Are you looking for design ideas for a new bathroom, or inspiration to makeover an existing one?
Bathrooms don’t have to be costly or complicated to be beautiful and functional. When renovating a tired bathroom, there is a lot to consider to get the result you’re after. Take a look at our tips below for your successful bathroom renovation.
Your Bathroom Layout
Does your current layout work, if it does, this can be a cost-effective advantage as it reduces costs on moving plumbing and electricals?
However, if it doesn’t, change it to ensure it meets your needs. Your new bathroom design will need to work well in your space, otherwise the entire exercise will be a waste of money.
One of my biggest pet hates is having the toilet on display as you walk into room or down the hall. Consider whether you have any dislikes that you have not already thought about? A well laid out, functional bathroom can add value to your home.
Bathroom Needs And Wants
Critically examine your current bathroom/ensuite. List all the things you like, list all the things you dislike.
List all your needs and wants in order of importance. This will help you pare back if necessary.
Identify non-negotiable items for example, an engineered stone bench top, rain shower or maximum storage options.
If budget is tight maybe consider a semi-frameless shower rather than frameless. This can save up to $1000.
Drawers For The Win
Use drawers wherever possible rather than cupboards, even under the sink. They are more expensive but worth every cent.
Which Bathroom Vanity?
For something interesting and classic why not could consider up-cycling an old bedroom vanity or chest of drawers? You can place & plumb-in a beautiful round or square ceramic sink on top with some decorative tap wear.
If that style isn’t your thing, then maybe you could opt for a more contemporary look and feel by installing a floating vanity? The space between the floor and the vanity will give the illusion of a bigger space, as well as instantly updating your bathroom. Especially great for smaller bathrooms. It’s vital to let your builder know that you are installing a wall hung vanity as extra support is needed in the frame-work to support it.
If you’re not altering the existing plumbing and it’s in the slab, you can create a similar effect by placing the vanity on a tiled hob that is recessed at least 250mm. Run the floor tile up the hob. Using a hob is a great technique if you have a very large, double vanity.
Try to avoid kickboards in a bathroom. They are very easily damaged by water on the floor and becomes a costly exercise to replace.
Nifty Storage With Bathroom Niches
A wall recess creates storage for shampoo bottles, candles and loofahs. No matter how large or small your bathroom is, a recessed wall niche gives your shampoos and body washes a great home. It’s not only a good solution for the shower but also for being integrated above your bathtub.
Shaving Cabinet Creates Storage In The Bathroom
If storage is an issue, consider using a shaving cabinet as a mirror. Ensure the builder recesses it as far as possible into the frame. This will remove a bulky effect over the vanity.
Choose Products Wisely
When selecting your tiles and fittings it’s good to think long-term and timeless. Trend-based items will date very quickly and you’ll find yourself wanting to renovate again sooner than planned.
It’s always best to play it safe with items that aren’t as easily replaced, and go wild with the accessories such as towels, mirrors and tap wear. Or add some mosaic tiles in well positioned areas to create interest.
Don’t be scared to mix materials. Laminates are not the poor cousin anymore and come in some wonderful textures Making selections before you begin the renovations is always a good idea too. Have a look at our blog all about tiles.
Enjoy A Rain Shower
If having a rain shower, make sure you include a hand-held one as well, for the days you do not wish to wet your hair and an added advantage of making it easier to clean the shower.
If you’re doing a large renovation or new build that requires DA or compliance approval, look carefully at the WELS rating of tap ware and toilets and ensure you comply. Have a look at our checklist for DA or complying development approval.
Decide On Your Bathtub
Freestanding baths are a beautiful feature however, carefully consider the users of the space as they can be tricky to get in and out of. They may not be so suitable for the elderly, young children or those with a disability.
If you do decide on a freestanding bath, why not go all out and have pendant lights over it to highlight its beauty. Just make sure the light is suitable for a wet area or get the electrician to adapt it for it to be safe.
If using a drop in bath, consider running the floor tile up the hob or use a feature tile.
For inspirations on your next bathroom, have a look at our Bathroom Design Ideas.
Basins And Tapware
If you’re having an above counter basin make sure you check the height of the tap/mixer. And if it’s being installed on the bench ensure it fits over the vanity and sits in the correct position.
Uncertain about the height of your vanity? Then check out the typical measurements used in Australian Bathrooms.
Families with small children may not want a an overmount basin as it may be too high for the little ones to reach. Inset basins are generally best for a family bathroom, but it’s a good idea to stay away from shallow bowls as they are more likely to splash water everywhere.
Which Colour?
Neutral, light colours on the walls make a room look bigger and work well in a bathroom. Or you could opt for a soft pastel green or duck egg colour with off white tiles. For abit of drama you could use matte black tapware or even darker cabinetry? If you wish to learn more about a selecting colours, have a look at our blog on choosing the right wall colour for your room.
Brief Your Tiler
Always have your designer or yourself on site when the tiler is laying out tiles as you need to confirm where they start and finish the tiles, and how to minimise cuts.
Confirm with tiler what size floor tile they are willing to install. If you put down very large ones the look will be compromised by excessive cuts. As a general rule 400 x 400mm or 300mm x 600mm tiles are a good size, but all rules can be broken depending upon the bathroom.
The smaller the tile, the more grout required. This can also have the effect of making a room appear smaller. However, if slipping is an issue for a disabled or frail user, this extra grout can assist with slip resistance.
Assess The Door Swings In The Bathroom
Might seem like a no brainer, but so many people don’t think about this one! Carefully assess door swings for both entry to bathroom and showers, make sure they will not hit each other.
Compare Quotes For Your Bathroom Makeover
When comparing quotes ensure you are comparing apples with apples. If there is several thousand dollars discrepancy between quotes establish why. It may mean the cheaper quote does not add increased support in extra wide drawers, hinges my be inferior, sides of drawers may not be metal. Nothing is a deal breaker, just be aware so you are not disappointed. Download our free builder’s comparison template to assist you with this process.
We’re Here To Help
The team at Inspired Spaces can reduce the stress and anxiety when creating your new kitchen by providing detailed plans, elevations and schedules as well as a scope of works for all trades involved in creating your dream bathroom. Plans includes a demolition plan, 3D drawings and details such as door profiles, position of handles, tapware, sink, lighting etc.
Get your own printable copy of the Bathroom Design Guidelines
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