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Bathroom Remodelling Tips & Ideas

Published on: 11/04/2011
Last Updated: 09/06/2022
Bathroom Remodelling

The first step is off-course, what you desire in your bathroom - comfort, luxury or minimalism. Start with the idea & work towards creating that dream bathroom, where you can relax and unwind.

Building a bathroom suite involves a long and expensive process of hiring experts, layout planning, installation of fittings and structures. It also consumes valuable time, which you cannot gain back.

It may seem difficult, but if you plan well before making enormous investments. An attractive suite is something that one would always want to have and gloat the experience; but how far can you keep changing the patterns or styles is an issue to ponder on because they cost a fortune.


1. Think & Decide What you Want?

Begin by assessing the current layout and space. Do you need a new bathtub or the present one would work well? Consider all the current elements like the sink, shower, mirror, storage as well as the number of people who would make use of the bathroom. Is this the primary bathroom or the spare one, would children also use it? If you have an elderly member at home, then you may also want to consider their special needs. Think about the changes, you would like to make, and note them down.

Since rebuilding a bathroom is an enormous investment, to keep up with the trend, you have to follow a strategy. It means - upkeep of style and long life, without disturbing the whole decor, making few minor changes as and when required, as per the changing trends can prove to be a brilliant idea. It is wise to keep the decor simple so that changes can be made on it whenever you feel you need a fresh look.


2. Layout and Design


Layout and Design

Think about your present layout and design, how would you incorporate changes to transform your space into a workable solution, more in sync with your ideas. Layouts are generally of 3 kinds, depending on the location and functional use of the bathroom in question—Master bathroom, cloakroom or a three-quarter bathroom. Think about the walls, try not to move load-bearing walls as that may be quite expensive. Making changes to the roof may be significantly expensive.

Often, the toilet is a good place to start. A general rule of thumb used by many top interior designers, is that the toilet shouldn’t be the first thing you see when entering the bathroom. This may depend on the existing piping, but once you have found the ideal spot for the toilet, everything else can then be positioned and balanced accordingly.


3. Know where your pipes are


Know where your pipes are

It is surprising how many people plan for their perfect bathroom without accounting for existing pipework. It is difficult and occasionally impossible to move the pipes housed into your bathroom wall. Although it may be nice to have your bath installed on the wall away from the pipes, moving the pipes could be hugely expensive. Try to ensure your major fixtures are installed such that they do not need the pipes to move or involve major structural changes. If you do, then be aware of your budget and the costs.


4. Measure Your Bathroom Area


Measure Your Bathroom Area

Measure your bathroom, so you know exactly how much space you have to work with. You may also want to think about measuring your bathtub, shower area, toilet and sink as well. These measurements will help you to understand which products will be the right size for your bathroom, and prevent you from making inaccurate choices when purchasing a bathtub or sink. This saves precious time and money.

If you are remodelling for a small bathroom, it is very easy to get your hands on a small bathroom toilet. These toilets are not a lot smaller, but compact and attach straight to the wall, rather than having many pipes leading out of them. This not only saves room but it gives a bit of a tidier finish too. Do you really need to install a bath or could you make with having an enclosure instead? If you are looking to save space, have a look at corner baths.

Walk-in baths are another type of innovative compact design that has been growing in popularity over recent years. On the other hand, if you’re bath is seldom used, perhaps consider omitting it completely and just using a shower.


5. Lighting


Bathroom Lighting

Lighting for your bathroom depends on the amount of natural light filtering into your bathroom. Using the space for shaving or grooming may increase the need for artificial light. Complementing the play of light in this room is the mirror. Mirrors can help to open up your bathroom and give you the feeling of more space. You should always make sure that you do not have a mirror opposite another one as this can make your bathroom seem full, and that is something you want to avoid. Ideally, your mirror should be well lit up by placing lights strategically around it, to offer clear reflections and keep shadows away. When you want to use lights to create a mood or ambience, then wall-mounted fixtures or chandeliers are your best bet.

These days, inexpensive LED lights are available in a wide variety of sizes, colours, and brightness. White light offers greater visibility, however a soft yellow or orange light may be preferable to create a warmer, more appealing atmosphere.


6. Bathroom Furniture and Bathroom Storage


Bathroom Furniture and Bathroom Storage

Bathroom Furniture comes in an impressive choice from ready to install to custom-made and space saving, wall-mounted options. Besides storage, you can choose the styling in contemporary or traditional designs as well as the colour and finish to match your bathroom theme. Made-To-Order units being more expensive, select wisely to meet your requirement and budget.

