Whether you plan to revamp, redecorate, or just freshen up the look of your bathroom: It doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. Just using a bit of practical techniques, imagination, and effort can make a big difference in how your bathroom looks and feels.

If your bathroom needs a lot of work then try tackling it a little at a time. Create both short and long term plans for your redecorating project for instance, that way you can achieve very quick results by doing something simple like putting in new, colorful towels and accessories. Other things that are quick and easy include putting in a new shower curtain or bath screen, and changing the window coverings.

Here’s a general game plan for most bathroom redecorating projects…

1. Take care of practical issues or problems
Deal with anything that’s even remotely dangerous first. Put a non-slip finish inside the bathtub for instance; put a mat or area rug next to the shower and tub where it’s often slippery; install a childproof medicine cabinet if necessary; and if there’s room, install a safety rail by the bathtub or shower.

Once the safety work is finished, then start working on the irritating, problematic, or inefficient areas. If you have a leaky faucet for instance, repair or replace that. Replace the waterproofing around your bathtub if needed; soak the shower head in vinegar if it’s caked and clogged with hard water residue; and if the room is small, consider re-hanging the door so that it opens outwards instead of inwards so you’ll be able to use the small space better.

Once practical and safety issues have been addressed, the fun can begin!

2. Freshen up the Walls
Tiles are the most practical of finishes for bathroom walls, and if you’re able to put in new tile with the colors and designs you like then do so. If you have existing tiles which are worn or not the best looking though, you can temporarily deal with them by repairing the problem sections, or simply removing them completely.

There are two ways to tackle tiles that are sound but unattractive: remove them and put up new tiles, or – much quicker and often just as satisfactory – simply tile over them. A third option, not normally recommended for an area subject to damp but worth considering as a short-term cover-up, is to cover the offending tiled surface with a tile paint. This solves the problem if you are planning a complete overhaul but have other priorities to see to first.

If the tiles are merely dull rather than an eyesore, make them more interesting by adding a tiled border to the existing tiles or, for a low cost facelift, experiment with tile transfers.

If you prefer wallpaper, choose a waterproof vinyl, which copes well with condensation in damp areas like bathrooms. Alternatively, paint is a quick way of freshening up walls – look for a type that’s specifically made for bathrooms though, otherwise you may have an ugly peeling mess on your hands in the future.

3. Freshen up the Floors
My personal favorite way to make bathroom floors more attractive is to put in small area rugs. A small handmade rug in front of the shower for instance, serves the dual purpose of making a commonly wet area less slick and hazardous, while adding color and interest to the overall bathroom design.

Using throw rugs is also useful for covering up worn or damaged areas of the flooring too, and this comes in handy if you’re not yet ready to replace the bathroom floor entirely.

4. Add a few accents
A great way to keep your bathroom continuously looking new is to create 2-4 color schemes, and switch those out regularly through the year. If you have four different design colors schemes, you can revamp the look of your bathroom each season. Having just two works well too though, because you’re able to change things up at least twice each year.

If you don’t have different accents and accessories that can be used to change the entire look of your bathroom though, then start with just a few. Change the toothbrush holder for instance, and the soap dish and trash can. Or just go very simple and add some silk flowers and plants around instead :)