Budget Bathroom Makeovers

If a major bathroom remodel isn't in your budget, simply updating a smaller aspect of your bathroom can still have significant impact. New tile, cabinets, lighting or plumbing fixtures can give the room a whole new style. Update the walls with a fresh coat of paint or use drywall to provide texture for a faux look. To keep up with recent trends, some people are even updating their electrical systems to accommodate in-bathroom TVs, stereos, and towel warmers.

To get the most out of your makeover, keep in mind how the bathroom is used and choose projects that will have the greatest impact as well as will positively affect your daily routine. The key to a small bathroom makeover is to pick one or two projects and focus all of your creativity and budget on those.

1. Add colorful tile for personality
Brighten up a neutral bathroom with brightly colored tile. If tiling your entire bathroom is out of the question, mix and match tile colors above the sink or bathtub to create your own wall mosaic. Consider choosing a colorful grout to further customize your creation.

2. Revitalize your cabinetry
Give life to old cabinets by restaining, painting or refacing them. Or replace them altogether with new cabinets. While bathroom cabinets can help set the tone of the room, they also need to be functional. Choose cabinets that provide adequate storage or add additional shelving to your current cabinets.

3. Change your light fixtures
Swap out your old light fixtures for newer ones that allow the option of having softer light for those relaxing evenings in the tub as well as brighter light for getting ready in the morning.

4. Replace your plumbing fixtures
Nothing dates a bathroom like a dingy, basic 1970s chrome faucet. Today's faucets have become the inspiration for an entire bathroom. From elegant waterfall to traditional fixtures, chrome to brass, there are more options than ever to choose from.

5. Try a new wall treatment
The simplest—and most inexpensive—way to update any room is to tackle those walls. The small space is the perfect place to try a bold color or bright shade that might be overwhelming elsewhere in your home.

6. Upgrade your electrical to enjoy entertaining and relaxing benefits
People are spending more and more time in their bathrooms these days—relaxing, rejuvenating, and just hiding away. And, now there are more uses for an electrical outlet than a hair dryer. Consider upgrading your electrical system to allow for entertainment (TVs and stereos) and relaxation (jetted foot tubs and facial saunas).