A small bathroom remodel is a very challenging project for any contractor because your space is limited and you want to make sure to plan carefully. Functionality comes first when planning for the renovation of a small bathroom. Then plan for storage and then decorating the space comes last. Don’t plan on a full-sized home spa if you have a tiny space because it won’t look right and you might run into clearance issues when it is finished. For example, choose a round-front toilet which is 2” shorter to save space and choose a shower design with no swinging door to keep more clearance are some space saving ideas.
To open up the space, brightening up the room will be the best way without changing what you have. Light colors is an easy way to achieve this. It alters our perception of the space and is more inviting when it’s light. If you still want to make the room pop just buy some towels or accessories with a bold color. Another way to brighten up the space is adding natural light whether it be a skylight or making the existing window larger.
Some things to consider when remodeling a small bathroom
- Choose a bypass glass door
- Keep your colors light
- Use over-sized mirrors to create dimension
- Create a pattern as an accent
- Have minimal decor
- Use colorful artwork on the wall instead of furniture
- Add a corner vanity or a rounded vanity to make the space a little bigger
- Keep it simple
- Choose lighting with a design element like pendants, sconces, or wall-mounts.
- Consider wall-mounted toilets to help save space
- Use pocket doors
- Use wall space for built-in storage
- Get rid of the tub/shower combo and have a large walk-in shower
- Have a wall vanity to give more floor space in the room
- Install niches in the shower for convenience and organization
- If you choose a white bathroom, think about painting the ceiling a dark bold color. This will draw your eye up and make it appear bigger.
What not to do:
- Don’t rush the project-Poor planning is the leading cause of cost overruns.
- Don’t skimp on skilled labor-A good tile setter can make the low-cost material look expensive.
- Don’t cut corners on key materials-Cheaper materials that don’t have warranties will cause a problem quicker than you expect.
- Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow-Ensure you plan for your future lifestyle with a remodel, at least 15-20 years.
- Don’t forget to factor in water use-Bathroom fixtures have become more water-efficient if you add more showerheads to your shower make sure your drain supports the amount of water being used.
- Don’t forget about storage-Lack of storage nowadays is bad for resale value. Think of creative ways to include storage.
- Don’t buy products online, see them in person first-Researching online is great for ideas and designs but products don’t always look the same on the computer screen vs. in reality. In a store, you can always see if they will match the online price too.
Where to place your accessories:
- Towel bar about 48″ from the ground
- Toilet role about 6″ in front of the toilet
- Medicine cabinet about 60-66″ from the ground
- Robe hook about 66-72″ from the ground or on a door about 6″ from the top
- Light fixtures about 66″ high
Feel free to Contact Us here at Retro Pro Kitchen and Bath and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
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