Key considerations when planning your bathroom renovation project

1. Careful space planning

Before you start dreaming of freestanding tubs and walk-in showers, take a critical look at the size and layout of your existing bathroom. Before you get carried away with Pinterest boards and extravagant bathroom designs, take a realistic look at your existing space. Understand its limitations and, more importantly, its possibilities.

Is it a small, compact room, or do you have the luxury of ample square footage? Are there any awkward corners or low ceilings that need to be considered? A clear understanding of your starting point is crucial for successful planning. Take the following steps to ensure a successful bathroom renovation…

Accurate measurements are key:

Begin by accurately measuring the dimensions of your space. This includes not only the length and width of the floor but also the ceiling height, the size and location of windows, and the exact positioning of plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and shower valves. Don’t forget to measure the width of doorways and the clearance around existing fixtures.

These precise measurements will be invaluable for our team when it comes to understanding the space they have to work with. Any inaccuracies in the measurements could lead to unforeseen delays during the bathroom renovation process.

Prioritise traffic flow:

Imagine yourself and your family using the bathroom throughout the day. Consider how you move around the space, from brushing your teeth to taking a shower. Make sure there is ample space for comfortable movement around the room.

This includes allowing enough room to open doors fully without bumping into furniture, comfortably navigate around the toilet and sink, and easily access all areas of the bathroom without feeling cramped or restricted.

Explore layout options:

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Work with our knowledgeable team to explore different layout options that optimise the use of your available space. Consider moving the position of the toilet, shifting the location of the sink, or even reconfiguring the shower area to create a more intuitive and spacious bathroom.

Sometimes, all it takes is a slight adjustment in the layout to significantly improve the flow and usability of any space.

2. Smart storage solutions

Storage is often overlooked during bathroom renovations, leading to clutter and frustration down the line. A well-planned storage strategy is crucial for creating a functional and enjoyable bathroom. Consider the following…

Assess your storage needs:

Before you start selecting storage solutions, take a realistic assessment of your actual storage needs. Consider your daily routine and the number of family members who will be using the bathroom. How many towels do you typically use? How much space do you need for toiletries, cosmetics, and hair care products?

Explore a variety of storage options:

Don’t limit yourself to the immediately obvious. Explore a myriad of storage options to find the best fit for your needs and style. These could include:

• Built-in shelves: Consider incorporating built-in shelves into the walls of your shower or around the bathtub to store shampoos, conditioners, and other bath products.
• Wall-mounted cabinets: These wonderfully versatile cabinets can be installed above the toilet, above the sink, or even on the side of the wall. They offer convenient storage for towels, toiletries, and other essentials.
• Vanity units with ample drawers: Choose a vanity unit with drawers of various sizes to accommodate different items. Consider adding drawer dividers to keep everything organised and easy to find.

Take advantage of vertical space:

Don’t forget to use the vertical space in your bathroom. Install shelves above the toilet to store extra towels, linens, and decorative items. The space above the sink can also be utilised with a stylish shelf or a mirrored cabinet with built-in storage.

Style meets substance:

Select storage solutions that are both practical and visually appealing. Consider the overall design of your bathroom and choose storage options that complement the style and colour scheme.

For example, if you’re aiming for a minimalist look, opt for sleek and streamlined storage solutions. If you prefer a more traditional style, consider incorporating more decorative elements into your storage selections.

3. Plan for the future with accessibility in mind

As we age, our mobility and needs may change. Incorporating accessibility features into your bathroom renovation demonstrates forward-thinking, as you can not only accommodate your current needs, but your future ones too. Here’s how…

Consider your long-term goals:

Think about how your needs may evolve over time. Will you be ageing in place? Do you want to make sure your bathroom remains comfortable and safe as you grow older?

Incorporate universal design principles:

Universal design focuses on creating spaces that are usable by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or size. This includes features like grab bars strategically placed near toilets, showers, and bathtubs; non-slip flooring throughout the bathroom; and wider doorways for easier wheelchair access.

Plan for future modifications:

Even if you don’t require accessibility features now, incorporating them during the initial bathroom renovation is often more cost-effective and less disruptive than retrofitting them later. If you’d like to learn more about the importance of accessibility in bathroom design, check out our previous blog.

4. Create something undeniably ‘you’

Your bathroom should be a reflection of your unique style and personality, a sanctuary that truly feels like your own. By bearing in mind these priorities, your bathroom renovation will be all the more worthwhile…

Embrace your personal aesthetic:

Begin by identifying your personal style. Are you drawn to minimalist aesthetics, luxurious spa-like retreats, vibrant bohemian designs, or something different entirely?

Gather inspiration from magazines, design blogs, and social media platforms like Pinterest. Create a mood board by collecting images of bathrooms that resonate with you, paying close attention to the colours, textures, and overall ambience. This is something our specialist team can do for you when you visit our showroom!

Experiment with materials:

Explore different kinds of materials to create a truly bespoke and personalised look. Consider incorporating natural stone like marble or granite for a touch of luxury.

Warm wood adds a touch of natural beauty and can be used for vanities, shelving, or even flooring. Sleek metals like chrome, brass, or nickel can add a touch of glamour and sophistication. Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials to create a unique and eclectic look.

Let your personality shine:

Ultimately, your bathroom should be a reflection of your individual style and preferences. Don’t be afraid to express your personality through bold colour choices, unique lighting fixtures, and decorative accents.

Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, a luxurious spa-like retreat, or a vibrant and eclectic space, let your individuality shine through in every detail of your bathroom design.

How can Whickham Bathrooms help?

By carefully considering these key factors, you can ensure that your bathroom renovation project is a success. At Whickham Bathrooms, we are passionate about helping our customers create beautiful and accessible bathrooms that are perfectly matched to theirs and their family’s lifestyle.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us guide you through our comprehensive bathroom renovation process, from design inspiration to expert installation.