Are you excited about the prospect of planning your next bathroom renovation but unsure of where to start? You’ve come to the right place.
Whether you have just finished building a new home, or you’ve been living in your family home and it’s time to modernize, we all love reading a good renovation article, don’t we?
But there’s more to a bathroom renovation than meets the eye. For that reason, we thought we would put together this list of mistakes to avoid when designing your new bathroom.
Not Enough Storage
One of the most common mistakes that people make when they are renovating their bathroom is not having enough storage. Having enough storage in your bathroom is essential because otherwise, it will just look cluttered and untidy.
What should you consider when planning storage?
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Consider your needs
Before making storage decisions, think about what you need to store in your bathroom. From towels and toilet paper to cosmetics and cleaning supplies, determine how much space you require for these items as well as where they should be stored. For example, it may make sense to place towels and toilet paper in a linen closet outside the bathroom rather than inside the bathroom itself
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Measure your space
A bathroom might appear large until the furniture is brought into it. Measure the size of your room to determine how much space is available for cabinets, sinks, showers, and tubs. Knowing the sizes of appliances that will go in your bathroom will help you determine the best way to arrange them so that they are functional and there is enough room to move around comfortably
Look at online pictures of bathrooms or see how much space is available in other rooms. If you’re still unsure about whether there will be enough room for storage, then it might be a good idea to speak with an interior designer.
Bathrooms are usually small spaces that are called upon to do many things. To maximize your storage space, use every square inch in your design — including the walls and any corners or awkward spaces.
A vanity with two sinks can be very useful. You can also add a lot of storage space by installing shelves behind doors or along the wall above the toilet or tub. Shelves can also be added inside cabinets or underneath sinks.
While not taking up any internal floor space at all, elegant glass shelves are great for saving space. They keep your products on display, but out of the way from the rest of the room. They also add an elegant touch.
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Going Overboard on Color and Pattern
Going Overboard on Color and Pattern
For many homeowners, a bathroom renovation is a perfect way to spruce up their space. Many want to have ‘fun’ with the design, so they decide to use a different tile pattern on the floor and walls. The result can detract from the room’s focal points. In a small space, the mix of vibrant hues and eye-catching prints also creates an overstimulating environment and might be overwhelming.
When you are going to do a bathroom renovation, you should keep in mind that it is very easy to go overboard with color and pattern. A suggestion is when you are picking out your tiles for your bathroom renovation, make sure that you get samples first and live with them for a day or two so you can see how they look in different lightings and scenarios.
If you want to add a pop of color to liven things up, try a trendy backsplash in the shower or a bold rug. Don’t go crazy on the walls because you’ll be happy you didn’t when it’s time to sell your home and move on.
Accessories are a great way to introduce color without making any large investments. First, select a color palette and choose accessories that coordinate with that palette. Choose one or two items that bring in more dramatic design elements — like an accent wall or eye-catching bath linens — as accents against a neutral base.
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Going Overboard on Color and Pattern
Picking the right shower door can feel like an overwhelming task. There are so many brands and styles to choose from, you may find yourself wondering where to even begin.
Here is a quick guide to help you pick the right shower door for your bathroom:
Don’t use flimsy shower doors. A high-quality glass shower door or enclosure will make a huge difference in how your bathroom functions. The last thing you want is a door that doesn’t properly seal and leaks water all over your floor. That’s not just annoying; it can result in water damage and mold problems. When you’re looking at enclosures, make sure they’re made with high-quality metal hardware as well as heavy-duty tempered glass.
A cheap shower door can also be difficult to clean. If you’ve ever had to scrub hard water stains from a glass shower door’s frame, you know just how difficult this chore can be. This chore is even more problematic with a flimsy shower door because the hinges prevent you from fully opening the door to clean it.
A frameless shower door is a great choice for a modern bathroom. These doors come without frames, so there is more glass and less metal. This makes them look very sleek and stylish. They also allow more light into the shower space, which makes the room appear larger than it actually is.
The second option would be a sliding glass door which can add elegance to your bathroom with its clean lines and simple design. A third option is called an enclosed shower unit where there are two panels that slide together on tracks mounted above each other instead of using hinges as traditional doors do.
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Ignoring the Vents
One of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes is ignoring the vents. Bathroom vents are often overlooked but if they aren’t working properly they can cause a number of problems. It’s not just a matter of comfort; it’s also a health and safety issue.
Poorly ventilated bathrooms can cause a number of problems, including peeling paint and mildew. This is because excess moisture caused by poor ventilation can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation. In order to avoid these problems, it’s important to have a properly vented fan installed. You can also open a window if you have one in your bathroom, but this may not always be enough.
Vents should be kept clear of dust, dirt, pet hair or any other debris that might clog them up over time. A professional contractor will be able to tell you if the ventilation system needs to be fixed or replaced to prevent this from happening again.
