A Designer Beach Bathroom That's Fun for Kids, and Guest Friendly

Almost everyone loves the beach, especially kids. Now you can have a designer masterpiece, without spending a small fortune. If you live near a beach, then you have it easy, if not there is always ebay. First you will need to collect some sea shore treasures. The best time to look for these is after storms, or first thing in the morning before they are picked through by other beach combers. If your inland try www.ebay.com they offer a good selection of shells, and other sea critters at affordable prices. Do not limit yourself to just shells, also collect some sponge, coral, starfish, sea horses, sand dollars, and other great finds that catch your eye.

Once you find a box full of things you like, crafting them into decor isn't very hard. In fact, it's so easy that you'll even want to let the kids get involved. Now you will need to chose what type of beach theme you want. From a beach cottage in Maine, to a tropical setting straight out of the Bahamas, you have many options. Here are a few tips and ideas that will help get you started.

Shower curtains can be expensive, especially if it is a designer one. How about making your own? All you need is a clear plastic shower curtain, these are easy to find and usually cost less then $5.00. Now using non toxic paint, paint the bottom of the kids feet using a sponge brush. Have the kids step on old newspaper before stepping on the shower curtain. If you don't like the print, you will have a few minutes to wipe if off using a wet cloth. After all the prints are dry, use clear coat in a spray can to seal the curtain, You will want to spay the entire painted side so your gorgeous prints don't flake and peel off. Once the clear coat is dry, your curtain is ready to hang.

Tip: Use light neutral sand tones for a more romantic feel, or bright tropical tones for a Key West look.

Wall decor don't require you being an artist. Using old picture frames, paint them the colors you like. Next lightly sand them with course sandpaper all over, and rough sand the edges. This will give them an old feel, as if they have been out to sea. Once you are though sanding, using hot glue, or super glue, attach a few shells. Now all you need is to add some pictures of the kids at the beach or at the pool, and hang.

Tip: Do not go over board with the shells. By adding just a few to the corners your frame will look beautiful. Adding to many shells will take away from the picture.
Mirrors are in every bathroom. You can spice your old mirrors up by draping cotton rope (the kind boaters use) around the frames. If you like you can even glue a few small shells, or sea critters onto the rope.

Tip: Do not glue the rope to the walls, instead use tea cup hooks, they are cheap, and easy to remove.

Waste baskets, are also found in every bathroom. Why not use a large sand pail, instead?

Left over shells, and other treasures are great. This is what I like to call "Hide and Seek". Place a large shell on a shelf, or in the shower. Sea critters look wonderful hiding in a basket of natural sponge, or in a natural sponge bouquet. By adding small details, it keeps they eyes moving, just like you were back at the beach looking for treasures.

For less then $30.00 you can give your bathroom a make over that looks designer, and is still fun for the kids! It's not only home decor, it's a family crafting project, that wil create memories for years to come.