Home Improvement

Whether you are building a new bathroom or remodeling your existing bathroom, you will find that the bathroom is an important place to find relaxation and provide you with a private retreat from the world. Remodeling a bathroom becomes necessary because like everything else that undergoes changes in our homes, bathroom styles, colors, and designs go out of style, and this leads to the overall look of your bathroom becoming old and worn over time.

At one time, when you wanted to select a color for your plumbing fixtures, your only choice was white. You could only add color to your bathroom with accessories like shower curtains, rugs, or through the type of backsplashes, flooring and countertops.

There was even a time in the 1940s that is was popular to incorporate colors such as cotton candy pink and sea green into the bathroom.

Upon entering your bathroom just what do you want it to indicate about your personality? Selecting just the right color scheme can create the impression you want it to make.

Color does more than add life and personality to a bathroom, color can influence the mood of a bathroom. For example, studies have shown that red can quicken the pulse and breathing rate, as well as increase appetite. Yellow, especially soft yellows can make people feel happier. When used as a accent bright yellow can attract attention and brighten up a bathroom. As with kitchens you can also use color to influence how large or small a bathroom can feel.

Creating the right color schemes for your bathroom is no easy task. If you feel you do not have the skills to it yourself you really should let a bathroom design professional help you make the right decision.

You can create balanced, unified color schemes that are pleasing to the eye using harmonious colors. In starting any decorating or home remodeling project one of the first decisions to make is what color scheme you are going to go with.

There are so many countless ways to use color within the bathroom. What is important to remember is that the colors should coordinate and complement each other. What is difficult about coming up with a color scheme for your bathroom is choosing the paint color. There are many different painting techniques that can not only combine color schemes but combine textures as well.

If you have a bathroom that adjoins the bedroom you may want to provide a smooth transition as you move into the bathroom. For example the flooring you might select for the bathroom would look best in a tile or vinyl that is similar in color to the beige carpet used in the bedroom. This helps to create just the right transition between the two rooms with the walls painted in the same color as the walls in the bedroom.

Try to select colors of similar densities for a balanced look so that one color does not overpower another. Pick three or four colors that all stem from the same primary color.

The bathroom has come along way in the past one hundred years. Once just a basic tub set in front of the living room fire and filled with buckets of water, the bathing experience is now a luxury in almost every western home. Back then, a “bathroom” was something only the wealthy and privileged could afford to have in their house. It was this trend which lead to the mass production of bathroom products.

The Edwardian and Victorian styles of the time are still a popular choice today. They look exquisite in a villa or cottage bathroom, and never loose their appeal in terms of design.

Today, thanks to advanced plumbing and modern technology, the bathroom may well have evolved as far as it can. With luxury steam rooms and hydrotherapy baths, it’s difficult to imagine how bathrooms could get any more sophisticated. That said, the bathroom, like any room in the house, is ever changing in terms of design trends.

Here we look at the five most popular styles of bathroom designs. Traditional, Country, Shabby chic, Contemporary and Fantasy.

Traditional

The Traditional bathroom can mean either traditional in terms of Edwardian or Victorian style, or in respect to a standard white bathroom with basic sanitary ware and bath. Here, we’ll be looking at the style of bathroom design where it all started. The Edwardian bathroom.

Over the past decade, with the popularity of TV shows like Changing Rooms, the trend for old-fashioned bathrooms has seen a real upsurge. A rare gem of an old slipper bath or rusty traditional faucet may be found at a scrap yard or in a skip, but thankfully manufacturers are keeping up with demand with skillfully crafted traditional bathroom products.

Certain rooms only work in certain houses, so if you’re living in a modern high rise apartment the traditional bathroom isn’t going to work for you. If you have an old cottage or villa retreat this style of bathroom is one you should definitely consider.

Almost always, the bath is the centre piece attraction of the traditional bathroom. A free-standing roll-top or slipper bath sits proudly on a dark polished floor, and only if going for a traditional continental style bathroom will an inset or sunken tub hold appeal. Either a wall-mounted faucet or a free-standing one looks classy. Deep ridges and curved angles are what makes the traditional sanitary ware what it is – bold and masculine.

When decorating a traditional bathroom both soft tones and bold colours can work well. Strong tones of browns, maroons and greens give a nice warmth to the room, but be sure the bathroom is well lit, maybe with a lavish chandelier. With the right colours, antique gold can look better than chrome. Go for curtains, never blinds. If going for a vanity unit rather than a traditional basin and pedestal, choose an oak or cherry finish; or the white Cynk vanity unit is a good look with traditional baths and toilets.

