<span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Bathroom updates on a budget</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – Want to wake up your tired bathroom, but think the price tag might be out of your budget? Don’t be so sure. Remodeling activity may be down, but it’s not out, especially in the bathroom. In fact, the bathroom topped the list of rooms for renovations, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. Fortunately, there are many simple updates and unique and affordable products that can give your bath a custom-designed look on a bare minimum budget.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Mirror, mirror on the wall</strong> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">With 30 percent of homes having at least one plate glass bathroom mirror, why not create a focal point in the bath by adding a mirror frame? For approximately $250, products such as Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames from Moen offer a variety of five styles of customizable frames ranging from classic elegance to modern sophistication and come in a wide variety of metallic and wood finishes. The innovative system is available for purchase online (<a href="http://www.buymirrorscapes.com" target="_blank">www.buymirrorscapes.com</a>) to help even a novice do-it-yourselfer order the correct pieces with the mirror’s dimensions. In just 30 minutes your bath can have a striking, picture-perfect look.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Freshen up</strong> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Don’t underestimate the power of a good coat of paint for your bathroom. A gallon of quality paint costs approximately $20 and is a great way to add some color, freshen up the walls or help pull the room together. And today, most paint manufacturers offer non-toxic paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like Glidden’s Evermore interior paint, to reduce gaseous pollutants in your home. These paints are not only healthier for you, your family and the environment, but they are vibrant and durable as well.<span>  </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Eco-fabulous faucets</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Until now, eco-friendly options have been less than trendy. Fortunately for environmentally-conscious homeowners, you can inexpensively swap your faucet to save water and update the look of your bathroom with the latest designs. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Installing a new lavatory faucet with a water-saving aerator, such as one from the Banbury bathroom collection from Moen, allows water to flow at 1.5 gallons per minute and reduces water usage by up to 32 percent. This traditionally styled collection, available at The Home Depot, also offers matching bath accessories including a tank lever, robe hook, 18- and 24-inch towel bars, paper holder and towel ring for a completely coordinated and beautiful look. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Maximize shower space</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Most homeowners want to make their bathroom larger and enhance their shower. By installing a curved shower rod you can accomplish both goals and feel like you have an oversized, lavish shower without adding any square footage. Plus, it’s an affordable solution that provides up to seven and a half inches of elbow room while adding terrific style and visual appeal. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Curved shower rods are available in both fixed and adjustable lengths that offer easy installation and adjust to fit enclosures from 54- to 72-inches wide. To help complete the look, add shower curtain roller rings that are corrosion-resistant. Most are offered in today’s most popular finishes to complement any bathroom decor. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Quick fixes</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Wish you could replace your bathroom cabinets but don’t have the extra funds? One budget-friendly, quick fix is to replace the hardware on your cabinets and doors. Not only is it a simple, yet effective, bathroom remodeling update, but it will make a huge difference in giving your space a new look. You can find the latest styles and finishes at home improvement stores such as The Home Depot, but be sure you update to a style that will match your other new accessories and paint color.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Final finishes</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">To help complete your budget-friendly bathroom renovation, bring in the finishing touches that make all the difference in a small space. Adorn your new accessories and curved shower rod with high-quality linens, such as a new shower curtain and towel sets. Add fresh flowers; framed, personal pictures; candles; or a lamp for a decorative touch.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>   <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">You can get a new look for less. These simple projects can be accomplished with very little time or expense so you can start enjoying your renovated
bath. For more information on the Banbury collection, Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames or other accessory products available from Moen, visit <a href="http://www.moen.com" target="_blank">moen.com</a>.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span></span>