6 Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid
Your bathroom is a functional space, but it’s also a place to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you want your bathroom to be more spa-like or a sleek and modern space, you’ll need to consider layout, storage, and lighting options.
However, many common design mistakes can derail your bathroom remodel plans. To avoid these bathroom mistakes, try to incorporate the following elements into your design.
Discover expert tips on crafting the ideal bathroom design for renovation, ensuring functionality, style, and personal flair. Explore now for inspiration!
1. Overlooking the Layout
Oftentimes people get caught up in details like flooring and tile choices and forget that the layout is the most important part of the room.
Nothing feels creepy in a bathroom, and there are lots of tricks to bring natural light into the room. Try using etching on interior windows, installing skylights, or even creating a trompe l’oeil ceiling that suggests sunlight is coming in.
Another common mistake is not planning enough storage space for the bathroom. This can lead to cluttered countertops and messy drawers that don’t look appealing. To avoid this, think about the specific items you keep in your bathroom and create a plan for how to store them.
2. Overlooking the Lighting
The lighting in a bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also important for functionality, safety, and ambiance. Too often, people overlook this aspect of their bathroom design and end up with a poorly lit space that isn’t functional or inviting.
The solution is to create a layered lighting design instead of just installing an overhead light above the vanity, tub, or shower. This allows you to adjust the ambiance depending on the mood you’re going for, and it minimizes unflattering shadows or uneven lighting. It’s also smart to have your electrician wire your lights so they can be turned on and off independently. This way, you can set the mood without worrying about leaving the lights on all night.
3. Overlooking the Storage
One mistake homeowners often make is focusing too much on style and neglecting functional storage. Adding shelves is a simple way to provide space for a variety of items like toiletries, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
Using a tray or stacked baskets is another way to keep small items neatly organized without taking up any valuable counter or floor space. Or, for a sleek look, try incorporating decorative containers into your bathroom storage design. You can find plenty of stylish options in everything from porcelain to tin.
Another overlooked space for storage is the backs of doors. Installing a towel bar here can offer major storage for towels that are being used or ready to be taken out of the dryer.
4. Adding Too Many Patterns
Patterns are a great way to add visual interest to a bathroom, but too many can be overwhelming. Be sure to mix patterns with solids to create balance and avoid overcrowding the space with too much design.
Similarly, it’s important to consider texture when incorporating patterns. Texture can be just as visually interesting, and can be used to add depth and dimension to the space.
In an open-concept layout, careful zoning is key to ensuring that your bathroom and adjacent spaces function efficiently. This includes ensuring that frequently-used items are easy to reach, and that there are enough structural supports for wall-mounted accessories.
5. Adding Too Many Statement Pieces
Bathrooms need to be practical, but they also deserve to be beautiful. Nobody wants to bathe, brush their teeth or put on makeup in a drab, uninspiring room. Luckily, making a few easy design fixes can help you achieve the perfect balance of beauty and utility in your bathroom.
Designers suggest avoiding overcrowding the room with too many statement pieces. For example, if you opt for a bold-colored bathtub, make sure the rest of the design matches its personality and doesn’t compete with it. Adding a decorative accent like a chandelier or a set of stylish baskets can help you avoid overdoing it.
6. Not Considering Your Personality
While a bathroom may seem like the least important room in your home, it’s essential to design your space with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. After all, no one wants to bathe, brush their teeth, or shave in a dull or uninspiring room.
Aside from choosing a color palette that reflects your desired ambiance, try using contrasting textures, shapes, and colors to create visual interest in your space. This could mean adding a patterned accent wall or choosing a tile style that features a decorative pattern. Lastly, don’t forget to include proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew build-up and to help eliminate any lingering odors.
