Not everyone can afford to completely change the look of a bathroom by switching out the tile. Most people can, however, handle the costs involved in adding a bit of pizzazz to the tile design that's already present.

The look and feel of a bathroom design can be completely altered for the better when decorative tile is added to the mix, even sparingly. The options of places to consider adding new tile without having to totally redo the entire job include four main areas. These are:

* Shower/tub stall edging. It is possible, in some cases, to remove the edging line of tile in the stalls and add something with a decorative flavor. A nautical-themed bathroom, for example, might sparkle with anchor or lighthouse tiles added to the outer edge of the shower design. It might be necessary to hire a pro to remove the old edge and add the new one without damaging the existing inner tiles.

* Backsplash. The sink backsplash presents another option. This area may or may not already have tile present. If it does, chances are it isn't very high or involved in design. This can either be fully removed or a new layer of tile can be added on to create the designer theme desired.

* Walls. The actual drywall bathroom walls can really be spruced up with a tile design. This can be created to take on a theme that can blend in with the shower walls. Some bathrooms, for instance, use plain white tiles for the stall and have elegant, imported clay tiles on the walls themselves. The contrast between the two types of tile can actually be rather spectacular to behold.

* Borders. Adding tile to create a chair rail-like look in the center of a wall or even at the ceiling line where border wallpaper might go can also look fantastic.

Some people might also choose to remove select tiles in the floor or bath stall to add a design flare, but this in many cases does require a pro or a really skilled handy person!

When choosing tile to jazz up the bathroom design, it's important to keep focus on the overall look that's desired. Some potential themes to consider include:

* Splash of color. This works really well for accent tile, such as the edging. This use would involve nothing more than creating a row of solid color tiles to add sort of an outline to the look.

* Theme tile. Many people choose to use patterned or designed tile to add accents to an existing theme. Those lighthouse tiles mentioned earlier, for example. A child's bathroom might have yellow ducks added to the mix or other bath toy type tiles. For an edging job in a baby's bathroom alternating white tile with a designed tile can look spectacular.

* Atmosphere desired. This is another consideration that can be very important. An elegant old world-style bathroom might benefit greatly from imported clay tiles mixed in with stark whites. A romantic or floral bathroom might get a boost from a soft colored outline or delicate print pattern.

While it's not always possible to completely change the tile in a bathroom, it is possible to add to the design or alter it slightly. When a new feel is desired, accent bathroom tile can really deliver.

Reprinted with permission.