One of the primary decisions to make as you plan your bathroom renovation is whether you prefer a standalone shower, a traditional or walk-in tub, or a combination shower-tub. After all, these fixtures determine the space and layout of the entire room, so they are important to get right. 

Fortunately, you do not need to struggle on your own as you make this decision. At Beissel Renovation, our design consultation process makes it easy for you to choose. To get you started, here are some key considerations to weigh as you think about the design of your new bath space:

1. How Many Baths Do You Have, and What Features Do They Include?

While it is tempting to focus on exciting aspects of remodeling such as picking out tiles, countertops, and sinks, a bathroom upgrade involves so much more than fixtures. It can affect your entire house, so begin by considering all your bathrooms—even if you are not updating all of them.

For homes with a single bathroom, having every option available to you and your guests is helpful. A full bath includes both a bathtub and a shower, either as a combined unit or as separate units if the room is spacious enough to allow for it. 

On the other hand, if you have two or more bathrooms, then you have more freedom to make one of them fit your ideal vision. That might mean adding a shower, with all the bells and whistles. If you like soaking but do not want to climb over a traditional tub’s curb, you might like a walk-in bathtub (which includes a “door” to ease entering). Remember, the more bathrooms you have, the easier it is to make each one unique.

2. What Amount of Available Space Do You Have to Work With?

Most homeowners prefer a roomy atmosphere that invites relaxation. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, you might consider expanding it with an addition to increase its square footage. If enlarging it is not an option, evaluate how to streamline the space you have.

A walk-in shower (which has no curb or glass door) takes up less square footage than a setup with a tub. If you wish to include a tub, a combination unit may be better than a standalone bath and separate shower. Walk-in tubs take up more room, so they are not the best fit for smaller areas.

3. How Will Your Selection Impact the Sale of Your Home?

Resale value is a key decision factor in any remodeling you undertake. For bathrooms, the number of baths, their locations, and their features should all figure into your design decisions. 

Why? Because houses that have at least one bathtub tend to perform better when placed on the market. Having a bathtub can help your house appeal to a greater variety of potential homebuyers, especially if your neighborhood tends to attract families.

In other words, weigh your preferences and immediate needs with what will appeal to others long-term. That way, you can position yourself to have an easier experience finding the ideal buyer when it comes time to sell. This is just one of the many design decisions that our experts at Beissel Renovation are here to help you make.

4. What Level of Accessibility Do You Require?

A bathroom can be one of the most accommodating spaces in a house—if you plan for it, of course. Think about how you are likely to use the room now, and how you might use it in the future. 

For those who wish to age in place or who have physical challenges, choose features that are convenient and safe. Walk-in showers with slip-free flooring make it simple to bathe with less risk of falling. They are also convenient for those in wheelchairs to use, because there is no curb at foot level to try to navigate.

Traditional tubs have high sides that can be challenging to climb over, especially for those with mobility issues. Their slick bottoms can be slippery. Walk-in tubs come with handrails and nonslip flooring to help prevent falls. They have a built-in bench for practical, comfortable seating, as well as the option of hydrotherapy jets to soothe achy muscles and arthritis.

5. Who Will Use the Bathroom Most Often?

We have already touched on those who may be aging in place, but what about those who have family members of different ages, all living under one roof? 

A traditional tub is usually most convenient for bathing young children, while teens may prefer the convenience of a shower as they get ready for school. Older adults may prefer the luxury of a large shower, even if that means forgoing a tub. If you entertain guests frequently, a combination unit will meet just about everyone’s needs. 

Added tip: If you have pets that you plan to bathe indoors, a traditional tub will be best for that purpose.

6. Which Is Easier to Maintain?

Walk-in showers have no glass door to wipe down, though this means water could spill onto the floor if you are not careful. Traditional and walk-in tubs have nooks and crannies that may be hard to reach, while tiled combination shower units have grout to deal with. If cleaning is a concern, look for shower units that feature smooth fiberglass walls instead of individual tiles.

Design Your Ideal Bathroom with Beissel Renovation

There are many decisions to weigh as you remodel your bathroom, but the good news is, there is no need to go it alone. At Beissel Renovation, our design consultation process makes it simple for you to plan your new bathroom. We would be delighted to speak with you about showers, tubs, and any other features you are considering. Contact us for a free consultation and discover the joys of a freshly remodeled bathroom.

Picturing the bathroom of your dreams as you remodel? Likely, you are envisioning a space with spa-like indulgences and attractive details that catch the eye, and rightly so. You deserve to love your new bathroom!

Of course, you have a budget in mind too, and it is important to balance the materials you select with affordability. Below, you will find some helpful suggestions for crafting elegance at a reasonable cost. This list is reasonable, yet luxurious—a wonderful mix of style and practicality.

