Often the bathroom is one of the most overlooked rooms in the home when it comes to decorating. Some people tend to see it as a utilitarian space, even though they spend quite a lot of time in there. (Less, if they have teenagers! At least they get to use it less!) With a little time though and by using these tips you can turn your bath into a relaxing and soothing retreat for yourself, your family and your guests, without having to spend a lot of cash.

1. Start off by painting the whole room, including the ceiling with a deep, rich color. Even though this is a small room, a deep color on the walls allows them to fade away. At the same time it will make the room feel cozy and strangely enough seem more spacious.

2. Get rid of the clutter! This is always important and always makes the room seem more spacious. If you can’t get most of the makeup, shaving cream etc. under the sink, (and who can?) pick up a few baskets from the dollar store and corral things in them. Make sure there is a hamper for all the dirty clothes. If you are short on space, use the kind that hangs on the back of the door. A large drawstring bag would also work for this. (He might actually even use it…ok, it’s a dream.)

3. Dress up that large frameless mirror. Hang swags of fabric from small hooks to hide and soften the edges of the mirror, and to give it a “frame”. Or actually use cut lengths of 1×4 lumber or pieces of casing (trim used around doors and windows), and attach them to the wall over the edges of the mirror to simulate a real wood frame. You can paint or stain them (depending on the material you use) to coordinate with your cabinets or the rest of the room.

4. Speaking of cabinets, how about giving them a quick redo? Paint them black for a sophisticated look, or white with sponge painting for a country theme. Try any of the hot faux finishes. You can even paint the Formica counters. If you are painting the counter you will have to clean it well and then use a special primer first such as BIN or KILZ. Then after the paint dries seal with 4 or more coats of polyurethane. It will last for years!

5. Lastly, add some detail to the room. Sew fabric edging to your towels, add a sea shell for a soap dish, and stitch up a pretty shower curtain to cover that vinyl one. Hang some calendar pictures on the wall in dollar store frames…perhaps of a faraway place you can dream about as you soak away your cares? If you have natural light in the room from a window, add a plant or two. I love having a couple of plants in the bathroom and if you choose the right ones they will love the humidity.

Now light up some candles, turn on some music, and fill the bath with sweet smelling bubbles. Your getaway awaits!

Posted by Dave McIntosh on Sunday, January 18th, 2009 at 6:33 pm.