The latest trend in home renovation is creating a spa-like bath, from luxurious Old World Mediterranean-style retreats to contemporary spaces with a Zen-like calm. Ask any real estate agent and you will find out that investing in a remodeled bathroom can add value to your home and provide years of enjoyment.
Check the Building Codes
When you decide to embark on a bathroom renovation, the first thing to do is to check the building codes for your area. You may find safety specifications for electrical and plumbing, as well as the general design. Use graph paper to draw the layout of your bathroom to scale, and indicate the location of doors and windows along with electrical lines and plumbing.
Deciding on a Look
It is a good idea to visit bathroom showrooms and look through home magazines to get ideas. For lavish Old World luxury, use gemstone colors like rich gold, reds and yellow along with intricately designed wood vanities with marble tops. If you decide on a super contemporary Italian style, use a neutral color palette with minimalistic elements with glass and metallic accents, and perhaps a sink that sits above the vanity.
A Wide Range of Choices
Make sure to leave plenty of time to look at all the choices available for vanities, tile, lighting and materials. Granite and marble are popular upscale choices for vanity tops, and you can choose double or single sinks. An elaborate chandelier, a curvy wood framed mirror and antique look-alike vanities will complement a traditionally styled bathroom. Use recessed or track lighting, metal framed mirrors and vanities with sleek lines for a more contemporary look.
Bathroom Tiles
Tile is an important element in the bathroom. Use tile that can stand up to moisture, like glazed ceramic tile and glass tiles. To make a statement in a traditionally styled bathroom, use soft beige, yellow or blue tiling. Grays, white and black provide a more contemporary look.
