Some people prefer to implement home upgrades a little bit at a time, either because of their budget or because they only have a few things they wish to change. When it comes to a bathroom remodel, however, renovation work tends to be far more intensive.

Whether you want to improve the style of your bathroom, implement new tech-friendly features, or simply make better use of the area’s floor plans, there are countless reasons why upgrading your bathroom can be a great idea for your home.

Because a bathroom remodel tends to be so involved, however, many homeowners prefer to complete all the work at once rather than drag out the process. As a result, it is essential that you carefully consider each aspect of the bathroom to ensure that you get the desired outcome.

Here is a closer look at some of the key areas that should receive your attention during planning and remodeling so you can achieve a cohesive look for your bathroom.

1. Bathroom Vanities

As one of the most visible elements of any bathroom, the vanity is often a good starting point when trying to coordinate the overall design of your bathroom remodel. Do you prefer the furniture style of a free-standing vanity? Or the open look of a wall-mounted vanity? Would you rather have a traditional style, or something more contemporary? Such decisions can greatly influence the rest of your bathroom design, so carefully consider the style that will best fit your tastes.

Of course, style and color are far from the only attributes you should consider when selecting your bathroom vanity. The size of the vanity is a crucial factor. For example, many master bathrooms benefit from a vanity with two sinks. However, if you are replacing a vanity that only had one sink, you will likely need to invest in some additional plumbing installations.

The number of drawers and doors will directly influence how much storage space is available in your bathroom. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to choose a slightly larger model so that you don’t have to worry about running out of space. However, you should make sure that a larger vanity will not disrupt walkways or encroach upon other bathroom fixtures.

Materials matter when purchasing a new bathroom vanity. High humidity levels and frequent exposure to moisture can warp and damage wood that isn’t properly treated. Higher-end countertop materials will also offer better water resistance and overall durability.

Finally, don’t forget the sink measurements for your new vanity. Most bathroom vanities do not come with a faucet, giving you the opportunity to select a look that best matches your personal tastes. However, you must double check that your faucet’s measurements are compatible with the vanity itself.

2. Medicine Cabinets & Mirrors

No bathroom remodel is complete without a mirror where you can check your reflection and make sure that you’re ready to start your day. While many bathrooms work great with a standard mirror mounted above the vanity, those looking for a little more storage space are best served by installing a medicine cabinet.

With today’s medicine cabinets, you can get much more than a mirrored surface and some extra storage shelves. For example, in the Robern Uplift Tech line, you can find vanities with features such as perimeter lighting, dimmable LED task lighting, a glass defogger, a programmable night light, and even USB and 120VAC outlets.

Most medicine cabinets can be installed recessed or as a surface mount, giving you greater flexibility as far as where they will be placed. Make sure your walls have enough space to fit the medicine cabinet, and that your selected size is a good match for your vanity. With such a wide range of features to choose from, getting ready in the morning has never been easier! 

3. Shower Enclosures

Many homes utilize a bathtub/shower combination with a shower curtain. While this is certainly a workable solution, it is often far from elegant or efficient. Shower curtains don’t always do the best job of keeping water inside the shower, which can result in leaks that increase your risk of mildew growth or other problems.

As with vanities, a shower enclosure can provide a visual focal point for the room. Consider the layout of the bathroom when determining the type of enclosure you prefer. While a bypass/sliding door may be the perfect fit for replacing your old shower/tub unit, smaller bathrooms may benefit from a corner shower installation. 

A glass shower enclosure is more than just a great style upgrade. Glass shower doors use sliding panels and water repellent coatings to help create a watertight seal that prevents leaks. Many modern options can also be adjusted to work with out of plumb walls, eliminating the need for more costly remodeling work.

Glass shower doors allow more light in the bathroom, helping the space feel larger (especially if you install a frameless shower door). For best results, the walls of the shower enclosure should be covered in tile. A textured non-slip shower base will prevent accidents while using the shower.

