While a bathroom may be on the bottom of the list when it comes to decorating, it is the room where you indulge in a relaxing shower or soak in the tub to while away the cares of the day.  A country themed bathroom is charming and relaxing, the perfect place to enjoy an hour-long soak in a tub filled with aromatic oils.  Below you will find some great ideas for transforming an ordinary bath in to one that indulges all of your senses.

Decorate with those things you love

Just because a magazine tells you exactly how to decorate your bathroom to achieve a country or primitive look doesn’t mean you have to follow the directions to the letter!

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you want the room to reflect your own personality by using those things you truly love.  You may enjoy a primitive country look, or simple things like wicker baskets, wood floors and an old-fashioned claw foot tub rather than what you see in stylized pictures.

Consider the size of your bath as well as your budget when transforming the bath into a country retreat.

Warm up the floor

In a country bath, anything from wide plank wood floors to laminates and vinyl with a worn look work great.  The real decorative touch comes by adding rag or braided rugs with a country appeal.

If you do choose wood floors, make sure they are approved for use in the bathroom where excess moisture and humidity are often a problem.

Beadboard – perfect for country walls

For authentic country appeal, consider beadboard on the walls.  Narrow pine planks applied about half way up the wall add charm and beauty.  Paint the beadboard white and finish the remainder of the walls off with a soft country blue, sage green or butter yellow.

Consider a wallpaper border or stencil for the top of the walls around the edges to complete the look.  An old-fashioned peg board is the perfect place to hang robes, bath towels or other country accents.

Remodel the vanity

If you have the money, nothing speaks “country” like a pedestal sink!  Surrounded by a ruffled skirt, this is one factor that really contributes to an authentic country look.  Extra storage exists behind the skirt; consider hanging an oval mirror over the sink to complete the vintage look.

If you don’t have the money to purchase a pedestal sink, consider refinishing wood cabinet doors and the top of the vanity using materials that offer a rural or rustic look.

Accessories

Depending on the size of your bathroom, accessories can complete the look.  If space allows, bring in a straight-backed wood chair to hold extra towels, a country floral arrangement and candles.  This is a beautiful focal point when placed in one corner of the room.

Green plants are perfect in any type of decor; spruce up the room with randomly placed plants and vines in various sizes.

Wicker baskets also add charm to a country-style bath, so place them on the vanity, on the floor, on shelves – anywhere there is room.  Fill with scented soaps, potpourri, luxurious body lotions, etc.

Creating a country style bathroom is easy!  Decide whether you want your bath to be pure country, primitive or even country chic and go to town with your ideas.  You’ll have fun, and your bathroom will be the perfect retreat after a long, hard day.

Remodeling a bathroom can cost a fortune, especially when you end up buying a whole new tub or shower and vanity.  You want your bathroom to be as attractive as possible for your family and guests, but you just don’t have a lot of money to spend.  This article offers tips and ideas that will help you create a beautiful bath without busting your budget.

Little changes make a huge difference in the appearance of your bathroom; even changing out the small accessories will make a dramatic impact!

Shop at the big box department stores for matching accessories

Explore some of the options at your local Wal-Mart or Target.  The co-ordinates they offer are usually affordable with any budget, and the accessories they offer widely vary.  Choose soap dishes, wall decor, trash cans and shower curtains that will coordinate perfectly with the patterns and colors you have in mind.

Towels are often much cheaper at the big box retailers as well, and can be used to decorate.  Add folded towels and washcloths to a wicker basket along with silk flower petals and a candle, and you have a beautiful arrangement for the vanity or a wall shelf.

Mirrors and lighting

You would be amazed at the difference simply changing out your vanity mirror makes.  For a small bathroom, adding a larger mirror found at a local hardware store can make a dramatic difference!  Consider shopping local flea markets or antique shops as well, as they often have unique items for a bargain.

Installing lights that have a dimmer option is a good choice, as you can create a relaxing atmosphere by lowering the lights while bathing. Consider adding a decorative wall sconce with a battery operated lamp for a romantic touch.

Pretty up sinks and tubs with new faucets

Installing a new tub or sink can drain your budget; why not install new faucets?  There are numerous styles available today, and you can completely change the theme of the room with this one simple task.  Whether you want brass for an old-fashioned look or chrome faucets with an edgy look for modern appeal, you will find this one trick makes a noticeable difference.

