Warm weather is just around the corner, so why not gear up for the change in seasons with a few bathroom design ideas that will have your space looking pristine. We’ve gathered twelve of our most practical and effective mini DIY projects that will help you get a jumpstart on spring.

1. Update Your Faucet

An updated faucet can create a shiny new focal point and a much needed modern touch to an otherwise dingy or outdated fixture. Choose one that is efficient and water-saving for double the benefits – and be sure it coordinates well with the rest of the finishes in the space. This is a fairly simple fix that can be done by following the instructions included in the box, just remember to properly utilize those two water shut off valves beneath your sink before getting started.

2. Statement Hardware

One of the simplest bathroom design ideas, yet one of the most effective, is switching out your vanity’s hardware. If your cabinets are already updated (if not, see idea #7) then sometimes all you need to change up the look is some new hardware. It’s not a bad idea to splurge in this area since smaller bathrooms usually don’t require a lot of pieces. Choose recycled glass knobs, crystal studded handles, or some really regal looking pulls for a fun and easy update.

3. Pop it with Paint

Another quick and simple revamp for your bathroom is a basic paint job using low or zero VOC brands. Whether it’s time to take that old wallpaper down, or cover up that questionable shade of orange that just didn’t turn out according to the swatch, repainting is always an option. Unless you’re bold at heart, we recommend choosing from the tried and true spa colors, a nice crisp white, or even a gray, beige, or greige. While you’re at it, recaulk any damaged or discolored areas before painting – it will help to brighten up the entire space.

4. Accentuate with Art

Bathrooms shouldn’t be devoid of art! And even if you can’t afford a Jackson Pollock of your own, you can certainly turn this endeavor into a fun DIY project. Whether you choose to paint a canvas, or you scour old books for some bold images that can be framed, add a personal touch to your bathroom’s walls with pieces that reflect you and your space.

5. Light Up Your Life

Replacing an outdated light fixture can go a long way when it comes to brightening up your bathroom, both literally and figuratively. Change out old bulbs with new halogens to increase your task lighting and save on electricity. And if you’re not confident when it comes to electrical work, then simply painting the ones you have (like covered that outdated gold finish with a matte black) would work, too. You can use regular low VOC latex paint on a small brush and not even have to remove the fixture – just mask off the area where it meets the wall.

6. Rug Roundup

Cover up a less than stellar looking floor with some strategically placed throw rugs. You can change them out as easily as you change your mood and completely transform the look of the bathroom at the same time. Black and white stripes are bold and modern, while a multicolored floral rug is more bohemian and whimsical – either would look great, but the choice is yours.

7. Vanity Complex

In a small to medium sized bathroom with a smaller number of cabinets, the bases can be painted in a day. Transform outdated or faded oak into a modern oasis with a coat of gray or white paint. Be sure to take the proper preparation steps, like sanding before applying the first coat, and then watch as the transformation takes place before your eyes. If you’re really into the unexpected, paint a two-door vanity with a fun color, like Kelly green, or pink. Both colors would look stellar with a white marble inspired countertop and a statement mirror.

8. Store More in Style

Who couldn’t use more storage, or at the very least another shelf or two to display your toiletries or favorite objects? Simply hanging a few new shelves above the toilet, especially in a crisp white or modern black, will add some nice clean lines to your space and offer more surface area.

9. Fix Up Your Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures, like the towel bar, hand towel ring, and toilet paper roll holder, can all be switched out with relative ease. This is a great way to create continuity with your faucet and other metals and infuse a modern element to an outdated bathroom. While you’re at it, include a couple of new robe and towel hooks for good measure.

10. Mirror, Mirror

Hanging a statement mirror is a wonderful way to add some serious style and an awesome focal point to an otherwise boring bathroom. Check out your local thrift store or flea market for an ornate wood framed mirror that can be painted to match your décor. Or, if you have one of the plain flat mirrors that are glued to the drywall, you can paint and glue precut trim to the perimeter to create a custom framed look.

11. Glam Up Your Décor

You know those pretty little glass containers and apothecary jars filled with Q-tips and cotton balls that you see in Pinterest photos? Well you can recreate that look for just a few dollars if you look for containers at your local thrift store. Glass items are a dime a dozen – maybe even literally – at second hand stores, so stock up and fill up for a pretty way to display your stuff. Aside from the obvious, colorful bath salts, bath bombs, and even fresh flowers would be great choices, too.

