* Sponsored post by Waterworks Ltd.
Renovating a small bathroom can be a challenge. You need to think carefully how you can maximise the space in terms of function, aesthetics and cost. Sometimes adding a bath tub is just not feasible and a shower/wet room will work much better with the space you’ve got. I found our first ever bathroom reno pretty stressful. I learned a lot though and I will definitely do few things differently next time.
I chatted to James, the owner of Waterworks Ltd, and we’ve come up with 10 tips how you can tackle small bathrooms with confidence.
1. F I N D A G O O D B A T H R O O M F I T T E R
This is so important. Please don’t try to cut cost by getting an unexperienced person for a huge job like this. Make sure that you hire a professional and check that they’re trusted traders on a site like Which?. There is no point spending extra money on materials if they are going to be installed poorly and incorrectly. Designing, tiling, plumbing, wiring etc needs to be done to a professional standard. You should get a few quotes and make sure that you can trust and talk to your bathroom fitter. Read their reviews carefully and ask to talk to their previous customers. Ideally you’ll want to see pictures of their recent work as well.
2. C R E A T E A F L O O R P L A N W I T H ( F R E E ) S O F T W A R E
If you really want to make most of your new bathroom, you need a plan. You can create a room plan yourself or ask your bathroom fitter to create one for you. If that’s not possible, you can easily learn to use a free software like SketchUp and do one yourself. Make sure that your bathroom fitter has a copy of your floor plan and follows it 100%. Chances are that they’ll ask you to make some changes to it (to make sure that it complies with building regulations). This part is really important as when it comes to bathrooms space is often limited. You need to make sure that everything (the sink, toilet, bath tub, cabinets etc) will fit in the space intended. James and his team always advice their clients how they can make most of the space they’ve got. Your fitter should have lots of ideas and great space saving tips tailored specifically to your needs. You should also set your budget in the initial stages (and allow 10% for any surprises).
3. M O O D B O A R D S
A small bathroom needs more attention to detail in order to have a real wow-factor in my opinion. You should think about the accessories as soon as you start the design process. Create a mood board by cutting images from magazines or on Pinterest. This can be as informal or formal as you like. You can also use free colour generator tools if you’re not sure which colours complement each other. See a list here.
4. G O F O R W A L L H U N G A P P L I A N C E S
One of the best decisions we ever made was to install a wall hung basin in our bathroom. It looks so modern and I love storing things underneath it. Wall hung toilets and basins are so much more affordable these days than they were 5 years ago. They’ve become very popular and it’s easy to see why. They are space saving and look stylish. You do need a good bathroom fitter for the job though (I would never attempt to install one myself).
5. U S E M I R R O R S
Mirrors are great in smaller spaces as they reflect light, making the space appear even bigger. Don’t be afraid to go big. I find that most people pick a mirror that is too small for the bathroom. You can also pair the mirror with wall lights to make it a focal point. Light surfaces also reflect light which is why white bathroom tiles are very popular in smaller bathrooms.
6. I N V E S T I N G O O D L I G H T I N G
You can never have too much lighting in a bathroom. However, you won’t usually have all the lights on at the same time. You need different types of lighting for different occasions. Dimmable spotlights are a ‘must’ for creating a relaxing mood. I would also consider adding additional lighting to highlight different features; like the mirror, shelving or floor lights.
7. M A K E S U R E Y O U H A V E A D E Q U A T E W A T E R P R O O F I N G F O R L E A K S
James pointed this one out and it’s something I hadn’t though of. It’s a really important point though as leaks do happen and can turn out very expensive. Your bathroom installer should go through this with you before you start the reno. Choosing the right tiles, sealant etc is so important.
8. S P L A S H O U T O N T H E H A R D W A R E
I firmly believe that it’s all in the details. Spend money on the best hardware you can afford and take risks when it comes to the finishing touches. Brass, gold or black matt hardware will stand out and make your small bathroom appear so much more luxurious and expensive. Don’t worry about following trends or trying to play it safe. It’s important that the interior scheme flows with the rest of the decor though. I would have at least one statement piece in each bathroom, whether that’s a custom sink, a statement mirror or luxurious taps. Also, don’t forget to install a water softener if you live in a hardwater area (like I do) to keep those fancy taps looking pristine.
9. G O M I N I M A L I S T
I like to keep small spaces as clutter-free as possible. Use baskets and proper bathroom storage for things that you use daily. If you have an unused corner, consider using a shelf-ladder that turns the corner into a functional storage space.
10. U S E A T R A D E D I S C O U N T
If you’ve hired a professional bathroom fitter, they should be able to get you superior products at trade prices (something that isn’t available to retail). This is a great chance for you to save a bit of money and/or get better quality products or materials. Tiles (especially) can be very expensive and you may find that your bathroom fitter will be able to pick high spec Italian tiles at a much more affordable prices than if you were to shop in your local DIY store.
Feel free to comment and let me know if there’s anything you’d like to add to the list!
