As for the wall color- how about Sherwin Williams Latte? It is like a mocha color and would go nice with the light blue tub I think.

I love bathrooms with white beadboard, would that work in the room? White and blue would look nice, then maybe a latte like suggested above or lighter like a SW Kilim Beige. Depends on the shade of the blue I guess. She might even want to play up the blue above the beadboard.

Has she asked the landlord about having the tub refinished? He may not want to have to pay the labor to replace the tub, but perhaps would consider refinishing in white.

Otherwise, I would just plan on keeping the shower curtain closed, and I would think about using drapery for shower curtains to get more length to cover the side of the tub.

I would do a neutral of some kind for the flooring, either white or a stone with beiges and whites in it. Then the walls could be any color.

I think she could play up the blue and pull it off. I vote for a coffee color on the walls and blue accents in the towels, art and such to make it seem like the blue is part of the room. Blue and brown says playful to me, so I think this shower curtain would be cute.

For the floors, I would go with a neutral brown and white tile. I also love white beadboard (have it with chocolate brown in my bath!) and it's an easy and cheap way to spruce up a room.

Here is a link that might be useful: shower curtain

It is only about $300-400 to have a tub refinished in our area but not all areas are created equally and the place that has done mine in the past has been fantastic.

However, if she is not able to get that done, I would play up the blue by adding some blues, some silvers and a lot of white. Take the focus off the tub, put it on the white elements, but use silver for reflection. It can be done in a very elegant way with a little imagination and finding good sales.

Did you look at the bathrooms post in the Gallery? You and your friend may find some inspiration there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gallery

thanks everyone. I'ver had the worst head cold for about 3 weeks now and my brain just isn't working at all! You gave me some good ideas, much appreciated.