One of the most appealing things about the traditional bathroom is clutter gives it more of a lived-in effect, thus enhancing the traditional look. Don’t be afraid to put plenty of pictures on the walls – black and white family portraits in gold frames are a good look. A chest of drawers or corner table with scented candles, aromatherapy oils or flowers will really bring the room to life. As a finishing touch an old style set of weighing scales, a large framed mirror or bulky traditional radiator will give the room that cozy old-fashioned feel.

Country

The country style bathroom is perhaps the easiest type of design to create, and like the traditional bathroom only really works well within the right house. The classic country look is best associated with floral wallpaper, high beams, basin frills and a bath canopy. Following the traditional design, cast iron baths and deep ridged sanitary ware are what gives the country bathroom its nostalgic look.

Check, floral or plaid curtains are preferred over roller blinds, and shutters, though rare in England, offer a great form of privacy as well as adding to the country effect. Wood plays a big part in this look, and almost all furniture works well in this setting, especially beech, maple, ash and oak vanity units and cabinets.

Either tiles or wooden floors can be used. Tiles should be a rustic colour, and can be used to create elaborate mosaics. Wooden floors should be varnished to match the furniture. Decorating may see a stenciled motif used as a border, and the technique of rubbing paint on the walls with a sponge gives the room that worn natural look.

Toilets with high level cisterns and pull chains are very rare these days, but a must have for the country bathroom, as are traditional taps for the bath and basin. Just about any kind of free-standing bath will suit the country bathroom. If wishing to have a shower a tiled walk-in shower is the advisable option with a curtain to conceal the area.

For the final touch add wicker baskets filled with pot pouri, wire basket shelves and stylish wall lamps.

Shabby Chic

“Shabby chic”, a relatively new phrase used to describe room designs, is an obscure blend of neglect and style. It is one of the most difficult bathroom designs to create, and it takes a bold decision to go for this bathroom style. It almost certainly achieves its full potential in a continental house, either a French chateau or old Spanish villa.

The absolute opposite of a fitted bathroom, the shabby chic look is a mismatch of styles and products. You can even do the unexpected, like put a put a refrigerator in the corner. Nothing is expected to match and pipework and plumbing are on show rather than concealed. This style is best suited to those who have inherited a bathroom and want to update it a little rather than fork out on a brand new bathroom suite.

The key to decoration is neutral tones with a few dark colors. For the walls choose a matte or flat wall paint. Pale golds and yellows work particularly well as does floral or check patterned wallpaper.

As with the country and traditional bathrooms, cast iron baths are a must. Either a roll-top or slipper bath will do, and although you don’t want holes or rust, the more dilapidated it looks the better. Even consider running sandpaper over the paint work and claw feet. It’s always worth looking out for old fittings at antique shops and car boot sales.

Counter top basins are highly recommended in this setting, and the look out for extremely unusual decorated designs. Place it on a washstand or run-down vanity unit. Add unique ornaments and antique framed mirrors.

Modern

Modern bathrooms are all about what you do with the space you have. Within many bathrooms there is little room to work with, so making the most of the space is essential. This is why fitted bathroom suites are now so popular. Having bathroom furniture made to measure is one of the most practical design solutions when remodeling the bathroom.

How many of us have had a bathroom with a cluttered airing cupboard? With the modern bathroom there’s no need to cram your toiletries, towels and cleaning fluids around the boiler. With fitted vanity units, storage units and cabinets you’ll have all the space you need.

When examining modern bathroom design, wall-hung furniture has to get a mention. White gloss will never go out of fashion, but more recently furniture finishes such as wenge, beech and maple have made a real emergence in popularity.

As well as the furniture, wall-hung sanitary ware is a great space-saving solution while giving the bathroom a contemporary feel. Also, concealed cistern units are a more eye-pleasing look than the standard close-coupled toilet.

Showerbaths are a great practical way of optimizing the space, so that you have the comfort of both bathing and showering. Walk-in showers are also very popular in the modern bathroom, and if buying a shower enclosure for the modern bathroom choose one with a chrome structure over white.

Chrome and stainless steel are the ultimate choice in the modern bathroom, and taps and bath mixers are available in a number of contemporary designs, rather than the traditional style faucets. Also, choose chrome towel rails over standard white radiators, as well as matching chrome accessories..

Don’t be afraid to decorate with bold colours when tiling or painting, getting the contrast right with the chrome and the gloss. If using curtains be subtle with the designs and colours, but preferably go for stylish roller blinds.

Fantasy

Daring to be anything more than conventional, the fantasy bathroom design lets you be truly innovative with your fantasies and tastes. With the emphasis on futuristic, this style of bathroom is the antithesis of the traditionalist.

