Tips for how to design the perfect bathroom and get the most bang for your buck

Many real estate experts agree that two rooms will sell a home: the bathroom and the kitchen. When my husband and I were house hunting, we nearly put an offer in on a home in one of the most questionable areas in the city all because it had the most amazing bathroom I’d ever seen. That house had already been broken into twice and there was a murder down the street, but still, the shower had two heads and body sprayers! It took us a week and hearing gun shots while viewing it again to forget about that house, but that just goes to show you how important bathrooms are in a home. If you use the right bathroom design tips, you can add value to your home and create a spa-like shower escape right in the comfort of your own house.

Although it’s important to have spacious closets, large windows and new carpeting, many modern house hunters are on the lookout for luxurious master bathrooms. Bathroom design tips are a dime a dozen, but it’s important to follow the right guidelines to update your bathroom in order to avoid spending extra money and missing out on potential home buyers.
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Whether you just want to update your old, unattractive powder room or you need to spice up your master bath in time to sell your home, these helpful bathroom design tips will allow you to get the most bang for your buck:

1. Don’t over improve. This is one of the most important bathroom design tips of all. When remodeling any room, one of the primary mistakes homeowners make is over improvement. Before you start tearing down walls and adding $2000 faucets, take a look at the homes in your neighborhood. If you live in a middle class neighborhood, don’t add a bathroom that you’d normally see in a million dollar home. By pacing yourself, you can guarantee a high return on your investment.

2. Size matters. Before you go to the store searching for new vanities, make sure you have the dimensions of your bathroom already measured out and written down. If you are remodeling a smaller bathroom or powder room, avoid large antique vanities. These vanities will take up more space, making an already small bathroom appear even smaller. Instead, opt for vessel sinks, pedestal sinks or modern “floating” vanities. These will take up less space and give you more room to move.

3. Lighting. For many homes, the builder standard for bathroom lighting are exposed bulbs gaudily propped above a plain mirror. These lights are not only unattractive, but they are especially distracting if you’re attempting to have a relaxing bath. Instead of over-mirror bulbs, pick a pair of stylish sconces that can be mounted on either side of the mirror or strategically placed recessed lights.

4. Small touches=Big impressions. One of the best places to add a great touch to your new bathroom starts at the faucet. Gone are the days when brushed nickel and gold were your choices. Today, you can choose from a wide range of unique faucet designs that can coordinate with everything from antique double vanities to ultra modern sinks.

5. DIY. Even if your budget is small, consider doing some of the work yourself just to make sure you don’t have to skimp on some of your design choices. Many local hardware stores offer workshops that will teach you how to grout and lay tile. Also, purchasing the materials such as the tile, faucets and vanities yourself will not only allow you more creative freedom, but it will save you the money you would have paid a designer.

When you do decide to remodel your bathroom, these helpful bathroom design tips can help you make the right choices.