Your bathroom is your sanctuary, so you should feel comfortable styling it to meet your personal preferences. Even though neutral tones are usually the go-to choice when it comes to the bathrooms, there are ways you can add color as well.
If you work with the team from Columbus Bath Design, you will have access to a wide variety of color and design options. View our gallery for examples of our work. If you are interested in adding more color to your bathroom, what are a few tips you may want to follow? Take a look at the list below, and reach out to our professionals who can help you!
One way you can add more color to your bathroom is to include an accent wall. An accent wall is a small area of your bathroom where you include a few splashes of color here and there. If you don’t want to add an entire wall of color to your bathroom, try picking one of your walls to be a showpiece. Ideally, you should pick one that is directly across from the door.
Then, think about the colors you want to include. Even though the majority of the wall is still going to be a neutral color, you can include blue, green, purple, or red. You might even want to include several items placed against the accent wall that match the color before use! This is a great way for you to add more color to your bathroom!
Next, you may want to use the vanity to introduce a splash of color to the bathroom. The vanity is going to be the centerpiece of your bathroom. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for you to introduce some more color to your space.
There are several ways you can use the vanity to add more color to your bathroom. For example, you may want to use colorful base cabinets for larger vanities. This can also add some extra cabinet space for your bathroom. If your bathroom is a bit smaller, then you may want to use color countertops that can add a bit of color without overwhelming the entire space.
Because there are many options for vanities, you should work with professionals who have connections in the industry. That way, you can figure out exactly how you can use your vanity to add a bit more color to your bathroom.
If you don’t want to completely change the color scheme in your bathroom, then you may want to target your fabrics. For example, you may want to use colorful towels to introduce color to your bathroom. This could include bath towels or hand towels.
You might also have a runner or an area rug in your bathroom. This is another way for you to introduce more color to your space. You may want to pair this with a few extra items placed on top of the vanity. This is a way for you to balance the color scheme in your bathroom, breathing a bit more life into a space that is usually dominated by neutral tones.
One option that is commonly overlooked when adding color to the bathroom is wall art. There is probably a lot of open space in the bathroom, particularly if you have walls that have neutral tones. This is a great opportunity for you to introduce some color to your bathroom by selecting wall art.
If you place your wall art in a strategic location, this is a great way for you to add a pop of color. Make sure you consider the moisture of the bathroom though before you hang anything up. You need to select something that is water-resistant, or you will need to add a frame for some added protection. Otherwise, your wall art is going to get damaged.
If you want to add color to your bathroom, then you should ask nature for some help. For example, you may want to bring in a few fresh houseplants to the bathroom. This is a great way for you to keep the bathroom smelling fresh while also adding a bit more green to the room.
Your bathroom is going to be one of the most commonly trafficked areas at the house. Therefore, you need to take steps to reduce indoor air pollution by adding some houseplants. They can remove moisture and bacteria from your bathroom while also increasing oxygen levels. This is important for keeping your bathroom as clean as possible.
Keep in mind that your bathroom is going to be very humid. Therefore, you have to find houseplants that are able to stand up to these conditions. If you have questions about the types of houseplants you should use in your bathroom, you may want to reach out to a plant professional who can help you.
Ultimately, there are plenty of ways you can add more color to your bathroom. If you want to get the most out of your bathroom redesign, then you should work with the professional team from Columbus Bath Design.
We have a tremendous amount of experience working with bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. Our team would be happy to use our connections, our knowledge, and our equipment to help you. We stay on top of the latest trends so that we can make strong recommendations for what you should do with your bathroom.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you! It would be our honor to assist you with your upcoming bathroom project.
Are you looking for a way to bring your entire bathroom together? If so, you should not overlook the importance of solid bathroom lighting. Lighting is important for reducing injuries, creating ambiance, and turning your bathroom into your sanctuary. If you want to get the most out of your bathroom lighting, you should work with professionals who have experience in this area.
At Columbus Bath Design, we have a tremendous amount of experience with bathroom lighting, and it would be our pleasure to use this experience to help you. Take a look at a few of the top bathroom lighting ideas below, and remember to reach out to our professionals for help with your lighting style!
Every bathroom light scheme is going to start with the ceiling light. Think carefully about the ceiling light you choose, as this is going to be the centerpiece of your lighting scheme. Ideally, you should find something that is going to emit plenty of light without overwhelming the rest of the room.
Therefore, think about the covering on the ceiling light. If you are worried about the light being too bright, then you may want to use something that is tinted slightly. You should also think about the shape of the bathroom light, as this is going to impact the appearance of the rest of the bathroom. Consider going with an LED ceiling light for some added brightness.
