Bathroom Design Ideas; Can I Design My Own Bathroom?

A white and gray bathroom with a tub and sink.

When tackling a bathroom remodel project, having a working knowledge of what to do and what to consider makes all the difference. It could be what helps you finish the remodel in a few weeks rather than several months. It can also be the difference between redesigning within budget and overspending on essential elements.

Fortunately, all you need are a few bathroom design ideas to point you in the right direction. Here are a few design tips to consider.

1. Change the lights

One of the simplest ways to transform a space is to change the lights. New lighting gives an old space a fresh look and brings back the lost energy. For the bathroom specifically, new pendants in front of the front mirror can do wonders. It reflects light around the room, making the space brighter. A hanging fixture in the center of the room or right above the tub can also have a dramatic impact.

Bathroom lights
For the bathroom specifically, new pendants in front of the front mirror can do wonders.

2. Replace the tub with a walk-in shower

Bathroom tubs are pretty fun. Many homeowners like them because they allow you to spend more time in the bathroom. Unfortunately, they are also expensive and take up a lot of space. If you’re more conscious about the downsides, consider replacing it with a walk-in shower. Not only are walk-in showers more luxurious, but they are also more fun. Above all, the simple, clear glass makes the roof feel bigger.

Replace the tub with a walk-in shower 
Not only are walk-in showers more luxurious, but they are also more fun

3. Bring in a towel warmer

You’ve likely heard about this one before. Towel warmers aren’t just a way to warm your towels. Of course, a warm towel makes the bathroom even more inviting. However, the right towel warmer also adds a decorative effect to the bathroom and may be what you need to make your bathroom look ultra-luxe. Wall-mounted models are easy to install and effortlessly plug into a standard power outlet. The prices vary. However, you can find excellent options for under $100.

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Towel warmer
Warm towel makes the bathroom even more inviting.

4. Tile the walls

The bathroom wall is a little challenging to maintain because of overexposure to damp conditions. It’s the main reason many bathrooms grow mold without warning. It’s also the main reason you may notice the paint coming off your bathroom walls. Tiling the room allows you to prevent these issues while adorning the bathroom in a chic, new look. Moreover, tile is easy to clean and maintain. White subway tiles are not even that expensive.

Tile the walls
Tile is easy to clean and maintain.

5. Re-tile the bathroom

One of the reasons a bathroom may look stale and outdated is old flooring. When the flooring material becomes worn, it takes away the original shine inside the bathroom. Replacing the old flooring with classic white subway tile or luxe white marble can instantly transform the area. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to find shiny new tiling. You can easily find some bargains at salvage yards or online resale communities.

luxe white marble
Luxe white marble can instantly transform the area

6. Paint the vanity

You’ve probably thought about sledgehammering the vanity and cabinets to bring in more modern decorative elements. While it’s not the worst idea, how about a new coat of paint first to see if it makes it look better? Sometimes all it takes is a new coat of paint. A bold color, such as yellow or bright blue, looks funky and fresh. You can also try shades of green. It’s mostly about trying to find what works. And, no, you don’t need a professional painter for this one.

Paint the vanity
A bold color, such as yellow or bright blue, looks funky and fresh.

7. Frame the mirror

Most bathrooms have what’s known as the builder’s basic mirror. It’s still better than nothing. However, the builder’s basic mirror is just that – a plain mirror. A professional interior designer will usually advise you to replace the mirror with a more decorative option. However, if you don’t have the budget, a sensible alternative is to frame the existing mirror. You can choose from a wide range of framing materials and styles.

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Frame the mirror
You can choose from a wide range of framing materials and styles.

8. Have fun with wallpaper

Finally, another bathroom design idea that can instantly transform your bathroom is wallpaper. The biggest advantage of wallpaper is that you can have pretty much whatever you want. Whether you want floral patterns or a single color, you’re sure to find exactly what you need. Additionally, wallpaper is cheap and non-permanent. If the first one doesn’t look good, you can remove it the next day and install a new one. And, yes, there are now water-proof wallpapers that can last months even in damp conditions.

Have fun with wallpaper
The biggest advantage of wallpaper is that you can have pretty much whatever you want.

Summary

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can choose a complete remodel or just improve a few things, such as giving the bathroom a fresh coat of paint. We just want to stress that, whichever option you choose, you don’t have to spend over the odds to implement the best bathroom design ideas.

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