Bathroom renovation is not a common undertaking for many households. This is not surprising as there is so much work to do for a very small and compact space. Yet, many still pursue to complete the renovation work for several reasons.

One such reason is the elevated level of relaxation and pampering that can be derived from a refreshed bathroom look. Another is the increased resale value of the property with the updated space. Whatever the reason is, it is important to consider thoroughly before proceeding with the project. If you are really intent on giving it a new look, here are some guides on how to plan your bathroom.

Evaluate what you need

First and foremost, imagine how you would like to use the new bathroom. Will it be a family bathroom? Or will it be more like a personal spa-style haven? Will it take on a more practical come-and-go sort of washroom? Or will it be like a sanctuary to escape the busyness of the day? Carefully think of the kind of bathroom you want for your home. Different designs will require separate lists of specifications, fittings, fixtures, and colour schemes.

Plan your bathroom layout

If your present bathroom layout already works for you, then keep it as it is. Do not change the layout just for the sake of it. Changing water pipes and plumbing is a very expensive job and keeping them in place is a much cheaper alternative in renovation. You can still give your bathroom a fresh new look simply by replacing fittings, flooring tiles, repainting walls, or installing new doors.

If you really plan on changing the layout, thoughtfully plan how to do it. Begin by measuring your bathroom precisely. Take note of the location of windows, doors, and present pipes. Draw an outline on graph paper or any computer application. If you have hesitations on your new layout, you can ask for advice from design experts or hire an interior designer. Better, visit a local bathroom showroom and ask recommendations on maximizing limited space at the lowest costs.

Find inspirations

If you want plenty of design ideas, seek out inspirations. You can browse through interior magazines to gather tear sheets and compare different visuals. You can also go online and check bathroom designs from several websites such as Pinterest. You can visit blogs and ask for ideas. If you want actual inspirations, you can scout ideas from hotels, shopping malls, and even from your friends and neighbours.

Be realistic

There are certain design aspects in your current bathroom that will significantly affect your new layout, and one of which is the actual room space. If your bathroom has a small space, be realistic about it. Never cram the room with fixtures and fittings just to satisfy your idea in mind. This may only lead to a crowded and less comfortable space. Instead, be practical and work with a more suitable design such as Japanese-style or wet-room style showers and tubs.

In relation to space, storage is another important consideration. Try to be minimalistic if you have a small bathroom. Avoid displaying too many toiletries, towels, shampoos and other essentials. Mirrored cabinets are great storage areas for the electric razors, toothbrushes, and other items. Furthermore, consider carefully the lighting in your new design. Avoid too much bright lights as this may be uncomfortable for any person who wakes up in the middle of the night to take a trip to the bathroom.

If you want to follow trends, tiles are the best ways to do this. It is the surface that people will instantly see in your bathroom, and this will be the gauge for this judgement. With tiles, you have a wide range of patterns to choose from such as simple graphics and decorative geometrics. You can also opt for a floor-to-wall seamless feature or for a feature wall or floor. With tiles, you can be as versatile or daring as you want to.

Set a budget

In any renovation process, cost is one of the biggest factors to consider. After deciding your new design, finalise on a budget from which you will work on. With wise budgeting, you can prioritise where to spend and where to save. You would not have to sacrifice aesthetics when you carefully lay down the expenditures of the project.

Assess what level of service you need

With a budget in consideration, determine whether you will need the services of an interior designer who will oversee the entire work – from planning and installation up to final decoration of the space. A cheaper alternative will be to design the room by yourself, buy your own fittings and fixtures, and hire plumbers or contractors to do the physical installations instead.

Organize your team

If you opt for an expert service provider, make sure to carefully read reviews about them and check their track records before contacting them. If you choose to go DIY, then you need to organize your own team of tradespeople. Ask for recommendations and references from your friends and family about the right people who they have personally worked with. A renovation is a serious job and you need people who you can really trust.

Lastly, survive the project. The works may not be that big, but they will still disturb the entire house. So be prepare about it and just enjoy the process of waiting for the new look of your bathroom.