Mold and mildew can cause health issues for people who are sensitive or allergic to them, especially people with respiratory problems. If you have anyone in your family who has asthma or other breathing problems, addressing any ventilation issues will help them breathe easier in your home.
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Poor Lighting
While different people have different preferences when it comes to bathroom design, there are some common mistakes that we all need to avoid.
Bad lighting can completely ruin the appearance of your bathroom. The first thing you need to do is make sure that you get rid of any dark corners in your bathroom. If the light is not properly distributed, the entire space will look dull, gloomy and lifeless.
To prevent this from happening, you need to install multiple lights and light fixtures in your bathroom. Some of these fixtures might include pot lights, LED lights, and pendant lights. Not only do these increase the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom, but they also make sure that your bathroom looks bright enough for you to see yourself clearly while applying makeup or shaving.
Natural light is always the best option and can be maximized by installing a skylight or adding a window. If you don’t have that option, you can still create a well-lit space with some careful planning and creative choices, such as incorporating decorative lighting like sconces.
Another great trick is to use mirrors to bounce light around the room, making it seem brighter and more open. Using glazed tiles will also help reflect and amplify light in the room.
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Curbless Showers
Curbless showers are all the rage in bathroom design right now, and for good reason: they can make your shower a more accessible space, and they look sleek and minimalist. But curbless showers have their drawbacks as well. Here’s what you need to know before you ditch the shower curb.
Curbless showers can be problematic because they don’t contain water well and often flood the surrounding floor. They also require more effort to keep clean due to their lack of barriers.
They don’t work well for children or pets either because the water tends to pool inside the shower area and run outside, which can cause issues with mildew and mould and could lead to expensive repairs down the road.
A better solution would be to have a larger tiled shower base and use an angled drain to allow for water to be directed away from your feet as you step out of the shower. You can still have a large open space visually, but there will be a subtle barrier between where your feet are standing and where they need to step to get out of the shower area while still protecting your bathroom floor from getting wet every time someone takes a shower.
Hire a professional contractor who has experience with curbless showers when planning your design. An experienced contractor will know how to lay the flooring properly.
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Noisy Exhaust Fans
Noisy exhaust fans are not only irritating, but they may indicate an electrical problem. Some bathroom exhaust fans are wired directly to the circuit supplying power to the light fixture. If you notice a noise when you turn on the light, it could mean excess voltage is reaching the fan motor. While this does not necessarily mean there’s a problem (some motors are loud), it could be dangerous.
Before contacting an electrician to check the wiring, try replacing your old exhaust fan with a new one. Exhaust fans typically have a life span of 10 years or so. The best kind of replacement is one that is equal in CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity to your original model and has an integrated heater and light so that the wiring can remain exactly the same.
If you have an older unit without a heater or light, and you plan on installing those features, get an electrician to rewire the circuit so it can safely handle the extra amperage required by these additions.
Check the ductwork. If the ductwork isn’t properly connected, you will hear rattling sounds. If the ductwork is too small, you may hear a whistling sound as air tries to move through the ducts. You may need to call an HVAC professional to get your bathroom exhaust fixed.
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Low-Quality Faucets and Finishes
The bathroom is an important room in the home. You want it to be clean, comfortable, inviting and highly functional. It’s also a place where you can express yourself and make a statement with an upscale look.
For many homeowners, especially those who are just starting out or have limited budgets, achieving this level of sophistication requires some restraint when it comes to choosing faucets and other bathroom accessories. Instead of opting for the most expensive models, they opt for less-expensive models that are still attractive and well made.
Unfortunately, not all budget-priced fixtures are created equal. Some have far lower quality than others and can quickly diminish the quality of your bathroom renovation.
If you’re renovating your bathroom, think about the whole experience, not just the moment of purchase and installation. You want to make sure that your bathroom renovation still looks good in 10 years’ time. That starts with quality faucets and finishes.
By choosing high-quality materials and fixtures, you can enjoy your bathroom for years to come without worrying about having to replace them.
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Conclusion
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home, second only to the kitchen. So, it is important to think through the design of your bathroom before starting the renovation.
To create a beautiful bathroom, you need good ideas and some basic tips. This is why you really need to pay attention and make sure that your ideas are implemented correctly.
If you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, updating your bathroom can be a great investment. If you’re planning to sell soon, it’s best to avoid any major renovations that are more about personal taste than the return on investment.
As a general rule, bathroom renovations can be difficult. It’s easy to get bogged down in the details. Everything has to come together in harmony, and it’s all too easy to end up with a mess. So don’t rush through the project, make sure to plan ahead, and hire a professional if you’re not up to the task. Then enjoy your beautiful new bathroom! Before you know it, this improvement will make your home feel brand new again!