Undertaking a bathroom renovation can be both daunting and exciting. It’s a prime opportunity to inject a substantial personal touch, improve functionality, and boost the value of your home. However, it is a sizeable investment — a decision big enough to make most people think twice before buckling down unprepared.
In this article, we’ve rounded up a list of the essential do’s and don’ts of a bathroom design to help you curate a visually aesthetic and functional space without incurring errors (or regrets) that will cost you unnecessary expenses in the future.
Do: Curate a Detailed Plan
Every remodelling project — especially those that carry a hefty price tag — should begin with a detailed plan. So, before you swing the first hammer or tear up the flooring, it’s important to have a firm vision of what you want your final product to look like. If you're on a tight budget, you can use websites like Pinterest to find inspiration or contact budget-friendly professional interior designers that are willing to share advice and customised ideas to complement your home’s theme.
Setting an accurate budget is another important part of a remodelling plan. Consider including details like the project cost, the available amount of money, and an allocation for any unexpected costs. To keep your project affordable, you can get quotes from various contractors, DIY the easier parts, and look for wholesale stores that offer materials at a discounted price. Additionally, you can chat with a quantity surveyor or estimator that can help you review different quotes, identify the most reasonable ones, and give you an idea of which parts are negotiable.
Do: Design with the Future in Mind
Credit: Our very own Interior Design Guru, Kenny!
No renovation is complete without considering the future, with aspects like who the space is for and how it will be used. “Many clients find it hard to look beyond the current trends or their current situation and fail to realise that what they may aim for now won’t be appropriate for their future living situation,” suggests Ashleigh.
An ensuite, for example, will be used differently than a shared bathroom for kids. The same applies to the style of the bathroom. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, a trendy, modern design would be a good fit to attract potential buyers — unlike more adventurous choices that work well when designing your permanent home.
Do: Splurge on Adequate Light, Ventilation, and Accessories
Adequate lighting uplifts a room’s ambience; good ventilation promotes a hygienic environment; accessories introduce personality and character to a bathroom. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate them:
Lighting: Install under-cabinet and downlights as task lighting, recessed lights for ambient lighting, and chandeliers as decorative lighting.
Ventilation: Add a central exhaust fan for an internal bathroom and an extractor fan for an external bathroom.
Accessories: Save money by adding bathroom essentials that double as decor, like chic soap dispensers, bold shower curtains, or unique bath mats.
Do: Incorporate Sustainable Features
Remodelling a bathroom with recyclable items is one of the best ways to incorporate sustainable features into your home. Give a shot at the following ideas to make your home all the more eco-friendly and sustainable:
Reduce water consumption by installing touchless tapware.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED fixtures.
Eradicate the use of toilet paper by opting for a smart toilet.
Look for bathroom ware made of natural, recyclable products (for example, basins made of glass or a bathtub covered in a transparent polymer film which eliminates the need to use strong cleaning agents).
Save water by incorporating a toilet with the half-flush button and adding pressure-reducing valves.
Don’t: Skimp on Storage
Having a stylish bathroom doesn’t mean you have to compromise on its practicality. You just have to make sure to spare enough budget to add functional features, such as adequate storage space.
Depending on your budget and available square footage, you can bump out a wall to add an extra storage closet paired with built-in shelving or simply go for an organisation unit from your favourite utility store that fits your aesthetic.
Don’t: Forget about Flooring
Although bathroom flooring is an essential design element, it often ends up becoming an afterthought. But remember, flooring choices can make a huge difference. From creating a statement to withstanding moisture and repelling germs, the right flooring can do wonders! A few designer-approved bathroom options you can choose from include:
Natural stone tiles for a minimalistic bathroom
Ceramic tiles for a Boho bathroom
Wide grain hardwood like birch flooring for a Scandinavian bathroom
Porcelain tiles for a contemporary bathroom
Pebble tiles for an eclectic bathroom
Don’t: Compromise on the Quality of Materials
Bathrooms are exposed to a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. Heat, steam, and splashing water can quickly damage cheap products. Tracks, for example, appear on bath mats, caulking on the bathtub, toilet enamel, and sink, dark ageing spots on the mirror, hinges on cabinets, etc. — there are so many ways for your bathroom to start showing signs of exhaustion that can incur heavy costs in the long-run. Therefore, it is better to pay a little higher for good quality fixtures and fittings in the first place instead of paying higher prices to replace the cheaper products later down the line.
Don’t: Go Too Trendy
Ideas like a waterfall showerhead or an illuminated faucet may seem like the latest thing for personal indulgence, but what’s trending today could be out within 5 years or even less! The same applies to all the other materials, fixtures, and especially the colour palette you choose for your bathroom design.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with classic styles and neutral colours, or something that you love and know you will never get sick of. If you want to be a little adventurous but still play it safe, rely on accessories or basically anything that can be switched out without a screwdriver, wrench, or sledgehammer.
Conclusion
Remodelling your bathroom is a huge investment, which requires careful planning and a sharp eye. So guiding your choices with professional tips and strong advice, like the aforementioned list of do’s and don’ts, can help ensure a successful revamp — all while reflecting your personality and style!
Unsure where to start? Contact one of our Interior Design Gurus, who can view your bathroom over video chat, discuss your design inspiration and goals, and give you customised tips, tricks, and ideas!