There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all bathroom solution, but there are certain elements that can help to deliver the bathroom of your dreams.
A bathroom is a place for reflection and relaxation, to unwind at the end of a busy day and to beautify us for the day ahead. To face the demands of modern living, bathrooms need to be customised to meet individual client needs.
More so now than ever, clients’ want the day spa experience created in their own home, but creating the ideal bathroom isn’t as straightforward as replicating an inspirational luxury hotel bathroom.
So how do you create a bathroom that meets your needs and is big on style?
The three most common aspects of creating a contemporary bathroom that I address with clients when discussing bathroom renovations are;
- How do you design a bathroom?
- What is a wet room?
- What should I do with a small bathroom?
Before embarking on your bathroom renovation, I recommend you read the tips below. Furthermore, how to deliver a timely and cost effective bathroom renovation and this bathroom reveal will help see what’s possible.
How do you design a bathroom?
Whether you are undertaking a DIY bathroom project or looking to find a bathroom renovator in your area, it helps if you have a basic knowledge of the process for a bathroom renovation.
7 tips for designing a bathroom
1. Cost
Understand what it costs to deliver a bathroom to meet your expectations.
Are you after a luxury high-end retreat or a budget makeover to freshen your space?
You will need to consider the size of the room, the quality of the fit-out and the labour cost for the numerous trades required to complete a bathroom renovation.
On top of this are the costs associated with the fixtures and finishes required to deliver a modern bathroom.
Off the shelf bathroom vanities are a more cost effective option than custom bathroom cabinets however you may need to settle for standard sizing in limited colours versus a one-off item that exactly fits your bathroom layout in the custom colour you desire.
2. Standard dimensions
Sticking to standard sized items can save you money and time. A custom item will generally have a longer lead-time and a higher price tag.
If you are looking for a specifically designed item to meet your personal lifestyle needs, a custom item may be exactly what you need.
3. Space Planning
Good bathroom designs require a well thought out bathroom layout taking into consideration the size of the bathroom, the number of people using space and the inclusions required.
Do you have the space for the walk in shower you dream of and should you consider an in-wall cistern to save valuable floor space?
4. Lifestyle
Your new bathroom renovation needs to suit your lifestyle and family dynamics. Consider your family size, the time of day it will be used most and whether you would like to create a relaxation space for you to escape to.
5. Types of fixtures
With so many options available it can be hard to be across the pros and cons of them all. This is one area that good advice is essential after all this an area where you can easily spend big.
Do you have the space and budget for a freestanding bath? How much more is the coloured tap ware going to cost you? What type of toilet is best for your space?
6. Colour
Bringing your design together to create a beautiful bathroom involves taking time to explore the different bathroom ideas both online and in magazines.
While the colour of tiles and paint have a big impact on your bathroom scheme, you can choose from different finishes for nearly all aspects of your bathroom including vanity, basin, toilet, bath and tap ware. Chrome is now only one of the finishes featuring in modern bathrooms.
Keep the ideas you love in a folder or create a mood board on Pinterest or Houzz to build up a mood for your ideal bathroom.
6. Finishes
Luxury or budget bathroom renovation, there is a finish to suit everyone’s taste and budget including but not limited to tiles, glass, engineered stone, solid surface, timber and a myriad of natural marble and stone.
I do recommend that whatever selections you decide on for your bathroom renovation, ensure they are consistent with the interior scheme for the rest of your home. A cohesive interior adds appeal and delivers continuity as you move throughout the home.
What is a wet room?
A wet room bathroom is a bathroom where the shower is not enclosed with a shower screen and there is no shower tray. The water from the shower drains away via the open, tiled floor area of the room, and the water drains down the main drain in the bathroom.
Planning a wet room – Pros and Cons
Once upon a time a shower was typically a 900x900mm cubicle with a white shower tray floor. With the average size of a bathroom being relatively tight, a shower cubicle can limit space in a small room. Many typical Australian homes still have one, and replacing them is high on the wish list of home renovation goals.
Here are some of the many reasons for the rise in popularity of a wet room;
- Wet rooms are a good solution for small bathrooms and can solve the problem of awkward shaped bathrooms.
- If you live in an apartment a shower screen can really limit your comfort. Removing the shower screen allows you to make the most of the valuable space available to you.
- Wet rooms offer a luxurious option in larger bathrooms too, allowing open, unbroken spaces and continuous lines throughout the room.
- Wet rooms are great for the elderly or disabled people with impaired mobility. The single level floor without a step up or down makes for easier access for those with restricted mobility.
- A wet room offers a great bathroom solution for families. Including a bath in a wet room improves access for hair washing and takes care of the excess water that inevitably ends up outside the bath during kids’ bath time.
- It’s easy to clean. Due to the minimalist nature of its design there is less glass and less corners to clean. Including a hand shower in your bathroom renovation makes reaching the entire space simple for cleaning.
- Wet rooms add a ‘wow’ factor to your home and can improve the quality and value of your property. An open and spacious modern bathroom is highly desirable to potential buyers.
- A wet room increases your design options and allows you to consider a bathroom style that you many not have been possible in a conventional bathroom.
- Due to their minimalist design you can afford to be more adventurous with your fixtures and fittings to create your luxury bathroom renovation.
The downside of a wet room;
- Leaks – which is why getting the waterproofing right is so important. Check out my tips below for waterproofing.
