’t waste your money buying professional tools that you won’t use enough to pay for themselves. Instead hire them. For some $$ you can have the best tools for a few days. And if you’ve done your planning properly you’ll only need them for a few hours.

Remember, that planning your tiling installation properly is the most important step for smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

I hope it’s been useful, happy tiling!

Learn how to Tile a Bathroom & Profit from insider tips to complete secure and reliable tiling in 5-easy steps. To get the FREE report “27 Insider Tiling Tips you want to know” visit us NOW at http://www.bathroom-tile-installation.com/tilemadeasy/.

Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Room by Room Makeovers: Beautiful Bathroom Solutions

Often, the room we spend a great deal of time in, but seems to get short shift when it comes to updating and aesthetics. There are a host of quick and cost effective solutions that you can employ to refresh and renew your baths. Many won’t take more than an hour or so and yet the impact is timeless. So take stock of what you have, and look for areas to improve!

Update your hardware. This isn’t limited to just the cabinets and drawers but also the faucets at the sink and tub and the shower controls. All should be in a coordinated finish whether your preference runs to brushed nickel, bright chrome, rubbed bronze, or even old time white porcelain. Have fun with this, it can really make a wonderful personality statement.

Change your mirror from wall mount edgeless to framed. Now there are two ways to do this. The most effective is to literally remove your mirror and replace it with a fully framed mirror. If you use almost the same size it will conceal any challenges with sheetrock and such from removal. If not, you may find you have some patching and touching up to do. The alternative is to frame the edgeless one you have with beveled glass stripping, mitered at the corners and applied on all four sides. This is available with self adhesive backing strips in 2″, 3″, and 4″ widths (I recommend going as wide as you can), and can be custom cut to lengths required at most home improvement sources. This is a way to truly update your own reflection.

Add a robe or towel hook if you find it handy. Remember it has to work for you not anyone else.

Replace your countertops with granite. Often this can be achieved at a reduced cost using so called “scrap” pieces. If you have a small bathroom, this can be done for under $1k, and really make an elegant difference. Some home improvement resources supply ready-made granite tops with undermount sinks for a nominal cost to fit ready-made bath cabinets.

Get some favorite bath accents and accessories. This is a way to literally decorate your bath with functional pieces. It also cleans up the countertop giving you a place to stash your toothbrush and toothpaste, a holder for soap, a jar for q-tips or cotton balls, and a cover for the facial tissue.

Plants live or silk are wonderful additions around the tub. Live are usually easy since there is moisture in the air and they will thrive with a garden window.

Design an artglass window for over the tub. Yes it is a bit of an investment, but with professional installation it can be removed when you move and framed into another window, or consider it a selling feature. This eliminates the need for a window treatment and something that may get splashed or fade with time.

Save the retiling and new cabinets for a full remodel. You can always paint what you have for a quick fix.

Make that bathroom, no longer a place you dread, but instead a restful inviting haven from the daily grind, and a place where you look forward to starting your day!

© 2005 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients’ homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally , on how to use design as the catalyst for “creating the life you’ve always dreamed of”. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/

Budget Bathroom Makeover Ideas

I recently gave my bathroom a complete makeover. It was much easier than I expected, and only took a few days to complete. For less than $200 I gave my bathroom a completely new look that I love.

The first thing I did was choose some paint. I started out with bare white walls. I chose Kilz brand paint. The color is called “Garden Glove” (a cheerful spring green), and a gallon cost about $15 at Walmart. One gallon was plenty to paint the entire bathroom. Just painting the bathroom gave it whole new look. I also bought a small can of white paint to touch up the paint around the doorways.

Because our master bathroom is not very well lit, we decided to change the light fixture. For only $40 (including bulbs) at Home Depot, we installed a vanity light fixture over the mirror behind the sinks. It only took a few minutes to install, and it looks great. The bathroom is much brighter now than it was before.

To gain some extra storage space, we purchased a white cabinet that stands over the toilet. It has four shelves and a cupboard and cost about $100 at Home Depot. I recently saw that Walmart had some similar cabinets for between $50 and $75.

We have two windows in our bathroom so I thought plants would really brighten up the room. I bought some pretty solid color flower pots from Walmart for a couple of dollars and some matching spring primroses (less than $2 each). I set the pots on top of the new cabinet. The finishing touch will be a couple of ferns to hang above the garden bathtub, in front of the windows.

I love my new bathroom. It looks like a completely different room. Just a few simple changes can update and rejuvenate your bathroom too!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For easy home decorating ideas for busy moms, visit Frugal Home Decor at http://www.Frugal-Home-Decor.com