If the kitchen is the heart of your home, the bathroom is your oasis; a place to pamper yourself and relax away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
However, before you dive headfirst into picking out a new bathroom, it’s essential to ask yourself a few important questions to ensure you’re making the right decisions for your space, personal needs, and your budget. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 questions you should ask yourself when considering a new bathroom.
1. What is my budget?
First and foremost, you need to establish a realistic budget for your bathroom renovation. This will guide your decisions and help you to prioritise where to focus your funds. For example, you may want to go with a cheaper flooring option so you can splurge on a luxury shower! It’s a good idea to give yourself some leeway, not just for materials and labour but also for any unexpected expenses that may arise during the project – see point number 4 for extra tips!
2. What is my style?
Before you begin your bathroom renovation, consider your personal style and the overall design of your home. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look, or are you drawn to all things traditional and timeless? Identifying your style will make it easier to choose fixtures, colours, and materials that align with your vision. It will also help the professionals you hire (like us!) to offer recommendations and ensure your new bathroom is exactly what you’ve been dreaming about.
3. How much space do I have?
This is an obvious one, but it’s important to assess the available space in your bathroom. If you have a small bathroom, you’ll need to be strategic about getting the most out of the space available. If you’re not sure how to go about this, it’s best to talk to professionals who can help you to design your bathroom properly, as well as offer CAD designs to show you what your bathroom will look like. This also allows you to play around with design ideas without having to commit to anything right away!
4. Do I need to address any plumbing or electrical issues?
If your home is older, there may be plumbing or electrical issues that need to be addressed during the renovation. Be prepared to get this assessed by a qualified professional and invest in necessary upgrades to ensure your bathroom is safe and functional.
5. Do I want an eco-friendly bathroom?
We’re in an era where sustainability has never been more important and there are more sustainable choices than ever before. If ensuring your bathroom is as eco-friendly as possible is high on your priority list, there are a few things to think about.
Look for sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass for your fixtures and accessories. Opt for low-flow toilets and taps to conserve water and reduce your environmental impact and consider installing energy-efficient LED lighting. Don’t forget to explore eco-friendly paint and finishes too!
6. What are my must-haves?
Make a list of your must-have features that you don’t want to compromise on. Are you dreaming of a luxurious soaking tub, a spacious walk-in shower, or double sinks? Prioritise the design elements that are most important to you to ensure they’re included in your new bathroom.
7. Do I need to design with accessibility in mind?
If your household includes individuals with mobility challenges or if you’re future-proofing your home, think about incorporating accessible features. This might involve installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet, opting for a curbless or roll-in shower to accommodate wheelchairs, or ensuring wider doorways for easy access. Non-slip flooring is another key safety element (we have a bathroom flooring guide available here!), as well as lever-style tap handles and easy-to-reach shelving which can help to make daily tasks more manageable.
8. How will my bathroom renovation impact my home’s resale value?
A carefully planned bathroom renovation can be a smart financial move, offering both immediate comfort and long-term value. Bathrooms play a key role in a home’s appeal to potential buyers so upgrading outdated fixtures, enhancing the overall aesthetic, and ensuring functionality can substantially increase your home’s value. If you’re planning on selling in the not-too-distant future, it’s also wise to choose neutral, timeless elements that will appeal to a broader range of buyers.
9. What is my colour-scheme?
Selecting a colour scheme is a crucial (and fun!) step in crafting the ambiance and visual appeal of your bathroom. Neutral tones like crisp whites, soothing greys, and elegant beiges are a great choice for a bathroom that will never go out of style. These classic shades create a clean, spa-like atmosphere that can stand the test of time, ensuring your bathroom remains visually pleasing for years to come. Alternatively, if you’re looking to inject your bathroom with your personality and make a bold statement, consider experimenting with more vibrant hues but keep in mind that while bolder colours can add character, they may require balancing out with neutrals to prevent overwhelming the space.
10. How will I maintain my new bathroom?
Finally, think about the long-term maintenance of your new bathroom. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for your bathroom, make sure that you choose materials and finishes that are easy to clean and durable to ensure your investment stands the test of time. If you don’t mind putting in more work, you can opt for materials that require a little more tender loving care to stay looking their best. Any good interior design company will be able to advise you on what materials are best depending on how much upkeep you’re prepared to do.
Ready to renovate your bathroom? Contact our friendly team today, we’d love to help you create your perfect bathroom.