Homes and Property
Remodelling tips for your bathroom
In Summary
Consider some important points before updating the look of your bathroom
Choose elegant fixtures.
A pedestal sink with graceful lines is more attractive than a blocky cabinet vanity. A classic claw-foot tub is like bathroom sculpture. Even enclosed in a deck, the simple lines of the lip have an inherent beauty that surpasses most acrylic versions.
Bathware choices.
An array of shower systems are now on the market, so do some research before you buy. Various options include showers on rail, hand showers, fixed showers or overhead rainshowers.
To make your bathroom feel more spacious, a clear shower screen is a winner. It’s also worth considering a frameless shower screen or – if you prefer the hotel-style ‘wet room’ look – no screen at all.
The latest freestanding bath tubs blend old-world charm with high-tech materials. Once rare or over-priced, the latest ranges at Masters Home Improvement are really affordable.
A streamlined wall-hung toilet suite can be positioned below the vanity, maximising valuable floor space. Since it’s built out from the wall, there’s no need to modify the existing wall structure. The only visible features are the designer buttons and pan.
In a compact ensuite, a wall-mounted basin instead of a vanity is a real space saver. And a mirror-fronted cabinet above the basin is ideal to store toiletries.
Look for a vanity with contemporary storage systems. It may come with wire racks mounted inside the doors, rubbish bins, towel racks, and tilt-out drawers – all designed to help you access toiletries and appliances quickly.
To speed up your morning routine, a heated and illuminated mirror resist fogging up, so there’s no waiting time when doing make-up or shaving.
Bigger isn’t always better. A 60-inch tub is fine for most people. It offers enough room to stretch out and provides a secure foothold, so you don’t float into oblivion when the tub is full. Assess the angled back and lip for comfort and neck support –- a tub for two people slants at either end and has taps in the middle. If you only have enough space for a small tub, buy an extra-deep one.
Select durable flooring
Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are all excellent durable and water-resistant choices for a bathroom. Subfloor heating coils will make these hard surfaces warm. Well-sealed hardwood floors offer natural warmth and act as a foil for the other hard, cold surfaces in a bathroom.
Hang a stylish mirror
One beautifully framed mirror over a sink is more attractive than many surfaces covered with mirror. Supplement it with a wall-mounted adjustable makeup mirror, and consider installing a lighted, mirrored shaving niche in your shower stall.
Use found space
Take advantage of space between wall studs by recessing a tall storage cabinet into the wall to maximize vertical storage while saving floor space. The cabinet should have an interior depth of at least three inches and a door flush with the wall.
Build a shower area
Consider building an open-concept shower area that doesn’t need a curtain or door and is less confining than a standard shower stall. In addition to well-designed drainage, a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead and/or a high wall-mounted showerhead that splashes less water will keep the area outside the shower drier.
Share space for added function
In homes with back-to-back bathrooms, a shared shower with access doors to each of the bathrooms maximizes limited space. Or turn a closet located next to a bathroom into a small ensuite with access to the neighbouring bath.
Design lighting that works
Good lighting is imperative. Combine halogen pot lights with wall sconces beside or over the mirror for lighting with no shadows. Always install dimmers.
Buy a quality toilet
When buying a toilet, it’s not necessary for you to spend big bucks, but you don’t want to scrimp too much, either. You can get a good-quality one-piece toilet for about $400. Models with elongated bowls and seats are usually most comfortable.
Incorporate luxury into your room
If you’re fortunate enough to have lots of space to work with, indulge yourself with an expanded spa-like bathroom that includes a dressing room –- a haven for privacy and relaxation. Outfit it with a television, fireplace, exercise equipment, makeup vanity and even a large comfortable occasional chair upholstered in thick white terry-cloth.
Decisions, decisions
While cosmetics and skin-care products can be kept in drawers, there are larger items that can’t quite fit. To store away hairdryers and hairsprays, it’s worth selecting a vanity that has a deep drawer or shelf.
After selecting all the bathware items, it’s worth confirming that all fittings and fixtures will be available when the renovation begins.
When selecting paint, make sure it’s able to handle the moisture levels. Semi-gloss or gloss paints with a mould inhibitor are a good choice.
Additional information from the internet
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