Bathrooms
The bathroom is one of the more multifunctional spaces in your home. It’s a place to escape, however briefly, from the outside world – a place to rejuvenate the body. It’s also used to care for an injury or to beautify yourself, or simply, for relief. A room that gets such heavy and varied use will inevitably be one that needs more attention in its upkeep, so a greater portion of your renovating budget should be placed towards it. Besides, the personal well-being gained from this space makes it worth the investment.
Inspiration
Inspiration for this project can come from anywhere, but remember, this is your personal space – it really should reflect what you want. Certainly, you already know what you don’t like in the current bathroom, so think about what you would really like to see once the renovations are complete. Perhaps you saw some interesting things at a spa or a salon, or maybe you’re an outdoors type and would like to bring a little nature inside, giving your bathroom a more rustic feel. Maybe you’re a futurist and you like sleek lines and dynamic modern designs. Try to incorporate as many comforts as you can while staying within your budget. With some creativity, you can get the same effects without spending too much money.
Necessity
Of course, inspiration and luxury is one thing, but the room must incorporate the typical bathroom fixtures. This includes the toilet, the shower or bathtub, the sink and faucets, a mirror and a little storage space, like a medicine cabinet. But that doesn’t mean the room has to be completely utilitarian. Use design elements like photos or wallpaper to brighten up the space. Throw in a carpet to make the floor more comfortable first thing in the morning. Add some extra shelving to hold a small CD player or some books or magazines, if you intend on soaking in the tub for a long period of time. Combine all these together, and you’ll end up creating a space that you want to go to, as opposed to a space that you have to go to. Other toilet accessories can help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams.
Materials
The best materials for the bathroom renovation should be durable and easy to clean – this is a room that gets a lot of use, after all. Though it’s a room used for cleaning and grooming, it’s also a room that gets dirty very quickly, so if you have a carpet that doesn’t dry well or wallpaper that stains easily, you may want to avoid using them here. Also, the plumbing hardware used in the bathroom must meet the safety requirements set by the government. One last tip: if you intend for a major renovation to stand the test of time, be sure to use only quality materials.
