Your bathroom is the ultimate sanctuary in your home in terms of relaxation. And from this point of view, you want your bathroom to look great too. Whether you’re thinking about an ultra modern décor or more of a spa-like environment, there are countless ideas out there.
But how do you go from a simple dream to having the bathroom of your dreams? Here are the steps you need to go through in order to design the ideal bathroom.
Necessities and Style
Your personal style is extremely important, but at the same time, you’ll need to consider the space and its capabilities. For example, you need to think about who’ll end up using the bathroom. Do you have a big family? Is it just yourself? Do you have a partner?
If you have a family bathroom, you’ll need it to be sturdy and have plenty of storage. On the other hand, if the bathroom is just for you or you and a partner, you might want to add some fancy touches.
Then, you could opt for a simple design based on a modernist approach, as well as a statement in terms of architecture. Once again, your personal style must be fully reflected into your bathroom.
If you’re not sure what you want, a few home interior magazines will give you lots of ideas.
Available Space and Layout
Plan the space and all the important elements you can’t see, such as plumbing. Are there any pipes there or are you installing everything from scratch? Can existing pipes be relocated? Can you rearrange fixtures like the shower or toilet?
You could go for a comfy and tiny space, but you can also opt for spacious openness. If you already have some fixtures there, it might be a good idea to seek help from a bathroom remodeling service, only to make sure your ideas are actually doable. With the right planning and professional guidance, you can design a bathroom that is both beautiful and practical.
Materials
When it comes to materials, you’ll need to find a middle option before aesthetics and practicality. Basically, once you have the layout ready, think about fixtures and potential materials. Some materials may look good, but you don’t want doubtful quality.
Then, different element designs come in different quality standards. For example, you may prefer a classic freestanding bath or perhaps you like the idea of a massive walk in shower. A mirror could make the space look bigger, while a wall mural for an accent wall should be waterproof.
Ventilation and Lighting
Ventilation should be one of your priorities. If you fail to pay attention to it, chances are your bathroom will be exposed to different issues, such as mold and other humidity related problems. Good ventilation systems such as exhaust fans will add to the longevity of your project by removing moisture and odors.
Lighting is just as important. You can have accent or task lighting for different areas. Ambient lighting promotes a relaxing environment, so it’s more appreciated than a big light on the ceiling. Accent lighting can highlight architectural features or decor elements, adding depth and interest.
Storage Space
Depending on the size of the bathroom, storage may or may not be an option. Ideally, you should have some effective solutions. They’ll keep the space clean and neat. For example, you can hide shower stuff and beauty creams in a small cabinet.
Hiding things will maintain a sleek design, but this isn’t always possible. At this point, you’ll have to play with your available space. Worst case scenario, get a built in shelf by the shower or bathtub for such products.
Colors and Finishes
By this point, you should already have a color or scheme in mind. When you choose materials and style, you inevitably think about colors as well.
When selecting colors, consider their psychological impact. For example, soft blues and greens can evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, while bolder hues like reds or yellows can energize and invigorate the space. You could opt for a glossy finish or perhaps a matte one. How about a texture?
These things will most likely have something to do with the overall bathroom design. Colors don’t always affect the practical profile of your bathroom, but they’ll make you feel better once in there.
Colors should complement the design style of the house, as well as the fixtures in this room. This will create a cohesive look and ensure that your bathroom feels like a natural extension of your overall design style.
Modern Technology
With the evolution of smart homes, modern technologies are becoming more and more popular these days. They’re available for every room of your home and that includes the bathroom as well. Technology is even more important if you’re trying to achieve an ultra modern design.
For example, you could pick motion sensitive lights. They’ll pick on your movement, so they’re quite convenient. You can also have a bit of entertainment in your bathroom, so you can listen to your favorite podcasts while taking a shower or watching a show while taking a bath.
Maintenance
Last, but not least, think about the long term maintenance of your new bathroom too. For example, while textured walls may look great in some designs, the truth is they require constant cleaning because dust and grime can build up.
Every type of material requires a different form of maintenance, so do your homework before you invest in something in particular.
On the other hand, it may seem common sense, but make sure you put quality first all the time, so spend your money on quality materials and products that can pass the test of time.
In the end, designing your dream bathroom starts with careful planning and a commitment to personal style. Instead of going with the functional basics, choose elements that truly resonate with you and add character to your space, making it a true reflection of who you are.