Planning your bathroom? Then what an exciting time for you. No need to worry if you think that the space is too small, cramped, worn-out or bare – with a bit of imagination and some design pizzazz, you can transform any old bath into a relaxing, deluxe zone that looks like as if straight out of a five-star hotel.
To make this happen, you’ll need a solid plan to follow. Don’t just head out and buy a gold tap or that claw-footed bathtub of your dreams – yes, they can be great statement pieces but you have to make them suitable to the rest of the upgrade.
So, you need to think about the perhaps boring but absolutely elements: the layout, the storage, the bathware selections, the pipes and such. To help you navigate your way to your very own boutique bathroom, here are top 4 considerations to keep in mind:
The numbers: Size and dimensions
Do you have a huge household? You can definitely live even if you don’t have a huge space for your family bathroom. There are many ways to make the room look more spacious and be more space-efficient. Some ideas to get started:
- Make your bathroom multi-functional and designed for heavy traffic. Build a separate bath and shower. Install plenty of storage off the floor. Make finishes clean and minimal. If there’s still ample space, add twin basins and put the toilet in a separate stall. With this type of layout, you can minimise the morning rush – everyone gets to school and work just in time.
- Who says you need to install a bathtub to have a luxurious bathroom? A high-tech, sophisticated shower can make you feel as pampered – and it fits your modern, busy life. Choose a shower head with massage or pulsating jets, or opt for a really chic rainshower. You’ll feel as if you’re in a spa right in the comfort of your home.
Developing the floor plan: Tying it all together
Another important and must never be missed task is designing your floor plan. This is a bit technical and accurate measurements are required. If you think you need help, call an expert to help you measure the space and draw it on graph paper. Once you get the dimensions, you need to sketch the layout according to scale. Make the necessary notes to mark entryways, windows and the fixtures you’ll be installing.
Things to consider when developing your floor plan:
- Make sure there is enough room to open doors and shower screens. If space is an issue, sliding doors may be a great option.
- Small details make the room even more efficient. Add towel rails on a free wall or install lighting around the mirror to brighten up the space.
- Always keep your budget in mind. You may want to move the toilet to another part of the room, but that would mean investing in more money and time for new plumbing.
Measurement standards: Finding the perfect fit
Generally, there’s no right or wrong way to lay out a bathroom. If it works for you, then it’s good. But if you’re new to the task, following minimum space standards will ensure everything is perfectly sized.
- When installing your basin, allow a clear space of at least 700mm from the front of it to the wall nearest it.
- Position the toilet with an elbow room of at least 600mm in front and 200mm on each side of the bowl.
- The average size for a bathtub is 1700mm in length x 800mm in width.
- At least 800mm x 800mm is recommended for the shower recess.
Project timelines and administration
Pencil in at least a month or a month and a half to complete your bathroom renovation. Before you do any work, it’s necessary to:
- Get a building work schedule
- Finalize your choice of tiles and bathware
- Have a final go-through at the entire design to see if everything fits together
Need a bathroom upgrade? Get help from local experts to ensure great results. Happy renovating!