The bathroom, along with the kitchen, is a functional space, but one that can be so much more. Considering how much time we spend in the bathroom, it’s not surprising that remodelling is one of the most popular home improvement projects. From a simple lick of paint through to a full refit with new fixtures, working on the bathroom adds value to your home, and the quality of life you have living in it. And while your project doesn’t necessarily have to cost the earth (depending on what you are doing), it can be a labour-intensive affair which requires planning and commitment. Once you’ve made a plan and set a budget the only limit is your imagination. The global pandemic has only placed greater importance on updating and maintaining our homes, so 2024 could well be a big year for home improvements. Let’s look at some ideas to transform your bathroom into something a little bit special.
1. Showers
For many of us, space is at a premium in our bathrooms, meaning that a shower often takes the place of a tub. Whether you’re pushed for floor space or not, having a shower that looks great and is indulgent is a must-have. Open showers are coming into vogue, combining functionality, space-saving and eye-catching minimalist design. Large-format tiles are also in, and by reducing the amount of grout, they make the space seem bigger. Linear drains are replacing conventional ones – with a sloping floor these give a more elegant touch to the shower. And of course, multi-directional shower heads never go out of style, giving you a hot blast of luxury whenever you need it. For this reason you should take your time for finding the right shower head that will not only look great, but make your shower time more relaxing. There are so many to choose from: high pressure, rainfall, fill body or handheld are just some of many you can look for. Be wise since shower stall is still your sanctuary, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
2. Tubs
A spacious bathroom is a luxury, so if you have enough room for a tub, make the most of it. But where large, free-standing tubs once dominated, more and more people are opting for more compact, minimalistic options like the ofuro tub. This originated in Japan, and is a free-standing soaking tub, which can be made of porcelain, wood or even stone. Your tub can be easily accessorised and paired with other design elements, and can even be the very centrepiece of your bathroom. If you like long and relaxing baths this is the way to go. A full tub and a little bit of bath salt can change your whole day.
When planning your bathroom remodel, it’s essential to consider the needs of every family member, including those with limited mobility. Incorporating walk-in bathtubs can be a practical solution, providing accessibility and convenience.
3. DIY
Whilst many areas of bathroom remodelling call for professional help, there is a big shift towards doing it yourself. You probably wouldn’t want to try plumbing in a new tub or toilet, but for the countless other refit elements you’ll find no shortage of resources online to get you started – for further useful information and tips you can check out sites such as Renovation Kingdom. Taking care of decor elements requires no specialised bathroom know-how, and tiling floors or walls means you have direct creative control of the aesthetic feel of the space. And of course, a lick of paint to brighten the room up is a tried and tested option, not to mention being simple and cheap.
4. Technology
Create the bathroom of tomorrow by utilising the smart technology which is becoming widespread and more affordable by the day. Voice-activated technology means you can check the news or listen to your favourite music or podcasts while you shower, brush your teeth or perch on the toilet. Smart mirrors are now available which can display pretty much anything you want, from your email and calendar to the weather report. For those that are a little more tech-savvy, installing one yourself can be a point of pride to show off to all your friends and loved ones. And while some may baulk at bringing the outside world into the sanctuary of the bathroom, it is impossible not to be wowed by the ingenuity of these products.
5. Flooring
Gone are the days of square bits of cork and drab, fluffy carpets. Tiles are in this year – and the more decorative the better. Taking cues from European and North African traditional styles, the floor can really elevate the mood and feel of the bathroom. Whether you want to create an Alhambra effect, or prefer a sleek, more contemporary vibe, tiles on the floor can really work wonders. The trend in minimalist bathtubs, showers and toilets make it easy to find a good match, so you’re only limited by your imagination. And simple, single tone rugs or bath mats look fantastic on tiles. No matter how amazing your bathroom looks, if your tiles are old and boring it will spoil the whole look, so contact JBLFlooringSolutions.com.
6. Plants
A bit of greenery can really add some life – literally – to your bathroom. Depending on how much space you have you could opt for small ferns on shelves, or larger floor standing plants. And don’t forget containers – particularly in fashion this year are upcycled, natural finished wooden pots, which not only look fantastic but also help you do your bit for the environment. Some people like to select plants based on their aroma as well as their looks. Remember, smell carries more potently through a steamy environment, so your bathroom can double as a natural aromatherapy chamber too. If you are “smell sensitive”be very careful or consult a professional. Explain what you need and they will tell you which plants are the right ones for you.
There are all sorts of ways to update and refresh your bathroom, big or small, cheap or expensive, classic or contemporary. This is your space to relax after a long, hard day. Let your imagination go wild this year, and create a bathroom to be proud of.
