There are endless options and choices when planning a bathroom remodel and it can quickly become overwhelming. To help juggle the myriad of factors and achieve the bathroom you’ve been dreaming of, be aware of these must know tips:
Let Your Imagination Guide You
The planning process begins with your imagination. It’s true that every remodeling project is limited by practical constraints, but the goal is to not let those constraints hinder your creativity. So, before budgeting and logistics come into the picture, allow yourself to dream about the kind of bathroom you want. A professional designer can help you flesh out your ideas and turn them into an actionable plan. In our experience, the design/build approach is the best way to make sure your initial vision is preserved when your design is transformed into reality.
Choose Your Layout
The right layout for your bathroom depends on several factors:
- Your functional needs
- Your design vision
- The size of the space
- Your budget
- Time constraints
A great designer can help you balance these factors and create a layout you’ll love. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Small Remodels: Stick to the current layout as much as possible if you have a tighter budget or you’re in a time crunch. In our experience, this scale of bathroom remodel can usually be completed within about 2-4 months.
- Large Remodels: If you want to make major changes to your bathroom layout (e.g., moving windows, doors, and/or plumbing) plan for a higher budget and a longer remodel — potentially around 3-6 months.
Choose Your Design Elements and Materials
Once you’ve made some basic layout and budgeting decisions, you’ll want to start choosing fixtures, materials, and amenities. Here are a few of the most important considerations that often get overlooked:
Lighting: A well-lit bathroom feels just that much more luxurious. A great approach is to layer lighting like you layer winter clothing. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Vanity lighting is a great way to avoid seeing those shadows on your face when you look in the mirror. Wall sconces that disperse light back across the wall are another great option.
Effective Ventilation: Without good ventilation, even the most beautifully designed bathroom is at risk for mold and mildew buildup. A good quality fan is typically the best solution, but the placement of the fan is also important so that it can properly circulate air. You may also want a window you can open.
The View from the Outside In: Another factor that even designers sometimes overlook is the focal point, or the first thing you see when you open the door. You may not want it to be the toilet, especially since bathroom doors often get left open when they’re not in use.
Creating a Sense of Spaciousness: Many homeowners want to create the feel of a luxurious, roomy space, even if the bathroom itself is on the smaller side. Here are a few tips for creating the illusion of more space:
- A large mirror, or more than one mirror
- Glass doors for the shower
- A wall mount sink
- Good lighting, including natural light
- A sliding barn door (instead of one that opens inward)
- High cabinets and shelves
Overhauling a bathroom can take time, effort, and money, but the benefits are worthwhile. In the end, you will have a bathroom that is beautiful and suits your needs. If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, SDR is ready to guide you through every step of the process and make your vision a reality.
