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)

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)

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!

1. Know your Function and “Must Have” List

2. Create Your Design Compass

3. 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!