9 Tips To A Successful Bathroom Renovation

Whether you’re renovating to sell or renovating to stay, bathroom renovations are a great way to add value to your home.

1. Bathroom Layout

Choosing a great layout is a must for any size bathroom. Bathrooms are often smaller spaces and you will need to be able to open and close all the doors and cupboards easily while having plenty of room to get changed so it’s essential to adapt with nice neat storage solutions throughout. The stylish wooden twin vanity pictured below makes clever use of a long narrow space – we think this is a bathroom design worth raving about!

Tip: A key decision affecting your budget will be the number of wet-walls. In very small spaces you can install all of the fixtures along one wall so plumbing costs are kept to a minimum.

2. Bathroom Flooring  

Porcelain or ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for your bathroom reno, as they are hardwearing and have low water absorption rates. Tiles that look like wood or natural stone are a popular choice now for a sophisticated, warmer look.

Tip: Get samples before you buy tiles and try them out on the floor at home.

3. Bathroom Walls  

Again, porcelain or ceramic tiles work well on wet areas in the shower and above the bath. A mixture of some tiled and some painted walls or areas add interest and balance to the room. Think about where your wet and dry areas will be, and plan accordingly. The black tiles pictured in the bathroom below, create a sleek ultra-modern look that we love!

Tip: Smaller tiles and mosaics can make great feature walls, but can be harder to clean.

4. Bathroom Heating  

It’s best to decide on all your heating requirements early. Consider underfloor heating (if you live in more southern regions!), it won’t interfere with your design and is great on tiled floors which can feel entirely too icy in the winter to walk on!

Tip: Additional extras like a heated mirror can save you time in the morning, or a heated towel rail to make sure you always have the luxury of dry, warm towels.

5. Bathroom Lighting 

You will need to consider both ambient lighting and practical lighting for make-up and shaving, so a dimmer switch can be the ideal solution.

Tip: Lighting for the mirror is best when you have a light above the mirror and at each side so that no shadows are created.

6. Bath Tubs  

Claw and ball foot tubs are now fairly inexpensive and can make an elegant statement, something akin to having a piece of art in the bathroom! However, these require a larger space, so in the instance, you’re renovating a small bathroom space, consider a simple yet deep tub. A natural wood feature wall as featured below beautifully complements the simple elegance of the bathtub and neutral colour scheme.

Tip: If possible, sit in the bathtub before you buy it. Larger baths often aren’t great to relax in as you will find that a footrest is too far away! (Not ideal for book, bath & wine nights!)

7. Choosing Bathroom Fixtures  

Plan your theme and the overall style you desire, and then choose fixtures to go with it. Are you looking for something ultra-modern or more traditional and elegant?

Tip: When shopping for bathroom fixtures ensure the styles, lines and curves of sinks, showers, tubs and toilets are complementary so you don’t end up with a bathroom style that is too eclectic.

8. Saving Space in Your Bathroom

A pedestal sink is a great choice for a smaller space and you can add a wall cabinet above it – a less bulky option than a vanity unit.  You may wish to go for a double vanity and larger luxury shower instead of a small shower and a tub, especially in a second bathroom.

Tip: Installing cupboards back into the wall frame is a great idea to maximise storage space.

9. Bathroom Paint

Neutral shades or white are safe options for your bathroom renovation, as they don’t tend to date, and make smaller spaces look brighter and bigger. Add splashes of black for a modern style. Ornate rimmed mirrors are an elegant addition, and artwork and vases of flowers can add a touch of hotel-style luxury.

Tip: Buy new towels and accessories to add colour and complete the look.

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