Storing your soap, shampoo and towels may not be a priority right now, but if you leave them, lying around, they will create a cluttered look. A smaller bathroom should ideally have a cabinet that everything can be stored. This will again create the illusion of more room and open your bathroom up a little. As you can see, it is possible to design a small bathroom that will not leave you wanting for space. Designed properly you could potentially create the nicest and lightest room in your home.


7. Basins


Basins

Compile fixtures that are simple, and not too complicated. Ideally, too much of ornamentation of anything can be averted, especially, on basins and many other fixtures; you may have to be judicious in choosing available assortments like straight and curvy lines, different heights and sizes, styles and types of basins viz. Floor Standing or Wall Hung toilets and basins. Also, you have the advantage of choosing from commonly available basin types viz. Wall hung, pedestal and semi pedestal, and all three are diverse, specifically, in method of installation.

Basins differ from brand to brand. All you have to do is, get the size that fits the gap in your bathroom; apparently, take the measurements; it will help you in choosing the size for your requirement. If you’re looking for luxurious appearance, then you think of an extra wide basin (sizes starting from 700 mm), or may maybe plump for two basins, considering two people can use them at a time.


8. Tiles


Tiles

The right tiles can create an illusion of space and reflect the light, in particular, dark bathrooms or where there is no natural light. Try to buy tiles that aren’t too small as they will make your bathroom look too ‘busy’. At the same time, you should also try to avoid buying a batch of tiles that are bigger than roughly 32 centimetres as they will potentially dwarf your bathroom. Also try to look for tiles that are not too dark, as this will make your bathroom look a lot smaller. Lighter tiles will open the room up and create the impression of space and a more relaxing atmosphere.


9. Other Bathroom Fixtures


Bathroom Fixtures

From budgeting points of view when you consider Wastes & Taps, remember they are usually available separately. Ideally consider the ones that fit and harmonise with your bathroom setting, or in sync with the aesthetics. Furthermore, if it is about considering toilets or WCs, you have options like wall hung or back-to-wall.

Conspicuously, cisterns of the toilets are usually visible in closed coupled toilets; In case of back-to-wall or wall hung, the cisterns are concealed or hidden in a portion of bathroom furniture, or right behind the wall constructed for placing the WC or toilet. It makes the look minimalist, befitting the aesthetics. Toilet bowls can be purchased in round or square.

Projection and height of the WC may need to be considered if there are infirm or elderly members in the family or when you have smaller space.

Moisture level is also something worth considering. Try to ensure that the bathroom has some means of airflow, such a window, vents, or even a fan to prevent the potential build up of mould and rot due lingering moisture.


10. Think About Overall Theme & Style


Imagine Yourself in your New Bathroom

Start with your focus on the Bathtub and the Sink as these are the main bath elements in any bathroom theme. Think about the style and size of accessories like taps, towel rails, or toilet roll holders. The style and design of these accessories will enhance the look of your bath area. There are a lot of reasonably priced bathroom fixtures in huge varieties. Select classic pieces that generally would not go out of vogue in a few years time. Impress upon the quality, to keep their finish, function, and colour.


11. Do a thorough research


Do a Thorough Research

Visit a variety of different bathroom products showrooms in your area. This will get the idea of what’s available, and you’re likely to get some styling ideas too. Remember that not every showroom will stock the same range of products, so it’s worthwhile walking into more than a few as you’re likely to find exactly what you need. Also, you may get a fair idea of the prices of bathroom items and can do your calculations. You may also browse websites of different bathroom sellers that offer you far greater variety. Read through helpful blogs and reviews posted by previous users, and you are sure to gain a better perspective and ready to get started on your renovation project.


12. Think About Budget


Think About Budget

After thinking of everything that needs to be done to remodel your space completely, decide on a budget. Whether, you are in a mood to splurge or save, choose accordingly. When on a shoestring budget, it can be tempting to spend an extra £200 on that luxury showerhead, but you don’t need to. Good quality fixtures are available even at reasonable prices; you simply have to look at the right places.

Sarabeth Asaff

Sarabeth Asaff
Sarabeth Asaff is a former kitchen and bathroom designer who now works as a home and garden industry writer and expert. She has a working knowledge of all areas of the home improvement industry, and specialises in functional design and material advice.