If you tend to go with a modern decorating style, then you may want to use a bath bar instead. Bath bars have been specifically designed to create a cohesive look around the top of the mirror or along the side of the bathtub. This can add a sleek look to your bathroom that exudes a modern appearance.
The back door is also going to work well if you tend to have a minimalist decorating style. Featuring straight lines, sharp corners, and slim looks, this is a great way for you to bring your entire bathroom together without having your lighting take up a lot of space. Use a bath bar to illuminate your bathroom while creating a clean, contemporary feel.
If you are trying to find the right lights for your vanity, consider adding a few lights that hang directly from the mirror. This is a great way to create some extra light when you are trying to put your look together in the morning. There are plenty of options available if you are looking for overhead vanity lights.
For example, you may want to go with a classic appearance, which could include darker tones including brown or black. Or, you may be looking for an environmentally-friendly option for your vanity lights. Because vanity lights come in so many shapes and sizes, you should be able to customize them to meet your specific needs.
If you are looking for versatile bathroom lights, then you may want to go with the versatile wall sconce. This is a great way to add a splash of color to your bathroom because they commonly come with slight accents. Then, they are versatile and functional enough to work well in just about any bathroom.
If you are looking for lights you can rotate, wall sconces might be the answer. For example, there are some wall sconces that you can twist and turn to make sure they point in the right direction. You can also find wall sconces that are a bit more glamorous, such as a monocle wall sconce. They commonly have gold finishes that create a more sophisticated appearance.
If space is at a premium, then you may want to consider adding track lighting to the floor. These are lights that are installed directly on top of the floor without coming up from the ground. If you do not have a lot of space on your walls, then consider adding lights to the floor instead.
The major benefit of adding track lighting to your floor is that it makes it easier for people to see what they are doing in the middle of the night. Because these lights are not that bright, they are not going to wake up the entire house. At the same time, they can be activated when someone enters the bathroom, making it easier for people to see where they are going.
If you really want to be special with your bathroom lighting, you might want to add lights directly to the toilet. There are lights that you can pinch between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. Then, when someone comes up to the bowl, the light will automatically turn on. You can even customize this light’s color to meet your needs.
In a lot of cases, you can find toilet bowl lights that also have antibacterial properties. Therefore, you can reduce the growth of mold in the toilet, meaning you may not have to clean it as much. Consider identifying lights that you can add directly to the toilet bowl.
Ultimately, there are plenty of options available if you are trying to find the right lighting scheme for your bathroom. If you want to get the most out of your bathroom lights, then you should work with the team from Columbus Bath Design. We have already worked with countless homeowners to help them improve their bathroom lighting. It would be our pleasure to help you as well.
We understand that everyone has a slightly different decorating style. Therefore, it is possible for us to customize our products and services to meet your specific needs. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you with your bathroom lighting!
Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom in the future? If so, you may be looking at the shower and bathtub, wondering if you can add tile. Your shower is the main feature of your bathroom, so you want it to make an important statement.
One of the ways to do that is to use tile. As you take a look at tile options, you will probably realize there are plenty of choices available. How can you decide which one is right for you?
Remember that there is no single “best” option available. Some tile works better for some homeowners while other types of tile will work better for others. What are a few options you should consider?
There are several important factors you should consider when you are looking for tile for the bathroom. These include:
Even though tile is slippery, this is going on the wall. Therefore, you should not have to worry about slipping off of it. What are a few examples of tile that might work well for your shower?
One popular option you may want to consider is ceramic or porcelain. This is a synthetic material that comes with a protective glaze. Therefore, it is incredibly low maintenance and very durable.
Even though this is a traditional choice, it does not necessarily have to come with a traditional look. If you want to use ceramic or porcelain to create a modern look, you can certainly do this.
There are plenty of textures, colors, and sizes available. Therefore, you can customize your ceramic or porcelain tile to meet your needs.
If you want a modern look, then you may want to go with last. During the past few years, glass has become a very popular choice for anyone wanting to have a unique look in the bathroom. Even though glass is transparent and reflects light, there are plenty of choices available.
If you want to add a colorful tint to your glass, you can certainly do that. Furthermore, because of the brightness of last, it will make your shower appear larger. If you want your bathroom to give the impression of space, then you may want to go with glass.
Finally, glass is also very easy to clean. All you need is a simple window cleaner. That way, you can remove all soap scum and make sure your shower is bright and attractive once again.
Finally, you may want to consider going with marble or stone. These are popular choices among people looking for both traditional and modern looks. There are a lot of ways you can style marble and stone, and this type of customizability makes this material a popular choice.
