We may spend long hours inside our bedrooms, but our bathroom is just as important in making us feel at home. That’s why most households tend to splurge on transforming this essential living space.
Like other renovations, bathroom remodeling can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want your new space to be beautiful and reflect your personal style. However, you also want your restroom to work for you today and for years down the road.
Achieving your dream bathroom means working with experts and considering these seven features that make it stand out.
Your Secret Weapon
The right general contractor is your valuable ally in all types of home renovations. A seamless bathroom remodel won’t be possible if the execution is sloppy and marred by delays.
Scour online and offline sources to find an experienced contractor with stellar customer service in your area. If you’re in Texas, for instance, include VIP Services and other highly rated companies in your shortlist.
A great one should offer design consultations and solve problems efficiently so you can have the space you’ve always wanted. Curious about the cost range? Most provide initial quotes for free and accept financing options for major home improvement projects.
After selecting experts to work with, you can now proceed with the actual amenities that make your daily life better.
Feature #1: A Walk-In Shower That Clicks
Every user knows the struggle of juggling shampoo bottles on the floor or shaving in a cramped area. Adding a walk-in shower with a frameless glass enclosure or acrylic wall surrounds can make the room feel bigger and brighter. You can also install a built-in, tiled shower niche to keep everything organized and at arm’s length.
Choose accessible shower solutions that match your activities. For instance, a handheld showerhead works wonders if you have pets or want to easily clean the area. Homeowners seeking a luxurious experience should consider a jacuzzi bath remodel for a spa-like feel. Note that this can bump your budget, as it involves more complex plumbing and electrical work.
Feature #2: An Upgraded Vanity Area
Your vanity section is the heart of your bathroom. Therefore, it should match your routine. Those who can’t live without an electric toothbrush, hair dryer and shaver should ask the contractor to install a power strip and USB ports inside the vanity drawers. Doing so keeps the countertop clean while addressing the limitations of your electrical outlets.
Some people go for matching bathroom and kitchen countertops, which isn’t a completely bad idea. Even so, consider durability and functionality when choosing a material. Marble countertops can easily uplift your private space, but they’re less practical for your kitchen because they’re susceptible to scratches and stains. Apart from a solid surface, check whether you need double sinks to ease morning restroom traffic.
Feature #3: Heated Floors for Convenience
Radiant floor heating may be considered a luxury upgrade in a kitchen remodeling project, but it’s a necessity in most bathrooms. Imagine stepping out of a hot shower, only to be greeted by a tile floor that’s as chilly as the outside weather. Warm bathroom floors provide families with safe and soft flooring, as they help minimize slips, alongside properly placed grab bars.
More than providing comfort and safety, a heated surface can also help dry out the floor and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. It doesn’t rely on forced-air systems, so it’s more energy-efficient and safer for individuals with allergies.
Feature #4: Simple and Smart Storage Solutions
Without bathroom storage solutions, your medications and beauty tools become an eyesore that drags your routine longer than it should. Consider custom cabinetry if you want special built-in organizers or when you’re dealing with awkwardly shaped spaces. Alternatively, you can pick cabinet hardware or floating shelves for style and function.
When selecting cabinet styles, consider what you use daily. Your goal is to make everything within reach and easy to put away.
Feature #5: Lighting That Flatters, Not Frustrates
Lighting isn’t just functional. It’s a powerful design tool that can make or break the look and ambience of your space. A bad one can make your new restroom feel like a gas station. Avoid this common pitfall by knowing how to layer with a purpose.
To enhance your space, consider using overhead ambient lighting for general brightness. Your vanity lighting should be at eye level to reduce shadows. Install sconces on your tile walls or opt for a mirror with LED lighting for optimal illumination. Complement relaxing baths with dimmable options or motion-sensor night lights for energy efficiency. Most light manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty to back their products.
Feature #6: Great Ventilation
This one’s easy to overlook, but it’s crucial in every bathroom design. Your comfort room is often humid. Without proper ventilation, you’re not only inviting mold growth, but you’re also increasing the risk of respiratory issues. You’re also compromising the durability of your building materials, including those made from wood and metal.
A powerful and quiet main bathroom fan can keep moisture under control. Besides choosing the right size, pick advanced models with humidity sensors and timers if you have the budget to spare. Otherwise, install a shower window to let humid air out and fresh air in.
Feature #7: Materials That Can Take a Beating
Choosing the right finishing can also enhance your bathroom’s long-term value. Being constantly wet and moist, your sinks can benefit from a backsplash installation. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are the most popular choices. The former is more expensive and tougher, while the latter is less dense and more prone to cracking over time. Take a look at these bathroom backsplash design inspirations that work on all budgets.
Use an epoxy grout to avoid crumbling and discoloration on your floor and wall tiles. Water-resistant paints also work well in preventing peeling.
Design According to Your Lifestyle
The best bathroom features are subjective because they’re about you. Something that looks good in magazines isn’t always the best choice when it doesn’t align with your lifestyle.
The first step is to study your routine and preferences, including your quirks, before exploring your remodel options. What features do you value most, and what makes you and your family comfortable and calm? This critical question should always be at the forefront as you embark on your bathroom transformation journey.
Creating a beautiful space also requires harmonizing your property’s overall look. Don’t forget to consider your outdoor space and indoor areas for a flawless home design.
