Are you thinking about a bathroom remodel in your home? Not sure where to start? We’d like to offer some fun design ideas that you might want to incorporate into your plans or that will inspire your own.
LED lighting
LED lighting can be used to create a variety of fun, cool effects in your bathroom. Add color to water in a tub or sink; use lights as a color-wash effect on a wall; to back-light wall mirrors, or to light counters or shelves. LED lighting is 75% more energy-efficient than incandescent lighting and lasts 25% longer.
You can supplement the LED lights in your bathroom with natural light from skylights or other windows. The more light that you have in your bathroom, the brighter and bigger it will seem. It will also enhance all of the work that you’ve done in your remodel. Choose finishes for fixtures and surfaces that are light and that reflect light from windows and whatever lighting fixtures you install.
Metallic finishes on walls
Speaking of reflective surfaces, using metallic tile on a wall will be eye-catching, and will also reflect light and make your bathroom seem larger. If you prefer paint to tile on your walls, you can also use metallic paint on an accent wall.
Eye-catching flooring
A metallic wall will be an unexpected, fun surprise to your guests. How about complementing it with an equally eye-catching, unexpected floor? Geometric patterns, beautiful tile mosaics…the list of possibilities is endless! You can also opt for fun, funky throw rugs if you’re not sure about more permanent flooring just yet.
Natural stone
Another option for floors or walls is natural stone. Since this can be expensive, finding pre-cut tiles and using them in one or two spots in your bathroom (in the shower, around the bathroom mirror, or on the vanity counter, for example) is an option.
Consider curves, not just angles
Incorporating curves into your bathroom’s design creates a relaxing, welcoming environment that you’ll want to spend lots of time in. Choose fixtures and shelves that are rounded, rather than straight. Install a curved shower, or a rounded freestanding tub.
Add a floating vanity
A bathroom vanity or cabinets that appear to float is another fun way to make your bathroom seem larger than it is. You can also install a table with open shelving below, but make sure that the table is at least 16 inches deep so that your sink will fit!
Include integrated sinks
These are another option; they are made of the same material as the counter and built into it, rather than a separate piece that is fitted later. They also make cleaning even easier because there are no seams between the sink and the counter where dirt can collect.
Create a private space for your toilet
Putting your toilet in its own private room opens up the rest of the bathroom. It also gives you more room for a larger sink, tub, or room for more storage.
Create an Indoor/outdoor bathroom
If you have the space, this is a great option if you’d like to be able to relax and take in the view of your property while you bathe. (Glass that can switch from clear to frosted is one way to ensure your privacy.) Consider installing skylights or a large window to maximize your views of either the sky or your garden. Install an outdoor shower that is accessible from your bathroom. If you do not have the ability to install large windows or an outdoor shower, consider bringing more plants inside.
More ideas to keep in mind
Finally, two facets of any remodeling project that you’ll want to think about: ensure that the finished project is as low-maintenance as possible, and that it is energy-efficient.
Low-maintenance ideas
While people enjoy using their bathrooms, no one likes cleaning them. There are several ways that you can minimize the latter. Consider installing quartz countertops rather than marble ones. Buy quality fixtures (faucets, showerheads, lights) that will last for years to come. If you are installing a shower, choose glass doors that have been treated with water anti-spotting agents.
Energy-efficient ideas
Making energy-efficient additions to your bathroom remodel will lower your utility bills and will be environmentally friendly. If you’re planning on selling your home, an energy-efficient bathroom will also be a great selling point. Consider installing low-flow toilets and faucets and radiant floor heating. Tankless water heaters, LED lighting, and insulated windows are also energy-saving measures that you can make use of throughout your home.
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about a bathroom remodel as part of a plan to eventually sell your home. Great news! This year, remodeling found that nationally, a bathroom remodeling project was one of the top projects that would lead to an increase in your home’s resale value.
Excited? Have questions? Iron River Construction looks forward to working with you to create the new bathroom that you’ve been dreaming of. Give us a call (952-442-1762) today or set your own appointment for a free estimate!
