The first thing you need when redesigning your bathroom is a good plan. You can follow your whim with your bedroom and basement, but with a bathroom, you have to work around some things, such as the plumbing, ventilation, and drainage. Bathroom remodeling pictures should give you a general idea of how you want your bathroom to look like, but you still need to back it up with a professional plan to make sure everything works. It is best to hire a contractor to help you draw up a good plan before choosing your fixtures.

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Cabinets

 Cabinets help you organize your bathroom and eliminate clutter while keeping with your chosen color theme. They are available in various colors and sizes, from nine-inch cupboard styles to full 48-inch closets. Your choice should depend on what you usually store in your bathroom, and how much. You can also have them custom-made if you have a uniquely shaped bathroom or have specialized storage needs. Ask your contractor what materials can best withstand the moisture in the bathroom and are easiest to repair and replace.

Sinks

No bathroom is complete without a sink, and not just because they’re an important part of your everyday bathroom use. Sinks also play a major role in your bathroom’s overall appearance – in fact, changing the sink is one of the cheapest and simplest ways to give your bathroom a new look. There are many styles and colors available, so don’t hesitate to deviate from the classic white porcelain bowl. Your choices range from the sturdy granite sink to the delicate glass bowl. Freestanding ceramic sinks are practical and durable as well. Just make sure your sink is properly installed, waterproof, and mildew-resistant.

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Showers and tubs

Your shower and bathtub are the two most important aspects of your bathroom redesign – and also the most complicated. You basically have two choices: to place a new bathtub or shower where the old one used to be, or install it in a different spot. The latter is more tricky and expensive, as it requires you to move the pipes around too. Do this only if you really need to.

Choosing the tub itself is much simpler. You also have a lot of choices, the more popular ones being the built-in porcelain and claw-foot style tubs. There are also fiberglass, composite, and steel models. Consider your bathroom space and decide how much room you can spare for a bathtub and shower. Your contractor can help you choose the size and material that will work best for you.

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Toilets

Again, you can save costs on your toilet by using the existing plumbing instead of relocating. This will also make it easier to add such features as automatic bidets and built-in fans. Japanese-style remote-controlled toilets are sure to add a modern feel to your bathroom, while vintage pull-chain models lend a classic old-school mood. Toilets come in many colors and designs as well, so it should be easy to find one that matches your bathroom décor.

Flooring

Tiles are usually the first choice when it comes to bathroom flooring, and for good reason. They are water-resistant and offer a lot of color and texture choices, and are fairly easy to install. If you live in a cold area, you may want to look for heated tiles to make your baths more relaxing and comforting. These come in granite, ceramic, stone, and slate varieties, all of which offer a warm, rustic feel.

If you want something different, you can also go for a hardwood or carpeted floor, which will retain less cold and stay warm in the cold season. These require more maintenance, though, as wood disintegrates over time. You will have to wax them regularly and use absorbent mats to keep them as dry as possible.

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Lighting

Choosing what lights to use and where to put them can be difficult, especially in a large bathroom. Bathroom lights can be classified into three categories: general lighting, accents, and decorative lighting. White fluorescent lamps make great general lighting, but you may want something warmer if you intend to install decorative lights as well. Accent lights can be placed along walls, around mirrors, or over the sink. Mirror lights must be soft and understated, as white light can bounce off and appear harsh and unflattering.

For general lighting, choose lights that make everything visible without over-illuminating the area.

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