10 Tips for simplifying your bathroom renovation

Renovating your bathroom is an opportunity to refresh and personalise the most intimate space in your home. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can transform your bathroom into a stylish and functional oasis. Here are ten tips to help you achieve your dream bathroom with confidence and ease:

Before you begin, take time to envision your ideal bathroom. Consider your daily routines, storage needs and aesthetic preferences. Do you want to explore bold colours and patterns or keep it zen and simple? This first step will guide your decisions throughout the renovation process and help you create a cohesive design.

Once you have a few ideas, organise them visually by creating a mood board. Collect images of bathrooms you love and add colour swatches, material samples, faucet and furniture designs. This will help you narrow down your ideas, refine your style and make sure all the elements work together harmoniously.

Assess your current bathroom layout and consider whether any changes could improve functionality. Think about the placement of key elements like the shower – do you want a fixed shower screen, or sliding or folding doors? Do you need to consider a collection like Access, which is designed for people with mobility challenges? Or perhaps you dream of a freestanding bath like Tura or Ariane? Whatever your needs and wishes, ensure that the layout flows well.

Pick a colour palette that reflects your style and creates the atmosphere you want. Consider using a mix of neutral tones with pops of colour through accessories, faucets or feature tiles. Remember that lighter colours, including the light terracotta or off-white finishes of Tura’s furniture or the matt white faucets of Targa or Cala, can make a small bathroom feel more spacious. Darker bathrooms can be soothing and sophisticated. Ohtake and Horizon feature sculptural black basins that can be statement pieces, especially when combined with a matt black Ona faucet.

For larger bathrooms, consider the Ona collection or The Gap’s spacious double basins and furniture units with two or three drawers. For small spaces look at compact furniture units like Tura or Mini Pro, which are functional yet space-saving.

Built-in faucets, wall-hung soap dispensers and other accessories from collections including Hotels or Allegro can save valuable space. Wall-hung pieces, including toilets and basins, open up the room, as the items appear to float rather than be fixed on the floor. Furniture units can also be freestanding or wall-hung. Freestanding can offer extra storage space and can make a statement in a bathroom. Balance these choices according to your space and style preferences.

Good lighting is important in a bathroom. Layer the bathroom with a combination of ambient, task and accent lights, and bring in natural light, if the space allows. Mirrors are a great way to add depth and lighting to a space. Iridia mirrors with perimetral lighting are an effective way to add additional lighting for applying makeup or other personal routines.

Select materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for a bathroom environment. Stonex® is a proprietary material that allows for more streamlined designs, as seen in Ona and Maui basins, as well as the Terran-N range of smooth, stone-like shower trays. The soft, smooth surface of Stonex® is durable, slip resistant and easy to clean. So is Senceramic®, another proprietary material used on Cratos shower trays. Everlux and Evershine are sophisticated and sustainable coatings that add shine and ensure faucets are durable and long-lasting.

Adequate storage is essential for maintaining a clutter-free bathroom. Consider built-in niches in the shower area, under-sink cabinets, and vertical storage options like Ona and Inspira storage units and Extra collections. All are available in a range of colour finishes and maximise storage space.

Renovating is the perfect time to bring in technology to the bathroom and improve your daily routine. The In-Wash® Inspira, In-Wash® Ona or In-Wash® Insignia smart toilets are a worthwhile investment, offering better hygiene, added comfort and energy savings. To enhance your shower experience with technology, consider a smart shower with a thermostatic mixer for the perfect water temperature along with increased water savings.

Remember, a successful bathroom renovation requires careful planning and execution. Take the time to research and choose elements that not only look good together but also meet your practical needs. Don't be afraid to seek professional help for complex tasks like plumbing or electrical work. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a stylish and functional bathroom that you'll enjoy for years to come.