If your bathroom is overflowing with cosmetics, half-filled bottles, and grooming tools from various family members, it’s time to clean it up, clean it up, and turn it into a fresh, green, and rejuvenating space!

First, empty the room and edit all your belongings. That means you’ll need to sort things together and get rid of duplicates, products no one uses, and expired medications and makeup. Be determined to remove everything but the items you will actually use.

Before you load up all the things you need to keep in your space, give it a facelift. You can create a healthy, functional, and pleasing bathroom with color, smart storage, and easy-to-clean surfaces. Start at the top and work your way down to ground level.

1. Ceiling – While you may not spend a lot of time looking at the ceiling, don’t overlook it.

• paint – If it’s been a while since you painted this space, refresh it with a fresh coat of VOC-free interior ceiling paint. And, if you have roof vents that look a little dirty, take them out, wash them down, and refinish them with low-VOC spray paint.
• Ventilation – A fan in the bathroom will remove odors and moisture that can lead to mold. So make sure your fan is in good working order. Remove the cover, clean it and apply low VOC (volatile organic compound) spray paint if necessary.

Walls – One of the most dramatic yet inexpensive changes you can make to your space is to freshen up the walls.

• patch – If you have nicks or small holes in your wall, apply some putty paste to create a smooth surface for painting.
• Major – If there are stains, crayon marks, or dark paint on the walls, you’ll want to apply a good quality primer before painting. Special low VOC stain-removing primers will ensure that stains do not bleed through the top coat. In addition, they will provide a smoother finish and reduce the number of final coats required. Smart tip: Primer usually costs less than paint, so use it to lower your overall paint cost.
• paint – Choosing a color for your walls is where you can express your individual style. That said, it’s a good idea to avoid a dark color, as it can distort reflections in the mirror and cause you to apply too much makeup. Another important consideration is the type of paint to use. Select a semi-gloss or kitchen and bath paint. This type of paint is easy to clean and resists mildew. As a final point, there are many low VOC or no VOC color options available.

cabinets – Concealed storage is a must have for every bathroom. To determine how much you need, measure the volume of materials you want to hide, measure the available space, and then purchase a unit that suits your style and budget.

• vanity – A spacious powder room is a real bonus. You can store each family member’s toiletries in a handy organizer, store fresh towels, and no one will ever find out. Smart Tip: Turning an old dresser into a dresser is a smart way to go green. If buying a new vanity isn’t in your plans, give your existing vanity a fresh coat of paint and add new hardware for an updated look.
• Medicine – First-aid kits are the ideal space to corral current medicines and remedies for: headaches, cuts, burns, coughs, colds, etc. Modern medicine cabinets are not only functional, they are almost wall art. They are available in a variety of styles and shapes and you can even get one with fog proof mirrors. If you want to use your existing medicine cabinet and have a wood or laminate door, update it by painting it the same calming color you use on the walls.

Devices for embracing water – Almost 60% of water consumption inside homes takes place in the bathroom. Here are some things you can do to curb your consumption and save a few bucks.

• Bathroom – You can buy a low flow toilet for around $200.00 or if you need to work with your current model, put a 1 liter plastic bottle (filled with rocks) in the tank and you will get the same results. Smart Tip: Make sure your toilet doesn’t leak and avoid using it as a wastebasket, both of which are huge wastes of water.
• shower head – Convert your shower head to a low flow model; prices range from $10.00 to $50.00. This change will reduce the amount of water you use without affecting performance. Smart tip: a bath uses more water than a short shower.
• Tap – Get a low flow faucet aerator, they are easy to install and can be purchased for $3.00 to $10.00. The device mixes air with water to reduce the amount of water used. Look for one that is rated at 2.75 gpm (gallons per minute) or less.

Turning on – Whether you upgrade your lighting fixture or keep the one you have, be sure to switch to energy efficient light bulbs. FYI, according to energystar.gov, “If every American household replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for one year—more than $600 million in annual energy costs.” , and avoid greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.”

floor – If your bathroom floor has stains, tears, or worn vinyl, fix it now.

• Linoleum – One of the most durable, economical and ecological flooring options is linoleum. It is made primarily from linseed oil and comes in hundreds of color options. While it’s available in both tile and sheet, stick with sheet linoleum as tile can show up in the corners.
• Vinyl – A cost effective way to give your floor an updated look is to purchase some of the new peel and stick vinyl. It is easy to install, you can do it yourself and save on labor costs. Plus, it can be laid over a variety of existing materials. This product is available in 12-inch and 18-inch squares, allowing for mixing of colors and patterns. Clean up is a breeze, just wipe it down with a damp cloth or mop.
• roof tile – This product is beautiful, durable and easy to care for. If you decide to buy it, be sure to select a tile that is moisture-proof and non-slip. Installation ranges from easy to challenging, so keep that in mind when making your decision.

Organizers and Accessories – Keeping your bathroom clean, tidy and organized will be easier if you use some of the devices below.

• wall hooks – Mount one for each family member so they can hang their robe or wet towel after the shower. Even the little ones will be able to use this tool without help.
• Shelving – When cabinet storage isn’t enough, go vertical and install wall shelves. If possible, reuse old wood you have in the garage. Then buy a basket for each person, label it with their name, and store their toiletries.
• over the door coat rack – This practical organizer comes with up to 6 hooks. Just slide it over the door; it will not interfere with the closing of the door. This device easily captures any type of clothing.
• pocket shower curtain – This nifty device does double duty. It’s a shower curtain and it has pockets for storage. The shower curtain can be used as a liner or a stand-alone curtain, and the pockets can face in or out of the shower. This item is ideal for keeping beauty products and bath toys within easy reach. Smart Tip: If you plan to buy a decorative shower curtain, look for one made from hemp, as it resists mildew.
• adjustable shower basket – Simplehuman makes a nifty unit that fits over your shower head and has two shelves that move up and down and from side to side to accommodate tall bottles. This cart holds a large amount of product, plus the bottles can be stored upside down for easier dispensing.

Follow the tips above and you’ll find that a serene and tidy bathroom with energy-saving devices doesn’t have to be a dream.