If you decide to go with stone, you will have a very durable option. At the same time, it can accumulate mineral deposits from time to time. If you want to prevent this from happening, you need to seal it accordingly.
If you decide to go with marble, you will have access to a light, luxurious material. Marble can be expensive; however, it does not have to be. Some marble tiles have inclusions, which may harm their appearance but will make them less expensive. Take a look at multiple options before you decide to go with marble.
After reviewing the options available, keep in mind that you do not have to stick to just one. If you want to create a sense of contrast in your bathroom, then you may want to choose two different types of tile. You may use one type of tile as the base and then another type of tile as the contrasting agent.
When you add a second type of tile, consider using this to add a splash of color to the bathroom. Even though a lot of people like to go with neutral colors, there are ways for you to make your bathroom feel more lively and vibrant. Because you can find tile in a wide variety of colors, you should have total control over the appearance of your bathroom.
If you have a bathroom remodel coming up, you should consider using tile in the shower. This is a great way to add a sleek, classy look to the space. At the same time, there are lots of tile options available. Therefore, you can work with a professional who can help you navigate the choices.
At Columbus Bath Design, we have an unparalleled level of experience helping people remodel bathrooms. If you want to add tile to your bathroom, we can help to do that. We can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each individual choice, working with you to figure out what best suits your style.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us today! It would be our honor to assist you.
Do you want to give your bathroom a new look? If so, you might be thinking about adding a fresh coat of paint. When you take a look at the options, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many colors available that you may not know exactly what to choose.
Keep in mind that there is no single best option when it comes to a color for your bathroom. This is always a matter of personal preference; however, you do need to think carefully about several important factors before you decide what color to paint your bathroom. What do you need to know?
Before you paint the bathroom, you have to get a clear picture of what you are dealing with. Therefore, you should wash the walls and wait for them to dry. As you look at your bathroom, you are probably envisioning what it will look like; however, if there are a bunch of stains on the walls, this might be difficult to do.
If you have recently purchased a house, then there could be mildew on the bathroom walls. This could require a special solution to get off. If you are concerned about the appearance of your bathroom walls, you may want to reach out to a professional who can clean them for you. That way, you can get a better idea of what your bathroom truly looks like.
Even though you are free to paint your bathroom any color you want, you do need to think about the room next door. For example, your bathroom might be attached to a bedroom. If that is the case, think about the color of your bedroom, as you may want to paint your bathroom a similar color. If the bathroom is attached to the living room, then you may want the bathroom color to be relatively close to the living room.
Before you decide which colors to choose, you may want to play with some online tools. That way, you can figure out what colors match and which don’t. You can also get used to the color wheel, which can help you make up your mind.
If you don’t have a specific color in mind, then you might want to reach for neutral tones. A lot of people decide to go with neutral tones in the bathroom because they will match just about anything. For example, a lot of people like agreeable gray or mindful gray. These are two specific colors that tend to work well in a lot of bathrooms.
If you think that neutral tones are a bit boring, there are plenty of ways you can spice this up. For example, you may want to add an accent wall to the bathroom. Or, you may want to introduce color to the bathroom using a few accessories.
After you figure out what color you want to use, you need to think about the finish. If you are looking for something that will truly shine, then you may want to go with a satin finish. Satin is incredibly durable and easy to clean. Therefore, this is a great choice for the bathroom because it will make it easier for you to clean the walls without damaging them.
If your bathroom already gets a lot of natural light, then satin may be too bright. If that is the case, you may want to go with an eggshell finish. Even though eggshell is not necessarily as durable as satin, it will still work well in the bathroom. There are other finishes as well, so you may want to talk to a professional painter to learn more.
If you have made a decision regarding what color and what finish you want to use, you need to think about the moisture in the bathroom. Of course, your bathroom is going to be a very wet place. You need to make sure the paint can stand up to this type of wear and tear.
Some companies have a better reputation than others when it comes to moisture. If moisture is going to damage your paint, you need to go with a different option. No matter what type of paint you use, you need to wait a little while before you run the shower. Allow the paint to dry before you start using the bathroom.
Finally, you should also think about whether the paint is going to fade with time. If your bathroom gets a lot of natural sunlight, UV radiation could damage the paint. Even though the paint looks vibrant right now, it may not look the same way in a few years.
You need to make sure you protect the paint accordingly. A professional painter should be able to help you do that. Paint can go a long way toward increasing the value of your home, but you must protect your work accordingly.
Even though you may feel like you can paint the bathroom on your own, you will always get better results if you decide to go with a professional team. If you are looking for experts who can help you paint your bathroom, it would be our pleasure to assist you.
