Dear Jean and Richard: You recently offered some tips on reworking an old bath to mirror the styling of a 1920s house, but what if it’s a newer home and you’re not trying to match a certain era? — Tammy, Mills RiverFor people on a budget, finding the most effective way to continue to increase the value of their home, particularly in the middle of a housing slump, depends on the size of the property and its age. Conveniently located near city amenities, this home is on four acres and has features to create a comfortable lifestyle.This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is located in the heart of Westlake Village on a corner, steps away from a large grassy area. The living and dining rooms have two dualpaned sliding glass doors to the enclosed patio, neutral carpet and designer paint.The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house. So you might think it would be one of the easiest and cheapest to remodel. You would be wrong.WASHINGTON

When it comes to your home, every new light fixture, appliance and even the kitchen sink can become a gut-wrenching investment decision. What change will increase the value of your home more: The sensible beige tile or the fuchsia with hand-painted details that you really want?In today’s column I talk about the bathroom remodel I did with my husband. Two bathroom remodels, actually. I’m not sure what’s more amazing, that we did this ourselves or that we were able to do both so inexpensively.While looking through my travel magazines, I've noticed how wonderful the bathrooms are in some of the nicer hotels. How can I get that hotel experience for my own bathroom at home without blowing my budget? The master bathroom designed by Mary Ann Downey for Kathy Weidner and Bob Androvich incorporates a large soaking tub and limestone tiles. MARY ANN DOWNEY INTERIOR DESIGN Urbanized, upscale townhouses draw first-time buyers, downsizers and empty-nesters to Willow Place, a new townhouse community in northwest suburban Wheeling.