The Sunday Mail
WE have brought you some factors that make all the difference in your bathroom remodel. Concentrate on these and you will end up with a final product that you will be in love with for years.
Layout
The layout is a key part of the remodelling process. For one, if you decide to change the layout from its existing structure, it will likely be one of the most expensive parts of the entire remodel. For another, it is one of the least likely facets of the remodel to be able to be altered if you decide you do not like the end result. In light of that, it is important to take this step of the process seriously. To do so, your first step is to think about how well your bathroom functions currently.
Are you able to move through your daily routines with ease or are there certain areas where you continually get frustrated? Maybe you and a partner have trouble getting ready at the same time or there is not enough storage space to suit the needs of your whole family.
Whatever your pain points are with the existing layout, be sure to write them down, along with the measurements for your current space. Then, bring these notes to a qualified contractor. He or she will be able to walk you through your options for solving your current space issues and help you come up with a new layout that truly suits your needs.
Lighting
This is often one of the most overlooked components of the remodelling process, yet –especially when you are redoing a bathroom –it is also one of the most crucial. Just think about how hard it is to complete daily grooming tasks like shaving or putting on makeup without a proper light source. To that end, you need to make sure lighting remains a priority as you undertake this project. There are three main types of lighting that you can use and, ideally, your bathroom will include a mixture of all of them.
They are as follows:
- Ambient: Also known as general lighting, ambient light fills the majority of the room and allows you to move around safely. It usually comes from recessed lighting, track lighting or wall-mounted fixtures.
- Accent: Accent lighting is used to highlight a particular focal point, such as a statement shower. Picture lights, wall-mounted-fixtures or track lighting are common and dimmers are often used on these features to provide mood lighting.
- Task: As the name suggests, task lights are used to assist you in completing a particular function. This could be anything from a lighted mirror to a pendant light that hangs over the tub.
Materials
Though the materials that you choose to use are an important consideration for any remodelling project, the materials that you choose for a bathroom remodel are even more crucial because they make up the majority of the room’s functional and aesthetic potential. Truth be told, in a bathroom, there is little to hide behind, so you want to make sure that every material you choose is the right one. As you plan out the remodel, you are going to want to select materials for the following areas: flooring, countertops, cabinets, bath fixtures, backsplashes, waterproofing, lighting, specialty features. For each of these materials, head to a showroom and talk to a specialist about your options. Do your best to make decisions on each one before starting the remodelling process. Otherwise, you run the risk of making a decision that accidentally overinflates your budget.
The aesthetics
Though a bathroom may lead with its functionality, that does not mean it should be entirely devoid of aesthetic value. Use the materials that you have chosen as the backbone of your design and then make choices on purely aesthetic factors –like the paint colour or any accessories –that complement that backdrop. However, you can also take things to the next level by employing interior design services or even bringing a pro to do the job for you. —mymove