We are Columbus Bath Design, and we have painted bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. We have also used a wide variety of color schemes. We are confident that we can help you paint your bathroom as well.
If you want your bathroom to look beautiful, contact us today! We will walk with you every step of the way during the bathroom redesign process.
Are you thinking about adding a powder room to your home? Did you recently purchase a home with a powder room in it? If so, you may be wondering what to do with it. Of course, your powder room is going to serve a variety of functions; however, you may not know exactly how to design it.
If you want to get the most out of your powder room, you need to work with professionals who have been there before. That way, your powder room can do its job without leading to headaches. What are a few do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind when it comes to your powder room?
First, you must make sure you have enough floor space. The vast majority of powder rooms are already relatively small. Therefore, you don’t want to shrink your floor space unnecessarily. For example, you don’t want to select a vanity that is too large. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time walking around.
If you want to keep items off the floor, consider putting a few hooks on the walls. That way, you have plenty of space to hang your items. You don’t want to put too many items in your powder room because you will create unnecessary clutter; however, hooks are a great alternative. Just make sure the hooks are strong enough to support whatever you put on them.
When you are designing your powder room, do not put up too many decorations. Even though you want your powder room to be welcoming, you don’t need to hang up too many items on the walls. While you might be using your powder room regularly, you will not be spending a lot of time in there. Therefore, a bunch of decorations is unnecessary.
When you select decorations for the powder room, make sure they are not too big. Otherwise, you may have a difficult time finding room for hooks. Even though a small plant might be nice, you don’t need to put a giant wall painting in the powder room. This is not necessary.
You absolutely need to think about lighting in your powder room. A lot of powder rooms do not have any windows. Therefore, there will not be a lot of natural light coming in. As a result, you need to have light fixtures that will do the work for you.
Because space is going to be at a premium, you need to think carefully about the lighting you choose. For example, you don’t want to select something that is going to take up a significant amount of space. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time fitting and everything else.
A good example would be a bar light over the mirror. Or, you may want to go with a sconce light on the wall. You don’t need a lot of light in the powder room, but you do need to compensate for the lack of natural light.
Even though storage space is important in other rooms, it is not as important in the powder room. You are not going to be storing a lot of items in your powder room. Therefore, you should not have to worry about creating a bunch of extra cabinets.
Furthermore, if you add a bunch of cabinets to the powder room, you are going to clutter the floor. If you have items you need to put in the powder room, consider using hooks. You do not need to install a bunch of cabinets for your powder room to be functional.
You need to prioritize the functionality of the room. This is not a room that you are going to be relaxing in. Instead, this is going to be a room where you are going to get in and get out. You need to make this as easy as possible for yourself.
For example, you need the vanity to be in a convenient location. You also need to make sure the toilet works properly if this is a part of your powder room. If you need a sitting area, you should prioritize this as well.
When you are picking out items, make sure they are easy to use. That way, you can maximize the benefit of your powder room.
Finally, you should not neglect mirrors. Powder rooms are relatively small. Therefore, you should do everything you can to make them bigger. Adding a mirror to the walls can help you do exactly that.
Of course, mirrors also create more functionality for your powder room as well. You need to think about your lighting situation when you put up the mirrors. They need to work well together. For example, you may want to include a bar light over the mirror to make it easier for people to see.
You should also find mirrors that will be there at all. You will be using your powder room regularly, so you need a mirror that will stand up to routine wear and tear. If you have questions about what type of mirrors to choose, reach out to professionals who can help you.
You may not realize just how often you put your powder room to use. Therefore, you need to design it appropriately so that you can get the most out of it. It is easy for people to go crazy when they are designing their powder rooms; however, this is something you want to avoid.
If you have questions about setting up your powder room, you should reach out to professionals who can help you. At Columbus Bath Design, we have seen powder rooms that come in all shapes and sizes. It would be our pleasure to put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
Medicine cabinets might sound boring and old-fashioned, but they are actually a decorative way to increase the storage space in your bathroom. Medicine cabinets are making a comeback in interior design and are storing away things that are not even medication-related. Check out some creative ways that today’s medicine cabinets can transform your bathroom into an organized and stylish space. 
The unused space above the toilet is the perfect spot for a medicine cabinet. Select one that compliments the entire bathroom. This includes the style…modern, country, traditional, etc. Whether you decide to make it a focal point or blend into the wall, is up to you. This is an ideal spot for storing additional toilet paper, room fragrance, tissues, and cleaning supplies.
