Tips for Designing a New Bathroom

A fresh new bathroom can bring a welcome boost to your home’s value. Whether you’re updating a family bath or converting an ensuite, a few key design decisions will help you create the bathroom of your dreams.

Start by gathering ideas from interior magazines and websites. Store them in a folder on your phone or tablet so that they’re handy when you make your final decisions.

Layout

Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in a home for resale value and getting them right is an essential part of home design. The first step is to consider what you want your bathroom to look like and make sure you have a clear idea of the layout.

If there are existing plumbing pipes that cannot be moved, a good designer can help to find smart ways of working around them. They might use a wall-mounted sink that can be mounted to the wall or create a corner shower enclosure with a window on a side of the room.

Another way to maximize space is to incorporate a generous private space for the toilet, as illustrated here by this simple layout. The use of a pocket door here saves space that would otherwise be wasted on the swing of a conventional door.

Lighting

A bathroom is more than a functional space; it’s also a chance to evoke your style. Having the right lighting scheme can transform a room from utilitarian to a cozy retreat.

A good lighting plan uses a combination of ambient, accent, and task lights to illuminate the entire bathroom. Ambient lights are usually found in ceiling-mounted fixtures and can be used to make the room feel bigger or brighter.

For bathrooms with showers and tubs, use recessed wet location lighting to provide safe, bright light for tasks. Accent lighting can be anything from a light shining on a piece of artwork to a wash of LEDs under vanities that highlight beautifully textured tile.

Pretty bathroom wall sconces, positioned on either side of a mirror, create a shadow-free, flattering light for applying makeup or shaving. Layers of lighting on dimmer switches give you the flexibility to switch between the bright light needed for cleaning and softer levels for creating a mood.

Materials

The materials you choose to use in your new bathroom will have a huge impact on the space’s style. Your design preferences will heavily influence what you pick, so take the time to think long and hard about your vision. When you meet with your custom home contractor, bring along inspiration images to help both parties get on the same page.

Wall materials should be moisture resistant to prevent things like mold, mildew and rot. Typically, tile is the best choice for walls because it’s decorative, easy to clean and comes in a variety of shape, size and color options.

For countertops, crushed glass is gaining popularity. Encased in clear acrylic or embedded in concrete, the material creates a unique look that’s sure to impress.

Finishes

The fixtures that you select—from faucets to tubs and showers—are what set the tone for your bathroom. Choose from a range of colors and finishes, including brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, oil-rubbed, or hammered.

Sink materials can include vitreous china, enamel, glass or concrete; tubs can be made of acrylic, fiberglass or cast iron; and showers are usually constructed of tempered glass, tile or stone. These elements can be used to elevate your bathroom from functional to luxurious.

Mixing metal finishes is a popular trend that works well in many styles. Whether you prefer chrome for its brightness, nickel for its cool silver look or hammered for its rough texture, it’s important to choose a finish that’s durable and easy to clean. This is especially true for the shower/tub, where water and moisture can easily stain the surface.

Accessories

When it comes to finishing a bathroom design, accessories can add both function and personality. Choose a stylish bath set that includes a toothbrush holder, soap dispenser and tray. These pieces can be coordinated in a single material or color to create a consistent look.

Consider also adding a storage basket or bin under the sink, which can hold extra toilet paper rolls, hot hair tools and guest toiletries. Woven baskets, such as those made from natural palm leaf or jute, offer a simple, organic touch and are available in various sizes.

Finally, add a decorative accent like a ceramic trinket tray or framed piece of artwork to the wall. But be careful when selecting art for bathrooms, as these spaces are usually smaller and require a more delicate approach to decorating.



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