5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Renovating a Bathroom
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Renovating a Bathroom
There’s a lot to research and plan when you’re preparing for a bathroom renovation. The web is filled with inspiring photos of luxurious spaces and lush layouts. And while these mood boards and galleries are beautiful, you may still be wondering; how can I create the same look in my bathroom?
At Archant, we have the unique privilege of talking with thousands of clients each year about residential and commercial projects. Of these, the bathroom continues to be a challenging space to tackle. It’s not just the small scale that’s problematic, but all the various elements that need to be considered. From the flooring to the shower walls, the vanity, taps, handles, cabinetry, and more, there’s no shortage of decisions that need to be made.
In this article, we are looking at the best questions to ask when starting your research. We hope that it saves you time and money as you get closer to finalising your design plans. No matter what kind of bathroom you have envisioned, there is a roadmap to bring it to life. Let’s dive in to reveal the 5 essential questions you should be asking.
- What Kind of Bathroom Vanity Should I Choose?
- What is the Best Flooring Solution in a Bathroom?
- What Type of Tile Should Be Used on the Walls?
- Do You Need a Standalone Shower or a Bath as Well?
- How Can I Make it Feel Bigger?
1) What Kind of Bathroom Vanity Should I Choose?
The vanity is a central point of focus in most bathrooms. We like to think of them as more than just a place to wash up, but an opportunity to add a fresh splash of style. With so many different types on the market today, it’s proving difficult to narrow down the best options.
We’ve created a new solution that is taking the world of bathroom design by storm. These are streamlined porcelain vanities that look amazing, save valuable space, and offer unparalleled durability and ease of maintenance. Here is an informative resource to familiarise yourself with these cutting-edge products.
In terms of cost, vanities are no different from any major design element. The prices vary widely, as does the quality of materials, sink layout, and bowl depth. To get a better idea of what to expect when it comes to cost, be sure to read the following article:
2) What is the Best Flooring Solution for a Bathroom?
Where water is present, timber is no longer considered an ideal solution. To prevent mould and mildew from building up, consider an engineered stone alternative. Our large format porcelain slabs are a stylish and functional option. Even small spaces will benefit from the expansive look and feel of these gorgeous floors.
If you’re not familiar with the potential of large format porcelain floors, here are some good places to start your research.
3) What Type of Tile Should Be Used on the Walls?
The type of tile you choose will not only affect the total cost but also impact the overall quality of your design. Some popular options are glass and ceramic, but these are generally smaller and harder to clean due to the high level of crevices and grout.
Another alternative is large format porcelain slabs which offer a blend of style and functionality. With their water-resistant properties and non-porous nature, they make quick work of bathroom maintenance.
Don’t miss this educational piece to help narrow down your tile selection.
4) Do You Need a Standalone Shower or a Bath as Well?
Walk-in showers can be used to create a sleek and modern appeal. With a minimalist style, these elegant solutions look quite luxurious while adding essential convenience. A bath on the other hand will increase the overall price and take up valuable space.
If you opt for the walk-in shower, you can rest assured that porcelain will be a durable solution for the floors and walls. There have been tremendous advances in the porcelain design in recent year. See the full scope in our recent article:
Most real estate agents will note that having at least one bath in the home will increase resale value. Still, you’ll want to ask yourself how often you’ll use it to justify the expense. Here are some images that show a few different ways to approach this.
5) How Can I Make a Bathroom Look and Feel Bigger?
The most common problem with bathrooms is the smaller scale which can make things feel a bit cramped. And while the porcelain vanities will certainly save space, as will a walk-in shower, there are some other tips to give the appearance of expansiveness.
The first tip may seem counterintuitive but has proven quite effective. In a tight space, our large format porcelain slabs offer many design benefits. These sheets measure 3200 x 1600mm, and when joined together, the patterns can breathe and flow.
When you also leverage our unique A & B slabs which mirror each other, the patterns can continue seamlessly from the floor to the walls. This works to introduce a cohesive quality that other small tile solutions don’t offer. For more on this topic, you will find some additional tips here:
The colour palette also has great potential to change the perceived size of a bathroom. What kind of atmosphere would you like to create? Grey palettes can be calm and soothing, while white spaces brighten it up, and feel larger. Darker tones can be rather moody and sophisticated but won’t appear as spacious. It’s not just about the colour of the wall paint that matters here, but other key elements as well. Lighter shades of tile will also be very effective at creating a larger, more open feel.
Finally, think about the type of handles used on your cabinetry. In a small area, hardware that protrudes into the space can easily get caught on clothing. For a streamlined alternative, consider flush handles which are recessed into the unit. They’ll save space and will add modern appeal to bathrooms of all sizes.
Here are some ideas on how to use our Vercelli range of extrusion handles.
Next Steps for Your NZ Bathroom Renovation
We trust you’ve found these resources helpful as you plan your bathroom renovation. We know there are many variables to consider beyond these top 5 questions. To sit down with an expert and chat about your specific bathroom project, we encourage you to book a one-on-one appointment at any one of our New Zealand showrooms.
Book Your One-on-One Appointment Here
