Credit: Our very own Interior Design Guru, Sam!
Have you ever gotten back to a table in a restaurant and felt compelled to compliment how magnificent their bathrooms are? Without a doubt, being in a lovely bathroom surely makes us feel happy, calm, and refreshed.
Since bathrooms are also very functional rooms — where you prepare the day, wash off the busy, tiring hours while getting ready for bed, and give yourself an occasional spa treat — renovating them to create a practical yet comfortable and beautiful space is always worth it.
Bathroom renovations can be time-consuming, overwhelming, and costly. Whether you’re taking up the project by yourself or hiring a remodelling contractor, give this article a read to learn about some useful smart tips and tools you’ll need on your quest!
Plan Your Design & Budget
Credit: Our very own Interior Design Guru, Karina!
The first step to a successful and smooth bathroom renovation is setting a budget before you move a single tool or purchase any supplies. As such, things will be categorised according to their importance, each task will fall into place, and you’ll have a proper direction to follow from beginning to the end.
To make your budget as accurate as possible, it’s important to speak to an interior designer at an early stage. They'll help you define your job scope by crystallising your design concept — so you know exactly what you'll be building. That way, you can approach contractors with a clear brief, and therefore receive an accurate and realistic quote.
If you're renovating your bathroom, having a design concept ready when you approach contractors is essential to not only getting an accurate quote, but also to ensure you have an optimised and feasible design that prevents expensive surprises. Book one of our Interior Design Gurus for a hyper-realistic 3D Rendering today!
Once you’ve figured out the amount you can spend and subtracted the amount that will go to labour, you’ll be clearer about what you can spend on fixtures, tiles, and other high-end items.
When creating your budget, there are a few important aspects to consider:
Determine the amount you can afford and coordinate it with the project cost
The things you dislike most about your bathroom and the major, absolutely essential changes needed
Set a budget for unexpected problems, such as faulty piping
See your daily routine and decide the amount of storage space required
Address Ventilation
Credit: Hansgrohe
Having a proper ventilation system (either as an exhaust fan or a big window) in your bathroom is vital to limit condensation, prevent the growth of mould and mildew, and reduce the chances of skin rashes and respiratory problems.
To choose the most suitable fan for your bathroom, consider the fan size, noise levels, maintenance requirements, and exhaust capacity in accordance with your bathroom size and location. For example, you can go for an axial fan if your bathroom is directly connected to an external wall, while the characteristics of a centrifugal fan make it a better option for bathrooms that are about 1.5 km away from an external wall. There are multiple options you can choose from.
Don’t Forget To Incorporate Plants
Since bathrooms are relatively sterile rooms, adding a few plants to your bathroom when renovating will inject not only much-needed colour and life but also offer many health benefits, including reduced stress levels and improved moods.
There are countless ways to present your bathroom plants to create a tranquil oasis. For example, you can install a floating shelf to house your trailing plants or hang species like a Spider Plant from your ceiling in a suction pot.
Focus On The Flooring
Credit: Our very own Interior Design Guru, Kenny!
The flooring of your bathroom must be able to cope with humidity, water, moisture, and temperature changes. Considering that, wood floors might not be the best option. Instead, you should opt for other bathroom flooring favourites, such as porcelain, vinyl, ceramic, etc.
Install Ample Lighting
For bathroom lighting, try layering it with different fixtures (ambient, overhead, decorative, and task) and spread it evenly throughout the space to prevent dark corners and enjoy adequate illumination. Don’t forget to include natural light as much as possible by installing large windows and choosing the right window treatments.
Improve Storage
Increasing the bathroom storage space should be kept top-of-mind when going for a renovation — after all, who likes shoving their skincare and bathing knick and knacks in cluttered cabinets?
For the shower cubicle, you can add a built-in or precast shower niche to organise and store all your shower essentials. Floating shelves, towel racks and hooks, storage baskets, a mirror cabinet and a built-in linen closet, are other options that will come in handy. Remember, whatever you choose will depend on the theme and style of your bathroom.
Conclusion
Above all else, the key to ensuring a bathroom renovation that you will love, is choosing upgrades that fit your routines and lifestyle — maybe you need a new tub to prioritise self-care; two sinks because brushing teeth shouldn't be an elbow war; LED vanity lights for shaving or applying makeup; cute bathroom accessories that double as decor, and other upgrades that can make the beginning and end of your day much more relaxing!
Need help with your bathroom renovation? Book one of our Interior Design Gurus and show them your space over video chat. They will understand your needs and offer tailored ideas, guidance, and tips to help you design a bathroom you’ll absolutely adore.