Dear Marc:
While designing my bathroom, I have decided to change my fixtures. The ones I currently have are outdated. What do you suggest for a nice punch of colour and style for my new bathroom design? -- Brittany
Dear Brittany:
In trends, everything makes a full circle. Colours, textures and patterns are all affected by past trends. Much like the fashion world, in design, we see things come back in style -- even the things we disliked the first time around.
At a design show last year, I spotted a coloured bath tub. The entire country has spent a good part of the last two decades ripping out those coloured bathtubs and replacing them with new white models, and, once again, the trends are shifting back.
Everything makes a full circle. Keep in mind that what appears at design shows may take a few years before it becomes popular with the masses.
I've compiled a list of things to consider when renovating your bathroom.
First, determine the amount of space you have to work with. You might have an adjoining walk-in closet, bedroom or an unused space you can use to enlarge your new bathroom.
Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes, as many new homeowners understand that little cosmetic changes such as new paint are inexpensive and easy to do, but bathroom and kitchen renos are much more expensive and complicated. Even the simplest of jobs may require professional expertise.
This is really important, since a leak in the plumbing could build up moisture and rot your floor. The money saved for the average DIY is usually quickly swallowed by the repairs made in the long run. Don't be shy to ask a plumber for references. If you're using a general contractor, he or she will be able to hire a few reputable tradespeople.
Every design project needs a plan of action. Contrary to popular belief, renos don't just happen overnight. On reality shows, the renos are usually filmed for an entire week, then edited down to a 30-minute segment. Many of these contractors and designers work day and night to meet the tight deadlines of the project. Design should be an enjoyable experience filled with sleep, healthy eating and a comfortable work pace.
In order to properly plan a bathroom design, you will need to draw up a floor plan. There are many digital programs today that make this process quick and painless, which just require you to measure the room's dimensions.
If you prefer to venture into what I like to call the 'old school" way of designing, then you will need the following: a measuring tape, a pad of paper, a pencil, graph paper, and a ruler. Measure your bathroom from wall to wall. Then determine a conversion rate, such as each foot of wall space in reality translates into 1/4 inch on paper. This will allow you to visualize the room as a whole on a piece of paper. You will be able to take this floor plan along with you to the store to show the hardware staff the amount of space you are looking to fill.
If you're working in a small space, here are a few ideas to maximize it. In powder rooms and small washrooms, always go with pedestals instead of vanities. Vanities are larger and bulkier, which make them hard to work with in small spaces. Pedestals will make your small space appear larger, as they take up less physical space.
Toilets and bidets now come as one fixture; again, a great space saver! For couples without small children, consider trading in the tub in one of the bathrooms for a shower. Larger showers have now become features in homes. We now see lines such as 'rain shower" or "walk-in shower" in home listings.
If you are remodelling your home to sell, it's best to stick to neutral colours. You can't please everyone, so if you want a quick sale, a neutral colour will appeal to the masses.
If you plan to stay in this home and use the bathroom, I suggest you have fun with your colour scheme. Be sure to have consistency between all the different design elements in the space. Choose one neutral and up to two accent colours to ensure your project is a success. Accent colours can be used in your wall art, small accessories, and hand towels or an accent wall. The neutral can be used on any remaining wall or the floor covering.
Designing a bathroom is an exciting project! Once you have finished your bathroom reno, you will be like a proud mother wanting to show off her new baby.
Marc Atiyolil is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends, Canada's Home Decor & Lifestyle Magazine.
