Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your house, yet so often overlooked and underdecorated. Replacing bathroom fixtures and accessories and adding a few creative touches can make a big splash in a little room and can be done for well under $75.
New bathroom fixtures
One of the easiest ways to update your bathroom is by replacing the fixtures and accessories. Towel bars, toilet-paper holders and decorator bathroom fixtures are inexpensive and easy to install. There are tons of choices, from sleek brushed nickel or chrome to traditional brass and bronze finishes. Try to match the general style and era of your home when choosing bathroom fixtures.
Some bathroom fixtures blend more than one finish, like brushed chrome with brass accents, or vintage-look porcelain with copper. If you can't decide, or are taking into consideration other fixtures, such as shower heads and toilet flush handles, choose styles that blend finishes.
It may even be possible to use your existing mounting hardware if you choose wisely. This way you won't have to fill holes left by the old fixtures and repaint. If the existing mounting brackets are secure and match the new hardware, you'll save a lot of work.
To see if this is possible, remove one of your existing fixtures and take it along when you shop so you can see if it's a good match.
When choosing fixtures, it generally looks better if you match them to the cabinet and vanity fixtures. Contemporary chrome fixtures may look mismatched next to traditional, brass-cabinet hardware. It is very easy and inexpensive to change the knobs or pulls on bathroom cabinets at the same time, if you need to.
Installing bathroom fixtures
To install new fixtures, follow the enclosed instructions. Usually you will have to use anchors to screw the bracket to the wall. The fixtures are generally set on the brackets and attached with either set screws (for which you will need a very small screwdriver) or allen screws (a corresponding allen wrench will usually be included in the package.)
They will be more secure if you can attach them to a stud instead of just the drywall. This isn't always possible, but if it's just a matter of moving a towel bar an inch or two, it's best. Depending on the layout of your bathroom, it may be an option to attach a towel bar or ring to the inside of the bathroom door. Wherever you put a towel bar, make sure it is high enough for a large towel to hang freely and clear the floor.
Consider who will be using the bathroom. If you have small children, make sure there is at least one towel bar or hook low enough for a child to easily hang a towel.
Towel rings are typically placed near the sink for hand towels. Make sure you don't install it where a hanging towel will obstruct a heat vent or electrical outlet.
It may go without saying, but be sure the toilet paper holder is easy to reach for people of all heights and girths. If you are replacing it in a family bathroom, get a consensus of ideal placement.
Accessorize
How about a matching bathroom accessory set for all the little bathroom necessities? Toothbrush and soap holders, tissue boxes, lotion dispensers and wastebaskets are must-haves in most bathrooms, so you might as well make them attractive.
Other bathroom accessories can include scented candles, potpourri in pretty bowls, new towels and soaps. How about plants? If you have light, most plants love the humidity in a bathroom. As a bonus, live plants are natural air fresheners. Silk plants and flowers are also fun and inexpensive touches in any bathroom.
A new shower curtain can make a big impact. There are so many styles and materials available that you can complement any decor.
A cozy new bathroom rug can add color and warmth.
With stylish new fixtures in place, you can change the accessories to match the season. Your bathroom is a hard-working little room and so easy to update for functionality and style.
~Carina MacDonald
 | The master bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any house. Coordinating colors, shapes and textures throughout the entire master bedroom and bathroom suite is the best way to pull the decor all together and create an oasis that truly is fit for royalty. |
 | Cast aside thoughts of having a dull, lifeless bathroom in your apartment and go with a central theme that appeals to you. If you're a true romantic at heart, consider the beautiful and stylish romantic theme. |
 | For the first fifty or so years since the bathroom first moved inside the house, it was strictly for no-frills utility. A sink, a toilet, a tub and maybe a separate shower resided among acres of cold, white porcelain tile. Bathrooms had all the charm of a prison hospital. |
With the hectic lifestyles led by most people today, a great deal of rare personal time is spent in the bathroom. So, it seems sensible to design a master bathroom that promotes relaxation and tranquility, yet still reflects the owner's personal taste. |
There is no need to have a boring, nondescript bathroom in your apartment. Find your creative spark and run with it! To get you started, let's take a look at two central themes that you might want to go with- the jungle theme and the beach theme. |