Don’t forget about the shower head! Modern shower heads offer several adjustable sprays, helping you get the exact coverage you want for a truly luxurious experience. Better still, many modern products are designed to be more eco-friendly thanks to “low flow” settings, helping you reduce your household water consumption. Shower panels give you even more control over the water flow.

4.Lighting

Your lighting may not seem as noteworthy as other design elements, but it can still play a crucial role in the final look of your bathroom remodel. Providing plenty of overhead and task lighting will make it easier to get ready in the morning and help the space feel more open and inviting.

For best results, position overhead lighting above the bathroom’s walkways so that the vanity area is lit from behind. When installing new light fixtures around the bathroom mirror, be sure that they are symmetrically placed so you can have even lighting. It is also a good idea to place lighting over the shower area to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents.

If you want to help the environment and give your bathroom a modern touch, get LED lightbulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. Most modern light fixtures are compatible with LED bulbs, which consume less electricity and have a much longer lifespan than other options. Many LED lights are dimmable so you can have even greater control over your bathroom lighting.

5. Bathtubs

As elegant as a standalone shower enclosure may be, there is no denying that many people love to lay back and relax in a bathtub. If you have enough space in your master suite, you could easily install a bathtub next to your shower enclosure. For smaller bathrooms, however, you may need to stick with a tub/shower combo (though options with sliding glass doors are available).

You can get bathtubs in a wide variety of styles to better suit the overall aesthetic you want from your bathroom renovation. Whether you like the classic style of a clawfoot tub or a more streamlined modern freestanding tub, there is something for you.

For households with elderly individuals, it may be a good idea to get a drop in or walk in tub. These options are easier to get in and out of, reducing the risk of accidents while in the bathroom. If you plan to age in place in your current home, investing in one of these safer options is well worth considering.

6. Toilets

The toilet may not be the most glamorous part of the bathroom, but there is no denying just how essential it is! Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways you can improve upon your current toilet during a bathroom remodel.

If you’re interested in creating a more contemporary look for your bathroom, you could install a wall mounted toilet. These toilets use an in-wall tank to give your bathroom a more streamlined look. You could also invest in an ADA compliant toilet, ensuring that you will have no trouble using your bathroom as you age.

WaterSense Certified toilets offer another great way to reduce your impact on the environment. These toilets use as little as 0.8 gallons of water per flush, helping to minimize your daily water consumption. Despite their low water use, powerful nozzles and centrifugal action ensure efficient flushing.

You can also upgrade your toilet by purchasing models such as the TOTO Aquia IV Washlet+ Kit, which comes with a bidet seat. These toilets offer all the functionality of a bidet integrated into the toilet seat. Multiple spray settings, self-cleaning water wands, a heated seat, and a built-in deodorizing system and eWater+ auto cleansing make this installation extremely easy to care for.

Reducing how much water you use each time you flush may not seem like it makes a big impact, but over time, it can really add up. You will be doing your part to help save the planet while also reducing your monthly utility bills.

7. Flooring

Frequent exposure to moisture can be especially problematic for your floors — making your choice of flooring materials an essential consideration during the bathroom remodel process. Fortunately, there is no shortage of materials that can work well in the bathroom, providing both water resistance and great style.

For more budget-minded renovations, you can’t go wrong with vinyl flooring. Though one of the least expensive flooring materials, it is available in a wide range of styles and colors while also being extremely water resistant. Vinyl can imitate natural stone or hardwood, while providing a softer surface that is more comfortable for your feet. Vinyl tiles and planks also tend to be much easier to install than other materials. Many varieties use a click lock installation that can be done without the help of a contractor.

If you prefer something more luxurious, stone tile is a great choice. Available in materials such as marble, slate, and limestone, these floors can last a lifetime with proper care. Because these tiles are made from natural materials, they are available in a wide range of textures and come with one of a kind vein and color patterns. Materials like slate are naturally slip resistant. To maintain their great style, most stone tiles should be sealed every few years.

