Freestanding tub and curbless shower

2019 is the year of bathroom updates. Now is the perfect time to get rid of the plain and boring fixtures and mundane design to transform that space into one that will transcend the test of time. Though the budget may be a primary concern, the right mix of small and big updates can immediately transform the function, atmosphere and value of this personal space. We’ve put together a list of budget-friendly bathroom remodeling trends to give your bathroom a more luxurious look and feel.

Think Beyond Space

Many homeowners let the size of the space dictate their remodeling options. While space can certainly impose limitations on certain bathroom update options, incorporating features that improve function can provide a whole new world of possibilities that you may not have even thought were possible.

The bathroom is a portion of the home that should always exude beauty and tranquility. A bathroom that lacks space is not going to be as peaceful and comfortable as one that is larger or more functional. If your bathroom is too small for your tastes, why not open it up? This can be achieved in a variety of ways. Maybe you have an unused room or some additional closet space nearby to the room. You can expand the bathroom using some of that additional space to create a less cramped and more comfortable area.

Of course, if renovating another room to add more space onto the bathroom is not an option, optical illusions are the next best thing. With the right colors, décor, fixtures, flooring and bath and shower modifications, you can give the bathroom an immediate facelift that adds more function without the hefty price tag. Floating shelves can add storage options that better utilize the space instead of a bulky vanity. Tile floors are easier to clean and are more versatile than hardwood, laminate and other flooring options. They even come in different materials, colors and designs to make personalizing easier.

Get Rid of the Lines With Curbless Showers

Do you ever get tired of having to step in and out of the shower? How about doing away with the curbs and edges and transforming that shower into a curbless one? Imagine how great it would be to slide and glide in and out of the shower with ease. Don’t let the curbless phrase fool you. If you like, you can incorporate a low edge to the shower if the idea of completely nixing the curb doesn’t quite appeal to you.

Despite how it might sound, a curbless shower is completely safe. You can add additional safety features by adjusting the design of the flooring and adding grab bars if necessary. Curbless showers benefit homeowners of all ages, even those who have certain mobility challenges because they improve accessibility.

Curbless showers also provide additional design options that give the bathroom a completely modernized look. Since there is little to no edge, you have the option to use larger or smaller tiles and deviate from the traditional drain. You can also choose to lay the same tile design straight into your shower to make the room appear bigger than it is. Curbless showers create the illusion of more space because they are essentially a glass door and clear wall.

Bring on the Warmth With Heated Flooring

Heated floors may seem like an unaffordable luxury to many, but they don’t have to be. Stepping out of the bath or shower onto heated floors instead of wondering why your feet are missing the bathmat and touching ice cold floors is a luxurious feeling that you’ll want to experience for life. Not only is heated flooring beneficial for bathrooms that are situated in areas of the home where drafts reign supreme, but they are also a very economical and healthy design choice for anyone who suffers from allergies. Unlike vents, heated floors don’t blow dust, dust or pet dander around. The heat they provide is even and consistent so there’s no need to worry about cold and hot spots. The best part is that you can still enjoy your pick of flooring materials because of their versatility.

Modernize the Room With Fixtures

One of the most important aspects of bathroom remodeling is the use of the right fixtures. If you’re updating your bathroom to give it a more modernized look and functionality, you’ll need to use the right fixtures for the job. It helps if you think along the lines of modern toilets, sleek vanities and tech features that make you want to spend more time than you normally do in the bathroom.

If space is an issue, go with a smaller sink and vanity or forgo the vanity and install a floating sink. The same goes for the tub. If you can live without the bath or are not a fan of the traditional bathtub, go with something a little unique and modern. Think of how you want your ideal or dream bath to look and incorporate features and fixtures to help you achieve it. If a spa is more to your fancy, get rid of the shower and bath caddy and create niches and add shelves to the walls to keep all essentials easily within reach and provide some extra pizazz to the décor. Go for more attractive sink and bath fixtures that give your bathroom a whimsical feel that is timeless.

