When it comes to increasing a home’s value, bathroom remodeling is one of the best investments you can make. These improvements fix functional inefficiencies and improve aesthetics and sustainability.
Keep in mind that remodeling is different from renovating. While renovation usually works within the footprint and space of the current bathroom, remodels focus on updating and modernizing it with new elements. Reach out to Bathroom Remodeling Lexington KY for expert assistance.
Whether you’re looking for bathroom art ideas that elicit tranquility or simply to add interest and personality, wall prints, paintings, and artwork can help make your loo your own. If a full gallery wall isn’t in the cards, try a few framed prints or paintings stacked on floating shelves. Alternating frames, sizes, and shapes creates visual interest even if the pieces don’t match perfectly. If you choose to hang art in your bath, consider framing and sealing it with a protective sealant so that it will withstand the moisture and humidity of the room.
Calming nature scenes or simple abstract prints can make great bathroom decor and complement many interior styles. Often, the art will serve as an accent against a backdrop of color or pattern provided by tile, wallpaper, or paint. Other times, a single piece is so visually interesting that it stands on its own without needing to coordinate with the bathroom design.
A dramatic floral wallpaper acts as a neutral backdrop for warm brass wall sconces and a woven bamboo window treatment in this modern bathroom. An oversized framed print of a seashell fills one wall to the left of the shower, while two more framed prints balance out the opposite side of the room.
If you’re installing wallpaper but don’t have enough to cover an entire wall, supplement it with decorative wall paneling like beadboard. For a cool, two-tone look, extend the lower portion of the wall paneling to halfway up and then use a contrasting paint color or patterned wallpaper on the upper half of the wall. This technique also works well if you want to cover up an unsightly wall and hide an existing electrical box or other utility.
Tile
The right tile is important to a bathroom’s overall design and aesthetic. It needs to be able to withstand the high amount of moisture that comes with being in a bathroom, and it should resist staining and slippage. It should also be durable and easy to maintain.
One of the most common materials used in bathroom remodels is porcelain tile. It is durable and water-resistant, and it’s available in a variety of colors and patterns that can mimic natural stone or wood. Another popular option is ceramic tile. It’s affordable and comes in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors. It’s a good choice for floors, walls, or accent areas.
Other options include natural stone tiles, like granite, marble, and travertine. They have a unique look that can add luxury and beauty to a bathroom. However, they’re porous and must be sealed regularly to prevent stains and water damage. Another popular natural material is slate, which has a textured surface that adds visual interest to a bathroom floor or wall. It’s also naturally slip-resistant, but it can require regular resealing to keep it in good condition.
For bathrooms with less foot traffic, cork is a great flooring option that’s both comfortable and eco-friendly. It’s a sustainable and renewable resource, and it has good thermal and acoustic properties. It’s a good option for floors, walls, or shower niches. Mosaic tile is an increasingly popular option that can add a pop of color to a bathroom floor or wall. It’s made from small pieces of different colored tile, and manufacturing advancements now make it possible to create dimensional mosaics that add a unique twist to a space.
Upgraded Windows
Windows can elevate a bathroom’s aesthetic, and they can also add practical value. Windows provide proper ventilation, which helps combat moisture accumulation and potential mold growth. They also let in plenty of natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting, which can increase utility bills.
The best window style for a bathroom depends on its location and current privacy level. If the room faces a street, neighboring homes or a public lawn, homeowners should opt for windows with limited visibility protections such as frosted glass or window film. If the room is located within a secluded backyard, a more open window option such as casement or sliding windows is ideal for allowing in fresh air and sunlight.
Since bathrooms often feature small walls and confined spaces, larger windows are a great way to make rooms feel bigger. They can also offer a stunning view of your home’s landscape, which can create a sense of tranquility and calm. Window installation companies can recommend the right size and style of windows for your space.
Many homeowners opt for a combination of standard and custom windows to accommodate their home’s unique style and needs. Standard windows include bay and bow, casement, awning and double-hung windows. However, homeowners can choose from a wide variety of frame materials and decorative elements to complement their bathroom’s decor. Window installation professionals can help determine which options are best for a specific bathroom, and they can help homeowners design an attractive bathroom that’s both functional and comfortable. They can also advise homeowners on how to maximize energy efficiency with their replacement windows. The right windows can help lower a homeowner’s energy costs and enhance a property’s curb appeal.
Flooring
A new floor is one of the biggest changes you can make during a bathroom remodel, and there are many options to choose from. A flooring contractor can help you choose what materials are best suited for your space. Tile is a great option, as it is highly resistant to water and can hold up well against the frequent soakings and showers that happen in a bathroom. You can also find brilliant mimics of hardwood in vinyl sheet, luxury vinyl tile and other types of flooring that are both beautiful and waterproof.
Carpet, unless it is specifically made for wet areas, should not be used in the bathroom. The moisture will eventually cause it to rot, especially in the confined spaces of a bathroom. Hardwood is an excellent choice for the bathroom, but it is costly and requires regular resealing to maintain its moisture-proof properties.
Heated floors are a popular option in modern bathrooms and can be installed during a renovation project for added comfort and a boost to your home’s value. This addition can be a bit more expensive than other flooring, but it is an investment that pays off over time.
There are many optional upgrades that can be done to a bathroom during a remodel, such as decorative molding, beadboard, shiplap walls, and more. Talk to a Sweeten homeowner advisor about what your options are for making your renovations unique to you and your style. They’ll help you decide what elements will add the most value and make your home a better place to live for years to come.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any bathroom. A well-designed bathroom has ambient, task and accent lighting to soften the look, make it easier to get things done and highlight decorative elements. If your current bathroom lighting doesn’t do this, consider upgrading to more modern fixtures with dimmers.
Another way to lighten up the space is by adding glass tile to your walls. This is a durable material that’s easy to clean and adds an interesting visual element. It can also be used to create a custom backsplash that’s sure to stand out.
Aside from being hygienic and beautiful, this type of tile is also eco-friendly and sustainable. It can be made from recycled glass, which is great for the environment and your wallet. Additionally, it’s often available in a wide variety of colors and textures to suit any style.
Whether you’re looking to turn your bathroom into an in-home spa or just update its appearance, a bathroom remodel is a smart investment. These projects can increase your home’s resale value and add to your quality of life. Plus, they’re usually cheaper than replacing an entire kitchen or living room.
Willow Weeks