Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms in the home so owners can afford to splurge on luxurious finishes such as sleek vanities, high-end tile, sophisticated hardware, or even a fireplace. Today, there are more options to choose from than ever before and while that can be helpful, it can also be overwhelming. When looking at thousands of product samples, where do you start? And how do you create a cohesive, coordinated bathroom design?
Start with three basics:
1. Infrastructure
The location of existing plumbing, water lines and vent stacks will likely determine the layout of your space. For example, moving a toilet to accommodate a larger shower or vanity involves taking up some of the subfloor to adjust the waterlines and drainpipes—and that can be prohibitively expensive. Working within the existing layout will help to narrow down choices.
2. Windows
Depending on its location and size, a window may restrict the position of the toilet, vanity, and bathing area. For example, a large, low window is not suitable in a shower, but it could offer view of a flower garden while soaking in a tub.
3. Lifestyle
Consider your bathroom routine. Do you and your spouse need the double sink vanity? If you rarely share the bathroom at the same time, a single sink could suffice while providing more counterspace. Do you use the bathtub? If not, dedicate more floorspace to a beautiful glass shower. (Making it wheelchair accessible is a wise option if you expect to spend your golden years in your home.)
Layout
With these three fundamentals in mind, you can work within your bathroom’s unique parameters to create a plan. You will need to measure different elements of the space:
• Wall dimensions: The length and width of a wall are used to calculate the square footage of wall tile, beadboard, wallpaper, etc. The wall/ceiling height is important to know when ordering a new shower stall.
• Floor dimensions: This is needed to calculate the square footage of flooring.
• Fixtures: What is the ideal size of a replacement vanity, tub, shower, etc.? It can be challenging to picture how a new item of different dimensions might function in the room. Try this ingenious trick: apply green painters’ tape to the floor to mark out the size and placement of the new fixtures. Walk around the tape to experience the space and flow. Open and close the bathroom door. Does it cross any of the masking tape? If so, your layout needs adjustment.
• Angled walls: Most walls meet at a standard 90-degree angle, but not always. Occasionally, the wall bordering a hallway will have a different angle (e.g., 45-degrees). You will not find an out-of-the-box vanity cut at an angle, which leaves you with two options: accept that there is a gap between the vanity and the wall, or commission a custom-built vanity that fills the gap to maximize the counterspace.
With a clear idea of the size of new elements for your bathroom, the product search is automatically more manageable. You will only need to consider the items that work within your plan.
Style
Next, it’s time to consider your style preferences. Not sure what those are? Find inspiration by flipping through Canadian décor magazines, which often include information on how to order products. Also, visit show suites and search online. As you review the latest products and designs, make note of what you like (e.g., the contrast of white countertops with black hardware, the warmth of bamboo, or the whimsy of a bold wallcovering). By incorporating modern design trends, you can ensure your renovation looks current for as long as possible.
The final step
Before you go shopping, the last crucial step in the planning process is setting a budget. A complete bathroom renovation can range from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the size of the room, the finishes you select, and the trades you hire. Be prepared to compromise; if you want to splurge on a luxury item (e.g., a rainfall shower with wall-mounted jets), you might need to find cost savings elsewhere. With a clear plan and a manageable budget, you can create a renovated bathroom you will enjoy for years to come.
Image: Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_2mmedia'>2mmedia</a>
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