Finally, there is porcelain tile. Made from clay, porcelain is extremely resistant to staining, water penetration, and other common bathroom hazards. Porcelain tiles are available in a wide variety of custom shapes and styles. Whether you want to imitate the look of hardwood, install large square tiles, or shake things up with hexagonal tiles, there is an option available for you. Just make sure the color and style match the rest of the bathroom!

8. Extra Features

Depending on your needs, there may be other features you wish to add to your bathroom to improve functionality or style. Additional storage cabinets and shelves can offer a great solution for storing extra towels and toiletries, especially if you do not have a linen closet conveniently located near the bathroom. Linen side cabinets work perfectly as a standalone unit, or can be installed alongside a vanity.

Towel warmers allow you to go well beyond the typical towel rack by heating your folded towels. This helps dry the towels quickly after you use them to dry off, preventing mildew growth and ensuring that they will be warm and toasty for the next time you need them! Though they require installation by a professional electrician, they are a great way to make your bathroom feel even more luxurious.

Are You Ready For Your Bathroom Remodel?

Completely renovating your bathroom is a big project, but few home improvement efforts deliver a more satisfying long-term impact. Whether you want to give your existing space a facelift or plan to knock down walls to expand the bathroom, focusing on the design elements featured in this list will ensure that you love the final result.

Of course, a bathroom remodel isn’t cheap — but this is where Kitchen & Bath Authority is ready to help. In addition to offering free shipping on all orders, we also offer significant discounts on a wide range of bathroom products!

If you sign up for our exclusive lifetime membership, you’ll gain access to even more great savings, with additional member discounts on all products in our store as well as free shipping and expedited order processing.

Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank — and it doesn’t have to be stressful trying to find the products that will turn your dreams into a reality. With Kitchen & Bath Authority, you will have no trouble transforming your bathroom into the luxurious spa of your dreams.

As one of the most-used parts of the home, it’s only natural that you would want your bathroom to provide the perfect blend of style and functionality. Of course, most homeowners don’t have their dream bathroom right from the get-go. For many, a bathroom remodel will be necessary to create the desired environment.

Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we understand that each person (and home) is unique. No two bathroom remodels will be exactly alike. However, there is no denying that there are a few key principles that are essential for a successful result with any remodeling project.

By accounting for how you will use your bathroom on a day to day basis, as well as the items that affect the cost and scope of the project, you will be able to achieve an outcome that you love. Here is a closer look at the factors you will need to consider when planning for a bathroom remodel.

1. Set Your Budget

According to HomeAdvisor, it costs an average of $10,369 to remodel a bathroom. There are several factors that can raise or lower this total, including the size of the bathroom, the materials used, and the contractors who are involved in the actual labor.

Because a bathroom remodel is such a big investment, it is essential that you establish a budget before you start shopping around for materials and contractors. Know how much you can afford, including whether you will need to obtain financing for the remodel.

What is most important is ensuring that your remodeling project won’t negatively impact your ability to manage other financial responsibilities. Take a look at your bank account and monthly budget to determine how much you can afford to spend. 

If your budget seems tighter than you’d like, don’t worry! We offer significant discounts off MSRP for several bathroom products to help you stretch your budget further. Many homeowners also achieve their desired remodeling outcomes more gradually by performing partial renovations. For example, you could replace your vanity now, and upgrade your shower enclosure at a future date to spread out the costs.

Even if money is tight, it’s always better to pay a little more for a quality product. Bathroom products from reputable manufacturers tend to have better warranty coverage and are less likely to experience defects, helping you save on future repair or replacement costs.

2. Who Will Be Using the Bathroom?

This is one of the most important elements to consider before you start making other remodeling decisions. After all, the way you use the master suite will be significantly different from how a smaller guest bathroom or a child’s bathroom would be used.

