Bathroom Design Basics
Like the kitchen, the bathroom space is an opportunity for home owners to increase the value of their property with a fabulous renovation. However as much as a bathroom renovation is desired it also brings with it stress, cost, and usually more time than expected. As you are dealing with an interior space that handles a lot of water, it is important to have a solid plan in place which includes following strict guidelines. There are also many other things to consider with regards to Bathroom design in order to make your new space work for you. Our mission at TheSexyBathroom.com is to keep you well informed so that you are properly equipped with the right information required to make educated decisions and ultimately save you time and money!
Build a Foundation
During the design process the most important question you can ask yourself is; "Why do I want a new Bathroom?" Is it because you are looking for more storage space? Is your space not being maximized? Is it oled and out-dated? Does your cabinetry or vanity need to be replaced? Are your faucets in need of change as well? Is your Bathroom too dark? Is your space too small or too big? Too Boring? Or simply, too much??!
By asking yourself these important questions you will have a much better idea of what you need to get out of your Bathroom. This information will become the foundation for your Bathroom design plan.
Make a wish list
Once you have your foundation in place it is important to ask yourself a few more questions. Now that I know what I need, what is it I want? What you would like to have in your Bathroom? Give this a lot of thought because design today can incorporate special storage and space savers into your vanities,cabinets and shelving units! Be sure to write a list of everything you couldn't live without. This list will also become a very important guideline for you, your contractor, or designer to follow.
Here are a few questions to paint an example for you:
Do you want dual faucets and sinks? Granite countertops? Tiled flooring? Heated floors? A stand up shower? Jacuzzi tub? Water saving toilet? What will your color palette be? What kind of vanity or cabinetry will you use? What can I not live without? Think along these lines to make sure that during your research, you can achieve exactly what you want for your bathroom.
Budget
How much can you afford to spend on your Bathroom? This is a big question that can affect the entire project. Bathroom design projects are rarely inexpensive so you must get out and do some pricing on items that are necessary for you to fulfill your foundation and wish list. Beware that if you plan on replacing your plumbing and tub it can account for more than half of your budget as plumbers don't come cheap!!
When building your Bathroom design budget you also want to include the cost of all labor (electricians, carpenters, plumbers, contractors etc.) and then consider the possibility of hiring a designer.
You must stay within your budget when planning a new bathroom. Account for as much as possible and add on another 20% or more just incase. Unexpected costs arise all the time in bathroom renovations, think water damage or mould, and the best way to overcome it is to create a great budget. Dreaming big is one thing, but placing importance on price and affordability will ensure that you get what you are expecting and save some money for unexpected emergencies.
Time Frame
It is also very important to know when your project needs to be completed. Bathroom renovation projects are notorious for being drawn out. Set realistic goals. The remodeling and new construction industry is booming and this can have a direct affect on your project. Many crews are working on several projects at a time so be sure to communicate your completion date with your contractor and demand a realistic response. Labor is not cheap so the shorter the time frame the higher the cost. It is also helpful to plan for you and your family to prepare an alternate location for your bathing needs into your budget. Remember that being inconvenienced at home can also cost you more money at the end of the day.
Hiring a Contractor
If you speak to anyone who has ever participated in a bathroom renovation project or any other home renovation project they will most likely tell you that your contractor holds the key to guaranteed success. A contractor will make or break the renovation process and although the end result may look the same, what lies underneath may tell a much different story!
This is an industry that can harbor many scam artists that go after your money with no care for your welfare! There are very few laws out there to protect the homeowner so it is up to you! You need to do as much research as possible to ensure a successful renovation.
Make sure you use a professional or certified contractor. There are lots of contractors out there who will undercut prices and offer you promises that are not realistic. Ask to see some portfolio work or for references. Make sure that your contractor is using accredited plumbers and electricians. Be wary of anyone willing to start immediately or who asks for cash up front? Do not proceed with any payments unless you have an agreement with your contractor and make sure they detail all work on labor and materials. You do not want a poorly installed Bathroom and any subsequent repairs will far outweigh the cost of using a professional.
