Easy Bathroom Decorating Tips

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If you want the kids to spend enough time in the bathroom to follow the cleaning rules, make it a place that's fun as well as functional.

It makes sense, then, to make kids a part of the decorating process. Give the room a theme you can live with and let the kids choose the colors.

My friend Allison let her preteen daughter go wild in her bathroom - or at least tropical. She painted the three walls and trim in zany fluorescent colors: chartreuse, teal, and aqua.

The towels, washcloths, and rug are in eye-popping oranges, yellows, and limes.

The tropical shower curtain pulls all the wacko colors together, and fish accessories on the vanity complete the look.

Here are some decorating ideas:

1. Choose a Kid-Friendly Colors.

Kids don't want it to have a spa look - that island of tranquility bit is not their thing.

This is the place for color and fun, a place where a child can make his or her own imprint.

Consider a ducky bucket for hairbrushes and accessories, along with ducky soap dispensers and shower curtains for your toddler.

An older daughter might choose tiny ceramic flowerpots (self-decorated, of course) to contain her cotton balls and Q-Tips.

Let them help you choose a look they'll love. For a less cluttered look, choose coordinating containers for toothbrush, soap, and tissues.

2. Paint It.

A new coat of paint is the quickest, cheapest, and arguably the most dramatic way to give new life to a tired room.

Don't forget the switch plate, toilet paper holder, and the like. Accent the bath in a contrasting color for a stylish flair.

Seal with a clear waterproof coating. Good, calming color choices (blues and greens) can help make mad morning dashes feel less stressful.

3. Bring In Fresh Replacements.

Soft, thirsty, fluffy new towels in a hot new color or seasonal hue will provide not only the update you're looking for, but a luxurious treat for your hands and body as well.

Replace the shower curtain. Fresh, clean colors and styles will appeal to your sense of cleanliness and loveliness, and if they coordinate with the linens, it'll help give the tire bathroom a complete new look.

Replace the shower curtain hooks, too, with something snazzier.

I have silver dolphins holding up the curtain in my daughter and son's shared bath.

Replace old, mismatched fixtures with new, personality-plus styles. Drawer pulls and cabinet handles come in myriad colors and styles.

Add light. It opens up a small space and adds interest. A recessed spotlight is a low-profile option.