The bathroom is usually the smallest room in your home and the trickiest to renovate as there’s so much to think about, not to mention adjustments and unexpected additions that can really have an impact on your budget. But hopefully by following these tips from BigBathroomShop.co.uk, your bathroom renovation project will stay on track and run smoothly.
Take a look at the layout
If you are revamping an existing bathroom, decide if the layout works for you. If it does, then there’s no point changing it, otherwise you’ll just be wasting your money. If you find that it’s not working, then it’s definitely worth designing a new layout to ensure you get the most out of the space. Almost anything is possible, but some options will cost more than others, so do your research first.
Measure the space – accurately!
Measure your bathroom as accurately as you can, and when planning the layout, don’t forget to factor in the tiling, any panelling, towel rails and accessories etc. which can make the space appear smaller. Even something as small as a 10mm difference between the sink being in line with an edge to having it slightly sticking out can be so annoying.
Small bathrooms are a challenge to design, so opt for space saving fixtures to help maximise space. Wall mounted items are great for small bathrooms too, as they create a more spacious feel and make the floor easier to clean. If you have any storage, check that there’s room to open doors and drawers, and that the bathroom door doesn’t bang into anything. A good trick is to refit the door so it opens outwards, providing you with a bit more space.
The pipework & electrics
Not only do you need to think about where to position the toilet, basin, bath and shower, you will also need to address the pipework and electrics. Visible pipework looks unsightly and can ruin the appearance of your new bathroom, so look where the pipes come from and go to, and think of how to conceal them. False walls provide a great way to conceal pipework.
To ensure a neat and tidy finish opt for a back-to-wall or wall hung toilet, where the cistern and plumbing will be hidden in the wall or a furniture unit. Vanity units, wall mounted taps and concealed shower valves create a sleek look as there’s no visible pipes.
The electrics play an equally important part of your bathroom design. Plan out the lighting, shaving point and extractor fan, ensuring they are in the best possible position. When planning the lighting, it’s a good idea to incorporate accent and task lights. Accent lighting helps to create a relaxing ambience for those long soaks in the bath, while task lights provide bright illumination for applying make-up and other important beauty tasks.
Before choosing any light fixtures, it’s important to check they are suitable for use in the bathroom, and always hire an approved qualified electrician to fit them for you.
Finishes & materials
Your choice of finishes and materials will have an impact on the cost of your new bathroom. As well as thinking about the look, you’ll need to consider the practicality too. If you are a family with children, a high gloss finish is probably best avoided, unless you don’t mind constantly wiping away finger-marks! So, do your research and make choices that suit your exact requirements, and remember to order materials in advance. Made-to-order products and specialist materials are likely to have a longer lead time than expected.
Stylish bathroom storage
It’s surprising how much storage space you need in your bathroom for toiletries, cleaning products, toilet roll, bath toys and towels. Incorporating storage into your bathroom design, will ensure the space looks neat and organised.
When planning the layout, it’s so important to factor in storage that’s both stylish and practical. Vanity units are a fantastic option as they combine a basin with storage underneath. Other storage solutions include cabinets, drawer units and shelving. Before choosing any storage, it’s a good idea to take note of the items that you plan to keep in your bathroom and plan what will go where – once your bathroom is complete, everything will have its own place.
The future
Whether or not you’ve enjoyed your bathroom design project, you will want the space to look great well into the future. To ensure the longevity of your bathroom…
- Choose durable materials that will stand the test of time
- Make sure there’s access panels for the pipework
- Prevent dreaded mould and condensation with good ventilation
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to designing a bathroom, but when it’s all done, the results will be so worth it!
I’m a big fan of the bathroom tiles from the first picture. Very contemporary, with it’s smooth edges between each tile.
We recently had our bathroom redecorated, and the point you’ve made about considering the layout is a good one. We knew that by moving the sink, it would open up a lot more space, but were reluctant because it felt like such a big upheaval. But looking back now, I am so glad we did this because of the noticeable impact it has had.
My point is, don’t be bogged down by the size of the job, you think something is going to be.
I was also looking someone to design my bathroom. But this post has solved all my issues.
Although bathroom is the smallest room in the house but it needs the same attention as we give to other rooms at the time of renovation. Bathroom renovation needs deep and smart thinking before starting it. Your tips are really very useful. Thanks for sharing this post.