Renovating your bathroom can feel a bit like opening a can of worms. It’s always very exciting at the beginning, slightly overwhelming halfway through, and when it’s all done, very satisfying. With a few smart choices with your bathroom and a lot of planning, you can make sure that you’re creating a bathroom space that doesn’t just hit the pleasure button, but it also hits the practical one that you’re looking for. Here are four simple tips so that you can keep your planning and renovation on track.
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych
- Plan before you panic.
Never, ever, ever dive straight into a renovation without planning. It’s so tempting to get straight into picking tiles and taps, but a planning session or two goes a long way. Think about the way that you use your bathroom, and then think about whether you need more storage or better lighting or a bigger shower. Map out the things that matter most before you get distracted by the shiny, shiny fixtures. Also, set yourself a realistic budget and then add a small cushion for surprise expenses that always seem to pop up.
- Choose materials that can handle real life.
Bathrooms are quite hard wearing and they deal with a lot of steam splashes and the occasional chaos of a rushed morning. So the materials that you choose need to be up for the job. Go for tiles, paints and finishes that are moisture resistant and easy to clean. This is not the place for anything too delicate or high maintenance. You want somewhere that’s going to look good and survive daily use without constant fuss.
- Don’t overlook the comfort factor.
A bathroom should feel more like a mini retreat than a purely functional space. Soft touches can make a big difference and so can underfloor heating, softer lighting and even something like cast iron radiators that add warmth and character. Its smaller upgrades like these can really add comfort to your bathroom, making it go from standard to luxury. It should be somewhere that you actually enjoy spending your time, even if it’s just for a few quiet minutes a day.
- Storage is your secret weapon.
Clutter can quickly undo all the hard work that you put into a beautiful bathroom, so think carefully about your storage needs. Built in shelves, vanity units, mirrored cabinets, all of these things can keep everything neat without taking up too much space. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, look for clever solutions like wall mounted units or recessed shelving. The goal is to make sure that you’ve got everything you need within reach, but not on full display.
Once it’s all finished, you’re going to have so much more than just a functional room. You’re going to have a space where you can start your day on the right foot and wind down in the evening. Not bad for a room that usually begins with a toothbrush and ends with a tired side.
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