10 Things to Consider When Planning Your New Bathroom

The bathroom is often overlooked in a home, as many people just see it as a practical space, however it can still be stylish and look good. If you are renovating an old bathroom, or starting from scratch, we can help you with all areas from design to completion, however here are some great tips to consider when getting started

1. Sufficient Storage

Storage in a bathroom is something that a lot of people don't consider when planning their home, however ample storage in a bathroom is something that can often be forgotten. Whether it is shelves, a vanity, a cabinet,  or a linen closet nearby, consider what you want to store in your bathroom in terms of towels, products, any cleaning products, candles etc, and work out what you need for your space

2. Save Space 

You can do small things like swapping a built in bath for a free standing bath, in an effort to make the room look more spacious. The same rule applies for a floating toilet over a built in toilet. A large shower over a small bath is not only more practical, but again will help the room look spacious. Also, using a large sink on top of a smaller vanity will ensure that it is still practical, but won't feel cramped

3. Modern Fittings

Small things like handles make a big difference when it comes to the overall feel of your bathroom. By swapping out your older handles on your vanity and cabinets for updated modern ones will give the bathroom a fresh feel. Larger handles on your cabinets and vanity look great and are also practical. There are so many option available these days in terms of tapware for your sink, bath and shower; make sure you choose something that is aesthetically pleasing, but also won't date quickly. 

4. Choose a Colour Scheme 

The most common colour schemes for a bathroom are definitely neutral, whether it be white, monochromatic, or another version of a neutral based scheme, however this does not mean these are the only options. Although a neutral scheme does help with a feeling of tranquility in your bathroom, and rarely dates, if you are a person who loves colour then make sure it is included in your bathroom! Some feature tiles, or a coloured bath are some easy ways to do this 

5. Design a Lighting Plan 

Bathrooms are one of the trickiest rooms in the house in terms of lighting, as not only do you need practical lighting, but ambient lighting is also a great feature to have for those long soaks in the bath. If you can, take advantage of the natural light available to you, to ensure the room doesn't feel cold or sterile. Frosted windows are also a good idea for a sense of privacy, while still maximising the use of natural light. 

6. Choose Your Materials Wisely

You need to make some big decisions in your bathroom in terms of materials for walls, floors, benchtops, shower, and even the roof! Ensure you choose materials that actually can withstand the demands of a bathroom, in terms of humidity and moisture. Choosing the same time for the floor and walls can give a really clean stream lined look, however you can create points of interest or unique features with feature tiles as mentioned before when considering your colour scheme. Timber is a nice choose for the floor of your bathroom if you do not want to go for tiles, and can actually create a really warm feeling enviroment when used on the roof

7. Plan the Layout Carefully!

Things like which way the door opens on your shower, how far your vanity drawers open, and where the toilet is in regards to the entrance to the bathroom can easily be overlooked, but the layout is one of the most important things to plan when designing your new bathroom. Ensure you have ample space to dry yourself, get dressed, get ready at the vanity etc, and if you are renovating, plan around the plumbing fixtures to save yourself some money 

8. Consider Ventilation and Heating 

Moisture and humidity can quickly equate to mould if ventilation isn't properly considered. A fan will help with this. Also consider how cold a bathroom can be, especially if you have used tiled floors and tiled walls. Underfloor heating may help with those winter mornings, and a heated towel rail may make the transition out of the shower somewhat less painful. Install a timer on your towel rail and underfloor heating to save energy and money. 

9. Keep it Simple 

As discussed previously when we were talking about space, there are some tricks you can use to help give your bathroom that feeling of space, however if you don't have a big room to work with consider what are your 'must haves' in a bathroom and work around this. 

10. Accessorise!

You want your bathroom to feel like yours, so decorate it with accessories you like to make it feel homely and personal. Whether it is candles, plants, display towels, bathmats or even your hand soap; these all add personality to your bathroom and helps avoid that 'sterile' feel 

We are the bathroom experts, and help you undergo the entire process from design, incorporating all these steps, to completion. Please contact us if we can help you with your dream bathroom!