Banish a Boring Bath

Banish a Boring Bath

Make a Big Impact on a Small Budget

(ARA) - If your bathroom looks better with the door closed, it may be time for an update. Make some big impact changes without spending big bucks. A trip to your home improvement store and a weekend of elbow grease is all you need to transform your bath from boring to beautiful.

Add a Splash of Color
Cost: $50 - $100
Color can be the least expensive -- and most dramatic -- change for your bathroom. According to the experts at Sherwin-Williams, who carry the Martha Stewart paint line, two of the hottest new color palettes take their cues from nature and the past. Green-inspired colors, such as blueberry or raindrop, are relaxed with natural elements and clean, pastoral hues, put together the way nature intended. Retro colors from the 50s, 60s and 70s are more eclectic offering bold yellow, black and red options from which to choose.

But paint isn't your only option. New wall decals are available that add instant life and drama to your space. WallCandy Arts has hundreds of shapes and styles including hearts, circles, letters and animals. Simply peel, stick and decorate. Best of all, these decals can be wiped down with a damp sponge and removed easily for endless decorating options.

Find Your Focal Point
Cost: $100 - $200
The key to any good design is creating a focal point, or an element that draws your eyes to an area and anchors the space. A focal point can be many different things, but in the bathroom, a stylishly designed faucet can easily take center stage. Scan the displays at your local home improvement store and you'll see there is an abundance of new styles and finishes to meet your design needs.

At Lowe's, Moen has several new two-handle, high-arc faucets from which to choose. Caldwell features graceful, traditional styling; while Quinn gives you a sleek, contemporary option. Both are available in popular Chrome or LifeShine Brushed Nickel finishes which make a design statement at your sink while anchoring the look of your room.

Add Style and Storage with Accessories
Cost: $100 - $200
Nothing can make your bathroom look better than keeping it neat and clean. Sound like an impossible task? It's not, if you incorporate storage into your bathroom design. To determine your needs, consider the items that you use every day and then establish a place -- other than the countertop -- to keep them. Installing decorative bathroom accessories, such as towel bars, shelves, toothbrush holders and robe hooks is an ideal solution. They are available in a variety of designs and finishes that coordinate with your other fixtures to create a functional and fashionable statement.

Escape to Your Shower
Cost: $50 - $150
According to Judy Riley, Moen's vice president of design, "Consumers are looking to create a personal oasis in the bath." New showering options from Moen's Inspire collection allow you to transform your existing shower into a refreshing spa. Install the nine-inch Inspire rainshower showerhead with three times the spray force of current rainshowers, for a soothing shower with great full-body coverage. Or for more options, try a multi-setting showerhead, such as the Inspire 7-setting fixed or handheld showerhead. No matter which you choose, you'll soon enjoy a relaxing shower experience that can be tailored to meet your needs.

Finishing Touches
Cost: $150 - $200
Now that the majority of the bathroom update is complete, it's time to add the final elements that truly personalize the space. Hang a piece of art that coordinates with the other finishes throughout the room. Or install a picture rail or shelf along one wall, to display framed prints or small collectibles like decorative perfume bottles. Indulge your sense of touch with soft, fluffy monogrammed towels with your family's initial. Add plush rugs in colors to coordinate with your new design. Group aromatic candles together for fragrance and a splash of style.
With these simple updates, your boring bath will soon be beautiful and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself without spending a fortune.

For more information on the products mentioned, visit www.lowes.com. For information on Moen products, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800) 289-6636.

Courtesy of ARAcontent