| The bathroom has evolved over the past | | | | piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider |
| decades from a strictly useful and functional | | | | old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs |
| room to one that is similar to a spa. And | | | | or other flea market collectibles. One |
| just because there aren't thousands of | | | | especially exciting bathroom included |
| dollars available for decorating doesn't mean | | | | replicas of old bottles with genuine antique |
| that a bath can't be unique, dramatic and | | | | stoppers made of silver and fashioned into |
| thoroughly satisfying. Here are nine frugal | | | | old-time designs. |
| ways to spice up any bathroom. | | | | |
| | | | In a bathroom, be certain there is ample |
| 1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add | | | | space for your collectibles, like a wide |
| both light and space to any bathroom. They | | | | shelf with a lip or a generous window sill. |
| reflect colors, faces and other decorations | | | | Broken pottery or glass isn't helpful in any |
| and add character and interest . Mirrors are | | | | room - but it's especially destructive in a |
| much more effective when grouped together | | | | bathroom. |
| rather than being a scattered mass simply | | | | |
| hanging on a wall. | | | | 6. Color is, of course, the quickest, |
| | | | cheapest and easiest way alter any bathroom. |
| 2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a | | | | Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like |
| wall. For maximum impact hang them closely | | | | melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add |
| together rather than separated. Pictures can | | | | drama. Accents like brightly colored towels |
| be striking if they have a 'theme', such as: | | | | in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an |
| | | | outstanding accent. |
| * Black and white photos - no color | | | | |
| | | | 7. Architectural details can spark interest. |
| * Older shots - from the 1930s or 1940s, for | | | | A piece of beaded or crown molding halfway up |
| instance | | | | the wall or near the ceiling can transform a |
| | | | room, especially if it's painted a funky |
| * The frames are all an identical color | | | | color. A more elaborate addition would be |
| | | | grooved paneling over half the wall. Even a |
| * The frames or photos have a uniqueness in | | | | shelf or picture rail adds interest. |
| common - oval shapes, women only, pets | | | | |
| | | | 8. Add living color with plants or freshly |
| This decorating tactic works best in a powder | | | | cut flowers. The energy of plants is soothing |
| room, rather than a full bathroom, because of | | | | and creates a zen-like atmosphere that is |
| the high moisture. | | | | very conducive to relaxation and letting go |
| | | | of stress. |
| 3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. | | | | |
| For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial | | | | 9. A piece of furniture, space permitting, |
| America are easily available and a few | | | | can add unusual detail to any bathroom. |
| samplers grouped on a wall create a totally | | | | Furniture need not be expensive. Most |
| unique bathroom. | | | | Goodwill or Salvation Army stores will have a |
| | | | battered piece of furniture that can be |
| 4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the | | | | revived with sanding, paint and some unusual |
| floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug | | | | and classy handles or knobs. |
| or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. | | | | |
| Just be certain to use a non-skid pad | | | | All nine of these ideas won't fit every |
| underneath, especially if anyone will be | | | | bathroom, nor should they. Simply choose one |
| stepping out of a tub or shower. | | | | or two, as your budget permits, and begin |
| | | | slowly adding details. And don't forget the |
| 5. Collections can spark interest and | | | | 'before and after' pictures! |
| admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent | | | | |