Here are 15 bathroom remodeling ideas for your home. Furthermore, another style to consider is a low-flow toilet. These models save water every time you flush. They are a smart choice that not only will lower your water bill but also increase the value of your home. Most modern bathroom tiles are easy to clean, and they use grouts that resist mold, humidity, and stains. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in many style possibilities. Mix and match different patterns and colors for maximum visual impact, or do something more understated for a harmonious look. Douglas Sacha / Getty Images Typical bathroom drain plumbing is usually PVC pipe that’s 1.5 inches or sometimes 1.25 inches in diameter. This type of drain pipe can clog easily, especially if you have several family members using the same shower and/or bath. Installing drain pipe that’s 2 inches in diameter costs roughly the same, and it will dramatically improve the quality of drainage in your bathroom. Adding a window in your shower will help to draw out humidity, even if you just crack it open during or after a shower. A window also will let natural light into the bathroom, which is both an aesthetic and a safety consideration. Plus, you likely won’t have to waste energy by turning on a bathroom light during the day if you have a window. Remember to slope a shower window sill downward, so water drains off of it. And use frosted glass for privacy. A recessed medicine cabinet is especially useful when your vanity is on the shallower side. Compared to a cabinet jutting out from the wall, it will give you extra space to bend over and use the sink. There will be fewer worries about banging your head on the edge of the cabinet. Also, add recessed fixtures around the mirror to give you the best lighting possible when doing your hair, applying makeup, shaving, or doing any other task that requires lots of light. Moreover, consider adding lighting in the shower, rather than around it. You might find your showers to be more pleasant (and safer) when they’re lighted properly. Hero Images / Getty Images Plus, if your house includes another family bathroom that does have a tub or a tub/shower combination, there is no reason why your primary bathroom can’t omit the tub in favor of a luxurious shower. Your main concern should be with how you’re going to use your bathroom. Smaller tubs take up less floor space in the bathroom, freeing up room for more storage, countertop area, and more. They also use less water and energy to fill them. And they are less surface space to clean than a large tub. Not to mention that heated bathroom floors will make a huge difference in your comfort, especially if you live in a cold climate. Most bathroom floor tiles are naturally cold. But running the floor heating even for a little while can cause the tiles to retain heat for a long time. Bathroom style fads can fade quickly. And large fixtures can be pricey and difficult to replace if you decide you no longer like them. Plus, a bathroom that’s clearly dated can negatively impact your home’s resale value. You can always add some bolder design flair with smaller fixtures and accessories that are easier to swap out when it’s time for an update. For instance, natural stone countertops are fairly expensive, but they’re also quite durable. And they can fit with many different design styles. The look of marble countertops appeals to many people, but marble is porous and needs regular resealing. Laminate countertops are inexpensive, though they don’t add much for resale value. And tiled countertops can be easy to install, but the grout lines need frequent cleaning. Even if it’s not required by code, a bathroom vent fan is a smart addition. It will draw out moisture and odors, improving the air quality in the space. It also will help to prevent mold and mildew growth. Plus, you can run it year-round unlike a bathroom window, which you might not want to open during cold or inclement weather. A past complaint about low-flow showerheads was that they lacked pressure. However, you might not even notice a difference in pressure with today’s models. Make sure the storage will function with your day-to-day life. For instance, select a vanity with enough storage space that will keep items you regularly use at your fingertips. Otherwise you might find them cluttering your countertops and diminishing the look of your beautiful new bathroom. Furthermore, don’t clutter your new bathroom with accessories all at once. Try living with just the essentials for a little while to see what you really need in the space. Then, you can strategically pick items that fit both your design preferences and your lifestyle.
