What design decisions need to be made in a bathroom remodel?

Have you been wondering: What design decisions need to be made in a bathroom remodel? What materials do I need to select for my bathroom remodel? What is included in a bathroom design?

A bathroom remodel can significantly improve the comfort, functionality, and value of your home. Although the decision-making process might seem overwhelming, each choice is essential to creating your dream bathroom. Let’s explore the critical design decisions you'll need to make for a successful bathroom remodel.

1. Layout and Space Planning

Current Layout:

Assess whether the existing layout is functional or if changes are necessary, such as relocating plumbing or electrical lines.

Space Utilization:

Plan for efficient use of space, ensuring that all fixtures and features fit comfortably.

Accessibility:

Incorporate accessibility features for ease of use, such as wider doorways and lower counter heights.

Safety Features:

Be sure to include safety features like slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, and shower benches to prevent accidents and add convenience, safety, and support. 

2. Style and Theme

Overall Style:

Choose a theme that complements your taste and aligns with the rest of your home (e.g., modern, traditional, spa-like).

Color Scheme:

Select a cohesive color palette for walls, tiles, fixtures, and accessories.

3. Plumbing Fixtures

Sinks:

Decide whether to keep your existing sink or opt for a new one. Choose the type (drop-in, undermount, pedestal, wall-mount) and brand, ensuring it matches your style and functionality needs.

Vanity Faucets:

Select a reliable brand with designs that complement your sink and bathroom style. Consider finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze.

Shower Faucet:

Choose quality brands and models that provide desired water flow and temperature control. Match the finish with other fixtures.

Shower Heads:

Opt for features like adjustable spray patterns, and choose finishes that complement the overall design. Consider upgrades like multiple shower heads, rainfall showerheads, and handheld showers.

Bathtub:

Decide whether to keep your existing bathtub or get a new one. Choose the type (standard, whirlpool, air tub), style (alcove or freestanding), and brand, ensuring it blends well with your bathroom's theme.

Toilet:

Select a brand recognized for comfort and water efficiency, and choose a finish that coordinates with other fixtures.

4. Cabinetry

Vanity:

Consider refinishing or repainting for a budget-friendly update. Choose between stock or custom vanities, ensuring it matches your style and storage needs.

Countertop:

Select from materials like marble, quartz, laminate, or solid surface. Choose a color that harmonizes with your vanity and bathroom design.

Knobs/Pulls:

Pick stylish and durable hardware that fits comfortably in hand and complements your vanity.

Medicine Cabinet:

Choose a brand known for functional and stylish cabinets, ensuring it provides adequate storage and fits your design.

5. Flooring

Material:

Choose between various materials like ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or luxury vinyl tile, considering durability and water resistance.

Heated Flooring:

Consider installing underfloor heating for added comfort during colder months.

Pattern/Layout:

Decide on a tile pattern or layout that enhances your bathroom design.

6. Tile Work

Tub Deck and Surround:

Choose between tile or a granite/quartz slab for the tub deck. Select tile for the tub surround, deciding on the height (standard or ceiling) and layout. Don’t forget to select the corresponding grout and tile edge treatments!

Tile Shower:

Select the floor tile, wall tile, grout, and tile edge treatment for your shower. Consider options like niches, or benches, or soap shelves. Choose the height and layout for shower tile, and select a drain that complements your shower design.

7. Finishes

Ceiling:

Decide on a textured or smooth finish and choose a paint brand, product, color, and sheen.

Walls:

Select between wallpaper, painted drywall, paneling, or tile. Choose a paint brand, product, sheen, and color that complements your bathroom design.

Trim:

Select styles and sizes that match your overall bathroom design and provide a finished look. Decide if the trim will be stained or painted.

8. Storage Solutions

Built-in Shelving:

Incorporate built-in shelves or niches in the shower or bathroom walls for additional storage.

Over-the-Toilet Storage:

Utilize the space above the toilet for extra storage cabinets or shelves.

Freestanding Cabinets:

Add freestanding cabinets or storage units for flexibility and additional storage.

9. Accessories

Mirror:

Select a mirror that complements your vanity and bathroom design. Ensure it fits the wall space above your vanity.

Towel Rings & Bars:

Choose a brand and product that fits well in your bathroom layout and matches other fixtures for consistency.

Toilet Paper Holder:

Opt for a product that fits well in your bathroom and matches other accessories.

Grab Bars:

Select a brand known for safety and durability, ensuring it provides adequate support and coordinates with other bathroom fixtures.

10. Lighting & Electrical

Vent Fan:

Choose between a vent fan, vent/light, or vent/light/heat, considering options like automatic humidity control.

Vanity Lighting:

Select a product that complements your vanity area and matches other fixtures.

Bath/Shower Area Lighting:

Specify moisture-resistant lighting, to ensure safety and style in wet areas.

General Lighting:

Ensure ample illumination for your bathroom and coordinate with other fixtures for a cohesive look.

Switches:

Opt for rocker or toggle switches based on preference, and consider dimmer switches for adjustable lighting.

11. Ventilation and Humidity Control

Improved Ventilation:

Ensure proper ventilation with a high-quality exhaust fan to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Humidity Sensors:

Install humidity sensors that automatically adjust ventilation based on moisture levels in the bathroom.

12. Technology Integration

Smart Mirrors:

Consider installing smart mirrors with integrated lighting, defogging capabilities, and Bluetooth speakers.

Heated Towel Racks:

Add heated towel racks for added luxury and comfort.

Smart Toilets:

Explore smart toilet options with features like automatic flushing, bidet functions, and heated seats.

13. Personal Touches

Decorative Elements:

Add personal touches like artwork, plants, or decorative containers. Consider open shelves for displaying items or easy access.

14. Green and Sustainable Choices

Water-Saving Fixtures:

Choose low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water consumption and save on utility bills.

Eco-Friendly Materials:

Opt for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled glass tiles or bamboo cabinetry.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

Use LED lighting for energy efficiency and longer-lasting illumination.

15. Budget and Timeline

Budget:

Determine a budget for the remodel and allocate funds for different aspects.

If you need some help creating a realistic budget for your project, check out the following articles:

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

What factors will affect the cost of my bathroom remodel?

Timeline:

Create a timeline for the project, considering the availability of materials and contractors.

For more information on bathroom remodel timelines, take a look at this article:

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

16. Professional Assistance

Hiring Contractors:

Decide whether to hire a contractor or handle some aspects yourself.

Designer Input:

Consider consulting with a bathroom designer for expert advice.

In Conclusion

Remodeling your bathroom involves numerous decisions, each contributing to the overall look and functionality of the space. By carefully selecting your materials, fixtures, and finishes, you can create a bathroom that is both beautiful and practical, tailored to your personal style and needs.

Need some help? Download our bathroom checklist here: Bathroom Design Checklist.pdf

This free resource will keep you organized as you make the design decisions for your bathroom remodel!

Ready to Transform Your Bathroom? Let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams! We help homeowners just like you in Seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine, from Exeter, NH to York, ME, transform their bathrooms into luxurious retreats! Contact us today to get started on your bathroom remodeling journey!