For example, when remodeling a bathroom that will be used by your children, it may be beneficial to choose a vanity with a shorter 30 inch countertop height rather than the standard 36 inch height. This will make it easier for your kids to access the faucet for washing hands or brushing their teeth. If your family is taller than average, a vanity like the James Martin 147-114-5236-2CAR Brookfield 48 Inch Antique Black Single Vanity With Drawers With Carrara White Stone Top could be even more useful, thanks to its above-average 43.3 inch height.

If you are planning to age in place, it may also be beneficial to consider features that will improve accessibility and stability. Grab bars and non-slip flooring may not seem like a big deal, but they can make all the difference in improving bathroom safety for seniors.

If you are remodeling your bathroom to help prepare to sell your home, you should be especially mindful of which features are consistently valued in the market. For example, double sinks are an extremely popular feature in the master bathroom because they conveniently streamline daily use for married couples. Even minor upgrades, like using brushed metal fixtures and faucets, can help give the bathroom a more luxurious appearance that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. However, avoid overly trendy features, which could quickly become dated.

3. Layout Considerations

Your bathroom’s layout will greatly influence what type of products you can purchase for your remodeling project. While it is possible to change the layout of your bathroom, hiring a contractor to knock out a wall will drastically increase your total remodeling costs. Generally speaking, it is much easier (and less expensive) to work within the layout you already have.

Even if expanding the square footage of your bathroom isn’t an option, you can still use the remodeling process to identify current pain points in your bathroom to improve overall ease of use. Evaluate the way you use your bathroom right now. Are there certain areas where space seems tight? Do you and your partner have difficulty using the room when you are both in it at the same time?

It can be helpful to consult with a contractor to better determine how to solve these issues. Many of these problems result from surprisingly simple things. A vanity that is too wide may cause open doors to bump into an adjacent wall or toilet. Sometimes, the bathroom is actually the perfect size, but fixtures are simply in a bad location. Keep in mind that moving the location of bathroom fixtures will typically require changes to the bathroom’s plumbing and electrical work, which will raise remodeling costs.

Take measurements of your bathroom and its current features so you can better understand how the space is currently used. It may be helpful to draw a rough plan of your bathroom using graph paper. This will make it easier to consult with a contractor to determine how you can make better use of your space. 

Even if you don’t have significant issues with your bathroom layout, these measurements are still important when planning for a remodel. Selecting a replacement vanity or shower enclosure that has the same dimensions as what you currently use will ensure that the new feature doesn’t create problems for your floorspace.

4. Pick Your Focus

Many homeowners don’t have any issues with using their bathroom as-is — they just want it to look better. While this certainly makes remodeling easier, choosing the right look for your upgraded bathroom will still require a fair amount of work.

It’s generally best to start by picking one fixture that will serve as your bathroom’s focal point. There’s really no limit as far as which item could serve as the basis for the rest of the design. Whether you want to start with a tub like the Streamline N-801-59FSBL-FM 59 Inch Soaking Freestanding Tub In Glossy Black With Tray And Internal Chrome Drain or a vanity like the Chans Furniture CF-2873W-AW Fiesta 32 Inch Antique White Bathroom Sink Vanity, the focal piece will help you set the tone for the entire room.

After you’ve selected your focal design element, you should then select the rest of your bathroom items. This will make it easier to match the style and color of all pieces within the bathroom, resulting in a stylish, cohesive look. While mixing and matching styles may seem fun, this can result in a cluttered and unorganized appearance. When possible, selecting products from the same manufacturer or product line will make it easier to get the best look for your bathroom.

This same guideline should also influence your selection of colors and materials for flooring and walls. Choose a light or neutral color that will match the rest of the fixtures. It’s best to choose floor and wall colors last, as it is often easier to match them to your bathroom fixtures than the other way around.

5. Functionality Matters

Your upgraded bathroom shouldn’t just look good — it should also deliver the performance you need for a streamlined daily routine. Quite often, seemingly small features will make a bigger difference than you might expect.

