Five-minute facelift

Functional doesn’t have to be frumpy – it’s time to get the bathroom ready for a makeover

By Melissa Manning
CTW Features

Image courtesy iStockphoto

“People are using the bathroom for more than just functional aspects,” says Diana Schrage, an interior designer at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wis. “The bathroom is now a room to escape to.”

Schrage urges clients to think about how they can customize their space to fit their needs. “The design is there to serve them,” not the other way around, Schrage explains. “I see this as functional art.”

Because bathrooms are generally small spaces, they’re terrific rooms in which to experiment with color and creativity. Try these time-tested tips:

-One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to change your bathroom’s look is to paint it. To evoke a feeling of spaciousness in a small room, choose a pale, uniform color.

-Splurge on new bath accessories such as a cup, soap dish or toothbrush holder (or all three). They’ll add an instant lift with zero work.

-Hang a new shower curtain. Or make one in just a few hours with your favorite material from the fabric store. Transform it in the future to a window curtain or valance.

-Stack colorful, fluffy towels or books and magazines in a basket, and put the basket in a prominent place.

-Borrow prints or photographs from other rooms and display them on the vanity or hang them on the walls. Equally easy: Move a plant near the window or place a vase of fresh flowers on a side table to add texture and dimension to a flat area. To please your sense of sight and smell, put out scented votive candles or soaps in a pretty container.

-It’s important in a steamy bathroom to allow fresh air in. Hang faux wood blinds, which are designed for high-moisture areas. They’re easy to move up or down for air or privacy.

-Hang stylish wallpaper and borders. Though it’s more difficult than painting, the results can be spectacular. A premade shelf can also add architectural interest to the room while offering additional storage and display space.

-If you have the time and talent, lay a new tile or vinyl floor. Quicker yet, try a soft throw rug with rubber backing.

-Pretend you’re at a hotel: Place your coffee pot (and mugs) on a shelf for a fun, flavorful and unexpected twist.

-For safety’s sake, buy bath mats with suction cups or install safety treads in your bathtub or shower for extra protection against slipping. Plug in a decorative nightlight so that you’re never left in the dark. Consider installing grab bars and nonslip tile.

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