Keep in mind while choosing fixtures, look beyond the usual nickel and chrome finish. Brass, gold-toned and stainless-steel fixtures add a more luxurious look. Brass also has antibacterial properties that make it easier to clean, sanitize and maintain. You can also mix and match finishes for a more elegant and unique finish.

Make it Pop With Color Designs

When redesigning your bathroom, it helps if you put some effort into choosing the right color palette. The wrong colors can cheapen the look of your updates. White, gray and yellow are the more traditional colors that have managed to stay relevant throughout the years. But now that it is 2019, more homeowners are leaning towards hues of blue, green and patterns. If you want to make a powerful statement with your bathroom’s design, consider going with bold colors. Bold green and the right complementary hue can create a glamorous appeal that still provides the tranquility of a sanctuary. Softer shades of green and other hues provide a warmer and more natural feel to the room that does not disappoint.

If soft is not your forte, the use of blue, black and patterns can make the space more interesting without being distracting. Consider using the color of your fixtures, i.e., gold, silver or chrome to complement the color scheme, add value and provide extra dimensions. The goal is to use color to transform your bathroom so that it is more in line with the other updates you’ve made and give it the right persona.

Brighten Things Up With Lighting

Lighting is one component that many homeowners overlook in their quest to create the perfect bathroom. The right lighting choices can brighten and add space while improving the mood and warmth of the room. Bright lights and poorly designed lighting fixtures and placement can create a harsh atmosphere that clashes with your bathroom’s new look and function. Think about how well your updates mesh together and if the room can benefit from having an additional center point like a chandelier. It may seem like an odd choice, but it’s an ideal solution to enhance the luxurious look and feel of the room.

Use soft, round-shaped lighting fixtures to add additional warmth to the room and to distract from any hard edges and features and boost appeal. Not all bathrooms have large windows. Some do not have them at all. Depending on your design needs and home’s structure, consider incorporating a skylight to boost the amount of natural light into the bathroom without taking away from the other updates. In fact, skylights also help to regulate temperature and can increase the coziness of the room.

Make it Cozy With Accessories

Of course, no bathroom remodeling project is complete without accessories. You spend so much time and effort to create the perfect sanctuary that you don’t want to overlook the final touches. Get a new bathrobe, some soft and luxurious towels and bathmats so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Add some art to give the walls some personality and class. Your bathroom walls do not have to be bare or plain. The right art, décor, photos and mirrors make being in the bathroom fun and exciting. They provide focal points to help you to relax and destress, so you’ll spend more time nurturing you, thus improving your well-being. Candles, oil warmers and diffusers help to set the mood and calm the atmosphere so that you can spend more time in the sanctuary and have a spa-like experience without ever leaving your home.

The key to making bathroom updates is to think about the features you don’t like and what you can add to make the room more comfortable and suitable to your liking. Even the little complaints, such as outdated plumbing, tired wall colors, ugly tile designs, minimal storage options and ice-cold floors are starting points that you can expand upon to make your bathroom fresh and relaxing. You don’t need to make big changes all at once or spend an exorbitant amount of money to transform the space.

When you’re ready to update your bathroom, don’t hesitate to contact Better Built Craftsman. We can help take your ideas from dreams to reality. We know your time and interest are valuable and we take every measure to ensure that we provide the remodeling services you can rely on for life. Your home is an extension of ours and will be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves.

Bathroom Lighting Trends

Author: Melisande Atkinson

Melisande Atkinson is the founder of Better Built Craftsman LLC, a Birmingham home remodeling companyspecializing in finish carpentry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, deck building, and general handyman services. Her personal design aesthetic can be described as Mid-Century Pan-Asian with an emphasis on bold geometrics and neutral palettes. “One of the main reasons I chose to found my own home remodeling company,” Melisande states, “is that while the idea that 'perfect is the enemy of good,' there is no such thing as good enough,” a philosophy that drives her to continue to grow and evolve. “My crew is on board with my principle philosophy, which is important to me. Without their exceptional talents I could not deliver the sort of experience that I want to my clients.” Melisande can be reached at contractor@betterbuiltcraftsman.com