Simple Steps to Spruce Up a Dull Bathroom

Do you have a small or boring bathroom and don't know what to do with it? Follow these tips.

1. Paint Colors
Paint is important in any room but it can be especially important in your bathroom. To make the room lighter paint it in a light color. If you want your bathroom to feel bigger keep the paint monochromatic so the walls fade away. For low ceilings, make them a glossy bright white to make them feel further away. A good trick is to carry down your ceiling color about six inches down your walls to make the room feel even taller. While you are buying paint, check your cabinets. If your bathroom is small paint the cabinets a similar shade to the wall so they fade into the background.

2. Tile and Stone
Stone counter tops and shower walls will give your bathroom an elegant look but it is an expensive option. They now have great fake stone called corian that looks like the real thing. Professional artists can paint tile and other materials to make them look like real stone; You may consider this option for your walls. Tile also looks great and can be used to add more color to a bathroom. Tile, like stone, can be used on the floors, counter tops, and walls. A tile backslash is an easy do-it-yourself process. Tile can give your bathroom personality too. You can mix in decorative tiles with tiles of a basic color or use the tiles to create a pattern. If you want to stick with one color, make sure you don't end up with a floor-to-ceiling white tile bathroom.

3. Framed Mirrors
Good news framed mirrors are in-style and considered elegant and modern. Instead of paying to have mirror installed, buy a beautiful frame and put a mirror in it. Mirrors placed across from each other can also make a small room look big but don't go mirror-crazy. If you already have mirror walls, put a frame around them. If the mirrors go from wall-to-wall try the funky approach of putting a frame in the center.

4. Art Work
Your bathroom is a room and it's walls should not be stuck with just mirrors and towel racks. Pick a beautiful painting (or paint one yourself) to put in your bathroom. The art work should not be too hectic in a small bathroom and the colors should match the bathroom but also create flow to the adjourning rooms.

5. Lighting
In a bathroom you may want strong natural light (to put on your makeup) or romantic dim light to take a relaxing bath. Different lighting sources is ideal in a larger bathroom. Make sure to have lights around your mirror and a soft chandelier above your bathtub. Beautiful chandeliers can be found in flea markets and second hand stores. If you have a smaller bathroom, one light source may be enough but make sure you install a dimmer switch.

6. Coordinating Fabrics
Go to a fabric store and find your favorite most luxurious fabric. Use it to make drapes and use the extra fabric to cover any old bench seat for a quick cheap coordinating vanity seat. The matching fabric will give your bathroom an elegant feel, so will the vanity seat! Don't go crazy with the fabric, too much of one pattern can make you dizzy.

7. Scents and Accessories
Use light potpourri or a scented candle or hide a plug-in to provide your bathroom with a light scent. Use vanilla or lavender to provide a relaxing feeling. Use accessories, like soaps and towels to make you bathroom more luxurious and feel more like a spa. Try not to get too fancy so your guests feel comfortable using the items. Don't forget your knobs and drawer pulls. In a small room, those little changes can provide a big change. Think of your knobs and pulls as an art piece and go all out. You don't have much room to put art work in your bathroom and knobs and pulls are one of the least expensive ways to put art in your bathroom.

Listen to my tips, give your bathroom a good cleaning and it should feel brand new. Enjoy!