With Maria Cerne, Interior Designer at Studio Black Interiors.
Have a bathroom that needs updating and not sure where to start? Renovating your bathroom can be transformative, but it’s all about getting the details right. Avoid these five common mistakes, and you’ll create a beautiful, functional bathroom that stands the test of time and adds value to your home. Remember, seeking advice from professionals and making informed decisions from the start can save you both time and money in the long run.
Not having a well-defined budget
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not setting a clear budget from the start. Without a budget, costs can quickly get out of hand. The best way to keep track of your expenses is to price everything up front. Explore products online and determine how much your fixtures and finishes will cost. Create a ‘must have’ list versus a ‘nice to have’ list. Do you want natural stone marble tiles laid in a herringbone pattern, underfloor heating, or a smart toilet? Get your trades and suppliers involved early and start collecting estimates as you go. It’s much easier to make design changes before the work begins!
Neglecting to properly plan
Skipping this crucial step can lead to design and layout problems down the track. A bathroom layout that’s poorly planned will affect how the space functions and looks. Before you start selecting your vanity, tiles, fixtures, and lighting, it’s vital to plan the best possible layout for the space. If your current layout works, then keeping fixtures and fittings where they are will save you the cost of moving plumbing. However, don’t be afraid to move things around if there is a better way to use the space. It may come with additional costs, but it is always worth getting a quote.
Compromising on functionality for good looks
Always design your bathroom around how it will function, ensuring the design is the best it can be for practical day-to-day use. Then, work out the aesthetics in terms of how you want the bathroom to look and feel.
Overestimating your DIY skills
When it comes to bathroom renovation, it’s best to leave complex tasks like plumbing and electrical to a licensed professional. If you want to DIY, focus on tasks you can’t easily mess up, such as demolition, painting, and sourcing materials.
Rushing the process
Good design takes time. Start with a design direction. Collect images of how you’d like the space to look and feel. Research your fixtures and finishes and consider their durability and what will work for you and your family. From the tiles to the colour of the fixtures, to the vanity, everything you select must work cohesively together. If you’re finding the entire process overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask for help from your trades and suppliers or engage an interior designer to help get your project back on track. A bathroom renovation is an investment, so take the time to carefully plan so you can ensure your renovation project results in a functional and beautiful space you will enjoy for years to come.