A corner in the bathroom is an ideal spot for a fashionable yet functional medicine cabinet. This works extremely well in a small bathroom where space is limited. It allows you to get extra storage space without the cabinet looking out of place. Corner medicine cabinets can conveniently hide away toiletries, towels, and other items that clutter the counter.
If your bathroom has two side-by-side sinks, the space above can serve double duty. It’s a mirror! It’s a medicine cabinet! It’s a double duty, mirror and medicine cabinet duo. At first sight, these clever, clandestine medicine cabinets look just like mirrors, but when they open up, they become an organizational dream. Store toiletries, combs, brushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and any go-to items you use on a daily basis. Note: You don’t have to have double sinks in your bathroom to enjoy a double-duty mirror medicine cabinet. It is just as handy with one.
If there is a substantial wall by the shower, hang a longer medicine cabinet nearby to house bath towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. The design can vary based on your taste. It can resemble a closet door, mimic the shower door or look like a basic mirror. Hang towel racks on the wall next to the medicine cabinet to complete the shower theme.
If you are a tried and true traditionalist and love the look of everything old is new again, there are medicine cabinets on the market that look like they did many years ago. They might look old, but they are designed to help you keep organized and clutter-free including built-in shelves, cubbies, and individual spaces for different sized items. Hang them on any wall in the bathroom. For example, above the sink, behind the door, near the shower or combine as a wall grouping with light scones.
For those looking for a sleek, streamlined bathroom style, consider a recessed medicine cabinet. Part of the cabinet is built or recessed into the inside of the wall. This option provides extra storage, deeper shelves, and a whole lot of space to organize multiple items. This idea might take some remodeling, but in the long run, the time and investment will provide additional storage in a small to mid-sized bathroom.
If you must add storage to your bathroom but don’t like the idea of a medicine cabinet that looks like a medicine cabinet, then hide a cabinet behind a framed picture. Simply open the framed picture like a door and voila! Shelves for towels, toiletries, and other items you want to keep organized and concealed away from view. This idea is lovely above a bathtub, toilet, or larger wall in your bathroom.
Some homeowners prefer to have everything in view, so a medicine cabinet with clear glass or no glass at all is an option. This idea is like a shadow box and can help organize bathroom necessities or showcase favorites like perfume collections, jewelry, and hair accessories. Consider a small shadowbox-looking cabinet or go for one that fills up space from the ceiling to the floor to create a bookcase vibe.
Medicine cabinet designs are getting more and more creative and clever, some even artistic. There are cabinets that look like regular mirrors, but each side features slide-out shelving. This is ideal for smaller, lightweight toiletries, washcloths, soap, and medication.
Medicine Cabinets are an on-trend organizational tool for bathrooms of all sizes. Medicine cabinets offer built-in functionality and a stylish element to a bathroom. Whether you prefer it tucked away from view so only you know where it is or open for viewing shelving for everyone to see, medicine cabinets make a bathroom convenient and organized. Today’s medicine cabinet trends make it easy and affordable for you to update and refresh your bathroom.
The design experts at Columbus Bath Design are up to date on all the latest bathroom trends and can help you design the best medicine cabinet for your home. Contact us today and let’s get started.
Today’s bathrooms are luxurious spaces where the home owner’s personality is showcased. Yes, there are traditional tiles that are and will always be in style, but now more than ever, interior designers are celebrating big, bold, and colorful tiles. The more colorful and creative, the better. Here are some of our favorite tile designs to refresh a bathroom. 
We’ll start with an all-time favorite with an updated twist…matte tiles. Matte tiles that are free from gloss and polish offer a subtle yet fashion statement that will complement any sized bath. They also provide a natural element with dimension. Matte tiles are perfect for flooring because they are easy to clean, maintain and look absolutely amazing with other elements in the room. Go for one color like gray or brown or mix different shades together for a more modern look.
Big, bold, colorful patterns are the go-to tiles if you like to step up your bathroom design. Think throwback top to bottom geometric patterns that go from the floor right into the shower stall. Or if you prefer, use the geometric tiles to simply and beautifully add accents to your bathroom. For example, only cover one wall with tiles or a special spot like a backsplash behind the sink. Then, tone the pattern down with neutral tiles that help the eye enjoy the view. Team your perfect patterns with a floating sink, open-air tub to complete the luxurious design.
Subway tile or metro tiles as savvy designers call them provides an industrial edge like no other. Subway tiles are classic, timeless and with the right grout can enhance a bathroom’s overall aura. Most common in neutral white or beige, metro tiles are a safe, yet stylish selection for a modern decor enthusiast. Plus if you want this look in your home but are hoping for a different color, larger-sized tiles and more colors will be more common on the market moving forward. The great thing about subway tile is that you can easily incorporate other tile styles and sizes into your design for a one-of-a-kind look.
