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Design on a Dime: How to Add a Splash of Color to Drab Bathrooms

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Stuck on how to add color to a neutral bathroom space?

David Bromstad, the host of HGTV's Color Splash (Saturdays, 10 p.m./ET), says 'not so fast' when it comes to running off to the paint store for a gallon of your favorite shade. Instead, Bromstad suggests taking a step back to choose your accent pieces and accessories first.

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"I always chose my paint colors last," our expert reasons. "When you're buying your bath towels, bath mats, rugs, shower curtains and all your accessories, those are all going to cost more than a gallon of paint, which is your cheapest accessory. Figure out your color scheme first, then look like a bag lady and bring your accessories to the paint store to match."

To help determine a color scheme, consider the size of the space.

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"A bathroom is a place where people can take it one of two ways: If it's a powder room or really small guest bathroom, people can go really dramatic with the colors," Bromstad says. "It's OK to go really dark and really exaggerated and have a lot of fun. But if it's a bigger bathroom — a master bathroom, for example — people tend to have it lighter and a little more airy, almost spa-like."

One of Bromstad's favorite functional accessories to splurge on? Rugs!

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"Rugs are important to splurge on, because rugs aren't cheap. Well, the cool ones aren't anyway," he tells Us. "Rugs are one of the best accessories, 'cause [the floor] really your fifth wall and people always ignore it. Why? You can add color and graphics and boldness that really sets the tone."

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