8 Smart Choices for Bathroom Renovations

When renovating your bathroom, it is easy to run out of ideas. Bathrooms are standardized in the features they should have. That includes a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub. But just because bathrooms are more or less predictable, it doesn’t mean your bathroom has to be boring. In this piece, we’ll cover eight smart choices for bathroom renovations that will set you up for years to come.

Photo of a large modern bathroom

There are ways to spruce up your bathroom and make it fascinating. Moreover, those renovation ideas do not have to involve expensive features or labor-intensive makeovers. But updating bathrooms (along with kitchens) will greatly increase the value of your home.

With a slight stretch of your imagination, you can redo your bathroom to give it a luxuriant appearance. All you have to do is follow our creative options for renovating the bathroom.

Eight Smart Options for Bathroom Renovations

1. Make a Plan and Stick to It

Bathrooms don’t lend themselves well to improvised renovations. A well-planned bathroom renovation will cut the project’s cost and improve the functionality of the finished bathroom. Without a plan, warns Cory Real Estate, you will find yourself going back and forth during the renovation and spending more money than you should. Before starting, determine the outcomes you want, and create a roadmap to reach those objectives. You may need to hire a professional designer to help you with this.

2. Prioritize Lighting

Photo of a small bright bathroom with lots of mirrors

One of the obvious smart choices for bathroom renovations is proper lighting. It will either enhance or diminish the impact of every other aspect of the space. Lighting is critical in bathrooms; good lighting should eliminate facial shadows when using the vanity and make personal grooming easier. Lighting is the least expensive but most impactful aspect of a bathroom redesign. The lighting scheme should include recessed lighting around vanity mirrors, ceiling-mounted side fixtures, inside-shower lights, and a dimmer for the main lights.

3. Add Ample Storage

Finding room for storage in the bathroom can be challenging, yet you need storage space for several things in a bathroom. Adding storage without using up too much space requires some out-of-the-box thinking. 

Here are a few storage ideas you will want to use in the bathroom;

  • Create vertical storage by installing free-standing multi-tiered shelves on upper wall spaces. 
  • Use movable storage like towel holders and floor standing racks.
  • Add cabinets with slide-out trays; they prevent clutter and allow for easy use. 
  • Think of adding a recessed cabinet behind the door.

4. Pay Attention to Ventilation

Bathroom ventilation systems may not have a direct connection to the aesthetics or function of your bathroom, but you should never overlook airflow. Poor ventilation will lead to poor indoor air quality, which could cause mold and mildew. Excess humidity from poor ventilation will damage cabinets and painted surfaces. Preventing poor ventilation is not difficult; install a bathroom vent to draw out moisture and odors. An exhaust fan that moves warm, humid air to the outside is essential.

5. Install a Hidden Toilet  

Toilets that have water storage tanks inside the wall help save space. Their sleek minimalist appearance helps to create an uncluttered look in the bathroom. In addition to having a hidden tank, you want the toilet to be low flow. That is an even more vital feature because it has a direct impact on the amount of water you use and your home’s energy bill. Low-flow toilets with a hidden tank are the best option. But if you have to choose between the two features, go for the low-flow option.

6. Add Natural Lighting with a Shower Window

A shower window will do two things for your bathroom. It will improve airflow, ventilation, and overall indoor air quality. Secondly, it will increase the amount of natural light that enters the bathroom, creating a more pleasant and healthy space. Additionally, a shower window will improve aesthetics and safety. Using frosted glass on the window will help retain the privacy of your bathroom.

7. Opt for a small tub 

Photo of a serene bathroom with a standalone tub

Bathtubs are optional. But today’s homebuyers will agree that this is one of the smart choices for bathroom renovations. Just keep in mind the size. A small tub will do the same as a larger version, but it won’t take up space. Moreover, the sleek look of a small bathtub benefits the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom more than a large tub. Small tubs also use less water and energy. They are less stressful to clean because they have a smaller surface area. To make a statement with the tub, ensure that it is free-standing.

8, Install Heated Floors

If your home is in a cold climate or you are thinking of replacing the bathroom floor, heated floors should be the number one option on your list. Heated floors are more cost-effective than central heating, and they don’t cost a lot to install. But the biggest reason to opt for heated floors is how comfortable they are underfoot. When combined with tiles, they only need to run for a short time. The tiles will retain their heat for a long time.

Tre Pryor, Realtor

Tre Pryor is the leading real estate expert in the city of Louisville. He is a multi-million dollar producer and consistently ranks in the top 1% of Louisville Realtors for homes sold. Tre Pryor has the highest possible rating—5.0 stars on Google—by his clients and is routinely interviewed by the local NBC news. Tre Pryor is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.