Even if full-on theme decorating is just a little more obsessive than you can handle, it’s still a good idea to think about a general style and mood you’re trying to evoke – bold and festive, sleek and modern, tranquil and classic. Doing so will help you narrow down the color scheme options. Look through decorating magazines and books; make a trip to the paint store to look at paint chips; get inspired. 

Of course, if you’re renting your pad or are otherwise unable to make major bathroom changes, coming up with a theme or style may be simply a matter of making the most of what you’re stuck with. Can’t do anything about that salmon-pink tile? Embrace the hue and go all out with a fluffy-soft, rosy-hued, girly décor. Hate your seagreen toilet? Try an ocean theme and the blue-green toilet will fit right in.

color me beautiful
It’s super anal-retentive and more than a little Martha, but one of the quickest color scheme changes you can make is to color-coordinate your towels, bathmats, toothbrush holder, etc. Outlet stores are a good place to get good deals on new bath linens, and you’ll be amazed at what a new set of bath towels and hand towels can do to freshen up the look of your bathroom. If you’re willing to invest a little more effort, of course, paint is the budget decorator’s best friend. Nasty cabinets can easily be repainted in whatever hue suits your fancy, or give the whole room a color makeover with a fresh new coat of paint for the walls. It’s even possible to paint over bathroom tile (although it’s probably best to leave any tile-painting in shower or tub areas to a professional, since the water contact can be problematic – DIY.com offers helpful how-to advice, or talk to your friendly neighborhood hardware store guy). Don’t feel confined to boring old neutrals, either … sure white goes with everything, but it can be a little stark, and there’s nothing like a big sassy splash of bright color to add instant personality to a room.