The golden rules for a bathroom renovation

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Vivienda en Sant Joan. Barcelona , Egue y Seta Egue y Seta Scandinavian style bathroom
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The saying “Old is gold” might hold true in many cases, but it certainly is not true when it comes to your bathroom. With technological and architectural advances and newer products making their foray into the market, many people are opting for bathroom renovations to do away with old fittings and interiors. However, bathroom renovation is easier said than done.

Without proper planning and implementation, your bathroom remodelling project is sure to fall flat on its face. This is the reason why quite a number of people keep postponing their bathroom remodelling project for fear of committing mistakes. If you too have been contemplating on renovating your bathroom since long but are sceptical, then read on to know some tips and tricks that will help you land up with a brand new bathroom with ease.

Don't install too many things

The adage “less is more” goes perfectly when you are trying to redo your existing bathroom. “Less is more” certainly does not mean that you need to do away with basic bathroom essentials. You obviously need to have the bare minimum in your bathroom which include a vanity, basin, toilet seat and bath or shower area. For other features such as having both a bath and a shower, or having too many storage units etc; consider the size of your bathroom and then proceed with caution.

If you are blessed with a large bathroom, then you can go all out but if you have a small bathroom, like most people today do, then you need to tread carefully. So opt between a bathtub and shower, have multi-purpose storage areas in your bathroom, do away with twin basins and avoid things which you think are not really necessary in your bathroom. You will surely like the new clutter free look of your bathing sanctuary.

Don’t go overboard

Enough cannot be said about the ill effects of going overboard in your small bathroom. So take care while doing up the interiors of your bathroom and include everything in moderation. A common mistake which most people make is going overboard and focusing on tiling the floor and walls completely without using discretion. This can be visually off-putting especially in a small bathroom, and if the tiles are too jazzy. It is more suitable to tile walls partially as shown above, and you can go for a different pattern for the floor. Remember to balance the softness or brightness of colours you pick for your bathroom. They shouldn’t hurt the eye. Try going for a softer palette for a small bathroom, since it lends the illusion of space.

Reserve space for storage

Another very important aspect when redesigning your bathroom is to make way for as much storage space as possible, to store all those tubes and tubs of creams, lotions, shampoos’, conditioners, body washes and other bath and shower essentials. Having an organized bathroom will take the décor to the next level, so make use of every possible nook and cranny.

Besides built in wall cabinets and shelves, you can try to reserve space for a bathroom vanity or a mirror cabinet. The space above the bathroom door can be used for installing a shelf for cleaning supplies. And the space behind the door can be employed for hanging an organizer. If it’s a really tiny bathroom, ceiling hung storage options can solve your clutter worries too. You can choose inexpensive plastic containers for storage or opt for trendy chic mason jars, glass containers or other designer ones, and wicker baskets according to your budget and preference.

Use materials that will last

The next extremely important tip is to use materials that will last. You obviously cannot redo your bathroom every two or three years. So it makes sense to invest in durable and good quality materials which will give higher ROI. For instance, floors made of stone tiles, marble and ceramic are not just durable but also water resistant, thus elongating the life of your bathroom floor.

Also invest in good quality toilets that will last at least a couple of years. Choose basins, bathtubs and cabinet materials with care, and keep in mind their performance and longevity. Another trick to make your bathroom stand out is to invest in one classy, expensive fitting – be it the vanity, bath tub or sink – so that it catches the eye instantly. You can keep the other items in the bathroom within your budget though.

Consider demolishing one wall

Ever thought of demolishing the wall that separates your bathroom from your bedroom? Well, this is a growing trend and you would be surprised at the amount of space this move opens up. Having an open plan bathroom or even a semi-open plan bathroom gives the illusion of extra space, and is thus a growing concept amongst people who have their bathrooms attached to their bedrooms. If you do not want to go all open or semi-open; you can always choose to have a sliding door – made of glass or wood – which you could use when you need some privacy in your bathroom. This way, you can have the best of both worlds.

Let in as much sunlight as possible

Enough cannot be said on the importance of lighting when doing up a home, and the same stands true even for your bathroom. And if you have a small bathroom, then you have all the more reasons to pay more attention to its lighting. Try to let in as much natural light as possible inside your bathroom and see it get transformed.

If possible, incorporate a roof glazing or skylight and make the most of natural light coming from the top. You could also have a large window with blinds to let natural light flood the inside of your bathroom. Draw away the blinds when you do not need privacy and see how the light makes your bathroom seem brighter and cosier. Take a cue from this plush and inviting Scandinavian style bathroom designed by Rover BC, designers from Lviv.

Finally, bathroom renovation is not as difficult as it looks. A few simple tips and tricks can help transform your old bathroom to a new one, without being too heavy on your pockets. You can also consult an interior architect or interior designer before getting started. Check out another ideabook for more inspiration - Tile your bathroom like a pro!

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