Whether your bathroom needs updating or you're just ready for a change, there are fun new ways to give a fresh "face lift" to a basic bathroom, making it more inviting and functional than ever. No bathroom is beyond help. The good news is that with some basic repairs and replacements you can transform your plain powder room into an ahh-inspiring retreat.

TUNE UP TILE You say you have a great sink and a decent bathroom floor plan, but your floor and wall tile is dingy and the porcelain has lost its shine. When they see cracked or tired tile, many people assume that it's best to just rip it all out and start over. But restoring tile rather than replacing it will save you thousands of dollars. And the nicest part is that you'll also retain the charm and character of your bath. Old tile can be easily renovated with professional help. The first step is to remove grime by washing the tile and grout with acid. After the tile is professionally cleaned, the floor can be regrouted to repair cracked areas and give it a fresh, clean appearance. For final and future protection, a seal is added to make the floor mold- and moisture-proof.

RENEW VINYL FLOORING If you like the look of your vinyl floor, but curling edges, surface cracks or a dull finish are prompting replacement, consider repairing the floor instead. Most resilient flooring made before the mid-1980s contains asbestos and should be handled by a professional so that fibers aren't released into the air. Keeping that in mind, there are a number of easy repairs that can restore the great looks of your vinyl flooring. Curled areas can be re-adhered to the subfloor with glue. The manufacturer can recommend the best product to use. Even damaged sheet vinyl can be cut and repaired using scrap pieces of the flooring leftover from the original installation, as long as the flooring isn't so old that it's discolored. (The least conspicuous way to cut and replace is in the shape of a diamond; however, a flooring expert is best qualified to make that call.) Vinyl floors that have lost their shine can be restored with polish. Don't forget that thorough floor cleaning is necessary before applying polish.

FIXING UP OLD FIXTURES The cost of replacing bathroom fixtures comprises more than just the price of the items. Removal and installation charges add to the total. And if tiles must be removed in the process, you may be facing a floor replacement as well. The surface renewal of a tub or sink allows you to get a looks-like-new fixture without the added expense of removal and replacement (not to mention that it's a lot less messy than a full replacement). Enamel and fiberglass tubs, toilets and sinks can all be refinished and recolored by a reputable refinisher and the renewed finish should last eight to twelve years.