Wish you had a beautiful, modern bathroom that handles the kids bath time and the morning rush out the door? We can help you transform your tired-looking bathroom or ensuite into a stylish space that functions beautifully. Get in touch to chat about your bathroom renovation plans.
1. Set a budget
Extensive changes are expensive so if you need to keep costs down, design within your current bathroom space and make use of the existing plumbing. We often find issues like water damage or old pipes during a bathroom renovation, so make sure to have a contingency fund.
2. Plan the layout
Map out your bathroom, making sure to include the windows, doors and power points. Try different layouts to see how they maximise the usable space, give you room to move around and eliminate difficult to clean areas. Make sure there’s enough room to pass by when the door is open or someone is standing at the sink.
3. Get yourself in hot water!
A renovation is the ideal time to consider replacing an older hot water system. If you regularly run out of hot water or you’re adding a large bath or multi-head shower, you’ll need a hot water system that can cope.
4. Ventilate and heat
A good ventilation system removes steam and helps eliminate mould and mildew. Keep your new bathroom warm and dry by installing heating. Underfloor heating will warm tile floors in winter and gently heat the room. Most heated towel rails keep your towels toasty and also provide enough heat for a small to medium sized bathroom.
5. Light it up!
Bathrooms are busiest in the early morning and at night, so you really need good lighting. Use overhead lights above the bath, shower and toilet for general light. Install wall mounted lights at the vanity and either side of mirror for detailed tasks like shaving and putting on make up. If you enjoy soaking in the bath, consider a soft mood light for a relaxing atmosphere.
6. Add plenty of storage
Just like everywhere else in the house, a bathroom can never have too much storage! Allow enough space for towels, toilet paper, make up, toiletries, cleaning products and dirty laundry. Include a recessed niche in the shower for your shampoo, conditioner and shower gel – make sure it’s big enough to accommodate the heights of the bottles you use.
7. Think carefully about grout
Love cleaning grout? We didn’t think so! Talk to your tiler about different grout options and ask for their expert recommendation. Don’t forget to look at colour options too. White grout looks great at first, but can become discoloured. See if other colours look good with your tiles.
8. Plan your power points
A double power point above your vanity for hair styling tools and another inside a cupboard or drawer to charge toothbrushes and shavers is a good place to start. Consider any other appliances you use in the bathroom and add power points to suit.
9. Reflect on your mirrors
Mirrors reflect light, making your bathroom feel bigger and brighter. Position one opposite a window to bounce natural light around the room. Install a recessed, mirrored cabinet and you’ll also pack in extra storage.
10. Make a statement!
Even if you’re on a budget, investing in one statement piece will draw the eye, making your bathroom feel more luxurious. A beautiful tap, light fitting or feature tile is a great way to elevate your design.