The biggest change is the most affordable

Since the shower curtain is so large, changing it out is the one thing you can do that will really liven up the room!  Whether you want a boldly colored abstract pattern or a shower curtain covered in flowers or a beach theme, there are hundreds of options available to you.  Throw in a coordinated bath rug, and your bathroom has a fresh new look.

Clear all of the clutter to give your bath an open, airy appearance and add fresh color to the walls with a coat of paint.  Hang your favorite prints and pictures, and you’re done!  Your bathroom will look as though it has been completely renovated, and you will save thousands of dollars in the process.  The bathroom is one room in the home that can be given an entirely new look on a shoestring budget.

You want your bathroom to be attractive; after all, this is a room that visitors in your home often frequent, not to mention the members of your family.  This is also where you take a relaxing soak in the tub after a long hard day!  Making your bathroom relaxing and beautiful without spending more than your budget can spare is a challenge, but it can be accomplished.

Here are a few tips that will help you transform your bath for just a few hundred dollars.

Renew the walls

Are your bathroom walls a bland off-white or cream color?  Consider using bold, vibrant tones or softer pastels.  Peach, burnt orange and soft blue are great for the bath; butter yellow and sea foam green are other great colors that will give the room a fresh new appeal.

You can paint the walls of your bathroom for practically nothing – just the cost of a can of paint, a roller and a paint brush!  You may also want to consider some of the techniques that add rich texture to the walls such as sponging, feather dusting and rag-rolling.

Give your vanity a new look

If the front of your vanity is wood, consider giving it an entirely different look with – again – paint!  Sand off the finish if it is stained and sealed, and then apply paint in a cloud blue, cream or butter yellow shade.  You might also consider stenciling the cabinet doors with a complementary pattern in order to add a unique touch.

Have a somewhat boring mirror over your vanity?  Liven it up a bit by adding vanity lighting down both sides, or place a wallpaper border around the entire perimeter (you can also paint a border around the edges.)

Time for new accessories

You would be surprised at just how much of a difference changing out your accessories can make!  Consider a new shower curtain, bath rug and toilet lid.  Today, you can find toilet lids in a wide array of colors, and they are easy to change yourself.

A shower curtain patterned with birds, flowers or a seascape adds fresh color to the room.  Add bath and hand towels that complement or contrast with the colors in your decor; also consider displaying some of your nicest towels in a wicker basket.

Accents

Some bathrooms are simply too small for many accents, but you can decorate the walls with prints that blend with the rest of your decor.  If you do have some room to spare, consider placing a wrought iron or wicker plant stand in one corner filled with casually flowing greenery.  If space allows, include a relaxing candle in scents such as lavender or tranquility.

If you are willing to do it yourself, you can even re-floor your bathroom for very little money.  Today, you can find linoleum and tiles that are easy to install, and give your bathroom an entirely new look!

Put some of the tips above to use, and you will find that your bathroom takes on an entirely different personality without spending much at all.

In years gone by, a bathroom was really just a practical room that was used for a specific reason.  Now, bathrooms are more of a retreat, a place where you can go to relax after a long day.  Today, bathrooms run the gamut from slick and chic to ultra modern or even romantic.  How can you update your bathroom so that it is a room your guests will find beautiful and appealing?  Plenty of tips and ideas are offered in this article.

Make a few decisions before you begin

Before you begin to make over your bath, decide what look you are striving for.  Do you want a relaxed atmosphere, or one that is bold and sophisticated?For a relaxing retreat, stick to soft neutral shades such as cream, tan, brown, white and even soft shades of blue or green.  If you love a bold or art deco look, go with bold, vibrant colors to add richness to the room.  Black, red and white are perfect colors for the art deco style of decorating.

Textures keep the theme flowing

If you are installing new flooring in your bath, make sure that you consider the vanity as well.  A stone floor or ceramic tiles often don’t coordinate well with a wood-topped vanity.  You want to keep materials and surfaces in harmony, so go with a vanity top that is made of stone, marble or tile for a completely modern look.

Many times, people forget all about the fixtures and other adornments when updating the bath.  These little things make a huge difference in the final outcome!  Faucets, drawer pulls, cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures and even the mirrors should be brought up-to-date and in line with the style you have chosen.

