To make a splash with your bathroom design, you have to take a big leap! At Jostar Interiors, we have outlined everything you need to know about a bathroom renovation to help you take on your next interior design project from start to finish.

It’s normal for home renovations in Edmonton to seem intimidating, so our goal is to make it easier for you. Knowing and following an organized process will take you through all of the steps to realize bathroom renovation success. Follow along for expert tips and designer advice to help you learn everything you need to know before getting started.

Getting Started with Your Bathroom Renovation

The first real step is making the decision to move forward with creating your perfect space. Whether or not you already have a vision, you may want to check out a few of our favorite for bathroom design inspirations:

·         Your Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Best Bathroom Paint Colors

·         10 Dream Bathrooms

·         WOW Moment: 10 Bathroom Wallpapers That Did NOT Disappoint

Your bathroom should be a source of serenity. Another key consideration is the existing space you’re working with; try to play to its strength to maximize what you’ll be able to achieve and make the most of your budget. It’s easy to get carried away with inspiration boards and big ideas, but the more you embrace your particular space, the more stunning (and easy!) your bathroom renovation will be.

Bathroom Renovation Planning from Start to Finish

Planning your bathroom renovation is where your new space will really start to take shape in your mind. As it does, there are 5 key questions to ask yourself to make sure you’re ready to renovate:

1.       What will the layout be? When it comes to the layout, your bathroom’s function should be of primary concern. If you’re working with a small area, it is critical to choose a layout that will maximize the efficiency of the space and retain open areas for movement. If you’re changing your existing layout or expanding your bathroom, imagine living in your space when you choose a layout. You may need to allow room for multiple people at once, or even plan designated areas, such as a makeup station. Additionally, if you want to create a relaxing spa feeling, avoid putting the toilet in the immediate frame of sight when entering the bathroom.

2.       Where will my bathroom items be stored? When it comes to bathroom renovations, perhaps more than any other room, “stuff” has the potential to interrupt your design the most. That is why your storage needs should be one of the things you plan. If you’re renovating your en-suite, you’ll want to plan space for both cosmetic products and personal items. If it’s a guest bathroom being updated, we recommend considering where you will store towels and hygiene products to ensure you will have the space you need without clutter. How much storage do you need?

3.       How will my renovated bathroom consider comfort requirements? Now it’s time to really hone in on the elements that will define how your new bathroom makes you feel. Everything from overall comfort, to specifics such as in-floor heating and fixture height will contribute to your bathroom’s warmth and comfort.

a.       Overall comfort: This is where you can start to think about personalized updates. Identify what you miss in your current bathroom, and consider making changes for your unique preferences, such as swapping your tub for a spacious, stand-up shower if you don’t like to take baths.

b.      In-floor heating: The future is here – and it sure is cozy. Adding in-floor heating to your bathroom spreads out heat evenly, so being chilly when you step out of the shower or when you brush your teeth early in the morning is now a thing of the past. Not all flooring materials work with in-floor heating, so ask your designer before considering this option.

c.       Fixture height: For toilets, dimension specifications exist to ensure the height is comfortable and up to standard. There’s also convenience and sustainability specifications such as slow-closing seats, low flush, and energy-wise options. With vanities, the new standard is 36”, which is the same as kitchen cabinets. Older vanities used to be quite low in height, so it’s important to make a conscious effort to bring your fixtures up to today’s specifications.

4.       Will your bathroom be safe for everyone’s use? This may be something you never thought to consider, but safety features are a great way to make your bathroom as practical as possible. The best part is safety features today don’t have to be institutional or cumbersome. There are tons of noteworthy options available — all with a thoughtful, stylish design that consider these top three universal design considerations:

a.       Aging with ease: If you plan on staying in your home for several years, consider equipping your bathroom with grab bars and non-slip tile so you can age gracefully in your space.

b.      Wheelchair accessibility: Even if no one in your family uses a wheelchair, making your bathroom as accessible as possible is always a good idea. You want your bathroom to stand up to anything, and you’ll always want all guests to feel welcome in your home.

c.       Considering other disabilities: Additionally, we always recommend keeping your layout practical and as open as possible. Storage should be smart, with the essentials stored in sensible and easy to reach places. The bottom line is you want your new bathroom to function intuitively for everyone that will ever use it.

5.       Will my bathroom renovation design flow with the rest of my home? This is where you’ll spend some time thinking about the aesthetics of your new bathroom and what kind of environment you want to create. None of the following considerations for bathroom renovation are unique to your bathroom, but are important to review at this stage of your renovation journey.

a.       Finishes: When you select finishes, think about how your bathroom will enhance and extend the style and design of the rest of your home, and choose colors and tones that have the right balance of complement and contrast.

b.      Lighting: The lighting of your bathroom is one of the most important factors in determining how the room makes you feel. For the most flattering mirror avoid putting light directly above your vanity and opt for sconces at eye-level instead to minimize shadows. We also recommend having your lighting on a dimmer to give your eyes a chance to adjust in the morning and to help you relax in the evenings. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is planning task, accent, ambient, and decorative lighting for your specific space and its unique requirements.

c.       Flooring: One of the most important aspects of bathroom flooring is water resistance. Be practical with your selection as some materials do not react well to water, and some may even show water damage. Further, think about your flooring transitions between adjoining rooms, ensuring the seals are tight and the materials are complementary.

What’s Next for YOUR Edmonton Bathroom Renovation?

Once you’ve asked yourself these five questions and feel ready to begin your renovation, double check to see that you’ve gathered these key elements:

·         Research and Inspiration Resources —  we’ve got you covered with the links above! Need more pictures? Check out Jostar’s Bathroom Ideas Pinterest page for more inspiration.

·         A Feasible Budget — This one is entirely up to you. Ensure you have your budget ready so you can keep it in mind when planning and selecting features and finishes. Read our renovation budgeting blog.

·         A designer that knows your needs — Here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer for Your Home Reno Project

Interested in renovating? Have questions? Book a complementary discovery call with us!