Decorating 101 - Easy Bathroom Updates

It's been a while since I've done a Decorating 101 post, so I thought I would try and bring it back with giving you all some easy ways to update your bathroom that doesn't require a paint brush, a tile saw or any heavy equipment.

My bathroom has been extra cold these past few days.  It's on the corner of the house, has tile floor and I can't seem to keep it warm without making the other rooms 98 degrees.  If I ever get to build my dream house, heated floors are in my future!  

One idea that I really love, but have not had a chance to try, is layering mirrors.  Most of us have a plate glass mirror above our sink.  Instead of taking it down and replacing it with a decorative mirror, why not just use both?  The large mirror helps open up the space more and gives you plenty of area to see all those gray hairs, then the pretty mirror gives your bathroom a little style.

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These frameless mirrors from Ballard Designs would be easy to hang and would create a more seamless transition between the two mirrors.

If you have a traditional tub/shower combination and need a shower curtain, why not try this easy update?  Instead of one, purchase two and stack one on each side.  Is your tub not always neat and tidy?  Then, just close them up and enjoy the fullness the two shower curtains bring.  When doing a custom shower curtain, I always want at least two times the width of the tub.  Using two curtains gives you this and a little more.  

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Another shower curtain idea, which I recently did for a client, was taking a ready-made shower curtain and adding a fabric band along the bottom.  This does two things - gives you extra length and a design detail that's all your own.

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Rugs are another way to bring in some color, personality and warmth into your bathroom.  I like using runners in front of sink vanities.  The longer rug seems to work better than using a lot of scatter rugs around.  I would suggest keeping the traditional bathroom rugs in front of your shower and tubs, so they can be easily washed.  You can find stylish runners at Target or Home Goods for a really reasonable price.

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Another trick I have found that was pretty and functional, is using a tray on your counter.  I am lucky to have a lot of counter space and the tray helps break it up, along with keeping my every day products all together.  Even if you don't have a lot of space, a tray can still help keep you organized.  

Most of us wish our bathroom trays could look like this!

But in reality, they will look like this.  See how much better all these items look when they are grouped together instead of being scattered on the counters?  Great idea for the man in your life!

Finally, PLEASE don't do this with your towels.  Just keep them neatly folded on your towel bars.  Make sure you wash the ones you don't use on a regular basis because the dust can change the color.  I say that from personal experience!