Add texture to walls

Paint is one of the most versatile tools available for freshening up a room or giving it an entirely new look.  In the bath, consider adding texture to the walls by using paint to sponge, rag roll or stencil the walls.  This will add incredible depth, which gives the room a rich look.  Paint baseboards and other trim a complementary or contrasting shade.

To make your bath appear larger and more spacious, consider hanging an additional mirror on one wall to reflect natural light.  You may want to choose a central theme for your bath, such as a beach or ocean atmosphere.

Once you have completed your floors, vanity, and walls, add further to the appeal with accessories.  Bath towels, window treatments, a bath rug and shower curtain will bring the room together for a complete look.  Depending on the style of decor you have chosen, add a few art pieces inspired by your choice.  If you want a relaxed and soothing atmosphere, accents in bamboo and wicker provide a comfortable touch.

Use your imagination, and don’t be afraid to do what you really like!  It’s your home, so go for any look that will bring you the most relaxation and pleasure at the end of a long, stressful day.  Your bathroom is your haven; make it your own.

Let’s face it – a bathroom is one of the hardest rooms in your home to decorate, and one of the most used by guests.  What can you do to liven up the room and give it some character?  There are plenty of things you can do, many of which you have probably never thought of.  This article offers tips and ideas for adding ambiance, interest and even a little romance to your bath.

Whether yours is large and spacious or very small, you can make it beautiful and appealing.

Liven up the walls

You may think that the only way to decorate walls is with white paint, especially if your bath is on the small size.  If you are using a solid color, you should keep it light.  However, if you decide to go for a pattern or design, you can use rich hues of amber, gold and burgundy, or any other colors that suit your decor.  In a small bathroom, vertical stripes make the room look visually taller.  You can do this with wallpaper that has a wide stripe, or paint them on yourself.

Another great idea for bathroom walls is to use rubber stamping techniques, which lets you place any design you like on the walls.  Faux finishes are highly popular today, and add an element of texture to the room.

Lighting sets the mood

In a bathroom, it’s often necessary to use two different kinds of lighting.  Most people want bright lights around the vanity mirror, so they can easily see to shave, apply make up, etc.  Other than task lighting, low wattage ceiling lights can add a romantic and ambient atmosphere to a large bathroom.

For a smaller bath, you can still get the effect by placing a sconce on one wall and using a 60 watt bulb.  This will provide a warm effect for those times when you simply want to relax in the tub after a stressful day.

Time for a few personal touches

Now that you have beautiful walls and the perfect lighting, it’s time to add a few accessories to make the room even more appealing.  Use objects and motifs that reflect your unique personality, such as a large boldly-colored vase filled with greenery or even an old trunk topped with some of your favorite accessories if you have the room.

Use your imagination!  A soap dish and a toothbrush holder don’t add much interest to the room.  Use the most luxurious towels you can afford for display, to add further splashes of color to the room.

If your bathroom isn’t too small, accenting the tub is an option that many don’t think about but can add a lot of character.  Hang sheer panels from the ceiling and drape them softly around the edge, pulling them back to the wall about 8 inches above the edge of the tub.  Add full size mirrors to two walls around the tub, and talk about romance!  Imagine a candle flickering and reflecting in the mirrors as you relax in a tub filled with rich, soothing oils.

With a little imagination, there is no end to the things you can do to make your bathroom exquisite – and your guests will be amazed at your decorating sense.

Is your bathroom plain and boring?  Many people find that the most visited room in the house is the least attractive.  A complete makeover is beyond many people’s budget, but you want that room to look more appealing, especially to those who visit your home.  You don’t have to install a new tub along with fancy vanity and expensive mirrors to make your bath one of your favorite rooms!  This article offers information that will help you transform your bathroom into one you don’t recognize, all while spending a few hundred dollars or less, instead of thousands.

Before You Begin

Before you get started on your bathroom makeover, give your bathroom a thorough cleaning.  It always makes you feel better if you start with a good cleaning from top to bottom, and the results will be better when your project is completed.  If you do any painting, the results are much more professional looking when you start on a clean base.

Tub Need a Facelift?

