Bathrooms are the number one request when homeowners call me regarding a remodel, even more than kitchens. Bathrooms are smaller than kitchens which typically makes the job easier and faster. Bathroom remodels are one of my favorite remodels to take on. I feel you should walk into your bathroom and feel energized to get ready in the mornings and ready to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Make this your mini Oasis!
In and Up
When you’re tight on space don’t build out: build in and when you can build up. Built-ins such as recessed soap dishes, medicine cabinets, and even toilet roll holders pry out as much available room as possible from tiny bathrooms. If you have vaulted ceilings in your master bathroom consider adding a ledge for storage or to set greenery and plants.
Let there be light
Lighting makes a world of difference in the way your bathroom feels. Add recessed lighting to brighten the room and eliminate shadows. You can even put them on a dimer so you are not struck down by the brightness early in the morning or needing to relax in the evenings.
Address bathroom ventilation
All bathrooms need some type of ventilation, by code, either in the form of a properly sized window or a bathroom exhaust fan. When there is not proper ventilation the humidity and steam from your showers/baths rise to the ceiling. Over time this will cause either your wallpaper or paint to peel, bubble or get discolored.
Bring your bathroom to life
Plants bring much-needed color into bathrooms. Consider aloe vera plants, ferns and air plants such as Tillandsia to help soak up the humidity right after you shower. If you have a lot of natural light, and can provide 4-6 hours of sunshine look at adding a gardenia plant. These plants love humidity and when in bloom provide a wonderful aroma.
Add a few floating shelves for the purpose of giving your trailing plants a cozy home.
Select the right flooring
Hardwood floors do infuse bathrooms with great character and feel, however, are not the smartest choice in material from a practical standpoint. Be sure to pick bathroom flooring that is hardy enough to stand up against the rigors of daily bathroom use especially if you have children or will be bathing pets. Some of my bathroom flooring top pics include ceramic and porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, and vinyl tiles if only needing a small area to be replaced.
Size it with color
To make a small bathroom feel larger make sure that your color palette stays in the white-or-light color spectrum.
Dark colors make the room feel claustrophobic and closed in. Stick with white or light-colored fixtures (Faucets, light fixtures, tub and toilet). Always think twice about painting your bathroom ceiling a color outside of white and light gray, as this tends to shrink the room down even more. Go with a taller baseboard that is smooth and without ridges. This will help give the appearance of a taller wall.
Add freestanding pieces
If space permits, many home decorators will give the suggestion of having one free standing piece such as a decorative chair or cupboard as a design element.
To compensate for that space, recess other practical elements such as clothes hampers, cabinets and shelving. This decorative piece, of course, can also serve a practical use as a place to store towels, soaps, or other small items. If you are using a chair or stool, let this be your splash of color to bring some warmth to the bathroom.
Don’t let it all hang out
Hooks are the easiest way to add surface area to a bathroom without actually adding a real countertop surface area. Hooks can be used for everything from clothes to bathrobes to towels. You do need to be careful not to over crowd your hooks or place them in a prominent area. They are functional but they can make a room look messy and feel unorganized. Outside of a towel rack, keep a robe and clothing hook on the back side of the door or wall behind the door.
Mirror mirror on the wall
Most people think of mirrors in bathrooms only for the purpose of checking makeup, hair or their wardrobe. Mirrors are important to use in bathrooms as a design element. Mirrors will help expand the room visually and add light to the room. Think about where you can add a second mirror in addition to the primary mirror located above the bathroom sink.
In smaller bathrooms, look at using large picture mirrors that span the entire wall.
Call me to explore your bathroom remodel options 214-908-3655
