PLUS: Some Do’s and Don’ts For Pulling It Off Like a Pro!
Everyone loves a good Before & After and this one doesn’t disappoint! Whether it is spacious or small, there is a lot of work that goes into a bathroom renovation and with so many decisions and choices it can feel overwhelming. Hiring an interior designer to navigate the renovation for you is a worthwhile investment and if you haven’t done a home renovation before, you probably don’t know what you don’t know, right? So, I thought I’d share some of the tips I’ve learned so you can tackle your remodeling project like a pro! Here I will take you on a little journey through some of the details and processes from this ensuite bathroom renovation, plus some Do’s and Don’ts that you Don’t want to miss!
BEFORE
Let’s dive in with some Before pics! Dated and awkward, this principal ensuite was ripe for a redo! First, we had to address the configuration. You can see in the Before photos above that there is a corner tub next to a corner shower. The toilet was located on the wall opposite the double vanity and had a lot of empty space next to it. The bathroom was large but so much of the space was being underutilized. It was in desperate need of a new layout! Our “ah-ha” moment came when we decided to relocate the doorway (that led to the bedroom) – an ideal solution to maximize the space. By shifting the door over a few feet so that it was no longer in the center of the wall, it freed up space for a double vanity to go where the door had once been.
NEW LAYOUT
With this new optimal floor plan in place, the vanity and toilet now sit along one side of the room and the shower and tub, on the other. We were able to accommodate a luxurious freestanding soaker tub AND a large double shower with two sets of controls. Whoop Whoop! We even had room to create niches for both the tub and the shower – providing handy storage for soaps. Hint: tell your contractor your plans for soap niches (a recessed shelf) at the beginning of the project so that the space can be designated before tiling begins.
- DO assess your existing layout and determine if there might be a better one. Consider how you can maximize your space. Check with your contractor (or interior designer) to make sure you meet building code standards.
- DON’T relocate the plumbing for the toilet unless it will benefit the layout and overall design AND fit into your budget.
DURING TILE INSTALLATION & AFTER
We loved the look of a floor-to-ceiling slab of marble for the shower walls but slabs come at a steep price! Instead we opted for a more practical and economical option: a 30 inch square porcelain tile that mimicked the look of marble. Once the grout was on it appeared seamless for a really dramatic look! We continued it all along the wall behind the bathtub and on the floor to up the wow factor. We chose a mosaic “fish scale” tile for the shower floor for its anti-slip properties.
- DO consider using porcelain as an alternative to real marble for it’s easy-to-clean, durable and low maintenance properties.
- DON’T assume that marble tiles will be more expensive than porcelain tiles. You may be surprised!
AFTER
The tiled wall behind the vanity, painstakingly laid out one tile at a time into a herringbone pattern, became a feature wall and doubled as a backsplash.
- DO consider creating visual interest by using a variety of tiles in varying shapes and patterns.
- DON’T go overboard with too many!
AFTER
This space really shines with the addition of the extra-wide mirror. We had it made to be the same width as the double vanity AND had it cut to accommodate a pair of wall sconces for a beautifully seamless and custom look. A single pendant floats over the soaker tub for added ambience.
- DO ask your electrician to use dimmer switches on wall sconces, ceiling fixtures and pot lights, when possible.
- DON’T rely entirely on pot lights or ceiling lights. Make sure to include wall lighting around the vanity.
AFTER
And finally, the extra wide double shower! Fully equipped with two shower systems each with its own set of controls and rain head meant no more waiting for your turn. Many bathrooms will not be large enough to accommodate a double shower, but regardless of whether it is big or small, the shower controls you choose are important.
- DO carefully consider which types of plumbing fixtures suit your needs and your budget. For example, do you want a rainhead? Will it be ceiling mounted or wall mounted? (Note that your ceiling height will affect whether it can be ceiling mounted.) Do you want a handheld sprayer?
- DON’T leave the selection of plumbing fixtures until you need them installed. Plan ahead and select them early on.
Bathroom renovations take a lot of planning and there are a lot of decisions that go into one single room. Considering the frequency a principal bathroom is used and the value it adds to your home it is a worthwhile investment to take the time to do it right.
If you are thinking about a small or large-scale renovation in your home, DO hire a professional interior designer and contractor. Hiring a professional usually pays for itself in the world of kitchen and bathroom design, regardless of whether you are going to dwell or sell.
Want to find out if my services are right for you? Let’s connect! I’d love to hear from you.
xx Mirelle