12. Curtain Call

Not to point out the obvious, but a nice new shower curtain can go a long way in when it comes to brightening up your bathroom. There are so many beautiful and trendy patterns out now that the most difficult part should be in picking just one. Don’t forget about the changing the liner – the inside of the shower should feel just as fresh as the rest of the room.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our easy and effective bathroom design ideas. Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Bathroom Accessories via Shutterstock

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Home decor ideas to embrace the Greek trend of 2015.  

One of this year’s top decorating trends is the Greek or Mediterranean look. The trend chiefly focuses on two aspects of home decor: color and pattern.

For color the emphasis is on what is often referred to as Greek blue, and whether the inspiration for it is the flag of Greece or the color of the Mediterranean, it’s a strong, vibrant, very pretty, feelgood blue.

As far as pattern, the Greek Key pattern is the dominant trend. The Greek Key pattern is an ancient pattern often seen as an architectural element or a decorative border on textiles.  It’s a repeating pattern of a motif that which resembles a key.

Retailers and DIY-enthusiasts are both getting in on the action, so if you are fan of the trend, here are some home decor ideas to embrace it in your home.

7 Home Decor Ideas to Embrace the Greek Trend

1. Greek Key Overlays – Overlays are lightweight decorative fretwork panels that can be added to stair risers, dressers, corners, mirrors and more to add decorative flourish. The panels work perfectly on the front of stairs!
2. Greek Key Drapes – The Greek Key pattern is ideal for adding a decorative border to curtain and drapes. It adds a very elegant touch to any room, but works really well in a bedroom.
3. Greek Key Curtains – For the same effect, but without the expense, here’s a DIY no-sew version of Greek Key curtains. It really doesn’t get much easier than that.
4. Greek Blue Painted Furniture – Bring an old wooden piece of furniture back to life and on trend by painting it Greek Blue. One favorite is Greek Blue chalk paint from Annie Sloan.
5. Blue Bottles – Repurpose blue bottles as vases to add pops of blue to your home. Cobalt isn’t exactly the same as Greek Blue, but cobalt bottles are available from any winemaking supply store.
6. Painted Ceiling – Add serenity and color to your bedroom by painting the ceiling Greek blue. Painting the ceiling is a simple way to make a big impact on your home decor.
7. Throw Pillows – Finally, adding throw pillows is the super easy way to add any trend to your home without making permanent changes to your decor. You can even make your own covers to place over your existing pillows.

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Image: Wicker Paradise

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Bring more fun into your home decor by mixing up your patterns.

Mixing and matching patterns can be a fun, clever and stylish way to show off your sense of style in your home decor. Pattern mixing has its downfall though. Done carefully, pattern mixing creates visual interest, done poorly and your home decor can come off looking like a carnival funhouse, and unless you are professional clown that is probably not what you intended.

Mixing patterns can be fun and allow your creativity to shine through your home decor. It’s a great way to mix styles, like retro polka dots mixed with modern stripes. It’s also a great way to showcase the tastes multiple family members, like nautical for you and florals for your partner.

There is a certain amount of fearlessness and joie de vivre in modern pattern mixing. Gone are the days of Laura Ashley florals and stripes, today’s plan for pattern mixing is to commit. Go big or go home because there is no room for the timid in today’s pattern mixing. The goal is to create a vibrant and inviting space that you love and your guests will love too.

How-to Tips for Home Decor Pattern Mixing

1. Mix Patterns of the Same Color

One of the easiest ways to mix patterns in your home decor is by using  different patterns of the same color. For example, navy stripes on the walls mixed with damask curtains would be very striking.

2. Texture is Your Friend

Mixing and matching both patterns and textures is exactly how the pros do it. Adding a variety of texture to your mixed patterned rooms can be a great visual clue to your visitors that you aren’t going for matchy-matchy.

3. Three is the Magic Number

There’s just something about having three different patterns that somehow works better than just utilizing two different patterns. Odd numbers just are more appealing. Plus, limiting yourself to only patterns feels a little more contrived and less natural.

4. Scale is Important

The size of the patterns you choose is important. Mixing up the scale of your patterns can help keep your home decor from feeling overwhelming.

5. Solids Can Bring It All Together

Finally, it is important to not go overboard. Grounding your home decor by mixing patterns and solids is key. For example, if your rug is patterned, consider a solid colored sofa. Conversely, if your sofa is patterned, then go with a patterned rug. It will be more aesthetically pleasing.

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Top Image: West Elm

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