Giving your bathrooms and vanity areas a new look can be as involved as a total remodeling job, or as simple as sprucing up these areas with easy, do-it-yourself projects.

For bath and vanity remodels, the best place to start is by meeting with a licensed contractor. He or she has the expertise needed to assess existing plumbing and electrical systems. These basics must be considered before any other decisions are made – such as new fixtures, windows, flooring, and so forth. Your contractor is an excellent source of information for these decisions as well.

Do-it-yourself updates can be an easy and effective way to go if you are keeping your current plumbing, electric wiring, tub, shower, toilet, sink, windows, and flooring intact. These simpler updates can still give your bathroom and vanity areas a whole new look.

Here are some easy suggestions:

Start with Sparkling Clean

With everything removed for thorough cleaning of all surfaces and storage compartments, you'll see your clean spaces full of new potential.

Streamline and Reorganize

Now that everything's out of its usual place, take the time to streamline and reorganize what goes back.

New Paint or Wallcovering

Adding fresh, new color with paint, or incorporating pattern and texture with wallcovering can give your bath and vanity a totally new look.

New Towels and Shower Curtain

Never underestimate the joy of new towels! And even just changing the shower curtain liner can refresh your showering experience.

Storage Shelves or Units

There are lots of great options available for storage solutions that have style, too.

Hooks for Hanging Things

Hooks for clothing and towels can give a fresh feel to areas simply by having spots to temporarily hang items that might otherwise end up on the floor.

New Accessories

Changing pictures and storage containers such as baskets or trays on counters or vanity tops can give your spaces a lift.

Nearly every department store has a bed and bath department with temptations galore for refreshing your bathrooms and vanity areas. With so many options available, the challenge will be deciding which of the selections you like the most.