Bathrooms come in all different styles and suit different people’s needs. Renovating a bathroom may seem simple, but there are many choices that you’ll have to make to create the unique style of your bathroom. Read on to see what factors you should consider in each choice.
Size
Many people have homes that cannot be expanded, but if you have the opportunity, you should consider whether a larger bathroom would be beneficial. You may need more room for things like a laundry hamper, a baby changing table, or a litter box. In addition, larger bathrooms can give off a more relaxing feeling, as you’ll have more room to get things done. Despite the benefits of a larger bathroom, it just may not be necessary for some people, so really think about whether you need a large or even mid-sized bathroom, or whether a smaller bathroom is perfect for you.
Wall and Floor Design
The next things to consider for your bathroom are the colors and materials used for the walls and floor. In most modern homes, walls are painted a lighter color, which makes the room look more open. Floors may be dark or light, but typically will be a neutral tone. Floors are usually made of a hard and non-porous material, such as certain kinds of tile, which makes them easy to clean. Sticking to tile can help avoid issues like mold in the event that the floor gets wet.
Ventilation
A very brief thing to consider is ventilation. Any bathroom renovation should take vent placement into account. Vents that are close to the shower can help prevent harmful mold from accumulating. Windows may also be able to mitigate some issues that come from poor ventilation, but they aren’t always practical, depending on your climate and weather patterns.
Baths and Showers
Showers are essential for just about everyone, so it’s important to consider what you might need on a day-to-day basis. You should first think about the size of the shower, as a stall shower may work for some people, while a larger shower is ideal for others. If several people use your shower, it might be a good idea to go for a shower with enough shelf space for everyone’s products. You’ll also have to consider what kind of shower head to get. Finally, if someone in your house has trouble standing or moving, you should think about getting a shower with a built-in seat.
Baths, on the other hand, are not quite as essential for the average person. They can be beneficial, though, to people who are unable to stand, as well as for young children. If your household contains one of these people, you should really consider a bath. However, physical limitations are not the only reasons to get a bathtub. You may enjoy soaking after a long day of work, and a shower just isn’t the same. It can also be fun to have a bath with jets.
Regardless of your preferences for both, you’ll also have to compare bath/shower combinations to a pair that is separate. If you are not particular about the features they come with, getting a combined option could be a great way to cut back on space. That being said, if you do have particular preferences for one or the other, it is probably a good idea to keep them separate. This is especially important for people with physical limitations that may prevent them from doing things like taking a large step into tall bathtub.
Sinks and Storage
Choosing a sink for your bathroom could seem mundane, but it’s actually incredibly important. Some sinks are standalone, which can make things difficult if you like to store your toothbrush and other toiletries by the sink. On the other hand, sinks built into countertops may seem out of place if they are just placed against an open wall. Furthermore, you’ll have to consider the material the sink is made of, as well as any counter space.
Sometimes connected to the sink, storage space is also an important factor in a bathroom renovation. You’ll want a place to store toilet paper, towels, toiletries, and medications. Many people like to do so with a mirror-cabinet, as well as under-the-sink storage. Still, you’ll most likely need another place to store larger items. If you don’t have closet space outside of your bathroom where you can put these things, you should consider building a small closet into your new bathroom.
Placement of Features
Flow of a room is important, no matter where you are in the house. How your bathroom is set up can change how it feels to you on a daily basis. If a large bathroom is very closed off, it can feel more private, versus an open plan that seems more exposing. Some people may be uncomfortable with the placement of a window, too. The biggest factor, though, is your ability to move around. You don’t want to feel cramped in your new bathroom, so make sure to consider placement of your features while choosing your options.
Lighting
Finally, lighting is an essential component of every bathroom. Natural light is great, but won’t be helpful at night or on cloudy days. You’ll want to be sure to choose warm lighting, since the bathroom is a relaxing place. Lights with different settings can be beneficial to avoid hurting your eyes in the middle of the night, while also allowing you to see how you’ll look in other lighting. Whichever style of lighting you go with will depend on your needs. However, you’ll have to be sure that you have enough light throughout your entire bathroom, and that the lighting isn’t blocked or obscured in some areas.
As you can see, there is a significant amount of detail that goes into redesigning your bathroom. Think about each of these options carefully to avoid regrets, and to build the bathroom of your dreams.
