If you’re thinking about making some changes to your bathroom, it can be hard to know where to start and what to include. Be sure to take into consideration your space, budget, and storage needs you have. Before you take the “before” pictures, consider these five ideas:
1. Seating
Building in space for some seating is practical and useful. It’s nice to be able to sit down to dry off or to put on shoes or makeup. Even if you only have room for a small bench or stool, you won’t be sorry that you worked it into the design.
2. Soaking tub
Growing in popularity, soaking tubs are a few inches deeper than traditional bathtubs. Because they are often free-standing, soaking tubs can take up less space than jetted spa tubs, making them easier to fit into some bathroom layouts. Soaking tubs come in a variety of styles, from more contemporary designs to old-fashioned footed versions.
3. Framed mirrors
Instead of installing builder-grade plate mirrors over sink areas, consider using framed mirrors instead for a more custom look. You can match the frames to faucet and light fixture finishes or choose contrasting colors for a bolder look. If you decide to stick with the builder-grade mirrors, you can always finish them with a decorative molding to add interest.
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4. Heating
If you’re installing new floors in your bathroom, it can also be an opportune time to install radiant floor heating. Especially if you live in a colder climate, radiant floor heating can increase your bathroom comfort by taking the chill off tile and stone floors. In addition to keeping your feet warmer, radiant floor heating may also reduce your energy consumption. Heated towel bars are less expensive but can also increase the coziness of your bathroom on cold winter days by keeping your towel warm and ready when you step out of the shower or bath. Some heated towel bars even incorporate integrated timers so you can enjoy the luxury of hot towels exactly when you need them.
5. Drawers
The traditional bathroom storage design of cabinets below the sink with a few drawers on the side may not be the most efficient way to store your toiletries and towels. Many bathroom designs are incorporating more drawers into the cabinetry layout, which can help with organization and storage. Tower cabinets, often between two sinks or on the sides of the sink area, can make good use of vertical space for items like medicines, linens, and paper products.
While you’re working on upgrading a bathroom, small details can make a big difference. Adding dimmers to the light switches can help save on bulb use and help you avoid the glare of bright lights when you first wake up. A few candles and a Bluetooth speaker can help turn an ordinary shower or bath into a spa experience.