1. Fresh Look -A classic footed tub gets new life when professionally refinished and fitted with new fixtures, and it’s cheaper than replacing it altogether.

2.Fluff Up Brighten a tired bath with a new set of towels, bath mat and coordinating shower curtain. Still need to trim the budget? Replace the hand towels or washcloths only, and add the more expensive bath sheets down the road. Shopping tip: Check the child and teen decor sections of your favorite stores for bright colors and patterns that wake up a sleepy bath.

3.Color Underfoot – A new tile floor can require hefty material and labor costs, so consider painting a wood one instead. A chalk line, a straightedge and painter’s tape are all you need. Be sure to choose paint made for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.

Try more ideas for affordable bathroom tips.

Never again smear your kitchen’s faucet with slimy chicken remnants. Just place those
salmonella paws under this tap to turn the water on and, when you remove them, the flow will stop after two seconds. Touch this modern appliance to activate the water, set the temperature with the manual valve, and use the pulldown spray nozzle to clean the sink. In Brilliance Stainless, shown, and chrome. $800 to $1,100. 877-345-2749, brizo.com.

Anchara Collection
(Decolav)

This solid wood vanity comes with a matching mirror is great for a beautiful bathroom design. The storage unit has a curved front, a frosted-glass top, two drawers, and open shelving; the mirror features a ledge to display a daisy or hold your morning brew. In espresso, shown, and cherry. $2,558. 561-274-2110, decolav.com.

Embellish Engineered-Stone Surfacing
(CaesarStone)

Forget coffee—get your morning jolt with this quartz-based countertop in a hip new hue: apple martini. Yum! Inspired by Italian color expert and designer Roberto Cannovaro, the refreshingly bright surface has a matte finish that won’t chip, scratch, or stain. This is a great kitchen design idea. $50 to $80 a square foot, installed. 877-978-2789, caesarstoneus.com.

Our editor’s salute the latest and greatest prized kitchen and bath products.

The 300-square-foot master bath , which includes an air-jet tub, a pair of vanities, a double-size glass-enclosed shower, and a walk-in closet and storage closet, maintains the character of their 1916 European-style Atlanta home while at the same time keeping it up to date with contemporary touches. “It has simple, clean lines yet is rich and well detailed,” says Pritchett. “And we made it cozy by adding stained-wood beams and a painted-wood ceiling.”

Click here to see more on this live-in bath design.

Live-In Bath

The whirlpool tub sits beneath a bay window that looks out onto a private area of the home’s garden. Consequently, the homeowners can immerse themselves in a luxuriant bathing experience—and get a great view with bountiful natural light—without concern for the neighbors.

Click here or a bath design to unwind to.

Soothing Bath Design

Kohler’s built-in-shower towers bring streamlined order to the bathroom. Perfect for new construction, the smooth Pilaster shower locker installs nearly flush with the wall and feature four removable polypropylene shelves. In Matte Nickel, as shown $132 or Satin Silver $115, kohler.com

BlueStar’s new 30 and 36 inch gas wall ovens open via French doors. Available in a variety of colors, also they have convection capabilities. Prices range from $3,500 to $6,000. Found at bluestarcooking.com

For more ideas on kitchen and bath design, come look at our top picks on Kitchen and Bath Design Products.

Kitchen and Bath Design

Bathroom Touch-Up Guide

Three to Six months ahead:

Set up a file to keep all your ideas, products and business cards you accumulate.

Keep thorough notes of all must haves and wish list items, so that you know what you will compromise. Keep a rough sketch of what ideas work in your bathroom presently and which don’t.

Begin researching contractors by asking around for referrals.

Go with a pro if your project involves major renovations.

One to three months ahead:

Narrow down field contractors to three. Review credentials if possible visit an in-progress project to get a feel of what you’re in store for.

Choose a contractor and decide who will buy what

For more tips on bathroom remodeling ideas.

Bathroom Touch-Up's

2.) Looking for a whole new look? Sand and refinish cabinets for an upgrade.

3.) Replace dated fabric window treatments and use glass brick or frosted glass to cover a small winder where privacy is needed. With a few matching accessories near the sink, the look will go from blah to spa.

Check out my other bathroom renovation ideas.

Give your bathroom a magic touch by separating sinks and bathing fixtures. Just think after a long day at work, come home to a soothing bath without any annoying distractions. This was the idea homeowners, Mark and Jane Kendalls wanted in their home in Orinda, California. At the time of their home renovation, their three boys were entering their adolescent years. “We wanted a chance to create a private spa retreat to have a moment of peace.” With the help of interior designer, Catherine Macfee they built double vanity with makeup area which is the decorative anchor of the space. Its green marble countertop set a tone that is picked up in, among other places, the light sage painted walls.

Bath Design

Click here for a place to unwind.

To achieve this in your bathroom composition, design a light-filled, green-hued, 7-by-9-foot master bath so fresh and inviting, it calms yet awakens the senses. Function may not necessarily be the first concern for backsplashes given the variety of colors available today. Backsplashes were installed to protect surfaces from water damage and play an important design element in the bath. When designing your bathroom layout, the backsplash should not be a separate feature, but incorporated into the total design, taking on from other tiles, shapes and colors played around the room.

Tile Bathroom

We have fabulous kitchen products. Amongst them we found BlueStar’s new 30- and 36-inch gas wall ovens that open via French doors. Available in 190 colors, ranging from $3,500 to $6,100.

Kitchen Product

For your bathroom decor consider vanities from Kohler and American Standard. They come in a range of styles and are pre-assembled, springing to life via clever hinging. American Standard’s product accommodates its vessel sinks $99 while Kohler’s go with a variety of its basins: $439 ~ $699.

Bathroom Product

Check out more on innovative kitchen and bathroom products.