The fantasy design is ideally exclusive to only larger bathrooms, as with all futuristic interior design large open spaces are what brings the room together. Steam cabins and whirlpool baths are the ideal choice for showering and bathing. Or combine the two will a well designed bath screen and a glass shower panel. Because of their minimal effect, Walk-in showers also work well with modern tiling, chrome shower fixtures and classy shower lighting.

For the sanitary ware go with wall-hung or standard close-coupled toilet and basin with pedestal with acute angles and a contemporary design. Abstract towel rails and wenge wall-hung furniture fit well in the fantasy bathroom, giving it that calm almost surreal look.

The ultimate luxury in a fantasy bathroom would have to be a waterproof TV. You could even think of doubling the bathroom up as gym, complete with exercise bike and rowing machine.

Ornaments should be unobtrusive, so choose things like small piles of pebbles and modern wall prints over candles and nick-nacks.

Any person who watches television, goes to the cinema and reads glossy magazines is able to recognize modern styles and trends, and is able to make the right decisions in regards to decoration.

One recurring theme remains consistent at all times and heights of fashions: it is a bathroom decorated with live plants. However, there are many factors that prevent this idea from becoming reality. As a rule, in a real bathroom there is little natural light, and sometimes is lacking free space which is necessary for the plants. Also, another unfortunate factor is that the substances used to maintain cleanliness in a bathroom can be easily deadly for the plants.

The tenants of a standard apartment have come to the conclusion that a bathroom must not contain anything unnecessary. This however is untrue, as frequently the bathroom becomes the only place where you can get water. Most people do not think that a bathroom has more purposes than maintaining hygiene — it can also be a place to escape your worries and relax. Tropical plants can help you achieve such an effect.

As we can see from various examples, the types of plants that belong to a bathroom are all types of ferns — this is because their natural habitat is in a tropical forest and the absence of light is not as damaging to them as other plants.

If you manage to maintain a natural habitat-like condition in your bathroom, you will find that plants such as the Monstera (Monstera acuminata), Papyrus, Asparagus and in some cases even Orchids can bloom in a bathroom.

There are advantages as to keeping the house plants in a bathroom: you won’t need to regularly water them, it is enough to just maintain 2/3 of the pot plant plate full. If you have noticed that the plants do not do as well in a bathroom as they would elsewhere, try and re-arrange them from time to time: take the plants in the bathroom and swap them with plants that are in a drier place, for example. Some tropical plants may not be getting as much daylight as needed. In this case, you can be helped with plant feed and lamps that mimic natural light, working about 8 hours a day.

In a bathroom with high ceilings, the plants can be placed in a few different levels. To multiply the visual affect of the space, some times bathroom designers are trying to use mirrored surface materials. There are two basic variations of how to use mirrors in the bathroom design; use of large mirror surface finish or decoration of small details of the bathroom interior with the mirror-like elements. Certainly large mirrors and the new bathroom tropical design can do miracles and change the room beyond recognition.

In conclusion, although the bathroom design is largely a matter of specialists, but this could be just the first impression. If you have a desire to make your dwelling place cozy and beautiful, the means to implement your design ideas are to be found.

One might argue that there is no need to be too specific when they are planning the illumination needs of their bathroom. Their main point of argument is that they hardly spend more than a few minutes a day in the bathroom and who requires special lighting for their sanitary needs. People forget that their bathroom is not just about bathing and relieving themselves. They should also know that an improper bathroom lighting design might well injure them while they are shaving. Yes, the mirror on the bathroom where you spend a precious few minutes for either shaving or dressing up should contain adequate lighting. The lighting should not be too harsh and it should not be less too.

Have you ever thought that you had shaved yourself properly only to find later on that you still have some stubble left? And what about that kiss mark on your face? That might cause you hear lots of comments in the office. You did not notice that when you were busy wiping you face because the lighting of the bathroom was improper. There are many aspects that go with a properly designed bathroom and lighting is one of them. Have you ever noticed how comfortable the bathroom of the hotel feels? That is because of its ambiance and lighting goes a long way in creating a proper ambiance. There are many aspects you need to check in order to make the lighting of your bathroom friendly.

There are times when you need to take a shower early in the day, before dawn. Having a harsh light will spoil your mood. But at times a strong light is required. Hence it makes sense to put a dimmer switch for the shower lights. People love to relax when they are using their bathtub. Having recessed lighting helps a lot in this regard. The height of the ceiling also determines the type of lights you shall be using for your bathroom. The most important part of the bathroom is the mirror. This is the place where one dresses up for the day and apply their make up. Hence the lighting over here has to be so adjusted that it is neither harsh and at the same time helps you to examine your make up properly.

