4 Helpful Bathroom Design Tips

The bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but when it comes to remodeling, the decisions involved can seem overwhelming. From floor to ceiling, toilet to bathtub and everything in between, the design choices for your bathroom are endless.

Every homeowner has decisions to make, from choosing accessories and finishes to choosing colors and tile patterns. Here are four top tips from interior design professionals to help you make smart remodeling decisions.

1. Work with what you have

Major layout changes can cause your budget to increase dramatically. If you're working on a tight budget, like most homeowners, it's best to keep the bathroom looking original. You'll be surprised how different a bathroom can look with new materials and lighting fixtures! If you need more space in a small bathroom, consider replacing your existing theme with a floating one, or choose a smaller theme if you don't need every square inch of storage space. Leaving some open space will make your bathroom appear larger. Bathroom doors can also take up space. Make sure your door opens outwards rather than inwards, or better yet, consider installing a sliding door to save even more space.

2. Make lamps the focal point

Vintage-style lamps are trendy, but original ones, such as those from the 1960s, don't count. Hard water or mold can accumulate in old elements, causing costly problems down the road. That being said, what's old is new, so you may want to look for lighting fixtures that are reminiscent of a simpler era. A vintage sink, soapstone, built-in toilet or glass handle can be a stunning accent in a modern bathroom. If you don't like the vintage vibe, there are plenty of other options, from traditional to elegant and modern. The combination of old and new is the main secret of designers. Just make sure the finishes complement each other.

3. Rethink your bath

This is not a common problem with large bathtubs, but if it requires more design time than a bubble bath, consider eliminating it, especially in the master bathroom. A bathtub that is used several times a year is not worth the space it takes up. Instead, use that square footage for a stunning shower stall with a useful bench and shelf. You'll use it much more often and you won't have to put as much effort into keeping it clean.

4. Use natural light

Sunlight is a natural mood booster (who could use a little more energy on a Monday morning?) and can affect how colors appear at different times of the day. So if your bathroom has a window, take advantage of it! Remove blinds, drapes or curtains that block sunlight from entering the room. If privacy is a concern, choose sheer fabrics that allow light to pass through. Use clear glass in the shower and position mirrors to reflect natural light and warm the room. If your bathroom doesn't have a window to the outside, you can install lighting fixtures that mimic natural sunlight to create the same effect.

What works for one homeowner does not always work for another. Families with young children may want to consider safety features that families with teenagers may not need. And young couples without children may not be as interested in safety features as those with small children in the home. Look for options that suit your lifestyle and can be seamlessly integrated into your bathroom design.

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