Bathrooms were once designed almost exclusively with function in mind. In modern days, however, we now view this same room as an intimate space and a private sanctuary. As such, it’s important to pay attention to both aesthetics and function. Here are some important things to consider before deciding on your next bathroom design.
Lighting fixtures and natural light
Before you start your bathroom remodel, consider what type of lighting you will need. For most bathroom tasks, recessed overhead lighting is a great way to illuminate the room. For up-close tasks like shaving or putting on makeup, however, this may not be sufficient. Instead, brighter lights that are closer to the work area can do the trick.
Another consideration is whether or not you want or need natural light. If you do opt for a window or two, privacy should be taken into consideration and the windows planned accordingly. A window in the shower comes with its own special considerations: it should be frosted for privacy, be watertight, and have the sill sloped to allow for proper water drainage.
Bathroom storage options
Without the right storage, bathrooms can easily become cluttered. A traditional medicine cabinet can be a great solution for storing small items needed in the sink area. Instead of wall mounting the cabinet, consider recessing it into the wall. This not only saves space but also offers a sleek, streamlined look.
Another great bathroom storage option is a vanity with drawers. Items inside them are easy to find and the drawers themselves can be worked around plumbing if needed. If you have a small room or other unusual space configurations, custom cabinets may be in order.
Shower vs. tub
Deciding between a shower, a tub, or a combination of both ultimately comes down to how you use your bathroom. If you have small children and anticipate using this bathroom for their baths, a tub can certainly be a viable option. Other than that, you’ll need to consider how many baths you take and whether or not a tub is actually necessary.
If you’re living in your forever home, or getting on in years, another thing to consider is what you’ll need in the future. If you’re considering aging in place, choose the option that you think will best meet your needs at that time as well as now.
Flooring options
Bathrooms are easily the wettest rooms in the house. That means choosing a flooring option that will stand up to repeated moisture exposure. And, you’ll want to consider safety considerations for walking on damp floors either inside or out of the shower. Textured flooring tiles inside the shower can often help in preventing slip and falls.
Plumbing and drainage
All plumbing is created equal, right? Wrong! And, it turns out that what you can’t see can hurt you, at least in terms of clogged or frozen pipes. Let’s show you what we mean.
Plumbing might be a hidden part of your remodeling efforts, but it’s a critical factor. When it stays unclogged, everything runs smoothly. But, when it becomes blocked, it’s not a pretty sight. If your room’s framing can fit it, consider using 2” pipes for bathroom drains. This is just a ½” larger than the standard 1 ½” piping but can make a huge difference in preventing clogs.
Another plumbing consideration is its location. Whenever possible, it’s preferable to keep plumbing lines inside interior walls if you live where wintertime temperatures dip below freezing. Frozen pipes make a nasty mess and this is one way to help prevent that.
Get professional help for bathroom remodeling
With all of the plumbing and design features involved in a bathroom remodel, it’s often a good idea to involve the pros. Hiring a remodeling company to do the job can not only make your life easier, but also help prevent costly errors. At Sea Pointe, we pride ourselves in helping clients remodel their homes with both aesthetics and function in mind. If you are ready to get started with a bathroom remodeling project, give us a call at (949) 861-3400.