There are many specialized light fittings that are available in the market and which are designed specially for the bathroom mirror. Check out the vanity strips that are available with most shops that deal in lighting goods. People unnecessarily apply high-powered lights and then later on, due to the inconvenience they cause, they unscrew them, leaving nude fittings, which are dangerous. Check out some books on bathroom lighting arrangements and accessories if required since they will help you to visualize the different types of fittings. If you have any doubts about your bathroom lighting design, do not hesitate to consult an interior designer. They might charge a fee, but they will ensure that you do not waste money and spoil the décor of your bathroom with useless fittings.

Bathroom is an important thing for a home. Therefore the bathroom design ideas have to be good for the residents which will make people comfort even if it is in the bathroom. Considerate about budget you have and your bathroom accessories is really needed. For examples the accessories which can be applied are bathroom sink, tub, toilet, showers, faucets, mirrors, cabinets, curtains, shower curtains and many more accessories that can be applied to the room.

But before choosing accessories, you should determine the theme of the room. The theme can be a modern, natural, traditional or contemporary. After you select one, then choose accessories that match the theme of the bathroom. For example, if you choose natural theme, you can use a natural material to the bathroom to natural impressed. You can use small stones to the floor, the floor seemed natural. Then there is the wood material in the bath to make more natural theme in the room. Put plants to decorate the corner of the room that is not affected very good spray to reinforce the natural theme.

Another thing to note is the lighting. Lighting is very important for the bathroom. Lighting will also determine user convenience in the bathroom. Ventilation and windows should be given to the bathroom to provide natural lighting in the bathroom.

Besides ventilation also serves to remove the bad smell in the room. Ventilation will make a change of air in the room. Besides natural lighting, you can add artificial lighting. You can use incandescent bulbs or halogen lamps for your bathroom. The use of these lamps is to facilitate the user when entering the room, then when the switch is turned on the lights immediately came on.

Tricks of the bathroom design is not only limited to the contents of the article above. Some tricks for bathroom design can be found in other articles on the Internet, or in design magazines. When designing a bathroom should avoid using one reference. Find references as much for information about bathroom can continue to develop and apply to your home.

Need some great bathroom decoration ideas? Look no further, as decorating bathrooms has never been easier. Read on to find out how.

First, be sure to determine your overall budget and the scope of the project before doing anything else. This will eliminate additional stress and frustration as your bathroom makeover project is underway.

Once you have determined your overall project and budget, it is time to start formulating your color and style palette, utilizing the bathroom decorating ideas and plans you may have been thinking about. Is there a defined decorating style in the rest of your home that will be carried through to the bathroom decorating project? It’s a good idea to be consistent with the style you have set for other areas of your home, although in a bathroom you can ‘go down a different road’ as long as the basic design elements are kept consistent.

The same question applies to the color palette. Have you established a color palette of three to five colors in your home? If you have, select at least two of those colors, whether primary or secondary, to use in your bathroom decorating project.

If you’re not sure what to do with color, here is a suggestion. Find a reputable paint store and work with the suggested palettes and color chips. There are many to choose from, so if you have a color or two that you are working with, you will have no problem finding a variety of suggested color palettes.

Now that you have your style and color choices narrowed down, here are your other considerations and bathroom decoration ideas:

1. Decide if you want to use bold colors on the walls or keep them neutral and use color as an accent. In most bathrooms you can go either way. If you are renting your home or are not sure about putting a lot of color on the walls, stick with a neutral shade and you won’t go wrong. Use a washable paint such as eggshell or possibly a semi gloss, although you will get quite a bit of sheen with that finish.

2. Lighting is important in the bathroom for obvious reasons. Make sure you have enough and that at least one light is bright. Using a softer light such as a small lamp in place of a nightlight is great, but make sure your alternative sources of lighting are nice and bright!

3. You can substantially change the look of your bathroom with accessories, so here are some great bathroom decoration ideas – use some or all of them!

Change the mirror to create a new look. If the existing mirror is square or rectangular, consider oval if that will work in your bathroom. Use a mirror that has an interesting frame instead of just a plain or beveled edge.

If the cabinetry is staying, change the hardware and select something that you can coordinate with the towel holders, for example. This will create a pulled together, designer look. If your decor style is Shabby Chic or French Country, you might want to paint the cabinets.

Shop for accessories that have the color palette and overall design feel you are creating, but please don’t settle for the matching set of anything! You know, the toothbrush holder, soap dish, shower curtain and small wastebasket that have the same palm tree on them??? Don’t do it! Spend a little extra time looking for individual pieces that ‘click’, but don’t match. And, they don’t have to be new. You might find something awesome in another room of your home, a flea market, shopping online or a combination of all three. Take your time and be selective – you will be glad you did.

