Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Does your bathroom feel old and outdated? A renovation might be the perfect solution! To breathe new life into one of the most important rooms in your home, allow you to flex your design muscles, and to find the style that works for you, check out these tips to help make your bathroom feel brand new.  

Plan Out Your Bathroom

Before you jump into your new bathroom project, sit down and plan. Start with a budget that works for you so you know how much you can spend on items such as new sinks, paint, accessories, etc. It’s important that you leave some wiggle room in your budget in case there are some unexpected costs that surface during the renovation.

Plan out where you would like things to be placed and find the perfect layout, making the installation of a new sink or toilet easier. Without proper planning and budgeting, renovating your bathroom can be expensive, so consider starting a savings account for the money you want to use for the renovation. If you need the renovation done right away, look into a home equity loan to help finance your project. This loan is ideal for many homeowners taking on a more costly renovation who have built up equity in their home over the years. Starting with a plan will help you save time and help you avoid any typical renovation pitfalls while updating your new bathroom.

Update the Colors

 One of the easiest ways to make your bathroom feel brand new while also sticking to your budget is by updating the color scheme. Want to feel like you’re on the beach? Try going with an island theme with light blue colors and white accents to make the room feel brighter. Maybe you’re looking for a more rustic look. Try the opposite with darker colors and wooden accents to make the room feel more comfortable and cozy. This is the fun part, so find a theme that fits your personal style and use that blueprint to plan out the rest of your bathroom.

Adjust The Lighting

Correct lighting is key when crafting your new bathroom. Because bathrooms are smaller and usually located in areas of the home with less natural light, lighting is essential. The easiest way to light up an entire bathroom is by placing one single light in the center of the ceiling. This allows for the light to spread throughout the room, giving you the best lighting possible. If you need some additional light, installing separate bulbs on the sides or above your mirrors can give you that extra brightness when getting ready in the morning. Finally, avoid placing lights directly above a colored countertop or cabinet due to the light reflecting off of the surface. Try placing them closer to the walls as this will maximize the amount of light in the room. 

Strategically Place Your Outlets

The last thing you want to happen when getting ready in the morning is trying to plug in your hairdryer but the outlet is all the way across the bathroom. When planning out your new bathroom, it’s important to remember to place your outlets in easily accessible locations.  Place an outlet near the mirror to keep all of your grooming accessories fully charged and ready to be used. Do you share your bathroom with your spouse? Add in additional outlets to spread out your power consumption and avoid an electrical overload. Do you have multiple bathroom appliances that need to be charged when not in use? Try placing an outlet in a storage area like a cabinet or shelf to keep your bathroom organized and free of clutter.

Find The Right Bathroom Wall Tile

Tiles can make your bathroom feel more luxurious and spacious. One great benefit of using bathroom tiles is that the design choices are endless. There are different sizes and shapes so you have multiple options; from redesigning with smaller mosaic tiles or using large square tiles. Find a design or pattern that matches your color scheme and go from there. Bathroom tiles also have the added benefit of being water-resistant, making cleanup easier. When the bathroom becomes too steamy or water is splashed onto the walls, simply take a rag and some household cleaning supplies and wipe away the mess. Finally, bathroom tiles are durable, low maintenance, and protect your walls from any accidental damage. As long as you apply a sealer to the tiles every three to four months, your tiles should stay intact and last you until your next bathroom renovation.  

Decide If You Want A Bathtub Or Shower

Your next big decision is to decide whether you want to include a tub in your bathroom or if you would rather go with a walk-in shower. Traditional bathrooms usually have a bathtub which offers you a secondary space to soak and relax after a long day. On the other hand, bathtubs take up a lot of space and if you’re already working in a smaller bathroom, a single shower might be the better option. One factor in choosing between a bathtub versus a shower is that the single shower gives you more space in the bathroom for storage and keeps the room feeling spacious. There are also other factors to consider. If you’re planning to stay in the home long term, you should think about where you are in life. Planning to have a baby? Then a bathtub is a must because you need a place to bathe your newborn. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about mobility, a walk-in shower that can accommodate a seat might be the best choice for you. 

Plan Out Your Ventilation

Bathrooms are prone to dampness which can cause mold build up if the proper ventilation isn’t in place. Bathrooms need this ventilation to keep all of the people in the home safe and healthy while also protecting your bathroom from damage. A great method of ventilation is to install an overhead exhaust fan. The fan will suck out the moisture when a bathroom becomes too steamy and will ensure that your walls stay dry. Windows also offer ventilation but can let in foreign objects from the outside. If you live in a colder region, chances are that you won’t be opening your windows when it’s cold outside. Finding the right ventilation solution can extend the life of your bathroom while also protecting it from any moisture damage over time.

Bathroom renovations are exciting projects that can really make an impact on the design of your home. Make sure you have a plan and get started making your bathroom feel brand new!