If money was no object most people would have little problem designing the bathroom of their dreams. Knocking down walls and installing a private sanctuary would be as easy as hiring a good contractor and going on a shopping spree. The reality is that most people have to live with the walls around them; they can change their color or cover them with tile, but they can’t necessarily knock them down. Nevertheless, there are affordable means to transform your ordinary bathroom into an elegant space that goes beyond simple function to create a form that looks like you spent a fortune-when you didn’t!

Of all the necessary bathroom components, a tub is inevitably the most expensive. A modern marble-encased whirlpool or even a vintage claw foot tub comes with a costly price tag. Even the most basic white models aren’t cheap especially when installation is figured in. Nevertheless, if you need a new tub, it’s a necessary investment and tub shopping is filled with a wide range of pricing and a considerable variety of models. If you need a new tub, opt for model with color. White is certainly basic, but a colored tub goes beyond the ordinary and really gives your bathroom an exciting focal point. If your white tub is in good shape, consider painting the outside portion with a special enamel paint formulated for that purpose. A solid color on the outside makes a striking contrast with the white interior. You can also stencil a design on your painted tub for an added effect. Tiling the tub’s exterior is another decorative option to spice up your ordinary bathtub.

Changing the shower curtain is an easy and very affordable way to add a dramatic twist to your bathroom. If you’re crafty, a visit to the fabric store will result in far more choices than what is normally available in the bathroom section of most stores. Whatever decorative style you consider, there is a plethora of fabric styles and motifs to consider from pink flamingos to peacocks. Visiting the drapery section of a department store is another place to find the right curtain; be sure to include a liner before installing a beautiful piece of fabric. To really make a statement, consider some fabric with texture that will add another design element to your newly-decorated bathroom.

The bathroom’s vanity is often the element that dates the space-for good or bad. Changing the vanity is an easy way to make a major statement without spending a fortune. A small dresser or nightstand can be revamped to serve as a vanity inexpensively and vanities are currently designed to suit a myriad of decorative styles whether your taste leans to vintage or ultra modern. Painting a tired old vanity and changing out its hardware is a very affordable way to give a functional item a new look. On the other hand, a simple pedestal sink provides a clean look that is easy to maintain and works great for a smaller bathroom.

Bathroom walls provide the backdrop to the decor whether they are papered, tiled, or painted. Removing old wallpaper can be a time-consuming job, but no makeover is complete unless the old dingy and dated wallpaper has been eliminated. Wallpaper in a bathroom that gets lots of use is not the safest option as steam is no friend to paper; wallpapering a powder room is ok, but wallpapering a bathroom where showers occur often and by multiple family members is asking for trouble. Again, a clean look is ideal no matter what the decor style. Glossy paint is relatively inexpensive and can dramatically alter the room’s appearance. It’s also easy to wipe down and maintain. Decorative tile is another option though installation costs can run high unless it’s a do-it-yourself project.

Redoing the bathroom floor, depending on its condition, can really provide the foundation for your new decor style. Vinyl is the cheapest option, but vinyl is produced in so many great styles that it’s also a good decorative option to consider. A tiled floor is elegant and can provide that clean look that is so important to a bathroom. If the floor is in good shape, it’s a good idea to simply add a rug that complements your new decorative style.

Bathroom accessories can enhance the new makeover as well so long as they don’t clutter or overpower the space. Hanging a few prints on the walls will provide the finishing touches of your makeover. Old sailing ships, antique botanicals, vintage perfume labels-these and other types of prints and posters will cap off your makeover as will a simple change in towel racks and other odds and ends you’d like to showcase in your new bathroom. A new mirror can also add a bold new look to the bathroom and there are hundreds to choose from. If the budget allows, visit a local glass and mirror store to customize something perfect for your space. Vintage mirrors can be found at estate sales or online auctions and can provide the perfect prop for your bathroom’s new look. Changing lighting fixtures is another inexpensive makeover option to consider along with a new switch plate and outlet covers.

Change doesn’t have to be expensive; plan a budget and begin brainstorming your decor style. Visit the library to browse through the decorating books and scan online for images of other revamped bathrooms to amass ideas for your own makeover. Give yourself time to shop for bargains and to find the right materials for the look you want to create. Visit do-it-yourself venues online to determine how others exacted their bathroom changes. Share your concerns and let the online community help you out when you need some additional tips. Finally, when it’s all over post your own makeover pictures online and inspire someone else to tackle their bathroom makeover too!

Author Bio: Looking for more ideas for your own makeover? Get inspired by baderom, baderomsm