10 Tips for Remodeling Your Bathroom

Remodeling your bathroom can breathe new life in to your home. It might be as simple as in­stalling new cabinets and countertops or upgrading your shower and/or tub. You might, however, want to remove everything down to the studs and start from scratch. Before you begin, consider the following suggestions — some of which are based on findings from the 2023 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study — to help narrow your goals:

1. Add square footage: If you have the budget and deem it a priority, add square footage to your bathroom. Studies show that one quarter of homeowners opt to increase the size of master bathrooms. Many of those who are keeping the bathroom size as is find it too small for their needs (30 percent). Millennial homeowners (ages 25 to 34) are more likely to increase their master bathrooms than are other homeowners.
2. Splurge on the shower: A new, updated shower is the top feature to splurge on during a master bathroom renovation (42 percent of renovating homeowners). Of those making master shower updates (81 percent), more than two-thirds increase its size. To save space, consider a walk-in (curbless) shower, which will inherently make your bathroom feel bigger. A frameless door or even a simple curtain will open sight lines and allow decorative tile to stand out.
3. Skylights: Adding a skylight will provide natural light and a tranquil ambience, both during the day and at night; it will provide privacy, whereas a regular window might not; and it will visibly expand and brighten the room, especially if the bathroom is not situated on a wall adjacent to the outdoors. Vented skylights add an extra advantage by discouraging mold and mildew.
4. Aging in place: The bathroom is probably the No. 1 space in the home where people prepare the home for aging. Incorporating universal design principles will make the bathroom safer for both young and old. Consider adding details such as grab bars, walk-in tubs and showers, rubber flooring, slip resistant tile and comfort height toilets.
5. Plumbing technology: The demand for high-tech bathroom features grew significantly, with 29 percent of upgraded toilets and 12 percent of up­graded showers boasting these features (compared with 24 percent and 9 percent, respectively, in 2022). High-tech toilets can save water, keep your seat warm, move the lid with a motion sensor, stop the need for paper with automatic water spritzing and clean themselves. Faucets, too, are getting more high-tech. Aside from the infrared sensor (which is practical, energy efficient and cleaner), now you can set a faucet timer for tasks like brushing your teeth.
6. Floating vanities and toilets: Add a floating vanity or floating toilet to enlarge the feel of your bathroom space. Not only do they create an uninterrupted flow, they are much easier to clean. For an even cooler effect, add under vanity lights.
7. Upgraded hardware: Upgraded faucets are available in a wide range of styles, from timeless and traditional to sleek and modern and are more water efficient than previous models. They also come with highly functional features, such as integrated ceramic disks within the fixture that help grind away buildup that causes leaks. New sink and showerhead options are endless, too. Customizing is easy and will get you a good return.
8. Freestanding tub: There is no limit to the variability of freestanding tubs. They aren’t limited by the need to fit between walls or into tile, so their designers are able to be more creative with the shape. The look makes a unique statement and the style will allow you to use your space more creatively as no walls are required. Also, compared to a built-in tub, a freestanding tub is painless to install. Instead of a decorator and a contractor, you’ll likely just need a plumber.
9. Maximize floor space: Take out the linen closet. Instead, increase storage by installing ceiling height cabinets or open shelving or utilze unused corners to make the best use of space.
10. Accent wall: If your bathroom is small, create an accent wall by using a light or bright paint that will enlarge the feel. Use bold tile or wallpaper behind the vanity or frame the bathtub or shower to make a statement accent wall.