Many homeowners have grand visions for remodeling a bathroom. Ideas are often inspired by spa-like spaces that promise tranquility and relaxation at every turn.
But a full renovation that leans entirely into the spa vision may not be practical, especially for families who may need a more pragmatic design or a more realistic budget. But that doesn't mean casting all your inspiration aside.
In this post, I'll outline six bathroom remodeling ideas that allow homeowners and families to enhance functionality and aesthetics and get closer to a spa-like experience.
Whether in your primary bathroom or a bathroom shared by your kids, a double vanity can add convenience and a luxurious feel. Instead of everyone fighting for time with a single sink and a small mirror, you can have extra usable space for less chaotic mornings.
Depending on your floor plan and family needs, you can also consider incorporating a makeup vanity, which enhances functionality and glamour in a bathroom. The makeup vanity should have a high-quality mirror, plenty of light, a sitting area, and space for storing makeup-related accessories.
Even if you can't go all-in with the at-home spa retreat, you can take a big step toward calmness and tranquility by designing your remodel with storage solutions that keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free.
Whether it's a primary bathroom, a full hall bath, or a small powder room, custom storage solutions, such as built-in niches and cabinetry, maximize space and keep toiletries and other items organized. Recessed wall spaces can be utilized for integrated storage solutions, including custom-shaped cabinets.
If you want a unique touch, a floating vanity or floating shelves provide both storage and a stylish element to bathroom design. And don't overlook other useful organizational items like towel racks, towel bars, and robe hooks.
While upgrading your storage may not by itself be a complete overhaul, it can have a major impact on your day-to-day quality of life. In addition, storage improvements can enhance functionality without high costs, making them especially appealing if you want to try to save money on your remodel.
Strategically selecting certain comfort upgrades can have a big impact on your overall satisfaction with your bathroom remodel.
For example, when selecting your bathroom flooring, choosing heated floors provides luxury and comfort during colder months. It may not seem like a huge change, but it's one you'll notice every morning when you start your day.
Similarly, upgrading to a new mirror can significantly enhance the style and brightness of your bathroom. For added benefits, smart mirrors feature built-in anti-fog technology and integrated lighting to optimize usability. You can complement the mirror by installing decorative lighting that creates an elegant and calming atmosphere in the bathroom.
Other increasingly popular comfort upgrades include heated bidet toilet seats and programmable showers that allow for customization of water temperature and flow rate.
When planning your remodel to suit your family, you can look for materials that offer plenty of style along with high-end performance that can stand up to regular use by everyone in your household.
Natural materials like stone and wood create a tranquil atmosphere in bathroom design. For example, installing a new stone countertop can dramatically change the look of the bathroom. A natural wood vanity provides texture and can be stained or given a fresh coat of paint to match your aesthetic preferences.
Tiling the bathroom walls (including the shower) can increase durability against moisture and make the bathroom easier to clean. Statement tile work with bold patterns or textures serves as a unique design element. Or you can opt for large-format tiles with minimal grout lines that can make your bathroom feel larger and more streamlined.
The floors in a frequently used bathroom can take a beating, so it makes sense to choose a durable flooring material. For some families, luxury vinyl flooring is appealing because it resists stains and spills and offers the look of tile or hardwood without a hefty price tag.
For any component of your bathroom, you can also think about sustainability. We've seen that incorporating sustainable materials is a growing trend for bathroom remodels among homeowners where we work in Chicagoland and the southern Wisconsin area.
You can give your bathroom a fresh look and add functionality by creating separate spaces within a shared bathroom. For instance, you can put the toilet or shower inside its own dedicated room with a door that can be closed. This makes it easier for multiple people to use the bathroom at the same time, which is especially compelling for families with multiple children who all need to get ready around the same time in the morning.
If you're set on creating a true spa-like experience at home or simply need more room to work with, a bathroom addition may be the only practical option.
A bump-out home addition on the main floor or a second-story addition could provide the space you need to build out your dream bathroom. Although it's not the right fit if you're looking to cut costs in your remodel, a home addition is one of the most dependable ways to transform your house.
With new space to work with, you aren't limited by having a small bathroom. Instead, the addition can be spacious and include features like a modern walk-in shower and a separate bathtub. Curbless walk-in showers provide a sleek aesthetic and improve accessibility. Along with that, a built-in shower bench and recessed shower niche improve comfort and organization in the shower area.
Incorporating a freestanding tub also adds a luxurious feel to a bathroom as the tub creates an eye-catching centerpiece. Customized finishing touches and high-end fixtures can give your brand-new bathroom the perfect blend of comfort, usability, and style.
Because bathroom projects almost always involve significant plumbing and electrical work, full remodels require careful planning and execution. A DIY bathroom renovation can quickly turn into a time-consuming task with unexpected issues.
That's why hiring a professional is necessary to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. For high-end or custom remodeling, such as a bathroom with spa-like elements, the proper experience and expertise is essential to achieving a quality final result.
Hogan Design & Construction is a custom remodeling firm with more than 25 years of experience delivering stunning results for our clients across the Chicago area and into southern Wisconsin. We're a design-build firm, so we lead the way on every aspect of the project, from conceptual design to final drawings and from construction to the last inspection.
If you're considering the full spa-retreat experience or want something a bit more practical, our team would be excited to work with you. We invite you to explore our portfolio and to contact us today to schedule a consultation.