How about that floor?

If your bathroom floor is tile and you don't like it anymore, you're in the same situation as you were with the tile walls. Demo and replacement is a big deal. Once again, let's look at a cheaper option.

How about covering the floor with a seagrass rug? This is a green option (the lifestyle, not the color.) Seagrass grows in the sea, as you might imagine. And finally, a product you don't have to go to China for! Didn't think there were any of those left did you?

Seagrass is a plant that is harvested and woven into different products such as rugs, insulation, stuffing for pillows and mattresses, and doggie beds. It's flea proof! Seagrass lends itself to the bathroom floor very well because it feels soft under the bare feet and it does extremely well in wet environments. Makes sense, considering where it originates.

Some people make the mistake of substituting rugs made of sisal, made from the agave cactus. Unfortunately, although sisal looks magnificent, it feels prickly underfoot, and it stains when exposed to water.

Give those cabinets a face lift

Cabinets in bathrooms see a lot of wear and tear. They also look dated after a while. But you don't have to chunk the old ones and replace them. This is a situation where a cosmetic wave of the hand is all they need to come to life.

Resurface the vanity

There are several approaches to making-over the vanity surface. First, you can apply a new plastic laminate surface and come in with a material bill under $100. All you need is the laminate, contact cement, a circular saw, a J-roller, and a router.

An alternative is to use the same Graham paint system as described above in the tile update above. Or, if you don't mind the additional maintenance routine (cleaning grout lines, etc.), why not lay tile? There's a multitude of patterns to choose from. Use your imagination.

Cabinet remodeling

The problem with most cabinets, and this is very true of contractor-grade models, is that they totally lack character. Once again, a little bit of cosmetic window-dressing can work wonders. And this doesn't have to be a wallet-buster.

For example, it's easy to nail on some wood trim and molding. This can literally transform the piece. Add to it some new drawer pulls and other matching hardware and your bathroom will be livin' large.

Filling in the blanks

Take a look around your new bathroom. Notice anything missing? There's just a few items left on the list. How about adding a new shower rod and curtain? If you've got a window you'll likely want to add a new window treatment.

It's always a nice touch to change out those utilitarian items like towel racks and toilet paper dispensers. It's really nice if you're a hard-core DIYer with a wood shop full of tools. Nothing says cool like real craftsmanship that doesn't look like it was stamped out with a million other pieces.