Freshen Up Your Home with a "Mini Makeover"

Remodeling a room in your house can be a big undertaking. It requires planning, time and in many cases a significant amount of financial resources. (No wonder they can sometimes call it an 'extreme' makeover!)

But many times even a 'mini makeover' can be just what a homeowner is looking for to spice up a room or two. Small changes can make a big difference in the look and feel of a space, and many projects are attainable for do-it-yourselfers.

A bathroom or powder room is a great place to start. 'We often tell people that even the faucets and bath accessories in a bath or powder room can completely change the decor and personality of the room,' says Jeff Pratt, vice president of sales for Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products.

You can also change the 'era' of the room. According to Pratt, a fun way to change a room's personality is to change it from a traditional-looking room to a contemporary style or vice versa. 'We have several beautiful lines of contemporary, traditional and transitional lines, which look good in either decor,' he adds.

If you're simply looking to soften a room, choosing a faucet and accessories with a softer brushed, antiqued or satin finish may be the way to go. Brushed nickel (an alternative to the brightness of a chrome finish), oil rub bronze, antique copper and many other more subtle options are commonly available at finer kitchen and bath stores.

Changing faucets and bath accessories are finishing touches to a bath or powder room. Another way to instantly and dramatically change the feeling in a room is by painting. When selecting your paint colors, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

* Observe which direction your windows are facing in that room. If it's a Southern or Western exposure, cool colors will work best. If a Northern or Eastern exposure shines in, don't be shy to heat up the room with a vibrant red, orange or yellow.

* If you're using multiple colors, keep in mind that your eye will be drawn to the brightest color. Be sure you use those bright colors in an area you want highlighted.

* Paint is an inexpensive and quick solution to changing a room's decor. Choose something trendy or bold without fear. Besides, it's important to remember that it's just paint. If you change your mind or your style, it's easy to update the room with new color choices.

If it's your shower that needs a little work, consider a double shower, if space allows. Multiple showerheads in an oversized shower area provide a unique environment in many homes and it may even increase the home's value.

'Homeowners love of our wide selection of over130 showerheads and shower arms,' says Pratt. 'We offer everything from large sunflower and bell showerheads to a fun showerhead that spins.'

So, maybe you're not ready for a complete over-haul of your house. But even some of these simple, affordable ideas could give you the fresh, new room you've been waiting for!