Five fast fixes for a fabulous bath: Small changes add up to big comfort in the bathroom

With Americans working longer hours than ever before, most homeowners yearn for a luxurious place to relax and unwind at the end of a hectic day. This is likely why the bathroom is the most requested home renovation project, according to the National Association of Homebuilders.

However, between work, family and other household tasks, homeowners may have difficulty finding the time (or the budget) for home improvement projects. Luckily, you can dramatically improve the look and functionality of your bathroom -- all without breaking the bank or calling a contractor.

Here are five fast fixes for a fabulous bath, all less than $100:

__Extra elbow room in the shower__

Have you ever wondered why a hotel shower seems so spacious? Chances are it had a curved shower rod. Now, you can bring that luxury into your own bath. Curved shower rods can add up to 5.5 inches of extra elbow room - without using elbow grease. Just expand the rod to your desired length, add tension, snap on the decorative covers and you're done. You'll be amazed at the difference changing out a shower rod will make to the space.

Bathroom

__Sensational showerheads__

Now that you have more room to relax in the shower, is your current showerhead offering a sensational experience? If not, don't settle for a subpar spray -- upgrading your showerhead is simple. Just unscrew your current showerhead, wrap some plumber's tape around the arm and screw on the new showerhead. A rainshower is an excellent choice to provide quality coverage, and many options are available at affordable prices.

__Stylish, safe and savvy__

If the bathroom is the room to retreat for relaxation, you want it to be safe. Unfortunately, water creates slick, wet surfaces, and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that roughly 234,000 injuries occur annually in the bathroom. Luckily, adding peace of mind can be simple, and brands continue to expand their bath safety selections to ensure a safe bath is also a beautiful bath. Look for grab bars and hand grips that not only provide a sturdy grip when getting into or out of the bath or shower, but also the style and finish to perfectly match the rest of the bath.

__Admirable accessories__

Scattered petals by rolled towels, close-up

In addition to being a relaxing retreat, the bathroom is host to many activities -- which means it also needs to store a lot of stuff. Adding simple storage solutions, such as hooks, towel bars, towel rings and shelves, can add some sanity and style to your bath. Luckily, many of these solutions are extremely inexpensive.

__Pamper yourself__

Adding luxury to your bath doesn't always have to involve the home improvement store. New, plush cotton towels and memory foam bath mats can give your room a spa-like feel. The towels will envelop you in comfort while your feet sink into the plush bath mats on the floor. Don't forget to engage all your senses -- not just sight -- with soothing new lotions and soaps. There are hundreds to choose from and they can easily transport you to a vacation state of mind.