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Step 1
Aim for a middle ground. The design pendulum regularly swings between traditional and contemporary stylings, but you'll get the biggest return on your investment by opting for a "transitional" look that falls somewhere in between. Transitional sinks, toilets, tubs and faucets are more streamlined than classic period-looking products, without being too hard edged and contemporary.
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Step 2
Be consistent. Whether you prefer your hardware to be shiny brass or antique pewter, be sure to carry your choice throughout the room in your faucets, doorknobs, towel bars and toilet-paper holder.
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Step 3
Brighten the picture. Include at least 3 sources of lighting: ceiling-level ambient lighting, task lighting around the mirror and some source of low-level lighting that can be used as a night light to prevent midnight stumbles. Some ventilation fans come with built-in night lights you can use for this purpose.
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Step 4
Hit the shower. Nothing says "spa" like a great showerhead, and some styles, such as distinctive-looking rain-jet showerheads, provide visual interest as well as a great shower. Adjustable-height, hand-held showerheads can satisfy the tallest (or shortest) bather, and also can be used as sprayer for easier tub or shower clean-up.
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Step 5
Warm it up. If you're planning on replacing your flooring, consider adding a radiant-heating system before your new tile goes down. These systems can operate independently from your home's thermostat, so you can keep your furnace running on low and still enjoy a cozy break from winter.
