Small spaces call for big attention to detail, and that's especially true in today's baths. In a room where tile and cabinetry may take up more visual real estate, it's the little things, like towel bars, tank levers and shower curtain rods that are adding appeal when consumers are designing or updating a bath.

Why such a fuss over these common household necessities? These everyday pieces are not only becoming functional &endash; but fashionable &endash; with the addition of on-trend styles, finishes and smart design. So no longer is a toilet tank lever just standard equipment, it can be just the item to add some flair and pizzazz to your bath. Learn how today's bath accessories have moved from basic to beautiful.

fashionable functionality

It's one of life's constants: toilet paper always runs out. But changing the roll doesn't have to involve a spring-loaded bar flying across the room. Depending on your decorating tastes, choose from an innovative pivoting paper holder that features a bar you simply lift up to replace the roll or a European-styled design that features an open end for easy roll replacement.

Homeowners are buying these designs in record numbers, and manufacturers like Inspirations by Moen, a sub-brand of Moen Incorporated, are adding new creative elements into many of their offerings.

"We're enhancing our accessories with unexpected benefits that make life easier and more convenient for consumers," points out Tim Bitterman, senior product/brand manager for Inspirations by Moen. "Toilet paper holders are such an everyday item, yet the pivoting function is a unique feature consumers appreciate and know they will use."

Even shower rods are becoming stylish. Inspirations by Moen recently introduced a Curved Shower Rod, something originally seen only in upscale hotels. Now widely available at retail and wholesale store locations, this new shower rod curves out slightly, creating six more inches of "elbow room" in the shower. It can accommodate a standard shower curtain and can be retrofitted to replace older shower rods. But the Curved Shower Rod offers more than just extra room &endash; it also creates an extra dose of style. The clean curve creates a simple, yet unique, architectural detail.

"People are using accessories to update the look in their bath," added Bitterman. "Not only is it easy to switch them out, it's also affordable. The Curved Shower Rod is a great example of this because it takes just minutes to install and makes a striking difference."

finish frenzy

Some interior designers have noticed a trend towards consumers selecting a finish for fixtures and accessories first, then designing their bathroom. That's why you'll find accessories in some of today's most sought-after finishes like Brushed Nickel and Tuscan Bronze. These finishes have been specially treated to have a deeper, richer appearance for a sophisticated look that's updated and elegant. Plus, they are offered on all those little details that make a bathroom complete. Now even a simple tank lever can be upgraded to coordinate with the rest of the bath.

After all, that's what accessories are all about: an attention to the details. And with today's accessories, those details create style solutions like never before.

For more information on the Curved Shower Rod or other coordinating accessory collections from Inspiration by Moen, visit www.csi.moen.com or call (800) 882-0116.