When it comes to redesign, remodelling and renovation work the bathroom is a hugely popular area for styling up and adding value to your home.
Whether you're settled or you've just moved in, your bathroom is one of the first rooms in the house that begins to look dated, scruffy or simply not in keeping with the rest of your home interior.
As the years pass and trends change, unfashionable tile patterns, outmoded colour schemes and old-time taps, towel rails and toilet furniture can really reduce the appeal of your home, particularly when you're looking to sell.
If you're faced with a bathroom that feels like you're stepping into an interior design time machine, TBKS have assembled our top 10 dos and don'ts to not only bring your bathroom into the present but also keep it futureproofed too.
#1. Do Have A Vision
Planning, preparation and an overall vision for your redesign project will ensure that your bathroom is a success from a practical and aesthetic point of view. Consider these key questions well before you begin your bathroom project:
#2. Don't Mess Around With Plumbing
Unless your bathroom is small, cramped or severely comprised - for example, sinks and showers are positioned completely impractically or even dangerously for everyday use - don't change the plumbing system, it's not worth the expense or the hassle.
#3. Do Invest In Quality Furniture
If you're wondering where you really need to spend your money, put it into your bathroom furniture and accessories. High-quality taps, shelves and showerheads are purchases you only make once, therefore invest in items that are made to last.
TBKS stock top-end products from brands like Samual Heath; a brand that prides themselves on craft and timeless quality.
Choose from our stunning range of taps, each made with a wonderful traditional design that will look great now and just as good in 5, 10, even 20 years time. You can also choose from a selection of finishes like antique gold and chrome to match your bathroom perfectly.
#4. Don't Focus On Trends And Fads
When remodelling your bathroom think "longevity" and "timeless" and reject "current", "on-trend" and "cool-right-now". When creating a bathroom you want something that will look good today but also look good in 3, 5, 10 years and beyond. Vivid prints, bold themes and daring materials may look edgy today, but they'll more than likely look silly tomorrow. Opt for tried and tested ideas and neutral features that you know are going to stick around now and later down the line.
#5. Do Call A Professional
Whether its a plumbing or electric issue, if you suddenly find that you're out of your depth, get the help of a professional contractor - don't attempt to do it yourself! Knowing and admitting your limits during your bathroom renovation project will actually guarantee a better end result and prevent you from causing a costly mistake.
#6. Don't Overspend In The Wrong Areas
Bathroom remodelling is about spending smart. If you want to invigorate your bathroom instantly, consider 3 key areas to invest in: #1. taps, #2. mirrors, #3. toilets. Even if you change these essential elements you'll help to improve the desirability of your home, even without a full-scale redesign of your bathroom.
#7. Do Set A Budget
In the UK a new bathroom - with furniture and installation costs included - will come to around £5000. However, astute comparisons and smart shopping choices may mean you're able to renovate your bathroom for a lot less.
Always make sure you set a budget that you won't go over. A lack of set expenditure is a fast track to spending a complete fortune so get estimates for all materials you're planning to use if you're completing the project yourself or work with an interior designer or professional contractor to estimate your costs if you're less confident. Also, add 20% to your budget to deal with any unexpected costs that could arise.
#8. Don't Neglect Practicality
Stylised lighting, over-designed taps or abstract sinks and baths may look edgy and interesting, but if you're constantly having to show your guests which way to twist a faucet or how to turn on the shower, your bathroom has failed to deliver on a practical level.
#9. Do Think About The Bigger Picture
Your newly renovated bathroom should not only be free from fads, it should also be futureproofed. We're not saying you need to choose a bathroom design that's free from character or individuality, but it does need to have popular appeal - incorporating a timeless design, colour scheme and layout - just in case you put your house on the market down the line.
#10. Don't Cut Corners
Rushing into things and executing a poorly conceived plan will doom your project from the start. Preparation is key.
Make sure you have the perfect plan, a well thought out design, timeless fixtures and fittings and professional help if you need it. This will ensure your bathroom becomes a room that is loved and admired by you and prospective buyers if and when you come to sell your home.
