If you're overcome with the urge to grab a live preserver whenever you approach your bath, your instincts may be trying to tell you that some improvements need to be made. But you don't need to drown in debt or give up every weekend you have off for a month to make a big difference in how your bath looks. More condo and home owners are remodeling rather than buying a new home, and with just a bit of imagination, a small investment and a little work, you can launch a whole new look for your bath.

Never under estimate how much of a positive impact and noticeable difference color can make in any room of your condo or home, including the bath. A fresh coat of paint is also probably the least expensive way to make a big impact on the look of your bath. When picking out a color, it's best to already know what possible other changes you are going to make in terms of new towels or tile so you can match the colors.

When buying paint, be sure to read on the cans to make certain it can be used for a bath because certain types of paint are more durable and stand up to the heat and humidity better. Softer colors such as shades of blue, sea green or beige tones work well in a bath, and neutral colors will be easier to match if you decide to change something else. Generally a gallon or two will do for a typical bath, and you can spend anywhere from $9.00 to $30.00 per gallon.

Speaking of new towels, there's another great way to add a new look to your bath. And you don't have to hide them all away, either. Show off a stack of nicely folded towels in a basket near the sink or in an open faced rack on the wall.

Soap doesn't have to be boring either. With literally dozens of brands, scents and shapes to chose from you can find something that will coordinate with your color scheme. And don't forget the soap holders. Keep them clean and even have different ones for each season or holiday. You can even display more than one bar with tiered holders.

Nothing is more frustrating when you're trying to get ready in the morning than having a mirror that is too small or blemished. Mirrors can also give the illusion of more space, so consider investing in at least one large or better yet full length mirror for your bath. Adding a medicine cabinet if you don't already have one is fantastic for storage and most come with a mirrored front.

If your vanity or cabinets aren't exactly new and you don't want the expense or time involved with replacing them, you can opt to paint them or refinish them. Another easy thing that will spruce up cabinets is adding new handles or drawer pulls. Just make sure the new ones you purchase match the size of the holes already drilled. It's a good idea to remove one and take it with you when you shop. You can also install new faucets and fixtures on your sink to make it look new and there are even decorative toilet flush handles available.

A new toilet is probably a job for a professional, but something you can do yourself is buy and attach a new lid for your existing one. The tub is another big project if you intend to replace it, but again you can add a new faucet to perk it up. For the shower, a new shower head will both help conserve water and look great. You could also install a hand held massage attachment. And if you don't have a surround or glass doors, installing a new decorative shower rod with matching rings and curtain can make a huge impact on a bath.

You can get some great ideas by checking out the bath designs in some of Chicago's luxury condo developments like the ones listed here Everything from granite vanity tops, marble tile floors and whirlpool tubs can be found in most of these developments. Those options may not be in your budget, but you can pick a style you like and go from there by making a few affordable changes at a time.

Tiling is another way to dramatically improve the looks of your bath, but it is a little more expensive and time consuming. If you don't want to put in new tiles on the floor, it's possible to paint your bathroom floor. If there are no chips or cracks, you can clean it completely, sand it down and clean it again then paint it with a good quality floor or deck paint. After painting, add a couple of coats of water proof sealer or urethane and it should look great and last a long time.

Don't forget the windows, either. Bright new curtains that let in natural light but maintain privacy are a good choice and so are blinds that coordinate with your color scheme. Other simple additions you can are wall sconces, matching candles, a vase with sea shells, matching tissue boxes or anything else that creates a sense of comfort or relaxation.

For an investment of a little time and money you can create a bath that will give you years of enjoyment and add value to your home. A beautiful bath isn't a sink or swim proposition.