- If you are located in the U.S.A., visit: www.unitedhomeimprovement.com This company specializes in finding the right contractor for the job in your area! Use this service and get peace of mind from knowing that someone is looking out for your well being!
- If you are in Canada visit: www.homestars.ca This is a very new company to the renovation scene in Canada that allows the consumer to rate the performance of their chosen contractor. Their mission is to unveil the potentially dangerous and deceitful contractors in existence today while also offering an opportunity for praise of those who demonstrate excellence! Although they do not provide professional recommendations this is a fantastic research tool for the consumer.
Do your homework! Learn everything you can about the project you are about to undertake as well as the process. Research on-line testimonials of personal renovation stories where costly mistakes were made so that you can learn from those and be better prepared.
Finally, be on site as much as possible! Be aware that your presence can also be a detriment to the renovation process but all the same be sure to see what is being done. Ask questions and get your contractor to show you exactly what has been done at the end of each day.
It is so important to note that if you are suspicious of something at any point during the renovation process stop the job immediately! This is your space and it is your right to stop the job and consult an inspector. It might be your only chance to rectify the situation so take action immediately!!
Designers
Hiring a designer can really help you get onto the right path sooner. These professional consultants can take care of every aspect of the design process like choosing the appropriate layout for you and your home. Coordinating color & lighting that is appropriate. Making sure all your trades and contractors are working in unison and of course ensuring that your dream bathroom becomes a reality. Designers will sit with you and go through a detailed interview process to get the best idea of what you are looking for. Their objective is to design a plan and develop a bathroom that works best for you. Your designer will combine your foundation and wish lists and weigh the pros and cons to balance them against your needs, space limitations and budget. Your designer will put together all the planning, logistical needs and contractors for your project. They can be expensive but many kitchen and bath showrooms will have in house designers working for them. You can set up an appointment or walk in and speak with someone almost immediately. This service helps the supplier get your business and they will do everything for you, from measuring your space to arranging packages for you that suit any budget.
Designers are usually well worth it, but do your research and find a design consultant with a portfolio that really connects with your own personal style.
You can also use your contractor to help you in planning out your workspace or even use interior design software to personally plan out your space if you think you have what it takes!
Choosing Bathroom Colors
Now we get to bathroom colors and palettes. It is very important for you when you are in the design process to have a strong grasp of what color palette you are looking for. Colors can dramatically affect the overall look of your project. There are a few guidelines regarding color that might help get you on the right track!
Small Bathroom - Try using cool colors. These colors will actually make your space look larger where warm colors will make your space seem smaller! Make your ceiling seem taller by painting it a cooler color than the walls!
Large Bathroom - Any color could work however really intense colors can look amazing in a large space with appropriate contrasting colors. Warm colors will also help the space feel closer together.
Glossy - These colors and surfaces will reflect light making the color more intense.
Matte - These colors and surfaces will absorb light making the color seem flat or pale.
One of the most important decisions you will make in the design process is the appearance of your cabinets and vanitites. They are the focal points for all bathrooms so if you choose a color palette that deviates too far from your cabinetry, you will definitely experience trouble matching your countertops,sinks, faucets, back splashes and flooring. Of course a perfect match is not necessary but any great renovation is built upon a strong foundation of color and compatibility.
Remember that any color you choose will be very affected by the lighting in your space.
Bathroom Lighting
Bathroom lighting is such an important part of any bathroom design. Does your Bathroom get any natural light? Does it catch morning, afternoon or evening sun? Are there shadows cast? If there is no natural light how do you bring light to your space? What type of lighting fixtures will you use and what type of bulb will they require?
When planning your design, it is very important to consider the trends in lighting available today. No longer is the track lighting of the 80s and 90s the way to go. With Color palettes changing, lighting has become extremely important. Pot lights, sconces and recessed lighting can create great lighting for your bathroom and combined with dimmers will provide adequate lighting and fantastic ambiance. Xenon lighting is replacing halogens as a softer alternative to help eliminate the shadow effect traditionally cast by halogen bulbs.