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Features That Look and Feel Elegant

With thoughtful decisions, you can incorporate many well-appointed fixtures without breaking the bank. 

Install a Customizable Showerhead

Ready to indulge yourself during your daily routine? A good place to begin is with a spacious shower stall. A wide rain showerhead is gentle and relaxing, while a handheld shower wand with massaging spray settings can treat those sore muscles with ease.

Place a Bench in Your Shower

For a simple touch of indulgence, a stylish, water-resistant shower bench makes it easy to sit back and relax during your daily routine. It is also helpful for those who may need the extra comfort, such as those who are aging in place, have physical challenges, or are recovering from surgery.

Indulge All the Senses

Spa-like bathrooms tie every detail together to create a rich experience of sensory delight. Houseplants in eye-catching pots bring in a natural touch and freshen the air. Scented candles and essential oil diffusers offer peaceful aromas. Radiant heated flooring feels cozy underfoot, while built-in speakers can bring in soothing music.

Select a Soft Color Scheme

A gentle, airy color scheme featuring eggshell white, robin’s blue, or seafoam green can produce a spa-like environment without requiring a big investment. Hang large mirrors and install polished tile to help reflect light around the space.

Choose Tiles and Countertops Carefully

Some stone-based materials can be costly. In contrast, white subway tiles are a popular, economical choice, and they reflect light nicely. You can enhance their style by using black or gray grout, which typically costs the same as white grout while adding visual interest. 

A savvy choice of countertop material can help your remodeling space catch attention too. Some stones are pricey, but if a natural stone appeals to you, Carrera marble is often a more affordable option

Highlight Small, Well-Chosen Accents

Tiny details can add extra charm to your bathroom without adding significantly to remodeling costs. A lovely linen shower curtain can be an attractive, affordable alternative to a pricier glass door. Box-store vanities can be spruced up by replacing their hardware with specialty or vintage faucets and handles. To add visual interest, install a small, unique tile design in front of the sink or on one shower wall.

Add Touchless Chrome Faucets

There are many choices when it comes to selecting bathroom hardware. Of these, chrome fixtures tend to be the most affordable, and they complement many styles, but there are other finishes available that might work better with existing hardware in your home.

Add to the high-end atmosphere of your bathroom by selecting touchless features, such as faucets and toilets, that work by waving your fingers to activate them. Hands-free options feel upscale and can minimize messiness, helping the space stay tidy.

Find a Fashionable Sink

One of the most visible elements of your bathroom is the vanity. If you desire a touch of extra luxury, splurging on a stylish option—such as a colored glass or bronze vessel sink that stands atop the counter—can be worth the investment.

Look for Unique Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can infuse fresh life into your remodel. This is an area where you can get creative! Consider installing a small decorative chandelier or colorful glass pendant light to draw the eye. Pair the look with a variety of vanity lights, wall sconces, and mounted lights to ensure the bathroom is bright enough for everyday self-care.

Shop for Vintage Tubs

Another way to create a glamorous feel for your bathroom, even on a budget, is to look for an attractive centerpiece like an antique bathtub. Upscale new tubs can be costly, but vintage versions can often be purchased from local online stores, flea markets, thrift stores, or salvage shops. Have the tub professionally reglazed to bring it back to its original beauty.

Leverage Repurposed Materials

Reclaimed materials and repurposed furnishings can add a memorable touch to any room, including the bathroom. Create a custom design (that does not come at high-end prices) by looking for distinctive style pieces such as Victorian-style framed mirrors and decorative sconces. Match the style of a glamorous magazine design by repainting, waterproofing, and retrofitting an attractive antique cabinet or dresser to hold a new drop-in sink.

Upscale the Look of Toiletries

A simple yet effective way to create a sense of indulgence is to make use of aesthetically pleasing toiletry holders. Display eye-catching soap dishes with carved soaps. Use antique glass jars to store small items and designer bottles to hold hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Invest in a heated towel rack to make your bathroom feel even more luxuriouss.

Ensure There Is Ample Storage Space

When countertops are cluttered, your bathroom will look less than ideal. Streamline the room’s appearance by eliminating anything you do not need. Plan for abundant storage throughout the bathroom, using attractive baskets, mount hooks, decorative shelves, and furniture with drawers.

Enjoy a Soothing, Spa-Like New Bathroom Remodel from Our Design Experts

Since your bathroom is one of the most important spaces in your home, it is well worth planning its redesign carefully so you can fully enjoy the feel of luxury at every turn. 

At Beissel Renovation, we concentrate on thoughtful design planning to help you receive all the little details that matters to you. Discover how a new bathroom remodel can give you the luxurious, comforting, refreshed space you have been dreaming of. We look forward to serving you!