Gone are the days when bathroom design meant a washbasin and a mirror. Today’s bathrooms are perfect examples of aesthetic perfection with luxurious features added to make them stand out from the rest of your home. From designer roll-top baths to walk-in showers with chromotherapy, today’s bathroom reflects your dreams. Here are some tips for updating or remodeling your bathroom:
1) Walk through the process before you begin
To avoid making costly mistakes during this renovation, take time to plan every aspect. Draw up an action plan that gives each area of activity its own color code section. This will help you stay focused on what needs to be done at each stage. For example, if you are planning to put in a new lighting system, you will need to know whether the wiring for it is already in place. If not, you may have to call in an electrician.
2) Know what’s coming up
Whenever you are working on your own with no professional assistance, there are bound to be times when things don’t go according to plan. To avoid getting discouraged by unforeseen circumstances, make sure that your work area is stocked with all the tools and materials needed for completing each task on time. Have additional supplies ready so you can finish the job effortlessly without having to go shopping halfway through.
3) Make room for storage
The most common mistake people make when remodeling a bathroom is neglecting storage space. Even the smallest bathroom can be made more functional with enough storage space. If cabinets are part of your remodeling plan, that’s great.
If you don’t have the luxury of adding additional cabinetry, you can add shelves on top of your countertop or wall-mounted furniture to hold all those ‘stuff’ we all seem to accumulate in our bathrooms.
4) Buy eco-friendly supplies
Never underestimate the importance of cleaning and protecting both yourself and the environment in your home throughout this remodeling process. From flooring to paint and everything else in between, there are many materials available today that do not damage our health or the planet after their work is done. Take time to read labels carefully and avoid using chemical-heavy products. Instead, opt for green supplies that are biodegradable and safe for your family and the environment.
5) Put in energy savers
Add features such as low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water consumption in your home. You can also add mirrors with lights around them to give the impression of a brighter room, or you can add skylights if you worry about lighting in general. A dimly lit bathroom isn’t exactly inviting!
6) Put safety first
When remodeling your bathroom, never compromise on safety factors such as good lighting and non-slip flooring material. Sure, they may not be high up on the glamour scale but they are essential to your family’s well-being and peace of mind.
7) Consider updates that add value
Since you’re looking to remodel your bathroom, take the opportunity to redo other parts of your home as well. For example, you can update old kitchen cabinets and install new cabinets in the bathroom for increased storage space and a fresh look. Or adding new custom or luxury splashbacks to either could really bring the design alive.
8) Keep it simple (yet stylish!)
Unless you have years of experience in interior designing or architecture, go for simple bathroom design ideas. If you opt for extravagant finishes such as black-veined marble counters or bright pink tiles on the walls, chances are they won’t match with anything else in your home. Make sure every aspect ties together seamlessly so that when all is said and done, your new bathroom is a pleasure to look at from start to finish.
9) Get rid of the clutter
One of the main reasons that bathrooms are often small in size is because they’re placed right next to a bedroom or closet. In order to get an idea of how much space you really have, try storing all your stuff temporarily in another room so you can assess the real picture without any distractions.
10) Don’t forget about ventilation
If possible, build in an exhaust fan when remodeling your bathroom since this will help circulate air and remove unwanted moisture and odors. These days, fans don’t need to be visible in order to do their work effectively. Cabinets with integrated fanlights over the countertops or in the wall can be a perfect place to discreetly hide this must-have fixture.
11) Upgrade your shower head
Investing in a high-quality shower head is always worth it since you’ll enjoy better water pressure and full coverage of spray for an upgraded bathing experience. The more expensive models change colors according to the water temperature so that you know when it’s just right. They also automatically shut off once your preset time is up to save energy and prevent hot water wastage.
12) Add mirrors and lighting around them
When remodeling your bathroom, remember that lighting isn’t all about overhead lights – adding sconces or other lamps on the walls around the mirror will give off a lovely glow and make this room seem bigger.
13) Maximize floor space
When remodeling your bathroom, take advantage of every inch of free space by opting for a pedestal sink instead of one with legs. They don’t require any additional floor length and they look chic as well. Another idea is to choose built-in benches that blend into the overall design seamlessly rather than sitting out like sore thumbs (no pun intended).
14) Upgrade your shower curtain
Boring, outdated shower curtains can be a major eyesore in a gorgeous new bathroom so replace it with a chic, floor-length version instead. They instantly improve the look of any bathroom and don’t cost much either!
There you have it – 14 easy tips on how to remodel your bathroom without breaking the bank. If you follow these simple guidelines, I’m sure you’ll give your bathroom a brand new lease of life for less!
