Get a bathtub tray to lay across the tub, lay an open book, a sea sponge and a French milled soap on the tray. (Comstock)

Summer fun means throwing lots of back yard barbeques and entertaining guests which means they’ll need to use the restroom. Is your powder room guest ready? Perhaps this weekend you should consider giving your powder room a makeover.

Don’t let the scope of the project throw you off - it's a room and we can do wonders without doing a lot .

Start with the focal point of the bathroom, the sink or vanity area. If you are super ambitious replace the vanity with a stand-alone piece available at any do-it-centers and even stores like Costco. If you are  even a little bit handy this is a easy DIY project. If you are not so handy you can do all the work yourself and then call a plumber for the sink hook up. It's a little more time and money but, boy will you be happy with the finished look.

Not that ambitious?  No problem; paint the old vanity a dark chocolate or fresh white and replace the cabinet knobs with new nickel or glass ones. You would almost think you replaced the whole unit.

Next, look at the walls.  Consider removing the old medicine chest or the mirror above the sink and replace it with a new fabulous framed decorative mirror. Above the mirror replace the old sink bar light with a new light fixture.

The walls could no doubt use a new coat of paint; try a soothing chocolate, charcoal or sea blue hue. Don’t forget the ceiling, paint it the same colour as the walls.

Hang a decorative shelf on the wall to store rolled towels and apothecary jars filled with cotton balls and soaps. HHHHAround the tub, regrout the tiles (new grout can make the old tiles look new again) or if you are still eager replace the tile.  A custom piece of mosaic art made for the back wall will  make a strong statement.

Get a bathtub tray to lay across the tub, lay an open book, a sea sponge and a French milled soap on the tray. Bring home new towels in crisp white and sea blue, to coordinate with your charcoal, sea blue or chocolate walls, and to hang on your new towel bars. Hang a new shower curtain and lay a plush white floor mat in front of the sink.

Put the bathroom light on a dimmer switch, you’ll love the ambience that the low light will create. Finishing touches include a new soap dish, perhaps a antique glass dish or half a shell, and pretty containers for hand cream and washing soap.

Now you’ll be encouraging your guest to use the washroom and check out your handy work.