How To Make The Most Of Your Bathroom

Oftentimes the most functional room in your home — the bath — is also the darkest, cramped and most cluttered space. Why settle for something that doesn’t suit your lifestyle?

“The bathroom is where you start and end your day,” says Janel Campbell, design consultant with Neil Kelly. “It’s a place to reflect on health and wellness. And if you’ve had a bad day, it’s amazing what a hot shower can do.”

Before jumping into a full bathroom remodel, have each person that uses the space create a list of priorities. You’d be surprised to discover how often those lists don’t match. “The bathroom is such a personal space, you want to make sure it works well,” says Campbell. “It doesn’t have to be complex, but we can definitely make them so.”Once you’ve created a list of priorities and found a bathroom style for your project, you’ll want to consider these seven design components from our award-winning designers before you begin your remodel.

Master Bathroom Vs. Powder Room

Deciding which bathroom to remodel first can be tricky. Most homeowners remodel the master bath first as it offers the most return on the investment. Next, homeowners typically address the powder room, also known as a half bath or guest bath, which offers an opportunity to splurge with decorative pieces and additional bathroom storage, such as vanities that double as artwork.

READ MORE: Bathroom Projects: Transitional Small Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom Materials

Natural materials like stone marble are popular to use in bathrooms, but these materials are prone to staining over time. The Kohler Choreograph collection and other natural stone replications or bath tiles are ideal for shower walls yet minimize grout and joint staining.

Bathroom Luxury Pieces

Luxury bathroom appliances such as heated tile floors, wall mounted heated towel bars, frameless glass showers, and specialty hand-painted tiles can customize a space and make it your own. “We’re seeing more luxury items getting incorporated into bathrooms,” says Campbell.

READ MORE: Take A 360-Degree Tour Of A Contemporary Bathroom

Bathroom Storage

With multiple users it’s easy for bathroom countertops to be cluttered. Creating more efficient bathroom organization and storage space will help keep the room functional and peaceful. Adding additional storage inside small bath cabinets or bathroom organizer trays on vanity countertops can easily maximize space.

Bathroom Lighting

If the space doesn’t already have natural light, there are plenty of ways to create an inviting atmosphere. Contemporary bathroom light fixtures or other vanity lights can improve a space. “Adding the ability to dim the lights or get different layers of light in there helps set the tone for a dim evening shower at night and a nice bright shower when you want to wake up in the morning,” Campbell says.

Shower Vs. Bathtub

“One of the biggest questions we get is whether or not the home needs a bath or whether the shower should be built in, freestanding, deck mounted or have an open floor plan,” says Campbell. “More and more people are opting for a shower without a bathtub, yet some people take a bath religiously.”

READ MORE: Reasons To Love A Freestanding Tub

Handheld Showers

Handheld showers on a fixed arm or slide bar offer convenience for cleaning and bathing. These detachable shower heads also allow you to adjust the water height for multiple users, add message settings and more.

“A bathroom is really personal and it’s important to ask those personal questions,” says Campbell. “A designer can help homeowners read between the lines to offer suggestions you never thought possible.” If you’ve been dreaming about remodeling your bath, but are unsure of how you want it to look, visit our gallery to see many of the bathroom remodeling projects the Neil Kelly team has completed over the years.

When you are ready to put your plans into action, schedule an appointment with our Pacific Northwest Design/Build Remodeling Team today.