| If your bathroom doesn't fit your style, it might be | | | | lit pastel retreat? Or would you like to incorporate |
| time for a total bathroom overhaul. With so many | | | | the rich colors of a Southwestern sunset? Perhaps |
| options to choose from, it's easier (and more | | | | you prefer earth tones and the colors of nature. |
| affordable) than ever to give your bathroom an | | | | Whatever your color preference, choose your |
| extreme makeover. Here's how to get started. | | | | palette early so that you can pick materials and |
| Step One: Calculate Your Budget | | | | fixtures that complement your choice. |
| Experts say that the average cost for bathroom | | | | Step Four: Choose a Toilet |
| upgrade in the US is $26,000. You can renovate your | | | | The toilet is the most necessary feature in a |
| bathroom for far less, though, if you do the | | | | bathroom. These days, it's easy to find a toilet that |
| remodeling yourself. Just put aside some money to | | | | complements any dcor. You could go for an antique |
| cover unforeseen scenarios that require professional | | | | effect with a pull-handle toilet, or go European by |
| help. | | | | choosing a toilet with a built-in bidet. Look for |
| Go online or visit your local hardware superstore to | | | | features like flush power and water-saving efficiency. |
| see how much you can plan to pay for the items | | | | Step Five: Update Your Fixtures |
| you want in the bathroom. Don't forget to price | | | | Years of use and hard-water buildup can leave your |
| materials like drywall, paint, and flooring, if applicable. | | | | sink and tub fixtures looking dull. New fixtures really |
| And don't forget to budget your time, too. | | | | breathe life into a bathroom, so consider updating |
| Remodeling is a time-consuming process, especially if | | | | yours when you renovate. You can find lots of |
| you're doing it all yourself. | | | | good-looking fixtures in a range of prices and |
| Step Two: Choose Your Focal Points | | | | materials, from porcelain to brass to brushed steel. |
| To keep your bathroom from looking too boring or | | | | Don't forget new towel racks, doorknobs, and outlet |
| too busy, you'll need to choose a couple of features | | | | plates. Those are inexpensive updates that will help |
| to take the spotlight. | | | | your bathroom look new again. |
| The tub is a popular choice, and many bathrooms are | | | | Step Six: Other Details |
| designed around large garden tubs. If you love to | | | | Consider the people who will be using the renovated |
| soak in style, choose your bathtub first and plan the | | | | bathroom. If it will be used by children or handicapped |
| rest of the bathroom around it. Or choose a | | | | individuals, be sure to place racks and grab bars |
| claw-foot Victorian with brass fixtures for a vintage | | | | within easy reach. If it will be shared by the whole |
| look. | | | | family, don't skimp on drawer and cabinet space. |
| Of course, you're not limited to tubs and showers. | | | | Take your time and carefully plan your new |
| Your focal points could be unique lighting fixtures, | | | | bathroom. When it's time to start renovating, you |
| beautifully hand-painted ceramic tiles, luxurious linen | | | | can find plenty of do-it-yourself tutorials online. If |
| closets, or marble countertops. | | | | things start to get out of hand, don't hesitate to call |
| Step Three: Choose Your Colors | | | | in an experienced friend or professional to get you |
| A new coat of paint can make your bathroom look | | | | out of a tight spot. |
| totally different. Will your new bathroom be a | | | | Most importantly, don't let minor setbacks discourage |
| modern mix of black, white, and gray, with just a | | | | you from giving your bathroom an overhaul. Once it's |
| splash of bold color? Do you want to create a softly | | | | finished, you'll be glad you stayed the course. |