When was the last time you truly were able to say you were satisfied with the decor in your guest bathroom? Many homeowners often leave the interior design of this room to become dated because it isn't frequently used. However, a guest bathroom with decor that falls flat can leave a bad taste in the mouths of your visitors.

Whether you're expecting a family member to stay for a weekend or a close friend, you'll want to ensure you aren't embarrassed by the pleated shades, shower curtain and fixtures you have in the bathroom. Here are a few tips on how to spruce up this neglected room in your home and turn it into an area you're proud of, even if you don't have any visitors scheduled to use it in the near future.

1. Allow natural light to flow in.
If you're lucky enough to have a couple of windows in your bathroom, you'll want to use them to your advantage. Sunlight can naturally enhance the interior design of any room, including the bathroom. Consider putting up cordless shades that can easily be opened for instant illumination and closed for privacy when you want it. The right discount window treatments can make all of the difference in a living space, even if it's a rarely used bathroom.

2. Bring in a custom bath mat.
Martha Stewart recommends bringing in a custom bath mat to instantly transform your guest bathroom from run-of-the-mill to elegant and unique. While it might seem like you're taking an unnecessary extra step by doing so, a decorative bath mat can set the tone for the rest of the decor in the space. When designing a mat, take the colors of the walls, shower curtain, window treatments and fixtures into consideration to create a cohesive look. For a unique take on the bath mat, consider a stone mat for a rustic feeling instead.

3. Make room for a vanity.
If you want to take a more traditional route and give your bathroom a powder room feeling, consider bringing in a vanity. This can be the perfect way to please your guests by giving them an area where they can sit down, put on their makeup and fix their hair while using the bathroom. Do a little antique shopping and search for a dated vanity to give the room more character. The vanity can also serve as a focal point in the room.

4. Hide plumbing.
Nothing brings down the interior design of a bathroom like exposed pipes, according to Southern Living Magazine. For this reason, you might want to do a little remodeling and install some cabinets or cubbies to hide the plumbing. You may not think that a couple of pipes here and there are a big deal, but you'll notice a difference once you make an effort to cover them up.

5. Select soothing colors.
The bathroom isn't just a space where your guests will be brushing their teeth - they'll also be showering or taking a bath to relax and unwind after their travels. With this in mind, you'll want to select soothing colors for the space. When it comes to everything from the wall color to the towels, choose hues that make you breathe a sigh of relief. Mint green, mellow yellow and sandy beige are all options you can consider.

It might take a few weekends to complete, but renovating your bathroom and giving it a new interior design can wow your future visitors. Furthermore, it'll no longer be known as the neglected eyesore of the home.