If your tub looks like it has seen better days, do as much as you can to improve its appearance.  If you have tiles surrounding the tub, scrub them to remove any mold or mildew that may have accumulated.  Caulk around the fixtures, and around the edge of the tub if necessary.  Little things like this make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom.

Add Color

Are your bathroom walls white?  Perhaps you have old wallpaper that gives the room a worn look.  If you do have wallpaper that is unattractive, strip it off and paint.  Be bold, and don’t be afraid to use soft shades of blue, peach, even lavender.  If your bath is small, steer clear of dark colors which will only make it look darker.  Also, remember to use paints that are made for use in areas where humidity or moisture accumulate so that your new look will last longer.

Towels are to be used for drying off after a bath or shower, but buy a few extras and add a splash of color!  Deep green towels look magnificent when hung against a pale peach wall.  Choose three colors to use throughout your bath, one being dominant while the others complement or contrast.

Accessories

A bathroom really isn’t the place to have numerous accessories and knick-knacks sitting around.  To give your bath a clean, vibrant look, invest a little money in a new shower curtain and bath mat that add further appeal to the room.  For the vanity, colored lotion bottles and pretty soaps are all you need.  You may want to add a large scented candle, not only for the beauty but for luscious scent as well.

You really don’t have to spend money that is not within your budget to make your bathroom look fresh and appealing!  All you need is a little paint, a couple of towels for décor, and perhaps a new shower curtain along with a bath mat.  Remove the clutter, keep the lines clean and enjoy your new bathroom – one that cost only a fraction of a complete remodel.  Not only will your guests be impressed, your entire family will love the new look of the room.

Nearly every home owner with a small bathroom wishes they had made the room larger during the construction of their home.  Even if they purchased a resale, if the bathroom is small, it can be problematic.

While you may not be able to afford a complete remodel, there are many things you can do to give the room a more open, spacious appearance.  In fact, it can be made to look quite a bit larger than it actually is.  This article offers tips and ideas that will open up your bath, making it more attractive and appealing.

The use of color and lighting can make a dramatic transformation in the look of your bathroom.  Here are a few ideas, many of which you can put to use right now!

Use the Right Colors

Most people are aware of the fact that color plays an important role in the appearance and mood of a room.  Dark colors tend to draw the walls in, making the spaces appear smaller.  Light, bright colors visually enlarge a room, making it appear bigger than its actual square footage.

In your bathroom, use lightly colored neutrals and pastels to expand the room.  Sand shades, creams and pastels such as peach and sky blue are all great colors for the bath.  Walls and ceilings should be kept as light as possible, with contrasting (but still light) hues on baseboards and door facings.  Bath rugs, shower curtains and window treatments should be kept light as well, with patterns or designs that include colors from the same palette.

Light Up the Room!

Lighting makes all the difference in whether a room looks dark and receding, or large and spacious.  Natural light flooding through windows adds to the roomy atmosphere, and other lighting can enhance the effect.  You may want to consider recessed lighting in the ceiling or additional lighting around the mirror over your vanity.

Mirrors help reflect light as well, and visually make the room larger because of the reflection.  You might want to consider hanging an additional mirror on one wall, preferably where it will reflect the light from the windows.

Add More Floor Space

While it won’t actually give you more room to walk, removing your old vanity can make a tremendous difference in the appearance of your bathroom.  Many vanities have cabinetry below, with doors, drawers, etc. for storing toothpaste, hair brushes and other necessities.

By removing the vanity and replacing it with a pedestal style vanity, you will be amazed at the change in the appearance of the room.  A pedestal vanity takes up very little floor space, and adds a touch of elegance to the room at the same time.  Find other areas where you can store your necessities such as a nearby linen closet.  The improved appearance of your bathroom will make this small sacrifice worth the effort.

Are you ready to transform your tiny bathroom in to one that is inviting and spacious?  Stick with light colors all over the room, add plenty of lighting and consider replacing your large vanity with a small pedestal sink.  Little changes make all the difference!

Are you unhappy with the way your bathroom looks, but don’t have much money to invest in remodeling?  Without spending much at all, you can completely transform the appearance and atmosphere of your bath.  Sure, no one visits in this room, but plenty of people use it!  When visitors come, you want your home to look as beautiful as possible, and the bathroom is no different.  This article offers you tips and ideas you can use today that will update and refresh the most used room in the house.

