Bathing beauties

Did you know that we spend 76.3 percent of our lives in the bathroom? Rough estimate. (This made-up stat may actually be true for some people, but I digress.) No matter how much time you spend in there, you're sure to enjoy it more if it's a clean, fresh and stylish space.

I'm currently working with a client in Manhattan. The single father of three (two boys, one girl) bought a sprawling three-bedroom, three bathroom pad with great views of the East River and Queensborough bridge. The problem? The space hasn't received even a mild update since at least 1975.

Let the gut-renovating begin! My current focus is designing the bathrooms -- a "rich and sophisticated" master bath, a "modern and neutral" guest bath (also the bath the boys will use), and a small-space "pretty girl's" bath. In an ideal (read: limitless budget) world, I'd create The World's Most Glamorous Small Bathroom. But my client may sell the place in a few years -- so I'm tasked with designing neutral-enough spaces that will appeal to future potential buyers while being stylish and comfortable to live in for the current residents. So the plan? All-white tile covering the floors and walls up to the ceiling. The problem? His daughter loves color! Here are some great bathrooms with great additions of color that are easy to swap out when you move (or bore).

Sly little cubby holes add storage space -- and when painted a crayon-box of colors they add extra pizazz. (Would be oh-so-cute with just one or two "adult" colors too.) Photo from DigsDigs.

Painting the base of a vintage tub, then covering the walls (or a simple accent wall) are unique ways to make the space look much higher-maintenance than it actually is. Photo from unknown source.

This all-white bath gets a splash of color via easy paint application and accessories. Photo from TheTileShopDesignBy Kirsty.Blogspot

No energy to paint or wallpaper? Bright textiles and flowers add easy punch. Photo from DesignInteriorsArt.

One primary color brightens up a white bath with easy paint application -- the small yellow accessories add further pop! Photo from DigsDigs.

Chic wallpaper adds loads of interest -- and is much easier to replace than colorful mosaic tile! Photo from RoomEnvy.