Beautify your bath
on a budget
This article sponsored by Mohawk Home.
Mohawk, Karastan and Costco have
teamed up to create a great, luxury
bath rug, available exclusively at Costco.
Nothing says luxury like the Karastan
brand, which is positioned at the top of
the Mohawk family of brands. Mohawk,
a global leader in flooring, is a publicly
held Fortune 500 company, headquar-
t ered in Calhoun, Georgia.
BATHROOMS IN TODAY’S HOMES have moved beyond a utilitarian water closet to large and luxurious spaces evoking a spa experience. If your
bathroom doesn’t measure up, you might want to look at several low-cost
improvements that can quickly transform the space.
Color. If you’re stuck with ceramic tile that screams 1950, try camouflaging
it with new towels, bath rug, shower curtain and other accessories that will
make the room feel more contemporary. For example, try deep brown with
pink tile, or bright blue with light green tile. Because most bathrooms are
small, painting the walls a bold color can breathe new life into the space. For
a more restful feel, stay with muted pastels. A slightly darker color on the
ceiling will help overcome the towering feeling in small bathrooms.
Fixtures. Switch from shiny chrome to
pewter or brushed stainless steel fixtures for the tub, shower and sinks. It’s
an updated look and easier to clean,
because it doesn’t show water marks.
Lighting. Look at lighting not just for
illumination but for creating ambience.
Sconces on either side of a mirror are
much more pleasing than overhead lights.
Mirrors. A new mirror can also add a decorative element. Consider a collection of
mirrors to visually expand the space.
Furniture. If you have room, consider
an étagère. The open shelves will provide
room for extra storage or accessories—
the perfect place for extra towels, a stack
of magazines, an MP3 player or plants.
Accessories. Get creative with decorative
items: tissue boxes, soap dishes, scented
candles. Don’t limit yourself to bathroom
items—a lovely serving bowl could hold
potpourri, a clear vase can display bath
salts or cotton balls, and baskets could
hold rolled-up towels.
Once you’ve completed your bathroom makeover, keep it fresh by changing
the look from season to season with new
towels, bath rug and other accessories. A
