3 Key “Musts” To Planning Your Bathroom Remodel & Staying the Course
Everyone loves a good before and after and my bathroom may be my very favorite! Bias of course, but if you are anything like me, my day ends in a a hot bath. Therefore, having a master bathroom just the way you like it… it’s magical!
There are 3 Key “Musts” to Planning Your Perfect Bathroom Remodel or any remodel for that matter. These tips may not solve all of your remodel challenges but rest assure, if you stick to these 3 things, you will be set up for success and your contractor will love you!
NUMBER 1
Know Your Function and “Must Have” List
There are a lot of things to consider when remodeling but, understanding function is number one. Know what you really need based on your specific lifestyle, habits, and even schedules. Take all things into account and create a “most wanted and must have” list. Keep in mind, you can dream up the most amazing space but a well designed room should meet both your function and your vision. Does your plan check all the boxes?
Here are a few examples taken from our list:
For us, my husband gets up earlier than I do so I most certainly wanted to add a door to close off our bedroom.
Natural light in a bathroom is a must for me, so we added a sky light.
An absolute! We wanted to make sure you could not see the toilet from our bedroom looking in. (Duh)
As for the shower, my husband requested a fairly enclosed space to ensure extra steam.
Smart closet space; everyone’s struggle. We asked to get rid of all sliding closet doors (hate those track things) and add more drawers and cupboard space.
I have to have a cast iron tub; no ifs ands or buts. (Sign-up for our weekly newsletters to hear all about my ball and claw tub fiasco)
Get Creative!
I like an eclectic look. Specifically, a balance between modern and traditional (aka, somethings old and somethings new). The color scheme needed to be simple and classic with wood tones to warm things up a bit. We had seen a herringbone tile like this in magazines but when we went out to find it… it just didn’t exist. Instead we found squatty rectangular tiles that just wouldn’t suffice. In the end, we found a tile shop willing to cut 12'“x24” tiles into these long 2”x24.” Because we asked around and knew what we wanted, we got what we envisioned using a very inexpensive basic tile and with the cost to cut it all, we still managed to stay on budget.
NUMBER 2
Create Your Design Compass
Next up is the overall aesthetic. This is by far the most fun to research but the hardest part to commit to. If you are not on Pinterest, this would MOST definitely be the time to figure it out! Pin everything from paint colors, materials, to overall aesthetics. Be mindful to choose a solid mix of colors, materials and textures to keep things balanced. Once you are feeling solid, put your best photos together (I usually screen shot everything and use Keynote or Word). You now have this inspiration/ mood board/journal/diary (whatever you want to call it)! Okay, print it out, save it on your phone and drill it into your brain, “THIS IS THE PLAN AND IT WILL LEAD YOU- IT IS YOUR DESIGN COMPASS.”
NUMBER 3
Commit and Stick to the Plan!
So you have a plan, and that might sound easy enough but it’s not! I think everyone has a panic attack when it’s time to fully commit and that self doubt is often when I get that emergency consult call. “Sarah, they’re coming after me and forcing me to decide!”
Let’s see… here are a few example of when we crumble.
The painter is coming and I think I chose the wrong color
The contractor needs the fixtures but should I change from this finish to this finish?
Will it be too busy?
Will it be dated in a year?
Am I crazy or does this look…?
Stop stressing! You did your homework, you know what you like and your bathroom does not need to look like everyone else’s! You had a solid plan, now stick to it! That inspiration diary needs to be your design compass. If you stray away, you will be headed down the rabbit hole and, more often than not, you will wish you had just stuck with plan A in the end.
Breath, take ownership of your design and stick to the plan. (Free therapy right there)
Can You Visualize It Now?
If there is ever a time to pat yourself on the back, this is the time! Seeing your space in the raw like this allows you to visually understand and recognize that the materials you chose are most likely perfect! You are going to end up with your dream bathroom just like you had hoped!
Planning and living through a remodel is not easy and I am not going to tell you there will not be unforeseen changes that need to be made along the way. I will tell you however, that if you stick to these 3 Musts for Planning, your path will be much smoother!
Know your Function and “Must Have” List
Create Your Design Compass
Commit and Stick to the Plan!
It’s been over two years since this remodel and we still LOVE our bathroom. It might not be everyone’s taste and that’s okay. It checked all of our boxes and it’s because we planned and committed to what we knew we wanted. Next up… Oh how I hope it’s in the near future… the kitchen!
Let In The Light!
Our bedroom is not always the brightest. In our original bedroom/bath, there was no door to close things off. We knew we wanted a door for privacy but more so for noise. Once again, everyone thought I was a bit crazy, to add this heavy wood french door. We may not get the most privacy, but it allows us to close things off and still get the light in the bedroom. I did buy a product to frost the panes but I am not sure want to use it now.
Adding In Warmth
In a very old Pottery Barn catalog, I had seen this wood ledge in a bathroom and I loved it. It really doesn’t serve much of a purpose but it seemed to break up the materials in a softer way. A bathroom can easily begin to feel cold and sterile but by adding in plants, wood finishes or rugs, we can warm things up a bit.
Old With The New
I searched the world over for the perfect light fixture over the tub. I wanted something unique. Everything I found seemed like the actual electical components were sketchy. So, I went to Home Depot, bought a very basic pendant light and used this vintage globe and finial I found at the flea market for $40. When it lights up, the room illuminates with the most beautiful pattern. It’s also on a dimmer so even if I don’t use a candle, the glow is perfect for my spa like bathroom.
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