The natural wood look is having a major return to interior design and that includes tiles for the bathroom. Wood walls and wood floors together provide an almost sauna style and spa inspiration. Any wood goes too, including cherry, maple, or oak, or a combination of multiple kinds of wood will add texture and dimension. Today’s wood tiles are easy to care for, clean, and maintain making them extra popular. Some might question, “Is this actually the bathroom,” when they enter the room, but after the second take, they will instantly fall in love with this fashion-forward appeal.
When you think of marble you think, high quality, super stunning, and almost artistic. Each marble tile features a unique design that comes together like an artist’s canvas on the floor, in the shower, on the basin, or any other spot in the bathroom. In the past marble was reserved for expensive homes and mansions that were upscale with large master bathrooms. Now the smallest bathroom can look amazing when styled with this natural stone’s unique beauty.
Metal tiles in the bathroom! Yes and yes! Metal tiles are popping up everywhere and making bathrooms look modern and classic at the same time. Metal tiles reflect the light providing a shiny and unexpected design for the bathroom. They are available in a variety of shapes and designs providing a “sky’s the limit” style appeal. They are versatile and add depth to a room that is powerful and pretty at the same time. Metal tiles can be used as a ceiling, cover a single wall, adorn the wall behind the toilet and tub. The sky’s the limit in the bathroom with metal tiles.
Textured tiles are all the rage, but it is terrazzo or speckled tiles created from fragments of many tiles types, that are the hot tiles for updated bathrooms. Each tile can include a combination of glass, marble, quartz, and even metal. They are understated, have style for days, and look amazing in any sized bathroom space. Terrazzo tiles are an alternative to more expensive marble and granite, and they look just as rich and modern. The options are as endless as your imagination and tastes.
Relaxing and spending more time at home is growing in popularity. We are enjoying our homes more than ever and want to relax while there, especially in the bathroom. The color green and shades of this color that are found in nature are finding their way into our hearts and our bathroom’s interiors. It is a calming color and complements any colors that it is combined with. Cover the floor with monochromatic green tiles, or mix different shades of green to add texture and dimension. Then add nature-inspired accents like bamboo and rattan.
Today, dark drama is working it in the bathroom arena. Very dark is very dramatic and uber chic. Think big, black or dark gray tiles that cover the floor. Then, even bigger, darker-toned tiles work their way up the wall. It sounds like designers are going over to the dark side, but this edgy look works tremendously well. This look will work best with larger-sized rooms with natural lighting and higher ceilings but isn’t out of the question for smaller spaces.
Columbus Bath Design can help you decide what bathroom tiles will work with your personality, budget, and tastes. Contact us today and let’s get started.
The average cost to remodel a bathroom is over $16,000. If you have a dated bathroom and money is tight, you may be looking for ways to reduce those expenses while still freshening up your space. Learning how to save money while remodeling a bathroom can help you to reduce the costs while still getting a bathroom that is stylish and modern. Here are some of the best tips for saving money on a bathroom renovation project. 
One of the ways that you can save money while remodeling a bathroom is to complete demolition on your own. This includes removing any flooring, fixtures, and walls in the space yourself, rather than paying a contractor to complete the work. However, if you are demolishing on your own, you need to know what you are doing. It is important that you do not remove any load-bearing walls or damage the plumbing while removing fixtures or flooring. Both of these mistakes can be costly to repair and can negate any savings associated with demolishing a bathroom space on your own.
Many people do not realize that fixtures can be repainted or powder coated to give them a new appearance. For example, you can sand down a wooden vanity and then either restain or repaint the vanity to give it a new and fresh look. A bathtub that is stained can be powder coated to help it look as good as new. Reusing old fixtures is generally cheaper than buying new fixtures, so if your fixtures still have life in them, consider going this route.
As you look to remodel or renovate a bathroom, one of the decisions you have to make is about the layout of the bathroom. If you are on a budget, retaining the existing layout in the bathroom can help you to save money. This means that your sink, toilet, and shower will all be in the same position they currently are. When you switch up a bathroom layout and start to move fixtures, you need to alter the plumbing in your bathroom. Having to call in a plumber to re-plumb or repipe your bathroom can be costly and can drastically increase the cost of a bathroom renovation project.
One of the common mistakes homeowners make when undergoing a bathroom renovation is not shopping around for the best prices for the materials needed for the renovation. Tile, stone, and fixture prices can vary from one vendor to the next. There are many places you can go to look for materials for your bathroom, including online retailers. Many retailers also have materials that may be close-out pricing. Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices, or ask if a vendor has any discounted materials for sale.