- There is usually no shower screen to contain the water making the towels, vanity and toilet all susceptible to being splashed with water. My recommendation is to include a shower screen to divide the ‘wet area’ with the bath and shower from the dry area with the bathroom vanity, toilet and towel rails. The result is less waterproofing and a greater range of bathroom vanities to choose from. Makes this option a winner in my eyes.
Planning a wet room – FAQ’s
When it comes to installing a wet room or walk in shower, these are six questions I get asked most.
1. How much fall do you need in a wet room?
A wet room is essentially a waterproof room with no traditional shower tray. The bathroom floor will have a gradient to ensure all water runs to the drain. To ensure your bathroom renovation complies with the Australian Building Code licensed plumbers and builders should be hired to do the job correctly. This applies to bathroom renovations Brisbane Northside and Southside.
2. What is a walk in shower?
A walk in shower, or a wet room, is a shower completely free of doors. A walk in shower can create an open and spacious feel to any bathroom renovation.
3. What is tanking a wall for a shower?
Tanking or waterproofing is the sealing of walls and floors with a waterproof membrane to prevent water leaking out and causing damage.
4. What tiles are best for shower floor?
Whatever tiles you choose, ensure they won’t become slippery when wet. Check the slip resistance rating with your supplier prior to purchasing. Also be aware that some tiles are very porous and require regular maintenance and resealing.
- Large format tiles are popular and create an open, seamless look. Keep in mind they may need to be cut to allow for the fall in the floor
- Mosaics and small tiles on sheets will mould to curves
- Rectified tiles can be butted closer together requiring less grout and making them easier to keep clean
5. What type of tile is best for shower walls?
You can afford to mix it up a bit with your bathroom wall tiles. Bathroom vanities can impact on the bathroom tile colour and style you choose. You may choose to match your wall tile to your floor tile or have one feature wall. There is so many bathroom tile choices available that making the final selection for your bathroom renovation can be challenging. Think colour, texture and pattern!
6. What is the best material to use for shower walls?
While tiles are still the most popular choice, there are a number of other options available to choose from. I've included a few links below so you can check out how these products might work for you.
- Glass
- VJ panelling
- Acrylic Sheet Materials
- Engineered Quartz like Caesarstone
- Porcelain Sheets
- Corian® and other Solid Surface Materials
- Marble and Natural Stone Tiles
- Render and Concrete
- Compressed Fibre Cement Sheeting
- Stone panels
- Acrylic panels like Aquapanel
- Fiberglass
What should I do with a small bathroom?
Renovating a small bathroom can be challenging. You want to create a modern bathroom but don’t want it to feel cramped. Planning is essential when it comes to renovating a small bathroom. Fortunately there are some simple renovation tips that help create the illusion of space. From bathroom layout and bathroom designs to selecting bathroom vanities and what colours make a bathroom look bigger, an abundance of small bathroom ideas exist.
Top tips for maximising space in small bathroom designs
- Bathroom vanities – choose a floating or wall hung vanity to allow the floor to extend underneath.
- Pedestal basin – ideal when floor space is really tight.
- Bathroom Storage ideas – choose bathroom cabinets that are wall hung or semi recessed into the wall if possible. A mirrored shaving cabinet provides face height storage and creates the illusion of space through its reflection.
- Recessed shower niche – a must have in any bathroom, especially a small bathroom.
- Frameless glass – provides an unobstructed view although the current trend of coloured framed glass creates an impact even in a small space.
- Shower door – do away with the shower door and create a walk in shower.
- In-wall toilet cistern – not only do they look great, but are easier to clean and take up less space.
- Mirror – installing the right mirror can make any space look bigger.
- Lights – recessed led ceiling lights and led strip lighting can brighten a space and enhance features to make your small bathroom look larger.
- Colour – play with coloured tap ware and tile selections to create the illusion of space. Below I explore what colors make a bathroom look bigger.
- Large Format Tiles – create an open, seamless look.
- Cavity slider door – take up less space when open.
Top tips for decorating a small bathroom with paint
- White – looks light and fresh and makes a room feel clean and bright.
- Dark colours – add some glamour and drama. Dark colours can be considered chic and cocooning.
- Monochrome – a black taps in a white bathroom create a striking minimalist aesthetic.
- Soft pastels and greys – pair with marble tiles and brass tap ware for a touch of glam.
- Feature colour vanity – custom bathroom vanities can add a pop of colour to a small space.
- Feature floor tile – use a patterned floor and keep your walls neutral. Add feature tap ware and it’s a winner.
- Wallpaper – instead of paint opt for a bold wallpaper to really make a statement. Small bathrooms are an opportunity to go a little crazy.
- Matte & low sheen – I tend to stick to matte or low-sheen paint finishes on walls and ceilings in bathrooms.
Finally, consider other tips for small rooms that can help in your bathroom renovation.
Bathroom Renovation Ideas
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or would like help with your bulding or renovation projects, feel free to contact us for a no obligation discussion.
We help busy families and individuals achieve their ideal version of luxury living, blending it seamlessly with practicality to suit their lifestyle perfectly.
If you are building or renovating, we’d love to hear from you to discuss creating a beautiful interior that fits your dream of luxury living.
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Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad you found it interesting.
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Glad you found the info helpful. Keep checking in for more tips.