Bathroom designs have changed in recent years and what once was viewed as a place to go and clean yourself up after a long day at work, has become a sort of sanctuary where people retreat from the world. Soft colours, candles and a host of bath accessories are par for the course, but as with everything in life, it starts with the basics.
The first thing any homeowner should do before designing a bathroom is plan. This when you list all your needs and desires as well as ascertain how much you have to spend. It's not the only thing that needs to be considered and there are some important factors that need to be taken into consideration. These include:
- The overall bathroom design. Do you want modern or are you looking for something a little more old-fashioned.
- Is the available area spacious or is it on the small side.
- What type of cabinetry is going to be used.
- What type of fittings will be used.
- The type of bath required and will this be a free-standing unit or built in.
- What sort of lighting will be fitted.
- What type of flooring is required.
A cramped bathroom where everything is virtually on top of everything else can prove to be problematic. While there is no need to have a huge space, the space that is available needs to be utilised to the full. There should be space to allow people to dry off when they get out of the shower or bath. There should also be adequate storage and counter space incorporated into the bathroom design.
Consider your daily routine and plan accordingly. It may be wise to install two basins, for example if both you and your partner utilise the bathroom at the same time of the day. Likewise, special planning should be undertaken if the property only features one bathroom. For instance, in these instances, it's often wiser to house the toilet separately.
Make a list before shopping for bathroom accessories and keep in mind that some designs of flooring and wall finishes are going to need cleaning more often than others. Darker shades of tiles for example tend to show up more dirt than lighter shades.
When it comes to baths, bigger certainly isn't always better. Bathing in a bath that is too long is almost as bad as bathing in one that is too short and it's highly advisable to climb into various baths in order to work out which one is the most comfortable before you buy.
Floor-level or walk-in showers are all the rage at the moment and these are ideal for people who don't like the look of a shower door or curtain. A well-designed bathroom drainage system as well as the correct shower head will ensure that water splashes outside the shower stall will be kept to a minimum.
Perhaps the most important part of any bathroom renovation is the budget. It's easy to get carried away when revamping something of this nature. Keep a level head and draw up a realistic budget before going out and shopping around for the best deals.