Vanities
Vanities are an integral part of any bathroom design or remodel. There are several options to consider and in doing so you should consider space, storage needs and budget. Please check out our detailed article on Bathroom vanitites.
Sinks
Bathroom sinks come in various shapes and sizes. Popular models are one piece and inset. There is also a trend to top mounted sinks on vanities and counters. Learn more about bathroom sinks.
Bathroom Counter tops
Countertops and vanitites are a big decision and can affect your bottom line. Make sure you plan out appropriately and refer to our in depth bathroom counter top articles to help you in making your decisions. Remember to choose what works best for you and your needs. Maybe Granite would look amazing, but if you concerned with prices, perhaps laminate or one piece vanities would do better.
Bathroom Flooring
You may think that the most used component of the bathroom would be the plumbing however in fact it is your bathroom floor! Choosing the right bathroom floor depends on several factors. What will traffic be like? How much do you want to spend? What is the durability of each product? Which is most water resistant? What designs are available? What are your flooring measurements and how much material will be required? When designing your bathroom, it is vital to include appropriate flooring materials that keep durability, style and re-sale in mind. Whether you are designing, remodeling or re-designing your bathroom, research on bathroom flooring plays an enormous role as there are several materials to choose from. Is Linoleum, Vinyl, Concrete or Ceramic tile the best options for you and your home? Of course TheSexyBathroom.com has already done this research for you. Please visit our articles on bathroom flooring for complete information on appropriate flooring materials for your bathroom space!!
Bathtubs and Showers
There are quite a few design options available today in regards to bathtubs and showers. Some of the more popular choices are stand up showers, jacuzzi tubs and of course, traditional soaker tubs.
Soaker Tubs- Soaker tubs come in many different styles, designs and materials. the most common materials for soakers include:Acrylic, Porcelain, Fiberglass/Gelcoat, Cast Iron, Ceramic Tile, Solid Surface and Marble Bathtubs
Jacuzzi Tubs- These tubs are great if you are looking for a spa like experience in your bathroom. There are a multitude of options available but the most common are air jet tubs that create a jet stream of water forced by air into the tub. These tubs require electrical connections as they do have motors and do require more experience when installing.
Stand up Showers - These showers are growing in popularity as space in homes become more compact. Most bathrooms will have a tub and shower combo but when limited for space or a shower is wanted in a converted powder room, a stand up shower is best. Many new condo developments and luxury homes are incorporating them into ensuites. They can be as simple as a single shower head stand up acrylic shower or as elaborate as dual or mutli head shower stalls with benches and built in shelving. Stand up showers are very sexy and can add quite a bit of wow to your renovation.
There are a few things to consider when installing a new tub or shower. As with any installation, plumbing will be a major consideration. Proper water proofing and moisture barriers are required in all new bulding codes. Whenever you remove and old tub, shower or tiles, you need to be prepared for some expensive fixes. Water damage is common and if the proper materials weren't used, such as cement board instead of drywall, then your budget can balloon with needing to fix water damage and mould.
Bathroom Backsplashes
Bathroom backsplashes are a great way to bring color and texture to your Bathroom walls. They are great at deferring moisture and clean easily. They are generally made from glass or ceramic tile. You can mix and match them to work with either your vanitites or counter tops. Some interesting designs include flor to ceiling backsplashes and intricate mosaic tile designs. It's encouraged to be creative and have fun when designing any backsplash for your space.
Remember to enjoy the process. A bathroom renovation can be a very stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. There is a lot of joy to be had turning your tired space into one which you and your family will love for years to come. If you get alittle lost in the process remember to use the information we've provided you with, and the best part, IT'S FREE!
Get educated on what choices and decisions you will have to make and be properly prepared. Stress is no good for anyone, besides getting a new bathroom should be an exciting journey not a nightmare! Enjoy your new bathroom.
