Paint out all of the wood to bright fresh happy white.

That change alone will be such a shocking transformation! :)

Then paint the walls in a color like Benjamin Moore's Wythe Blue (HC-143) or a spa-like- blue-green shade.

Change the hardware on the cupboard doors to silver.

Add a new silver faucet to the sink.

Add a bamboo type shade to the window.

Add a silver shower rod to the bath.

You can do better than a laminate countertop and still stay in budget. Check out Craigslist and Habitat Re-Store.

Check Craigslist once a day and when you see quality at a good price, pounce. We got a pure white stone (supposed granite but never saw pure white granite before) countertop, 61", double sink, sinks included, for $175. Just be patient. It took me about two months. You also can look for a longer Corian counter and cut it down to fit since your sink is offset.

Even HD or Lowes will get you a cultured marble or solid surface countertop for a decent price.

You might consider a big pedestal or console sink if you can do without the under sink storage, HD has a huge pedestal sink for about $124. That's if the flooring continues under your current vanity. It would expand the space so much, get rid of the blocky feeling and narrow entrance. Do wall storage instead, shelves or cabinets between studs.

Some people here have done fantastic jobs painting faux granite countertops.

A curved shower rod, chrome, no telescope line, white paint on all wood.

I just painted our kids' bath a robin's egg blue - close to Palladian blue - it's so much better now! I can't believe I lived with the dreary white so long! It almost makes the dreadful marble laminate vanity and pea green sinks look good.

The tub surround isn't integral to the tub, is it?

Here is a link that might be useful: pedestal sink

Teacats had some really good ideas. but, I do not understand what is wrong with laminate and I would wait until the time you can get what you really love, not what other people are disposing with. That said, the color is dictated by what is offered in the store, unless you chose white, which would work very nicly. So...

White counter tops

White shower curtain with a brown and beige (to match the tub colr) border that you can sew or glue on.

Walls.. blue like Teacat said or pale lime or pale sherbert (my favorite) with a brown and matching beige horizontal stripe treatment.

The curved shower rod that Birdgardner suggested

If these ideas don't suite you, seriouly consider bringing the beige of the tub somewhere, somehow in the room, so it won't look like you forgot it was there.Keeping the shower curtain closed is not the answer.

Good luck and don't forget to show us pictures when you are done.

Since you are on a budget, look at tops that already have the bowl installed. Will save you money in the long run.

I like the one I am attaching from Lowes - Mocha Brown Natural Quartz. - $194.50. See the flecks of blue - would be awesome with the Wythe Blue Teacats mentioned, or something similar. There is enough brown tones to look good with the beige surround.

ORB fixtures would be pretty with this. Bed Bath and Beyond have some nice package deals that include TP holder, towel bar and ring for one price.

They also have a one piece faux granite look - Estate Kona - for $158.00. I have seen that one installed - it looks nice with whites, beiges, and greens.

That just leaves faucet, window treatment, and shower curtain - definitely can be done for $500.00.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lowes Quartz top

Well, that was the whole point of being patient with Craigslist - getting what you really want on a tight budget. Our budget's going to be tight for a long time - four kids in or will be going to college but I don't want to wait another twelve years until we fix up the house!

With the countertop I actually got better than I wanted - I was looking for solid surface and got white granite. It was brand new - you'd be surprised how many are. It would have cost at least $800 from a store. The vanity I got for $180 was new and would have cost $600 plus shipping at a close-out sale - I usually see it listed $800-$1000.

Of course there's plenty of stuff that people are discarding because it's shabby and outdated and just ugly. There's also brand new stuff, barely used goods of high quality, and good quality vintage. It makes a difference where you live - there's still a lot of disposable income near us - people who don't live with their choices if it's not just so or with the previous owners' style.

Anyway I have a personal hatred for laminate because we have such a dreadful marble laminate vanity - not just the top but sides and doors. But sometimes laminate looks good and I'm not meaning to insult anyone's taste, or budget.

Call some granite places for a remnant for the counter top, I got some about that size for about $250 including undermount sink. I think I found the place that fabricated it on CL, he had about 50 colors to choose from. I would get a granite with both beige and white incorporated to bring in the color of the tub and tub surround. You can get great faucets on overstock or amazon. I like the spa green, beige combo suggested. I'd look for ready made if possible.

Funny, I went to lunch today with a friend and I've always liked her bathroom colour. I asked her today what it was and of course, it's wythe blue. :)

We will stick with laminate for now, I'm in Canada and the cheaper stuff seems hard to come by. When we do the full scale reno I'll go with a stone, but for now...laminate will be just fine!

Why do I always find coordinating window treatments and other fabrics so difficult! That's going to be a bit of a challenge to me (I'm still getting over the pain of searching for fabric for the main floor of my home...I'm still shell shocked from the experience ;)

Thanks so much for the suggestions, keep em coming!