Bathroom Remodelling
A new bathroom is a significant project in the scheme of house renovation and re-designs, so don’t jump into it without ample thought and research.
Don’t underestimate what needs to be planned and considered when designing your new bathroom. When I was renovating our bathroom there were so many considerations I wasn’t able to list them in order of importance, instead I initially focused on the overall look and ambience that I wanted to create; that is a great place to start your research if you haven’t already established your new look. The other important factor is plumbing; it can be expensive if you need to move plumbing from one side of the house to another.
There is the sleek modern design look of chrome and glass?If you have an old house you may want to keep your bathroom to conforming to that era and a Shabby Chic or French Country look would suit. Either way, the points you will need to consider are still the same.
Below are some bathroom design components to assist you in your search for your dream bathroom.
Flooring: A hardwood floor can look great in a bathroom, but consider the implications if the bath overflows, or just the general day to day wet and steam a bathroom produces.There are bathroom specific carpets that are popular in colder climates, where warmer climates usually will only use floor tiles.
Lighting: Whilst most bathrooms contain recessed lights, or a combination heat/fan/light system, don’t go past a glorious chandelier.I hung a beautiful crystal chandelier in our newly renovated all white bathroom with great resutls. It offers a dramatic look that works with a modern style as well as the French Country and Shabby Chic look.
Don’t forget natural light as well.When plannign your bathroom renovation, it may be a good idea to install larger windows for extra light and ventilation.
Walls: Most homeowners opt for wall tiles either floor to ceiling or half way up. If you are after a more dramatic look why not think about some funky wallpaper, just ensure that you don’t use an uncoated paper as it will not last the distance.Wallpaper is also an options if you like a regular change of scenery as it is relatively easy to remove and it won’t cost the earth to replace.
Bath Tub: Do you want a separate bath tub from shower, or do you need to put the shower over the tub?There is such a choice of bath tubs available today, from the modern to the regular built in baths, through to a glorious claw foot bath. Remember all those sunken baths in the 70s, maybe they’ll make a comeback? Whatever bath tub you decide on, do your research and look at all options before making your decision.
Bath Tub & Basin Faucets: Where do you start to think about this vital component of your new bathroom? I think the best place is to decide what you want the faucets and taps made from – chrome, brass, aged brass, etc. That will then narrow down your options.Bathroom faucets can cost well up into the hundreds of dollars each, but there are cheaper options so shop around to find one in your budget.As always, don’t purchase the first you see, there are always lower priced good quality options available. Having said that make sure they are made to a quality that will last the distance.
Toilet: Is the toilet going to be in the bathroom, or does space allow you to install it in a separate room? The most important aspect of this decision is the plumbing. Will new plumbing have to be laid?
Electrical Outlets: How many do you need and where do you want them? What about shaver sockets. Ensure that you comply with local regulations regarding the distance required between water outlets and sockets as water and electricity definitely don’t mix. Some countries won’t even allow electrical sockets in the bathroom, so ensure you know your local laws.
Storage: Think about what you plan to store in your bathroom.Will your bathroom need to store all your towels? If toiletries are all you need to consider with bathroom storage, then consider a vanity with draws and cupboards underneath. If you are one of the lucky ones with a large bathroom space, then consider built-in cupboard to hide everything away, or even an elegant armoire of you have a vintage style bathroom.
I dream of the day I can have a bathroom the size of a large bedroom complete with open fireplace, a large claw foot bath in the middle of the room and a big comfy sofa … ah keep dreaming.
Categories: Bathroom Tags: bathroom design ideas, small bathroom design ideas
Your Guide To Bathroom Planning And Design
This bathroom planning guide aims at providing you with bathroom design ideas useful in planning a bath space, dressing area or cloakroom. You may be planning a revamp of your old bathroom or doing it from scratch, these are some basic points you may like to ponder upon. Let’s start with the basic questions,
- What is the area of the bathroom?
- Who will use it? Children, guests, you, two people or the whole family?
- What are the fixtures you would like to install?(Shower cubicle, jets, tub, vanity etc)
- Which parts of the bathroom you plan to revamp?
- Is the lighting appropriate?
- What bathroom furniture you would like to buy?
- Does it require plumbing work?
Start with first things first. Measure up the bathroom area and make a rough sketch with the fixtures you have, you wish to change, and even fix in case it’s a new bathroom. This will help you estimate the exact area you have around to play with. Next thing should fall in place with a realistic budget. Even if you are thinking of redoing the plumbing job, estimate the costs, for it can be expensive. With the budgets and fixtures you want in hand, it would be easy to dwell on ideas and new fittings. It could be a vanity, shower enclosure or a new tub; make sure you think of the space. It’s important to move around too, and you don’t want to clutter your bathroom.
Modular bathrooms done in little space are in vogue. There are more people looking for smaller bathrooms fitted with modern amenities. With meticulous and creative thinking, you should be able to fit in the things you desire, say a shower cubicle, for instance.
