Whether you are browsing Facebook or watching stories on Instagram, you are bound to come across photos of bathrooms that are going to make you swoon, and even make you think about updating your bathroom. As with all redecorating jobs, it is all about extensive research, careful pre-planning, and gathering the best bathroom ideas.
Did you know that your bathroom, after the kitchen, has the greatest impact on the resale value of your home? That makes updating your bathroom an important undertaking. From the shower fitments through to the chrome towel rails, each element needs to work together in both design and functionality.
Carefully planning each step to prevent any costly mistakes is important for both your budget and your completion deadline. That’s why we’ve produced this guide to help you through each step of getting your bathroom updated.
Factor in your requirements
The first thing you need to ask yourself is who’ll be using the bathroom? Is it the family bathroom where you need to install a bath and provide cabinets for storage? Or is the bathroom going to be used as an en-suite shower room for two? This is important to determine since it will help you make a list of the things you’ll need.
For instance, if you want to transform your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary, you will need several high-end fittings, including chrome towel rails, a sleek glass shower cubicle, flip-down sitting benches, etc.
On the other hand, if you are updating your guest bathroom, you may only need to add a shower and a loo. You should forget how you currently use your bathroom and visualize how you want to update it, as this will affect the color scheme and the kind of fixtures and fittings you’ll need
Carefully Measure Your Bathroom
Measuring your space before starting anything is essential, as accurate dimensions are the key to producing an accurate plan. Visualize the different arrangements of the basin, shower cubicle, bath, and loo until you can settle on a layout that seems best. Make sure there is plenty of space between the fixtures and the bathroom does not look cramped.
Select a Layout
Although choosing a bathroom layout right from the start may seem a bit daunting, it is what will make the difference between an efficient design and one that is only adequate. If you are updating, it is not necessary to change the layout just for the sake of it. If the present layout works for you, you should keep it. Also, moving the water and waste pipes can be an expensive process.
Repainting walls, or replacing tiles, flooring, and fittings can give your bathroom a fresh look. If you find your bathroom a bit cramped, you can make small but effective changes like fitting sliding doors to gain space.
Take Inspiration From Other Finished Projects
Another thing you should decide right at the beginning is what style appeals to you the most. Do you want to go with a classic, period style, or a contemporary look? You can check out hotel websites and take design inspiration from them as their bathrooms are designed with several features packed in a compact space.
Be sure to talk to friends or family members who have recently completed similar projects to find out about what they feel is the best thing in their new bathroom and what problems they faced along the way.
Ask the Experts
Once you have finalized a budget and decided on the layout, it is time to seek out expert advice. Go to local bathroom showrooms and check out bathroom renovation websites. It is best to talk to a bathroom designer as they are a great source of information and give good advice.
They will better guide you about the latest technology and materials and will offer the best solution for compact or awkward spaces. A professional bathroom designer will help you maximize your space while minimizing costly mistakes.
Work According To Your Space
There is no point in thinking about a statement walk-in shower or his-and-her sinks if you do not have adequate space in your bathroom. You should be mindful of the available space when planning the layout to ensure you can move around comfortably.
Don’t cram in fittings if you have a small bathroom. Instead, research products that will help you save space, like Japanese-style square tubs or wet-room style showers.
Ventilation Is Essential
People often tend to overlook the ventilation in their bathrooms. It is essential to ensure a well-ventilated bathroom so that the steam does not flow out, especially if it is en suite. Condensation can also cause damage to the wood furniture, and opening a window is just not enough.
An extractor fan is a great option to keep the bathroom well-ventilated, but make sure the wires are separate from the lighting, as you will need to keep your fan on even after you have showered to get rid of all the moisture.
Consider Your Color Choices
Color plays an essential role when you are updating your bathroom. You can easily change it to give your bathroom a new look. Bathrooms are typically associated with freshness, relaxation, and cleanliness. This is why the most popular color schemes for bathrooms are warm off-whites and crisp whites, along with neutral shades like stone and soft gray.
These lighter shades offer increased versatility and practicality, together with an enhanced sense of space. You can change the look of your bathroom by hanging colorful prints on the walls or adding a plant. Inexpensive items that can be changed easily are excellent for providing a new look to your bathroom.
Conclusion
What is your favorite color scheme? Is there any bathroom trend that you want to try? What is more important to you – fixtures or fittings? Making all these decisions beforehand is an essential part of effective bathroom planning.
If you are looking for new ideas, be sure to check out Pinterest, Instagram, and interior design magazine websites if they have an aesthetic style that you want to copy.