Lorrie
Whether you're remodeling your current bathroom or adding on to your home, there are some common mistakes that are made that if avoided in the beginning, can minimize stress in the end. If you're designing, building, or doing a bathroom remodel, don't make these mistakes. It's important to remember that bathrooms are functional and have the users, and how many there are, in mind. Regardless of whether it's a personal or guest bathroom, functionality, accessibility, and design are not to be overlooked.Don't make these mistakes during your design/build bathroom renovation:
1. Insufficient Lighting
No one likes a dark, unlit bathroom. If you're creating a bathroom addition, pick a space that allows for sunlight to come in. You can add a window, or relocate it to a space that already has one. For those who already have a window, don't cover it with soaps and candles. Allow light to flow throughout the space, opening the area regardless of actual square footage.
If you can’t have a window, think about adding a skylight. Regardless of the position of your bathroom, making lighting a priority. Consider several options, including:
- Task lighting
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Up-lighting on the walls for ambiance
This can let you choose the amount of illumination, based on your mood and your need at the time.
2. Lack of Ventilation
Ventilation is an important part of your bathroom function, even if you’re not sure how best to use it. Bathroom fans help to draw out some of the moisture produced by the bath or shower. Without it, you’re more likely to deal with a wet or slippery floor, as well as towels that never seem to fully dry. You can even run the risk of developing mildew or mold in the walls, which may become a serious health concern.
If you’re going for a larger bathroom remodel or addition, you should choose ventilation based on the square footage and the amount of moisture production. For example, if you have a shower with a built-in sauna, you might need something more powerful. Keep in mind that a bigger fan doesn’t necessarily mean more noise. Most modern options are built for noise control, and higher-end ones can be whisper-quiet when they operate.
3. Inefficient Use of Space
The standard bathroom measures about 35 to 50 square feet. Within this small space is a world of possible design combinations, and not all of them are wise. In fact, some of them are just plain confusing. For example, placing the toilet just a little too close to the bathtub or shower may make getting in and out that much more difficult. It’s important to factor in the swing of the door and the way that you walk around the room.
Although a larger bathroom often gives you easier solutions to this problem, that doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed win. You can have a four-piece bathroom with 100 square feet that still manages to bump the shower door into the tub. Using a bigger room effectively will make you happier with it over time. Click here to learn more about space planning.
4. Not Enough Storage
Minimalist bathrooms are all the rage right now. You don’t necessarily need to have a ton of decorations (or shelves to put them). You can even minimize the number of towels you keep if they are always in the right place, ready for use. On the other hand, the push to keep things uncluttered can often lead you to making mistakes on the other side of the spectrum: Not enough storage.
It’s one thing to have just the right amount of space to hold your hair care and skin care products. It’s another issue entirely to discover that you have no place to put a towel or an extra roll of toilet paper. The last thing you want to do is hop in the tub or sit down on the toilet only to find yourself completely ill-equipped for the task at hand. Storage can be out-of-sight without requiring a huge cabinet. Just make sure that you have what you need.
5. Bad Views
You don't like talking about what you do in the bathroom at the dinner table, so avoid putting one there altogether. While your bathroom should be easily accessible, the separation will allow for privacy and keep guests comfortable. A view of the toilet from the living room isn't the most pleasant sight, but if this sounds like your home's layout, consider keeping the door closed at all times or adjust the position of your living room's furniture.
Avoid designing or decorating your bathroom with the toilet in the direct line of sight. Despite the bathroom being what it is, the toilet shouldn't be the first thing anyone sees. Going back to the homes with bathrooms near public spaces, seeing the toilet from another room is a major turn off. For instance, in a personal bathroom, sectioning off the toilet from the sink and putting it near the shower allows for two people to do completely different things at the same time without crossing paths.
Remember that a master bathroom's size doesn't have to compete with the actual room. A bathroom can be spacious without taking up a large part of the house. Bigger isn't always better. Adjusting to the size of your home and making it functional and efficient for you is what's important. Find inspiration in our Completed Bathroom Remodel Pictures for a bathroom that's just right for you.