For example, you can reduce your impact on the environment (and your utility bills) by purchasing products that reduce household water usage. A toilet like the Toto MS446124CEMG#01 Aqua IV Two Piece Elongated 1.28/0.8 GPF Dual Flush Skirted Toilet With SS124 Seat and CeFIONtect will help you save water with each flush. Shower heads like the Hansgrohe 26217001 Croma 280 1-Jet 11 Inch Showerhead use as little as 1.8 gallons of water per minute.

Reducing water consumption isn’t the only way that you can improve bathroom functionality as part of your upgrade. Medicine cabinets in the Robern Uplift Tech line offer distinctive features like a defogger, night light, and electric outlets. You could even get a towel warmer to keep towels dry and cozy.

While these extra features can greatly improve your bathroom routine, you should never overlook the importance of basic performance. Look for bathroom products from quality manufacturers with good reviews and warranty coverage. ETL/UL certification ensures that products meet safety and quality standards, while ASTM and other design standards ensure that the products and materials can perform well in a high-humidity bathroom environment.

6. Don’t Forget Commonly Overlooked Design Elements

While new fixtures may get most of the attention during a bathroom remodel, they aren’t the only thing that will affect the final look of the project. Being aware of a few extra details will have a bigger impact than you might think.

• Lighting: Better lighting doesn’t just make it easier to see what you’re doing. It also helps the room feel larger and more inviting. Consider upgrading your bathroom’s ambient lighting fixture or installing a medicine cabinet with task lighting to increase brightness. Glass shower doors can also help reflect light and make the room feel larger, even if you don’t have a natural light source.

• Storage: While a large bathroom vanity can provide ample storage space, it doesn’t always have room for all your extra linens and toiletries. If you don’t have a linen closet readily available, you may wish to consider an extra storage installation for your bathroom. Wall shelving can be a great way to use your vertical space.

• Ventilation: Never underestimate the importance of bathroom ventilation. A ventilating fan will provide air circulation to prevent mold and mildew growth in this moist, humid environment. Remodeling presents a good opportunity to double check that your current ventilation fan provides the right amount of airflow for your needs.

Bonus Tip: Preparing For the Remodeling Process

While planning out how you will upgrade your bathroom can be a lot of fun, remodeling itself is a lot of work. If you don’t want to go through the work of installing everything yourself, you will need to hire contractors to perform the work. 

Depending on the scope of the work, a full renovation can take several weeks, even when using professional contractors. You will need to remove old fixtures, possibly demolish certain elements, complete plumbing and electrical work, install new flooring, paint the walls, and install fixtures. During this time, the bathroom will be inaccessible. 

As such, family members will need to use other bathrooms in the house, which can cause crowding and “traffic jams” as everyone tries to get ready. To avoid such problems, you may need to create a schedule for who will use the bathroom at what times to keep everyone organized. 

Planning ahead for how a bathroom remodel will temporarily alter your daily routine will ensure that your household continues to run smoothly while the work is going on. 

Parting Thoughts

Bathroom remodeling is a highly involved process, but it can also be one of the most rewarding changes you make to your house. Even something as simple as a new vanity can improve the way you use your bathroom each day. Extensive remodels can also greatly increase your home value by making your property more appealing to potential buyers.

No matter why you wish to remodel your bathroom, you can count on Kitchen & Bath Authority to help you achieve a new look at a price you can afford. We offer significantly discounted prices on a wide range of bathroom products, ranging from sinks and toilets to vanities and shower enclosures.

With a vast selection of products from top brands like Robern, DreamLine, and more, you will have no trouble finding the pieces that are the right aesthetic match for your home. Best of all, with our exclusive membership program, you can gain access to additional promotional discounts, free shipping, and other benefits.

Your dream bathroom is closer than you think — and at a lower price tag than you might expect! Check out our high-quality bathroom products today to start transforming your home.