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