Bathroom décor blues? All it takes is a little creativity to go from drab to fabulous By: Ian Ponting Are you getting that same drab feeling every time you enter your bathroom? Perhaps it’s time to make some changes. Redecorating a bathroom does not always require extensive work or money. In fact, significant changes can be accomplished with just a few accessories and a creative touch. So stop researching contractors, worrying over expensive renovations and fretting about what you’ll do without your bathroom while it is under repair – and consider implementing these quick, inexpensive and imaginative redecoration techniques. A good place to begin is with your bathroom lighting. Adding more light to a room can actually give the illusion that the room is larger than it actually is. One simple way to do this is by increasing the size of the light fixtures. For example, if you have a three light fixture, make your room brighter with a five light fixture, or increase your light bulb size to achieve the desired brightening effect. If there is ample counter space or room for furniture, lighting can be greatly improved with a small table lamp, which also adds elegance and warmth. Furniture usually only works in bathrooms that are large enough to not appear cramped. But if you are blessed with a big bathroom, try moving an old cupboard or chest into an empty corner. It can add style and storage at the same time. A chair or bench also adds panache and functionality to large bathrooms, as it provides the perfect place to sit while manicuring your nails or waiting for a bath to draw. If you have a smaller bathroom, limit the amount of accessories lying around. Storage space is likely a premium, so finding room for a cabinet or a bin is probably impossible. In this case, consider installing a shelf or two on the wall behind your toilet where you can store extra toilet paper and towels, as well as smaller toiletries, like shampoo and hairbrushes. To keep these items organized use display containers, which can often be found in a kitchen. For example, a ceramic jar can hold cotton balls while mugs can be used for holding makeup brushes. Baskets are also great for hiding miscellaneous items. If your bathroom can benefit from a new colour, why not spend a weekend painting. Before you begin, decide if you’ll be matching the wall colour with the rugs and fabrics already in your bathroom, or if you’ll be purchasing new materials. An easy and imaginative alternative to painting is stencilling, which can be done around the ceilings, window areas and mirrors. Artwork can also do wonders to spice up bare bathroom walls. Try some inexpensive framed prints, which can be used to complement any decorating theme. There are an assortment of affordable but luxurious touches that can be added to your bathroom. Radio or compact disc players can be used to play soothing sounds and add tranquility while scented candles can provide a relaxed and refreshing aroma. A built-in hair dryer may at first seem lavish, but think about how much you appreciate it in a hotel restroom and you might find that it is worth the money. So if you feel it is time to give your bathroom a new and improved look, remember that it doesn’t have to include bulldozers and bricks, just a bit of creative thinking.