Oftentimes the most functional room in your home — the bath — is also the darkest, most cramped and most cluttered space. Why settle for something that doesn’t suit your lifestyle?
“The bathroom is where you start and end your day,” says Jacob Louder, design consultant with Serden Group. “It’s a place to reflect on health and wellness. And if you’ve had a bad day, it’s amazing what a hot shower can do.”
Before jumping into a full bathroom remodel, have each person that uses the space create a list of priorities. You’d be surprised to discover how often those lists don’t match. “The bathroom is such a personal space, you want to make sure it works well,” says Louder. “It doesn’t have to be complex, but we can definitely make them so.”
Once you’ve created a list of priorities and selected a bathroom style for your project, you’ll want to consider these seven design components from our award-winning designers before you begin your remodel.
MASTER BATHROOM VS. POWDER ROOM
Deciding which bathroom to remodel first can be tricky. Most homeowners remodel the master bath first as it offers the most return on the investment. Next, homeowners typically address the powder room, also known as a half bath or guest bath, which offers an opportunity to splurge with decorative pieces and additional bathroom storage, such as vanities that double as artwork.
BATHROOM MATERIALS
Natural materials like stone and marble are popular to use in bathrooms, but these materials are prone to staining over time. Natural stone replications or bath tiles are ideal for shower walls and help minimize grout and joint staining.
BATHROOM LUXURY PIECES
Luxury bathroom features such as heated tile floors, wall-mounted heated towel bars, frameless glass showers, and specialty hand-painted tiles can customize a space and make it your own. “We’re seeing more luxury items getting incorporated into bathrooms,” says Louder.
BATHROOM STORAGE
With multiple users, it’s easy for bathroom countertops to become cluttered. Creating more efficient bathroom organization and storage space will help keep the room functional and peaceful. Adding storage inside small bath cabinets or using organizer trays on vanity countertops can easily maximize space.
BATHROOM LIGHTING
If the space doesn’t already have natural light, there are plenty of ways to create an inviting atmosphere. Contemporary bathroom light fixtures or other vanity lights can greatly improve a space. “Adding the ability to dim the lights or create layers of lighting helps set the tone for a relaxing evening shower or a bright morning routine,” Louder says.
SHOWER VS. BATHTUB
“One of the biggest questions we get is whether or not the home needs a bath or whether the shower should be built in, freestanding, deck mounted or designed with an open floor plan,” says Louder. “More and more people are opting for a shower without a bathtub, yet some people take a bath religiously.”
HANDHELD SHOWERS
Handheld showers on a fixed arm or slide bar offer convenience for cleaning and bathing. These detachable shower heads also allow you to adjust the water height for multiple users and add massage settings.
“A bathroom is really personal and it’s important to ask those personal questions,” says Louder. “A designer can help homeowners read between the lines to offer suggestions you never thought possible.”