Many people have bathrooms that are so small, the tub, vanity and toilet are practically touching each other, with only space enough to walk in the room.  Even in this situation, you can still make the room look charming!

Paint Can Work Miracles

Paint can accomplish nearly anything.  If your bathroom is small, paint the ceiling bright white, the walls a pale or pastel shade of sand, peach or buttercup yellow.  Add an interesting contrast by painting all trim around the floors and doors white.  If your bathroom is very large, you can use deep, rich colors instead and still get away with it.  Mauve, burgundy and forest green are beautiful colors for a large bathroom.

Give Life to the Walls

Even in a small bath, you need something for the walls; otherwise the room will look drab and boring.  Consider placing wood or wicker shelves over the toilet.  You can often find these at flea markets and resale stores – just clean those up well, apply some spray paint and you’re good to go!  Top the shelves with candles, apothecary jars filled with cotton balls or potpourri, and other colorful accents.

Mirrors are essential in a bathroom, especially a small one.  Most likely you already have a mirror hanging over the vanity, but consider an additional mirror for an opposite wall to reflect light and add dimension.  In a small bathroom, hang a large print on one wall that is brightly colored to further lighten up the room.  Too many pictures, sconces and such look cluttered, and may make the room look even smaller.

The BEST Tip of All

What is the one thing you can do that will instantly improve the appearance of your bathroom?  A new shower curtain!  A brightly colored print will liven up the room, and a solid color works well as long as it complements the other colors in your décor.  Buy an extra shower curtain, and use the fabric to make curtains for the window and a cover for the waste basket!  You won’t spend much money, and your bathroom will look well put together.

Wicker baskets filled with soaps, rolled up washcloths and small lotion bottles look feminine and make a nice touch to any bathroom, no matter what size.  If your bathroom is large, consider placing a large plant in one corner.  When possible, floors should be kept to a light shade in smaller bathrooms.

Combine these tips with a few of your own creative ideas, and you will have a bathroom that you actually enjoy looking at.

To be honest, the bathroom is one room that many home owners pay very little attention to with regards to design and décor.  This room is used for very limited reasons; however it could be used for so much more!  Relaxing and unwinding after a hard day’s work is something that many people fail to do, and the tub is the perfect place to do it.

If the décor were a bit more dramatic, maybe people would use this room as more of a sanctuary when they want to get away from it all.  This article explains how to transform the look of your bathroom, and make it an area of the house you will actually enjoy utilizing!

Start Out Slow
Until you decide if you want to incorporate black and white into your bathroom, start out with something simple to give you a taste of the look.  A stark white wall adorned with a simple black and white print framed in solid black will give you an idea of what to expect.  This décor is not for everyone, but if you love bold and dramatic it should suit you perfectly.

How Color Affects Your Mood
Different colors are proven to affect mood.  With black and white, black radiates excitement and sophistication, while white represents tranquility.  In this way, you can see that the two colors are a sort of blend of opposites, which makes for some very exciting decorating!

The Floor is Essential to the Overall Look
Many people ignore floors when it comes to decorating their home.  In any room, the flooring and rugs can completely transform the look of the room!  When considering the black and white bathroom, think about bold designs.  Tile or marble flooring is great in the bathroom to begin with, and a mixture of black and white tiles makes a dramatic impact on the look of the room.  The look is bold and exciting, yet refined and tranquil at the same time.  If you currently have a snow-white floor in your bathroom, jazz it up with a jet black rug!

Include Great Accessories
The ‘accessories’ are the jewelry of any room.  In the bath, the window and shower curtains can help pull the look together and make it complete.  Choose a bold geometric or abstract pattern that incorporates black, white and gray if you like.  Add a dramatic mirror over the vanity edged in black or silver.  Decorate a large wall with an intricately patterned mural or tapestry.

To update the look of your cabinets, give them a coat of paint in either black or white.  Finish off with a high gloss coat of polyurethane, and add knobs in the contrasting color.  Can you picture in your mind how fantastic this bathroom is going to look?  One thing is for certain – it will never be called plain or dull again.

Make your bathroom a sanctuary where you can relax and unwind after a long, stressful day.  Fill the tub with scented bath oil, bubbles or whatever you like.  Light a few candles, enjoy a glass of wine, and totally love your surroundings.