Renovating a bathroom is a big investment, it can be quite a daunting task, but it can also be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. A well-designed bathroom not only adds value to your home, but also provides a sanctuary for relaxation and self care.
There are so many questions that arise when renovating a bathroom! What colour tiles? Where do I put the sink? Do I need a feature light? Whether you’re re-designing, or starting from scratch, the questions keep coming!
Now don’t get us wrong, we LOVE the design part of bathroom renos, give us a gorgeous Antonio Lupi Bathtub and some feature tiles any day of the week! However, we also love to design bathrooms that are beautiful and functional. Today, we are sharing our 7 Point Checklist of ‘Design Must’s’ you don’t want to neglect when renovating your bathroom.
So, note-pads at the ready, here we go.
1. Storage
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So often, we focus on the aesthetic of our bathrooms and overlook the need for storage and organisation. Think about it! Bathrooms tend to be an accumulation of lots of small items, from toiletries to towels, and everything in between. Now if you’re like us, you will want all those items, neat, tidy, and out of sight. Make sure to plan for plenty of storage options when you’re thinking about your new bathroom. Cabinets, shelves, drawers and even hooks and hangers can be utilised to optimise the functionality of your daily routines. There are so many options that blend seamlessly with your bathroom design and keep it looking fabulous!
2. Lighting
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Good lighting is essential in any space throughout your home, so don’t neglect your bathroom! Bathrooms require a good balance of natural and artificial light; you want the space to have a good ambiance while remaining functional for those mundane tasks like brushing your teeth. Make sure to plan for sufficient lighting in all areas of your bathroom, including task lighting over the vanity, ambient lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features.
3. Ventilation
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At some point, we have all experienced a shower/sauna moment when we step out from a steamy hot shower into a room of fog! This is usually because the space doesn’t have enough, or adequate, ventilation. Proper ventilation is essential in bathrooms to help prevent moisture build-up, mould growth, and even unpleasant odours! Make sure to include a ventilation fan in your renovation plan, and consider adding a window or skylight to allow natural light and air circulation.
4. Water Efficiency
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Let’s face it, it’s not the most exciting topic, but in today’s world, water efficiency is more important than ever. We all love a long, hot shower, but did you know, traditional showerheads can use up to 9.4L of water per minute? That’s a lot of water (and money) down the drain. When renovating your bathroom, consider installing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets. Not only will this help reduce the environmental impact, but it can also save you money on your water bill.
5. Accessibility
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This one is an important one, everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their bathroom. Accessibility means designing for both yourself and any future buyers. Consider installing features like grab bars, non-slip flooring, walk-in showers and accessible bathtub’s so you and your family have ease of access. When talking accessibility, also consider things like bench heights, placement of shelves and cabinets and even your fixtures & fittings, are they easy to use at any age!
6. Functionality
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This is a big one! Functionality. We all love a beautiful looking bathroom, but let’s not forget the importance of function. When it comes to functionality, it’s all about the details. Think about your daily routines and how your bathroom can be designed to make them more efficient and convenient. Think about the things that will make a difference to how you use the space, the height of the vanity, location of hooks & hangers, which way doors swing and even having enough space to dry yourself when you step out of the shower. Plus, don’t forget everything we mentioned about storage. These seemingly small choices can have a big impact on the overall usability of the space. Your future self will thank you for making sure your bathroom is beautiful, and functional.
7. Future-Proofing
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Finally, future-proofing! It is really important to think long term when renovating your bathroom, it is an expensive, long, and sometimes inconvenient process, so you don’t want to be re-doing it every 2 years. When we talk about future-proofing, we mean choosing timeless designs and finishes that will still look great in 10 years time. Make sure your renovation plans allow for future updates and upgrades, select durable materials, and as we mentioned above, think about accessibility so you’re ready for the future, whatever that may look like for you! By future-proofing your bathroom design, you can ensure that your space remains functional and beautiful for years to come!
A bathroom renovation can be a fantastic opportunity to create a space that meets your unique needs and reflects your personal style. If you remember all the above factors, you’re well on your way to creating a space that is both beautiful and functional! With a little planning, thought and creativity, you can transform your bathroom into a space you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Prefer to leave the designing to the professionals? We would love to hear from you and see if we can help with your next renovation, Click here, and someone will be in touch soon!