Some materials may look beautiful, but you can quickly exceed the budget or sink more into a bathroom remodel if you go overboard on high-end materials. And unfortunately, it can be hard to get a good return on investment with too many high-end materials. Instead, select one or two high-end items that are must-haves in your bathroom, and then try to counter those items with more affordable materials. Let your high-end items make a statement and be the star of the bathroom, instead of having them compete with other high-end finishes.
The final tip to help you save money while you are remodeling your bathroom is to carefully review quotes from contractors. The cheapest quote is not always the best, nor does it always wind up being the cheapest. Always find out what exactly is included in your contract. Are your materials included in the quote, or do you have to buy those separately? Are dumpster rental or disposal fees included or do you have to arrange to have the trash discarded? Is the contractor obtaining and paying for building permits or are you? Always take the time to carefully review a contractor’s quote and work to see what is included in the quote and what may wind up costing you more down the road.
A bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, but it can be costly to renovate and can negatively affect the value and feel of your home if it is dated. Fortunately, there are many ways to update or remodel the look and feel of your bathroom, even for those on a budget. Here at Columbus Bath Design, we can work with any budget to help to maximize the money you have and change the look of your bathroom. Reach out to us today to learn more about us or to get started on a bathroom remodeling project.
Homeowners can be somewhat torn on how important a bathroom remodel is to the market value of a property. Everybody will tell you that a kitchen is the most critical source for return on investment for your remodeling budget – which is true – but are many areas used more frequently than the bathroom?
What makes a bathroom remodel so valuable is that it pays back in a multitude of ways. There’s the obvious market value increase of a memorable commode, not to mention the increased quality of living that an open, relaxing space has to offer. Bathroom renovations will also help increase energy efficiency with the installation of low flow water fixtures and non invasive lighting.
Like any home improvement project, budget is always something to take into consideration. Homeowners need to weigh pros and cons of what are important features to include, and where to focus their finances. In order to do that, it’s important to understand where the biggest costs are going to be in a bathroom remodel:
Labor
It’s no surprise that 30 – 50% or more of your bathroom remodel budget will be spent on labor. The more rigorous the project, the higher that labor cost is going to be unfortunately.
Consider if you want to change the layout of the bathroom. That involves paying a plumber to move water lines, an electrician to run new wiring, a construction contractor for demo and the rebuild, as well as a tile specialist for new flooring / shower / backsplash. That doesn’t include a painter and/or a finish carpenter.
Some of that labor cost can be recouped with DIY work, most frequently the demo part of the project. Plumbing and electrical needs to be performed by a professional however.
Tile
Since bathrooms are generally smaller than other areas of the house, the good news is that labor costs for plumbers, electricians, etc. are generally lower because the job is done faster. It’s nothing for these trades to be done with their work in a single day or even an afternoon.
That’s not the case with tile installers though, whether it’s the floor, a shower, backsplash, etc. Tile installation is a very time consuming process – but in a way you want it to be so that the job looks nice.
Tile can only be laid in sections, and the mastic must be allowed to dry before the finishing grout can be applied. Before that the area needs to be measured and spaced out for aesthetics which is why many times a tile job can take 2-3 days or more.
It should also be noted that different tile materials will affect the budget. Natural stone tiles can cost 10X as much as basic ceramic products.
Fixtures
Low end bathtubs are going to start off with a price tag of around $400 even on sale at big box stores. High end, freestanding soaking bathtubs can be priced at $2,000 to $3,000 or more. All of these fixtures have great ROI when it comes time to sell the house (as well as an increased quality of living), but will put a significant dent in the budget at the time of remodel.
Low flow toilets don’t cost a considerable amount more than standard models, and they’re reported to save upwards of $150 per year in water bills. That may not seem like much, but compounded over 10 years it definitely adds up. Plus, sometimes there are tax incentives or rebates for having water saving fixtures installed.
Vanity
When you really think about it, there aren’t that many places to spend money in your bathroom. Lighting, painting, trim, and other miscellaneous items are going to pale in comparison to the big three of tiling, fixtures, and finally the vanity.
A vanity has become an increasingly important aspect of the bathroom for convenience as well as market value. His and her vanities are now the norm that buyers are looking for, but pedestal/wall mounted features also offer more room and make the bathroom look bigger. Vessel vanities provide a unique, modern look as well.
There are simply tons of options available in vanity choices, each with varying costs. Countertop material choices are included in that pricing as well, with marble/granite being more high end and laminate a more cost-efficient choice.
