Accessorize a bathtub with a plant and a basket of bath essentials. Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com

Difficulty: Average
Time Required:  30 minutes up

Here's How:

1. Using a theme (such as tropical fish, cabbage rose, or Italian villa) is a great way to spark up a bathroom.
2. Choose your color scheme based on what is appropriate for the theme, or by using a fabric, wallpaper, or a picture for color inspiration.
3. Paint the walls a warm color (soft gold, warm russet) to counteract the 'coldness' of tile, flooring, and porcelain fixtures.
4. Decorate with colorful towels and rugs chosen to match colors in your anchor fabric or wallpaper.
5. Hang pictures and choose accessories that reinforce the theme and add to the color scheme.
6. Use accessories such as boxes, baskets, and bowls that can double as containers for cosmetics, cotton balls, or washcloths.
7. Add plants (real or artificial) if there is room, either on a counter, around a tub, or hanging from a wall basket.
8. Frame a plain frameless mirror with wide decorative moulding.
9. Add a table lamp (with a small footprint) on the counter for warm lighting.
10. Use wall spaces for additional decoration, whether it be stenciling, wallpaper borders, artwork, or other interesting wall decor.
11. Add more towel bars or hooks (both on walls and backs of doors) to add convenience.
12. Store extra towels in an interesting way. Try stacking them on a shelf to add color, rolled in baskets for texture, or hanging from hooks.
13. Remember to vary textures in the room. Tile and fixtures are shiny, so add plants, baskets, and nubby rugs for texture and warmth.

Tips:

1. Keep things simple in smaller bathrooms. Use less 'stuff' but just as much color and interest.
2. Make your own colorful shower curtain from a sheet and line with an inexpensive vinyl liner.
3. If you have to work around ugly tile or flooring, try to use a color scheme that will play it up. For instance, try an 'Italian villa' theme using rich golds and greens in a bathroom with 'harvest gold' fixtures.

More How To's from your Guide To Interior Decorating