Flush Out the Old: Give your Bathroom a Facelift

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, yet in terms of decor, it often gets neglected. This is a shame, as a well-organized and nicely decorated bathroom can provide a much-needed sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. In fact for many mothers, the only alone time they get is when they go into the loo. While this time is also often interrupted, every moment of peaceful solitude is golden.

To make the most of your bathroom, there are some simple things that you can do that don't require starting from scratch.

First, take a look at the room as a whole. What works, what doesn't, which elements are unchangeable, and keep your budget in mind. If you hate your olive green bathtub and matching sink, get them replaced if your budget allows. Remember that down the road when you want to sell your home, outdated fixtures will decrease the value of your home, and can deter buyers from making an offer. So if you hate it and the style isn't making a comeback any time soon, rip it out and get something more modern and practical.

If replacing large features is not within your means, your best bet is to work around the offending items. Decrease their impact on the room by sprucing up the rest of the decor.

Replace faucets and the shower head, particularly if they look worn.

Toilets, unless they work improperly, don't usually need to be replaced. Buying a new toilet seat instead is an affordable way to give the commode a little oomph.

Mirrors and lighting are also often overlooked details that can really affect the look and feel of a room. Be sure to consider function when selecting mirrors and lighting; you want to be able to apply makeup without having to worry about looking like a clown when you enter natural light.

Paint provides the biggest makeover bang for your buck. If there is only one change you can afford to make in your bathroom, paint should be it. Nothing refreshes a tired room like a fresh coat of paint, even if you decide not to change the actual color of the wall. If you do want a new shade, look at the elements that you will not be changing, such as the bathtub, sink, and floor. Let those colors and textures guide you in your selection.

If you decide to use wallpaper in your bathroom, use restraint. Heavily patterned wallpaper can shrink a room, and make it feel claustrophobic. Use something simply designed, or only apply it to one wall in order to avoid overkill.

To add the feeling of luxury to the bathroom, invest in good quality linens. Fluffy white towels are classic because they go with everything, and feel like heaven after a hot bath.

New accessories like soap dishes and towel racks can also spice things up in the powder room. Keep your things organized, and try to keep most of your toiletries tucked away in cupboards and drawers. The more clutter you see, the more tense you get. Remember that you want the bathroom to be a place for relaxation and refreshment.