Dreaming up your new bathroom can be a wonderful experience. But it’s often hard to know where to start. So our Mint Kitchen Group experts explore all the things you should consider before you talk to our design professionals to start creating your indulgent new space.

Today, many consider the bathroom a luxurious relaxing retreat that allows us to wash away the day’s worries. Our modern bathrooms are a long way away from the basic washhouses of old and that puts pressure on homeowners to make sure the space meets all their needs. The struggle is often in deciding what features to add or remove. And high on the list is how to make the best out of the space at hand?

Budgeting & Building Work

Budgeting is one of the most important steps in planning for any renovation but many homeowners struggle to know what they should expect to spend on a bathroom renovation.
But, having a clear picture of exactly how much you have to spend on the entire bathroom is a great way to start to clarify what you can and can’t achieve.

As with any renovation you should look at the total value of your home to estimate what you should spend. According to the experts, any bathroom renovation should be between five and 10 percent of the total home’s value. More than this will be an overspend for the space, while less will not add much to the total value of your abode. It’s also good to have around 15 percent up your sleeve to cover any unforeseen circumstances, as that can be common for bathrooms. Remember that if you are removing tiles or walls, there could be hidden issues to address that may need to be added to your overall costing.

Some renovation work can add to the cost – for example, if you are moving or removing walls or adding windows, or undertaking work that requires council approval. It all comes down to what you want to achieve and setting a realistic budget to suit the outcome you desire.

Work with your design expert to plan out exactly what you want, and where you want it. Your designer can also help you work out a suitable budget and make recommendations about where to spend and where to save in order to create your dream bathroom.

Bathroom Types

Ask yourself a range of questions to determine what your new bathroom needs and how it will look. Who will utilise the bathroom? Is it a new ensuite? The main bathroom or a luxurious powder room? Each will need different features.

New Ensuite – today the world of ensuites has transformed to make this room the WOW factor in many homes. Combine with open plan designs and incorporate walk-in wardrobes for a true luxury effect or make the most of a more compact space to create a private haven. Consider what you need from this space. Will it primarily be used for dressing and getting yourself ready for a night on the town? Or do you need a space that you will retreat to for a relaxing soak after a long day at work? Exploring exactly what you need from the space will help you determine the important features you want to include in the design.

Main Bathrooms – these spaces are normally a little larger and able to cope with more traffic, particularly if you live in a busy family setting. Main bathrooms may need to incorporate design functions that appeal to different household members including baths for children, or large easy-to-access showers for older generations. Main bathrooms, particularly for multi-generational homes, can be cleverly created to guarantee that all needs are met for all users. Consider double sinks, large showers, and stand-alone baths. Regardless of how many will need to easily navigate the space, with clever design and a some luxe accessories you can create the perfect space that will not only look amazing but will also be highly functional.

Powder Rooms – these are normally much smaller spaces and can benefit from clean and simple designs. Again, considering what exactly you want from the area is a good place to start so you can get the very best out of the space. Typically powder rooms are just that – a quick place to spruce up and use the bathroom if needed. They are cosy and beautiful spaces and, with the right advice, they can be a wonderful addition to any home and not just a ‘spare’ toilet.

Let’s Talk Themes!

With any bathroom design, it’s all about setting a theme. There is much to be said for creating a cohesive finish throughout the entire theme of your house, and ensuring the bathroom fits in well. However, it’s totally up to the homeowner if they want to make their bathroom a stand-out difference or to blend into the entire feel of the home.

Some very luxurious abodes have very differently themed bathrooms. However if considering an open plan, walk-in wardrobe, and ensuite it might pay to ensure that these two areas blend well.

Consider what colours you like. The size of the room may determine exactly how much of this colour you can use without the space becoming too boxy but here’s where your design specialist is best to advise. Dark colours will tend to make a space look smaller, but, if you are stuck with limited space, consider accent points and more neutral colours to brighten the room but still include those colours you simply love. If you are wanting to create a very relaxing space you can’t go past warm earthy tones. Not only are they trending in 2022, but they can also add a big element of comfort.

Themes may also play a role in your colour choice. Is your bathroom going to be ultra-modern and chic or more traditional or vintage? Get dreaming! Create a vision board and print out all the inspiration you desire, mixing and matching until you have a good idea of the exact theme and feeling of the space you are trying to create.

Don’t forget all those beautiful bathroom fixtures and fittings. With so many impressive products on offer, you can add those important finishing touches to the space. Ensuring these match your overall theme is important – for example, having an ultra-modern design trying to boast vintage fixtures may let your entire theme down and look a little out of place. Once you have your theme set in stone, matching the right fixtures and fittings will ensure the space flows with consistency and style.

Do You Need A Bath?

With a large array of impressive showers available having a bath is not a definite requirement for a bathroom. Smaller bathrooms will seem much bigger without a bath and allow you to have a much larger shower. However, the main thing to consider is – how much do you use a bath? Many simply do not utilise the bath at all. If you are not one for a long hot soak, consider ditching the bath and adding other features that will make your bathroom pop. If you are considering an upgrade for a resale – having a bath does add that all-important sale appeal. But the great news is that you do not need one in every bathroom. So if you have more than one bathroom, and are not much of a soaker, consider only keeping one bath in the house.

Bathroom Storage

One important aspect of all bathroom designs is a good amount of suitable storage options. This will greatly decrease your bathroom vanity clutter and keep the space looking clean and fresh and can provide storage for bathroom necessities such as toilet paper, towels, and bath mats. Simple, clever storage solutions will ensure your space stays looking its best while offering a huge amount of functionality. Consider beautiful open shelves for impeccably rolled towels, and vanity storage for all the extras needed including make-up, hair products, and soaps.

Process/timelines

With all renovations, the process can be difficult for homeowners. This can be particularly true with bathrooms as most times you are living in a mini-construction zone while the work is being done. Having a good understanding of the process is vital. There will be times you may be without water and power while the project is in full swing. Consider other options for showering or bathing during this time. According to the Housing Industry Association, the average time for a bathroom renovation is between 4-5 weeks and this will vary based on the scope of the project, how many trades can be on-site at any one time, and if the work will be consecutive. Remember that depending on the depth of your renovation there may be more or fewer trades working in one area. Working with a project manager will help you have a clear picture of the timeline, so you can easily plan to reduce the impact on your family.

With the right advice, your dream bathroom is only a budget and vision board away!