You get corner shower cubicles that save space and if there is space constraint, you could always use a separate overhead shower cubicle and use curtains to keep away the water splashing.
Tubs come in different shapes too and save your bathroom precious space. Get a deeper bathtub that saves space around the foot-end or baths where you sit straight, saving on the length. For bigger bathrooms, when you have good space on hand, you can play with the space with fewer constraints. Estimate the space, the gadgets and fixtures you plan to add. The saunas, shower cubicles and tubs are all possible, just work on it in a way that helps the space look open. Just let your creativity speak in your planning and design!
Bathroom Fittings
To avoid any ghastly sites in the bathroom, you may need to pay attention to bathroom fittings. Detailed work and fittings like faucets and sinks can matter in fashioning your desired space.
Faucets
Modern bathroom Faucets may sound like the simplest thing to choose, but pay attention to details like mounting (wall/sink) and material. If you already have a faucet, maybe you plan to change the mounting, which can cost much more as it may also requires plumbing work.
Toilet Seats
Toilet seats come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on the available space, you can round up from a choice of elongated, rounded or corner seats. The elongated seat is great for comfort, but pay attention to details and dimensions. You don’t want your hands touching the ground when seated. Also, for smaller bathrooms, you can get one of those corner seats that save space.
Sinks & Taps
Sinks come in sundry shapes, colors and sizes too. The designer variety includes wall-mounted, counter sinks in steel, glass, ceramic and a combination of accessories and colors to match. Taps are functional things and you would like to consider the water flow and temperature control system before you buy. There are designer taps you get that is the perfect combination of style and function.
Contemporary Bathroom Furniture
Be it a bathroom or cloakroom, contemporary bathroom vanities deserve great scores on utility and function. Work on the storage room and sink shape and size very closely. You get sinks in all shapes and sizes for both big and small bathrooms and in materials from fancy wood to steel and glass, so find something that goes with your bathroom theme.
Categories: Bathroom Tags: bathroom design ideas, bathroom furniture, contemporary bathroom vanities, Modern Bathroom Faucets
Scottsdale Bathroom Design, Think Outside The Box
Have you realized the direction and focus in the features of a house have changed over the last several decades? Houses built in the 70′s and 80′s were built with large backyards and family gathering areas but have little to no closet space and small, confined bathrooms. Compared to modern day bathrooms, you could fit sometimes as many as 10 older bathrooms in one master suite of a standard house built today. Because of our change in our standard of living, people now expect luxurious bathrooms and closet space over an obtuse yard, which requires maintenance and upkeep.
Modern women want a space where they can relax and unwind from a full day at work or with the kids. Well, if you own an older home you may have considered the idea of remodeling to get that spa feel you desire.
When planning a Scottsdale bathroom design, think about some suggestions here, and ways you can get out of the box.
Texture
Mixing textures and different elements is a great idea, don’t be afraid of it. You can easily mix natural stone and porcelain tile to create more interest in a space. For example, natural stone around a bathtub drop-in for a focal point, but use porcelain tile to save on the budget. You can also mix in glass tiles for added color and a “pop” to the space. Sinks are also a great tool to add more interest to your bathroom. Whether you choose and under-mounted stainless steel sink or a sink that is basin style, atop your counter and is rough and stony. Be sure to review all your options for sinks and counter tops, don’t just go with the first one you see.
Accents
This is where most people seem to fall short. So many people do a full remodel but forget to finish up with the details that really bring the bathroom together. One of these common mistakes include the light fixtures. This small, but important fixture is very important in finalizing that spa like atmosphere. Instead of going with plain mirrors, invest in framed bathroom mirrors, that will give your space a more custom look and will warm the room dramatically. Lastly, updating the towel bars and rings can put an additional custom feel on any bathroom. Try exchanging out the towel bar for clean, contemporary hooks or the rings for straight rods that are open ended. My husband and I hated the gold rings that came with our house to hold the hand towels so we found contemporary toilet paper bars that were very contemporary and clean. We installed those instead as hand towel hangers and they work brilliantly. Not only do they look amazing and custom, but no one knows what the original purpose was for the bar!
Extras
Luxuries abound when doing Scottsdale bathroom remodeling, don’t forget to add them. When redoing your cabinetry area, consider the idea of installing a under the counter fridge, or a warming drawer for your towels. Nothing screams luxury more than a steamy towel after a relaxing bath. Also, consider making space for either a wall mounted flat screen or a custom cabinet to hold a TV in an easily viewed area.
Master bath retreats have become a must when purchasing a home. So when it comes time that you would like to start updating your space, don’t forget all the options available and don’t be afraid to enlist in someone to help you with the planning and execution of the project. When it comes to Scottsdale bathroom designs, there is way too much for you to miss out on.