ASK THE DESIGNER: Bathroom Renos

April 30, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Jean Bisnaire
Niche Decor

“My bathroom needs a revamp. What are some things to consider when I plan to renovate?”
Feel free to send me your comments or questions to askjean@nichedecor.ca

Many of my clients come to me with the mindset that a renovation is strictly about adding value to their home, but I look at it as adding value to their lifestyle.
The bathroom, especially an ensuite, is one of the most important rooms in your home.
It’s the first place you head to in the morning to get ready, and it’s the last room you’re in before bed. That being said, many people tend to ignore the bathroom, opting to renovate more communal spaces instead. Think of the joy of waking up and walking into a beautifully decorated space that was designed to meet all of your individual needs.
The washroom is a small space so spending a little more on it can really transform it into a place of luxury.
Are you looking for a small change or are you going to completely re-do the space? If all you need is a little change to liven up the room, you can simply update the bathroom with a new paint colour, lighting fixture, or by swapping out the vanity.
But, if you’re thinking about stripping it down to its bare bones, now is the time to create a solid plan. It’s important to really think about the flow of the space. Ask yourself, does it make sense to leave the toilet where it is? Are you happy with the size of the current shower?
With so much to consider, bathroom renovation options can be endless, and the shower and tub are great places to start.
It’s important to put a lot of thought into these features. Do you want a bench seat? Multiple shower heads? Are you easily put off by clutter? Will a niche for your shampoo bottles help keep things tidy? Do you need a mirror to shave? These are all things to consider when you’re designing the perfect shower for your needs.
If your floor permits, forgo the traditional shower threshold and create an elegant walk-in shower. Do you love the idea of a steam room? Install a steamer in your bathroom! Don’t forget to think about heated floors as an option. There is nothing more luxurious than stepping out of a beautiful spa-inspired shower onto a perfectly warmed floor.
Do you really need a tub? Many people think they should keep a tub strictly for ‘resale’ value, but I urge my clients to think carefully about the best use of their space. A tub can be nice, and if you love baths then investing in a bathtub is a great idea, but if you don’t take baths often why spend the money on a tub?
I had one client who decided to have a luxurious velvet settee instead of a tub – it changed the entire atmosphere of the room.
When you’re creating your plans, don’t forget to consider the details: plan out your controls such as light switches and outlets to make sure they are easily accessible. Plan for your towel and toilet paper racks as your available wall space may change with the renovation.
Once you have a design for your space that you love, you can move on to the decorating stage. There is no rule out there that all bathrooms need to have a sea shell theme!
Be inspired by the luxury of spas with chandeliers, artistic tiles, and serene colours. Is bling not you thing? Not all lighting has to have crystals – there are tons of styles that will make a statement without looking over the top. When installing mirrors, remember that they don’t need to be the focal point. Plan to have them where you need them the most and then add texture to the space with art, plants and accessories. Do what works and appeals to you the most.
Make it your own oasis!