Designing Your Bathroom
When designing your bathroom it is important to include lighting in your design plan. Accent lighting adds depth, ambient lighting illuminates the room, and task lighting positioned correctly improves functionality.
Layout and function should be the first things to consider when designing your new bathroom. However, style should also be taken into consideration.
Natural light
One of the best ways to enhance the design of your bathroom is with natural light. This is a free source of lighting (saving you money on electricity bills), and it also serves as a natural mood booster. If you can, try to position your bathroom so that it has access to a window or skylight.
If you don’t have a window, a few strategically-placed mirrors can reflect sunlight throughout the room. This can cut down on the need for artificial lighting and make your bathroom look larger. In addition, use a daylight-color recessed LED strip in the ceiling to add more natural light when it’s not streaming in from the windows. This can be particularly effective for small bathrooms without much natural light.
Storage space
When it comes to bathroom ideas, storage is key. Clutter can quickly make a room feel smaller, so be sure to incorporate plenty of shelves or cabinets for storage. Decorative and practical, these spaces can help to keep your bathroom organized by separating everyday items from those that are only used for once-a-week home spa days.
Adding storage in high places is a great way to clear up walking space and make the room feel bigger. Designer Zoe Feldman added a pink built-in cabinet in the space above the toilet in this colorful bathroom, and a long vertical mirror to create a sense of depth.
Hanging a piece of wallpaper or patterned fabric can bring an unexpected pop of color to the space. These small improvements can give a room a fresh new look without a major renovation.
Sink location
The sink is central to most bath designs, but the location can make a huge difference. If your bathroom is small, consider a corner sink to save space. However, if you do decide to install a corner sink, make sure that the existing plumbing can be rerouted into that area.
Color can be another powerful design element, influencing how a room feels. Light colors reflect light and make spaces feel larger, while darker colors absorb it and make spaces look smaller.
If you hire a professional bath designer to create your new bath, choose one with experience and a good track record in remodeling bathrooms. They should have a solid grasp of building codes and understand plumbing, wiring, and structural issues. They should also know how to use design principles of balance, rhythm, and emphasis.
Divider walls
Divider walls are a great way to add character and functionality to your bathroom. You can choose from several different styles and materials to find the right fit for your space and budget.
For a modern look, opt for a stainless steel bathroom partition. This contemporary wall is durable and looks great with any flooring choice. It’s also a good option for public spaces that need to meet fire protection standards.
Masonry partition walls are a more traditional option but are costly and time-consuming to build. They can be left as masonry or coated with plaster made from lime, sand, and water for an attractive and durable finish. The walls can also be insulated to reduce noise and regulate temperature. They’re also available in ADA-compliant stalls with handicapped access points for wheelchairs and walkers.
Recessed bathroom shelves
Whether you’re adding shelving for practical storage or simply adding an elegant touch, bathroom shelf ideas can provide the ideal balance between beauty and functionality. Shelves are the perfect place to stow away everyday essentials like soap, hand towels, and cleaning products while making your bathroom feel well-designed and serene.
For a sleek look, consider recessed shelves that are built into the wall rather than protruding out of it. They can be a great addition to a small bathroom as they won’t take up precious floor space. Try using a stud finder to locate a good spot to install them and cut a test hole before going ahead with renovations to make sure you’re not cutting into plumbing or electrics.