Planning a bathroom remodel can be exciting but if not done right, bathroom design mistakes can foil your efforts and send your hard-earned money down the drain. Instead of ending up with a space that functions well and looks stunning, you could be left with a bathroom that doesn’t fully meet your needs or look the way you envisioned.
If all that sounds like something to avoid, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re going to walk you through some of the most common bathroom design blunders we’ve seen during our years of home remodeling in Orange County. Once you know what not to do, you’ll be better equipped to plan a bathroom remodel that you’ll be happy with both now and later.
Beware of These Bathroom Design Mistakes
#1: Forgetting About Bathroom Design Altogether
Remember the old saying, “if you’re failing to plan, you’re planning to fail”? These words are applicable to every home renovation project but especially bathroom remodels. One of the most common bathroom design mistakes people make is thinking they don’t need a bathroom design at all, especially if they’re simply renovating existing space.
A complete bathroom design is absolutely essential for renovations that include structural changes or relocating plumbing or electrical features. But a thorough design is also important for more minor renovations. It’s often cheaper to take the time for proper planning and design before the project begins vs. getting started without a plan only to find out you should have had one.
#2: Not Including Natural Light
No one enjoys using a dark bathroom and it’s always more pleasant when the room has adequate ventilation or access to fresh air, too. You can accomplish both of these things simply by having a window in your bathroom. The room will be bright and cheerful since it’s bathed in natural light. And, a window that opens offers additional ventilation besides just having a high quality fan.
#3: Installing a Curbed Walk-in Shower
Another common bathroom design mistake homeowners make is installing a walk-in shower with curbed access. While curbed showers have had their hey-day, modern bathroom design trends are steering more toward curbless entries. This can make the entire room feel more spacious and modern. It also pairs well with the growing trend of building with aging in place in mind – using universal design elements to allow you to live at home longer, even if you experience mobility challenges.
#4: Prioritizing Beauty Over Function
There’s no question about it … bathroom design has certainly come a long way in the last few decades. From stylish shower tiles to stunning backsplashes, unique flooring, and luxurious fixtures, there are so many ways to make your bathroom look and feel beautiful. But it’s important to remember that first and foremost, bathrooms should be about function. Once this room has been properly designed to maximize use of the space in a way that makes sense for those who will use it daily, then you can focus on aesthetics.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a stylish bathroom. In fact, we firmly believe that since you’re going to spend several hours per day in this room, it should be a space where you enjoy spending time. Just remember that a successful bathroom design is not all about beauty.
#5: Not Choosing the Ideal Location
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘location, location, location’ a few times in your life. Typically, it’s used to remind business owners that the physical location of their storefront makes a significant impact on their overall business success. In terms of bathroom design, however, this mantra also fits. In order to maximize function, this all-important room must be in the right location.
Of course, that location also depends on the type of bathroom you’re installing or remodeling. For example, a master bathroom obviously needs to be part of the master suite and easily accessed from the master bedroom. A bathroom that’s shared by multiple people should be centrally located for easy access – between bedrooms on the second floor, for instance, instead of at the end of the upstairs hallway. And, a small bathroom that’s used for freshening up might ideally be located near an outside entrance. This allows guests to use it upon arrival or household members can access it easily when working or playing outside.
#6: Not Paying Close Attention to Bathroom Layout
Speaking of location, the layout of elements within the bathroom are just as important as the location of the room itself. One of the most common bathroom design mistakes people make is putting the toilet in direct line of sight from the doorway. For additional privacy and simply a better look when passing by the open room, consider a separate toilet room inside the bathroom or a toilet hidden by a half wall.
Other bathroom features such as the shower, makeup counter, vanities, or closets should all be arranged to promote smooth traffic flow and maximize use of the space.
#7: Going Big Instead of Better
Many people think they need a large bathroom, especially if they’re trying to create a spa-like bathroom at home. While there’s nothing wrong with a spacious bathroom, a larger size doesn’t always equate to being better. What’s most important is that the space flows and functions nicely while also fitting in with the overall home design and homeowners’ preferences. There are plenty of ways to make small bathrooms look bigger or feel more spacious so don’t worry if your bathroom isn’t the biggest.
How Do You Avoid Making Bathroom Design Mistakes? Hire a Professional Orange County Bathroom Designer!
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has been helping Orange County residents avoid bathroom design mistakes for almost 40 years by providing professional home design and remodeling services. But preventing bathroom design blunders isn’t our only area of expertise. We also specialize in whole home remodels, kitchen renovations, room additions and more. Whether you live in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, San Clemente, Tustin, Corona del Mar, or any of the other Orange County cities we serve, we have you covered!
For bathroom design ideas and inspiration, browse through our online portfolio of completed bathroom renovations. Or, for helpful remodeling tips and information from the home renovation pros, register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own bathroom remodel or other home renovation project, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below for your complimentary design consultation.