Since we spend a lot of our lives in our bathrooms, it makes sense to get the design just right to make the daily ablutions a pleasurable experience.
Although households differ with regard to taste and style, and while there are no all-encompassing bathroom trends happening now, homeowners generally choose luxurious, ornate, rustic, coastal, or stark minimalist designs. This seems to be regardless of personal taste.
If you’re planning on refinancing to renovate the bathroom or bathrooms, there are some simple fundamentals of design that can help. This is especially so because a total bathroom renovation can be a decent investment and if there are any mistakes you probably end up living with them. Also, if you’re tempted to try to save money by doing it yourself, make sure you have the skills so you don’t finish up with a DIY disaster rather than a fantastic new bathroom. For the best results and a return on your renovation investment, check out the following simple rules for designing a bathroom.
Remember, an average bathroom renovation will take a couple of weeks so make sure everything is planned ahead, such as having the reno done when most of the family is on holiday, ordering a portable toilet on site and checking in with other family members or friends about using their facilities.
Following these rules could help get your bathroom renovated without fuss:
- Get the right materials
- Opt for space and natural light
- Follow functional design
- Look to the future
1. Get the right materials
It seems obvious but do make sure the materials used in your renovation are humidity and moisture resistant - it is a bathroom after all. Use porcelain, stone, vinyls or laminates because timber will stain and warp eventually. Buy compact fittings and fixtures that will work in the space and allow two people to use the bathroom at the same time. Above all, spend the money and use a reputable plumber to install the fittings and fixtures to avoid problems down the track.
2. Space and natural light
Enough storage can transform a bathroom from messy to serene, so be sure to have wall-mounted cabinets, shelves and a vanity that’s well-designed with plenty of space. Shelves and recesses can make the best use of the bathroom size. Natural light is a must in any bathroom, but if there’s no large window, a skylight can do wonders. We spend so much time looking in the mirror, so daylight is very important. Louvres are great for bathrooms since they draw in fresh air and light. In older homes, the bathroom windows are usually small so if yours will be a large renovation, consider bigger ones or add more. Why not have a floor to ceiling window if at all possible?
For privacy use frosted glass which diffuses light for a lovely soft focus. If you have a fabulous view from the bathroom, bifolds can bring the outside in.
3. Fashion and function
Aligning fashion with function is tricky but it can be done. With so many DIY shows on television and youtube, it can look misleadingly simple to renovate your bathroom, but try to choose designs firstly for their practicality and performance, and then for appearance.
As with other trends, following fashion primarily will only lead to the dating of the bathroom and the loss of value over time. As for function, it’s tempting to look for cheaper options when it comes to taps and shower heads, but try not to compromise on this area. Why? Because if there’s a tap or plumbing problem, all your wall sheeting and tiles might have to be pulled out to fix it, not to mention having to replace everything again at great cost. So shop around for top quality tapware and fixtures for your reputable plumber to install.
4. Look to the future
If you’re planning to stay in your home for the long term, consider a few design elements that will serve you well as you age. Bathtubs are great for young families but they’re not always practical later in life. When renovating, make sure there are no sharp angles, slopes or steps and you will save yourself the time trouble and cost of having to redo the bathroom later on.
When it comes to mirrors and lighting, try a wall-mounted task light around the vanity for grooming because overhead lights will cast a shadow over the face. For general illumination, use recessed downlights with access lights in nooks and beneath cabinets, and around the bath for atmosphere and visual impact.
Author's Bio: Alex Morrison has worked with a number of bathroom renovations businesses for over 10 years, giving him an in-depth understanding of many different industries including home decoration, improvement and renovation.