Think about storage for your bathroom makeover. If you have a linen closet, that’s great. If not, look for creative ways to store your towels, etc. I have used a nightstand from a bedroom set in the bath and it was great – The lower cabinet was great for supplies, and I stored makeup and such in the top drawer.

Finally, remember that safety is always at the forefront in the bathroom. Put rugs on the floor that are non-slip. You can find many great selections at any number of stores depending on your budget. Think twice about using glass jars, etc in the bath if there are small children that will be using the bathroom.

The bathroom should occupy the best place in home décor since it is the best place where one can relax and be relieved all the day’s stress and pain of hard work. One never realizes how much time is spent in the bathroom, especially when one is totally relaxed in the bath tub or under a hot water shower. It the best private room in the entire house that draws attention and also needs attention.

If one is into constructing a new home or planning to remodel one’s home décor the bathroom décor should be enhanced to a modern appearance since this is the room that every member of the family visits at the start and end of each day.

The best bathroom design ideas should be put down in paper at the onset and then changes can be made according to one’s choice. One needs to set the budget of the bathroom according to the ideas one has in mind. If one is aware of the cost of the bathroom accessories it is easy to set a perfect budget.

Sinks, bath tubs, toilets, showers, faucets, mirrors, cabinets, curtains, shower curtains and many more bathroom accessories like wall paneling, flooring etc. should be planned to match the entire décor of the bathroom.

For a good selection of bathroom sinks one can consider the Kohler bathroom sink for that style and unique appearance that every home maker would prefer to maintain. Faucets are exclusively designed to match the modern world and one would find it extremely confusing to choose the type that one actually requires. Their features are just amazing and versatile to use.

Shower curtains of varying sizes, designs and styles are available. One can choose the round shower curtain for a full enclosure while having a shower and at the same time keep water and soapy foam from staining the wall panels. Shower stalls are another good choice that can be used without shower curtains and hence a hygienic interior that is not damp and moist can be maintained.

Lighting fixtures in the bathroom should be given much priority as most bathrooms do not have the required light that is required. The ventilation could be little or nothing at all, hence a sky light or proper lighting effects that would give out the natural features of a person applying make up or shaving or styling the hair should be selected.

If the bathroom is large and there is enough space to accommodate a big bathroom vanity top it would be an ideal choice, but if the bathroom is small then one should select a small vanity top or a medicine cabinet to store cosmetics and other bath items.

A perfect bathroom design idea can be got from browsing from the internet and home décor magazines or simply by putting one’s own imagination and planning together. Interior decorators would have fixed plans for different types of bathrooms, but if one is into something with a special theme then it is solely the decision of the home maker or may be with the help of any other member of the family who is interested in home making as well, the best bathroom can be planned.

Whether you are making a new bathroom or remodeling the existing one, a good wall design should be one of your top priorities. Deciding what materials to be used for your bathroom walls is not an easy task though. You have lots of materials to choose from and virtually endless possibilities of design and pattern combination. The question now is: where to start?

Start by knowing your options for wall design. Tile has long been a popular choice for bathroom wall. It can be made of marble, limestone, vinyl, ceramic porcelain, granite, terrazzo, terra cotta, slate, stone, and glass among others. Take note of the advantages and disadvantages of each and the different effects each type of tile creates to your bathroom.

For example, terra cotta tile achieves a wall that looks weathered and rustic. It is also said to last for lifetime.

Marble tiles, like any other stone tiles must be sealed and require frequent cleaning. But marbles create a unique look when installed on specific areas of the wall.

Glass tiles are best if used as decorative accent but are often expensive and difficult to install.

Vinyl tiles are affordable compared to stone, porcelain, or ceramic. It is easy to install and easy to replace. However, vinyl tiles create several seams that can breed mold, mildew and bacteria. Aesthetic wise, vinyl tiles are not your best option.

Granite is often used as kitchen countertops but it is also good for bathroom wall accent especially if you want highlight a particular wall. Granite is durable and can last for a very long time.

Terrazzo tiles give unique beauty, elegance and longevity. However, it is quite expensive to use as wall design.

Concrete is another option you can take. The material is cheap but installation is not for the do-it-yourselfers. Concrete can be painted with different colors of your choice to match the mood you want to attain to your design.

Choose one or two materials above as the main wall and blend one or two more. The key is blending the right textures, color tones, and shades. For example, you can use natural stones such as marble, granite and limestone together. Glass with marble and limestone can also work.

There is nothing worst than a bathroom with 4 empty walls. Create a wall design according to your preference.