Bathroom Remodel Cost Summary
The ultimate thing to remember is that no matter how you want to lay out a bathroom or what features you want to include – it will all cost to have the work and installation done. Any time plumbing is added to the normal construction work, the labor prices will increase.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it though. There have been “Million Dollar Listing” type shows where a sale is lost simply because the master bathroom doesn’t have a tub to soak in. You’re in the bathroom multiple times a day for a number of different functions, you might as well enjoy the stay.
Giving construction estimates on a whim is a tough job. A contractor may run into a potential client on the street and they ask a very broad, “how much to to put up a garage” question even though there are dozens of variables that would affect that answer.
Bathroom contracting specialists deal with the same thing, specifically in questions about the timeline of a renovation. Homeowners have every right to know these details (along with cost, starting date, scope of work, etc.) but there are also a number of factors that go into this answer. Here are the steps of a bathroom renovation and how long you can expect each to take:
Permit Acquisition
Home renovations that require structural, electrical, or plumbing alterations will more often than not require a permit depending on your jurisdiction. If you just plan on changing the visual appearance of the bathroom (paint, new lighting or trim) then work can commence immediately. Also the good news about a bathroom renovation is that it is interior which means a permit can usually be granted within a week. Exterior remodeling in historical districts requires a board meeting and can take up to 6 weeks.
Demo
Once the scope of work is approved by the proper authorities, it’s time to start the ‘out with the old in with the new’ process. Many homeowners consider the demolition process a very doable DIY project, but just know that do-it-yourself jobs almost always stretch out the timeline.
Instead of a multi-person crew working 8 hour days, you’re likely having untrained friends and family volunteering their time on nights and weekends. Professional contractors can usually have bathroom demo done in a day, but DIY depends on how aggressive a person is with their time.
Framing and Rebuilding
You’re not dealing with the biggest square footage even in spacious, luxury, master bathrooms so the work involved with re-framing the room isn’t that time consuming. Replacing rotted subflooring is a one-day project, as is framing new walls for layout changes.
With interior work, the good news is that contractors can stick to deadlines regardless of weather. The only thing that would push the re-framing aspect into a second week would be a material shortage. It’s incredibly important that all of this work is done on time because services trades cannot start their work until the ‘bare bones’ are back in place.
Plumbing and Electrical
What many homeowners find is that the plumbing and electrical required for a bathroom renovation usually isn’t all that time consuming – but getting the tradespeople on site is. Construction contractors often get blamed for project delays when the truth is they are playing the waiting game on the often swamped service techs.
Don’t be surprised if your bathroom sits torn apart and idle for a week or two while waiting for a plumber and/or electrician to get to the job site. That’s why it’s important to have prompt demo done, and also have a general contractor with specific timelines and who stays on top of the service trades promises.
Tile Installation
Whether it’s flooring or a shower wall, it’s not a stretch to assume that tile installation will be the most time consuming aspect of your bathroom renovation. This is definitely a job that you don’t want rushed though, so give the installer plenty of time before scheduling the next service.
There’s just a lot that goes into the tile application process. For one, an installer can only work in sections since the adhesive mastic will dry up if they get too far ahead of themselves. Each individual tile needs to be placed meticulously so that it is straight and spaced out properly. Then, once the mastic and tiles are down, at least 24 hours should pass before applying grout.
The good news is that other types of flooring besides tile can be applied in a much quicker manner. Laying a laminate floor for example is usually a one-day job, but at the same time it doesn’t provide the same durability (or often the same aesthetics) as tile.
Fixtures, Paint, Trim
Installing new fixtures as well as painting and applying base, window, and door trim aren’t especially time consuming either. The thing is, you want to dedicate a day (two on the safe side) to each. Painters can do their job a lot faster before the vanity and trim is installed. The vanity should be installed before the base trim so it can be flush against the wall as well.
It’s not fair to ask multiple contractors to try and work at the same time in a space as small as a bathroom. Not to mention, each of them waiting to get in and out of a room is going to drive labor costs through the roof.
How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take Summary
There are little nuances during each step of a bathroom renovation that could really stretch out this project. You’ve got the design and permit phase before any work can even be done, then the demo, then giving plumbers and electricians enough time to install the ‘guts’ before the actual rebuild can begin.
Tile mastic and grout needs time to dry, as does paint. Fixtures, vanity, and trim all needs to be applied in a certain order as well. If you’ve got a contractor that is well-versed in all of these services, that’s going to significantly cut down on your timeline, but this is still a 2-week job at minimum.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
