BPT) - While the approach of the holidays has many people focused on gift lists and celebrations, you're thinking about the guest bathroom. More specifically, you're thinking about your mother-in-law's commentary on the dripping showerhead, your brother-in-law's judgment of the archaic toilet that uses gallons of water per flush, and your sister-in-law's reaction to the total lack of natural light.

Renovating a bathroom is almost always a good investment. Making bathroom upgrades that will not only improve the value of your home and your enjoyment of it, but also satisfy the most discerning guests, is a win-win for everyone. While bathroom refurbishment makes sense at any time of year, you may be inspired to get the work done now, before holiday guests arrive.

Here are tips for where to focus your efforts to ensure you'll get the best return on your investment - and your in-laws will love what you've done with the room:

Make necessity meet luxury

Sinks and toilets are bathroom necessities, but they can also be eco-friendly luxurious design statements, too. Replacing an ordinary, older, gallon-guzzling commode with an option that combines toilet and personal cleansing functions can conserve water while elevating the comfort, beauty and luxury experience of the fixture.

Options like the Washlet G400 from TOTO integrate a low-flush, high-performance toilet with the convenience and personal care of a Washlet. Its 3D Tornado Flushing system uses an ultra-efficient 1.28 or 0.9 gallons per flush, while a special ion barrier glaze minimizes debris and mold to keep the toilet cleaner, longer. Auto open/close, auto flush, remote control operation, front and rear warm water cleansing with adjustable temperature and pressure control, air deodorizer and dryer functions and user memory ensure the Washlet offers the kind of luxurious touches every guest will remember and adore.

The sink can also be a design statement steeped in luxury, when you replace older, ordinary models with sleek modern options like the Arvina Round Vessel Lavatory. Its round design not only gives the lavatory a clean, uncomplicated look that works with modern and traditional styles, it also saves space, making it perfect for guest baths or powder rooms where space is at a premium. Or, use it to maximize vanity space in a master bathroom.

Turn the shower into an oasis

Regardless of your budget for upgrading a shower, a few luxurious touches can go a long way toward turning an everyday bathroom element into an exceptional experience. Once you've taken care of basics, such as replacing or improving tired tile or an outdated surround, incorporate luxurious elements like a rainfall shower head or multi-spray hand shower. With multiple style options available to mount overhead or on the wall, it's possible to create a unique shower configuration that complements any aesthetic.

Simple, thoughtful touches can elevate the shower's luxury, too. For example, incorporating storage for shower necessities like shampoo, body wash, soap and razors is both practical and luxurious. It's easy to have a built-in storage recess added to the shower during re-tiling, or you can add ceramic tile shelving in the corner of the shower. A curved shower rod is a must - and a super-easy DIY project - for bathrooms with a tub and shower combination. The curved rod ensures no guest will every wrestle with a shower curtain mid-spray.

Light! Sound! Luxury!

A dearth of natural light is a common problem in powder rooms and guest baths, and many master bathrooms could benefit from more light. Adding a skylight is a cost-effective way to incorporate more invigorating, healthful natural light in a bathroom, while protecting privacy, boosting energy efficiency and improving air quality. Even if a bathroom doesn't have direct roof access, it's possible to install a skylight; tubular models use reflective tubes to direct light from the roof down into the room.

Adding sound and entertainment options to bathrooms is also a growing trend. Whether you opt to add a mirror with an integrated TV or sound speakers above the shower, incorporating entertainment options into a bathroom is the perfect blend of luxury and practicality.