Determine Your Budget

• The amount of money that you can devote to redoing your bathroom dictates the type of projects that you can realistically complete. If you have the budget for a full remodel, you may consider replacing the tub and shower; sink; toilet; vanity; and tile on the walls and floor. A smaller budget may only allow you to tackle one or two of these projects. If you have extremely limited funds, simple changes such as painting the walls or replacing the floor are relatively cheap but can make a significant difference in the overall look of the room. Even something as basic and inexpensive as changing the hardware on the drawers and cabinets can give the room a new look.
  
  

Consider Your Space

• As with your budget, the amount of space that you have available in your bathroom affects the type of changes that you can make. You may also have to prioritize to determine which additions are most important. If you want to add a whirlpool tub, there may not be space to accommodate a large vanity with double sinks. Measure your bathroom so you know exactly how many square feet it has. It is often a good idea to sketch a floor plan in the actual bathroom using chalk so you know where to place each item and can determine whether there is sufficient room.
  
  

Focus on Tub and Shower

• While the toilet and sink are obvious necessities in a bathroom, the tub and shower are items that you may want to splurge on when redoing the space. Many current models offer therapeutic benefits that can help with aching muscles and sore joints or provide a spa-like experience at the end of a stressful day. A hydrotherapy tub has air or water jets that provide massaging action, but can be installed without the bulky pump or extra pipes that older models required. You may also opt for a shower that features multi-jets that spray water from all four directions and pulsate for slight massaging action. For a truly luxurious addition, consider a steam shower, which can help reduce stress, relieve muscle tension and cleanse the skin of impurities.
  
  

Remember Lighting

• While it may seem like a minor detail compared to the shower, tile or vanity, lighting can play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Natural light is usually the most desirable type, so consider adding or expanding windows if possible. Skylights are an ideal option since you usually don't have to worry about privacy issues with them. When it comes to fixtures, do not rely solely on recessed lighting. It often creates unflattering shadows that may distort your image in the vanity mirror. Leave recessed lighting as general room lighting and place smaller diffused light fixtures at eye level beside your mirror.