The Bathroom – The least talked about room– but the most used!

If you’ve ever been to a luxury hotel and walked into the spa-like bathroom or seen one in a magazine or online, you’ve likely felt compelled to send a picture of it to a friend. Let’s face it– it’s just a bathroom! We all know what happens in there, and for obvious reasons, we choose not to talk about it. But if you’re thinking about renovating yours, let’s talk about the elements needed to not only make it functional but also give it that ‘WOW’ factor we all crave! Frankly speaking, every home needs at least one bathroom, or maybe even two or three! But they don’t have to be purely practical spaces. Just like any other renovation, there are key factors to consider when revamping a bathroom:

• Accessibility
• Style
• Room size and ultimately space restrictions.
• Budget 

Some bathroom renovations simply update the existing space with new flooring, fixtures, lighting, and paint. Then there are the more extensive renovations. These might involve expanding the space by borrowing from an adjacent room or even adding an entirely new section to create the bathroom of your dreams. Just as kitchens have become more than utility spaces, so too have bathrooms. The trend of a ‘spa-like’ bathroom is no longer just a trend– it has become a must-have for many homeowners. Manufacturers have responded by offering a vast selection of not only functional but dare we say, beautiful fixtures to cater to today’s bathroom oasis, which also adapts to life’s changes with style. So, what transforms a practical bathroom into a luxurious Zen-like retreat? Well, that depends on the individual homeowner. Luxury comes in various styles, and there are many choices to be had. But what elevates any bathroom beyond practicality is not just the extraordinary fixtures, it’s the entire interior design. When done right, it’s an inspired collaboration of suitable textures, colours, lighting, layout and efficiency. In the absence of a well-thought-out design, the room simply maintains its status as essential, nothing more. And no one really sets their sights on ‘essential’!

Before all of the other selections are made, there is one very important thing to consider in any bathroom renovation– proper ventilation. Many existing bathrooms lack proper ventilation, which can lead to mould growth – a health hazard and threat to your investment. Ensuring adequate ventilation, whether through a bathroom fan or window, should be a top priority in your renovation plans. In 2024, bathroom designs remain focused on personal care and wellness. The bathroom is not just for brushing teeth or washing hair or the unmentionable– it’s a space to escape after a long day at work, a place to peacefully prepare for that long day, and do the same again the next day! When designing your ultimate bathroom, there are many elements to consider and so many choices for each, it can feel overwhelming. Remember, size matters. Your space may not accommodate every feature you’ve seen in your favourite hotel spa. In such cases, it’s essential to identify what really captivates you about those spaces. Is it a particular fixture, or a combination of colours, textures, and lighting? Or is it simply the feeling of being away from home? While a renovation can’t replicate that feeling, understanding what draws you to those spaces can guide your selections and transform your space into a sanctuary of serenity.

Here is a starter list of the numerous considerations for a bathroom design: 

• Colours: Natural tones, warm neutrals to bolder colours. This is your space so choose the colour palette that will achieve the ambiance you are looking to create.
• Cabinetry: Custom cabinetry, converted vintage furniture, or pre-fab manufactured cabinetry. Free-standing vanity(s), floating vanity(s), linen towers, floating shelves, etc. in a multitude of material choices and handle/hardware options.
  
• Countertops: Natural stone, granite, quartz, marble, laminate, or glass, etc. Keep in mind ease of maintenance, especially in the bathroom.
  
• Flooring and tile: Natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tile, vinyl, etc. Choose from solid surface slabs, extra-large tiles, subway tiles, penny tiles, tiles of any size, etc. Tiles come in 3D patterns, simple lines, textured tiles, etc. Keep in mind, the smaller the tile – the more grout to keep clean.
  
• Tubs: Free-standing, therapy tubs (air baths, whirlpool, soakers, combination baths), bath/shower combination units, corner tubs, alcove tubs, drop-in tubs, walk-in tubs and of course, no tub at all.
  
• Showers: Tub/shower combination units, prefabricated showers, customized walk-in showers (curbless or curbed), shower benches, shower niches, and wet rooms.
  
• Faucets/fixture options: Body sprays, rain heads, handheld showers, shower towers, steam showers, waterfall showers-- there are a variety of options. Single or dual vanity sinks, pedestal sinks, trough sinks, wall-mounted sinks, vessel sinks, under-mount or drop-in sinks, and an extensive variety of bathroom faucets in many different finishes and even smart faucets to choose from.
  
• Toilets and bidets: Wall hung, dual flush, back-to-wall, one-piece or two-piece toilets and smart toilets to choose from. Options for heated seats, lighted seats, and soft-close seats are other considerations and of course, a bidet and even a urinal are options too. Toilet shapes are round, elongated or compact elongated toilets. Most toilets come in a variety of colours and brands. 

• Accessories: Towel holders, towel warmers, toilet paper holders, mirrors, heated floors, glass walls and doors, and shower curtains are a few considerations. And don’t forget about intriguing but cleanable art and of course, a garbage container – choose a more discrete option for better aesthetics.

Making selections can be overwhelming, but always keep in mind that choosing quality, durability, and ease of maintenance can help minimize your stress later and hopefully maximize your investment. Make your choices carefully. As with a kitchen renovation, which you can read about here, it’s important to remember that before you can enjoy your tranquil new retreat; you may be without a working bathroom for a while. Timing is everything! If you don’t have another working bathroom to use during this downtime, you will need to make alternative arrangements.

At Vanderzalm Construction, we are experts in bathroom renovations. We have the expertise to help you with the planning and creativity that can transform your existing bathroom into your own personal sanctuary! Call us today at (905)562-4463 or email us at info@vanderzalm.ca