Have you been scrolling through ‘bathroom inspo’ pages looking for your perfect bathroom? Maybe you’ve been wanting to redesign your bathroom for a while, even gone around B&Q and looked at fittings to see what catches your eye. Well, 2024 is the ideal time to remodel your bathroom, and now is the time to start planning it. But what does that process look like, and how do you plan out the right bathroom for you?
What Do You Need From a Bathroom?
The very first thing you should do is work out what you actually need from a bathroom. Who will be using the room will have a big impact on the design you choose and how you plan it out. For example, are you designing an en-suite shower room, or a family bathroom that needs storage? Do you want a spa-style sanctuary, or a guest bathroom with just a shower and a toilet? Even the type of person you are will influence your bathroom style. Are you an ‘energise-and-invigorate’, or a ‘relax and recharge’? Forget about how you use your current bathroom now. Instead, focus on how you want to use it, and use that as the starting point for your design.
Planning Your Perfect Bathroom
When you’re planning out a bathroom remodel there are dozens of little decisions to make, and it can feel a bit overwhelming to look at all at once. So here’s a breakdown of things you need to think about, so that you can tackle them one at a time.
Symmetrical layouts: If the room’s dimensions lend themselves to symmetry, then it’s worth trying to plan a symmetrical layout. If you have an architectural focus point in the room like a sash window or a bay window, then this can be a good alignment point for it.
Measure the space: A scale plan of your bathroom is always a good place to start when working out what you want. Measure everything carefully (you need accurate measurements) and include all of the key features in the room that might affect the design. Think windows, chimney breasts, dormers and doors. Then cut out scale shapes of everything you want inside the bathroom (toilet, bath, shower enclosure, cupboards etc), and shuffle them around until you find a layout that you’re happy with.
Ask the experts: There are a lot of moving parts to designing a bathroom, and it’s easy to get one wrong without even realising it. Work with experts and specialists at every stage to make sure your design is practical and will actually work. They will be able to suggest alternatives or even better ways to achieve the result you want. Even the smallest bathrooms can be designed to feel luxurious and spacious!
Be realistic: There are some things that you may want for your bathroom that just aren’t practical. There’s no point in pining for his and hers sinks or a walk-in shower if your space simply won’t allow it. Especially since the average footprint of a UK bathroom is about the same size as a king-size bed! Be mindful of what you can fit into your space, and how you want it to work.
Consider lighting: All bathrooms need lighting, and the type you choose can have a huge impact on the feel of the room. You don’t want bright lights flashing in the middle of the night – that’s not fun for anyone! Instead, consider having different levels of lighting you can use at different times. For example, a low-level motion-sensitive light for those nighttime trips, a more diffuse main source of light to provide soft illumination, and spotlights to give you that bright light where you need it.
Colour Can Change Everything: Colour is another big thing that can change the feel of your bathroom dramatically. Choosing the colour and style of your flooring, units, walls and even ceilings is something you should spend a lot of time on, especially if you’re trying to create a specific ‘vibe’. Don’t forget you can add colour through accessories and artwork, so choose a colour that will compliment them.
Factor in storage: Storage is the key to any successful bathroom, no matter who it’s for! And no, a single shelf isn’t enough. We usually recommend a vanity unit that provides shelving and storage for everything you need, including space for extra towels. This allows you to maintain a clean and clear space without a lot of clutter (and extra cleaning).
At DNA Brickwork and Builders, we help our clients achieve their dream homes in any way, big or small. Whether that’s building a new house from scratch, renovating or extending their property, or knocking through a wall to remodel their bathroom. If you can think it, we can build it. If you’re interested in finding out more, just get in touch with the team today and book your free consultation.
