Bathroom remodeling gives you the chance to design a bathroom that suits the needs of you and your family. A great bathroom design can bring a smile to your face and increase the value of your home. Homeowners have many diverse reasons for remodeling and designing bathrooms including:

• Increasing the efficiency of the space
• Preparing to sell a home
• Replacing worn and broken components
• Updating a bathroom’s look.

No matter what your reason, when you design a bathroom the second time around, you improve your enjoyment of your home. Here are some basic bathroom ideas to help you start planning your project.

Using Your Space Well

One of the first things to consider when designing a bathroom is layout. Since a bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, efficient use of space is essential. While you may decide to completely reconfigure your bathroom’s layout, some smaller bathroom design ideas can make a huge difference in the way your bathroom functions:

• Adding a larger counter-top or a double sink can make things easier if more than one person uses your bathroom at the same time.
• Installing a corner closet, large medicine cabinet or vanity will provide additional storage space.
• Something as simple as moving towel racks can make it easier to get to your towel after showering or washing your hands.

Maintenance Bathroom Ideas

An easy to maintain bathroom will bring you much more joy than one that requires a lot of work. Common bathroom maintenance problems include:

• Chipped tiles
• Clogged drains
• Mildew
• Mold
• Soap buildup
• Stained grout
• Worn and stained surfaces.

Check out your bathroom and make note of which fixtures and components have not weathered well. As you reconfigure your bathroom design, you’ll be able to choose new materials that will better stand the test of time.

Design a Bathroom for Conservation

As you consider bathroom design ideas that will help you create your perfect bathroom, don’t forget energy and water conservation. Here are some excellent environmental bathroom ideas:

• Energy efficient hot water heaters
• Insulated hot water pipes
• Low flow shower heads
• Ultra low flow or dual flush toilets.

Electrical Considerations in Designing Bathrooms

Electricity is an important part of designing a bathroom. Taking the time to plan the electrical components in your bathroom will bring you added satisfaction with your project. Some simple bathroom ideas involving electricity include:

• Adding additional outlets and light switches
• Installing lighting in tub/shower area and over the mirror
• Upgrading light fixtures and/or adding mood lighting.

Aesthetic Bathroom Ideas

The aesthetic part of bathroom design gives you a chance to express your unique personality:

• Color scheme sets the tone for your bathroom. Whether you choose sunny yellows, restful blues, vibrant reds or anything in between, the colors you choose for your bathroom design will create a distinct mood.
• Choosing a running theme can add elegance or whimsy when you design a bathroom. Perhaps you’d like a classic leaf pattern, or maybe you’d be happier with Southwestern motifs. You can express a lighter side of yourself by choosing a sea life, musical or historical theme.
• Small touches such as candlelight, pictures and flowers will give your bathroom a finished look.