Bathroom Remodeling Lexington KY is a major project that can dramatically change the layout and design of your space. It can be a DIY project but requires skill, knowledge, and the right tools.

The scope of your project will impact the timeline. Sweeten can connect you with vetted contractors and help navigate permitting and building board approvals.

The layout of your bathroom is its basic structure, and it defines how you and your family use the space. It also reflects your style preferences and the physical constraints of your home’s construction.

When you design your bathroom layout, start with a floor plan showing the existing walls, windows, or doors. This will help you to understand the space and how your remodel will affect it. It will also make it much easier to communicate your ideas to a contractor.

A full remodel of a bathroom involves tearing down walls, adding plumbing and electrical, rewiring, and completely rebuilding the room. This is a major undertaking, but it can give you the chance to create a custom room that perfectly fits your needs. It’s important to work with a licensed, reputable professional for this type of project.

If you’re doing a less extensive renovation, consider changing the layout rather than completely replacing the room’s fixtures and materials. This includes converting a bathtub to a shower, moving the toilet or sink, enlarging the shower, or adding more storage.

For example, if the bathroom door opens directly into the toilet room, consider adding partition walls and a pocket door to create a toilet alcove. This will reclaim space that would be wasted by the swing of a conventional door and add more privacy to the room.

Once you’ve determined the layout of your new bathroom, it’s time to think about color and finishes. Start by collecting images of bathrooms you like, and look for common themes. For instance, do you prefer a clean, minimalist look or something more luxurious? This will guide you as you whittle down your options for cabinet colors and finishes, tile and paint. Having a clear vision will help you to keep your budget in check as you make purchases. It will also save you time and frustration when it comes to finding just the right items for your space.

Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures are the elements that allow water to flow through your home’s plumbing system and into your bathroom. They include faucets, showerheads, bathtubs and toilets that offer both function and style. Changing out bathroom fixtures can update your home’s aesthetic and add to its overall value.

When choosing your bathroom fixtures, consider the colors and styles that you like best. Modern fixtures often have sleek, minimal designs that work well with contemporary decor styles. Vintage and traditional fixtures can also add a classic look to your bathroom. If you’re unsure what kind of fixtures to choose, visit a bathroom showroom to see and try out various options. You can also consult a professional to make recommendations based on your preferences.

Once you’ve selected your bathroom fixtures, make sure that you have all the parts and pieces needed for installation. For example, you might need new valves or tub drains to accompany your new faucet or shower control. You’ll also need to ensure that all of your fixtures match with one another. For example, matching silver and matte black fixtures can create a cohesive design. Alternatively, you could mix finishes to produce a contrasting effect—think oil-rubbed bronze and copper fixtures.

In addition to being stylish, many homeowners are selecting eco-friendly fixtures in their bathrooms. These green options reduce energy and water usage without sacrificing functionality or appearance. Some of these choices can even be incorporated into ADA-compliant solutions, making it easy to accommodate accessibility standards while maintaining your desired design.

Consider integrating natural materials into your bathroom design, such as recycled glass, bamboo or sintered stone countertops and vanities. These unique textures can provide a luxurious feel and add character to your space.

While you’re selecting fixtures, be sure to keep your budget in mind. A complete remodel can quickly add up, especially when you factor in labor and material costs. Be sure to set aside a contingency fund (around 10-15% of your total project cost) for any unexpected expenses.

Once you’ve finalized your fixture selections, hire a professional to handle the install. They can help you avoid costly errors and ensure that your bathroom is properly equipped to meet all of your needs.

Lighting

The lighting in your bathroom is one of the most important components to consider. Insufficient or outdated fixtures can make a bathroom feel dark and uninviting, whereas well-placed lighting brightens the space and enhances the overall design scheme. In a remodel, you’ll want to add ambient (ceiling fixtures), task (vanity lights), and accent lighting to create a balanced and inviting environment. A layered lighting plan also makes it easier to perform tasks like shaving or applying makeup, and it can help set the mood of the room.

Bathroom remodeling should include light fixtures that match in design style and color with other fixtures throughout the space. This creates a seamless, coherent look that reflects your personal taste and helps the room feel more spacious. If you prefer a contemporary design, for example, stick to streamlined fixtures with geometric shapes and clean lines. Similarly, traditional bathrooms benefit from more ornamental fixtures with small details and brass or crystal materials.

In addition to matching light fixtures, you’ll want to choose bulbs that are compatible with the wattage rating of your existing fixtures. Mixing different wattage ratings can create patchy areas of illumination that don’t mesh with the rest of the bathroom. It’s also important to select a color temperature that matches the overall ambiance of the space, whether you opt for a warm and welcoming atmosphere or something more neutral and relaxing.

Accessibility Features: Installing grab bars, a walk-in tub or curbless shower can help your family stay safe and independent as you age, especially if you’re living with chronic health conditions or disabilities.

Green Upgrades: Installing eco-friendly fixtures, such as a low-flow toilet or LED lighting, can reduce your water and energy usage while adding style to the space.

While it’s possible to renovate a bathroom on your own, many people find that working with an experienced professional contractor speeds up the project, reduces stress, and ensures compliance with building codes and safety regulations. A contractor will be able to handle the plumbing, electrical and carpentry work that is typically part of a bathroom remodel. In addition, they can ensure that your new bathroom meets all the requirements for accessibility and lead safety (if applicable in your home).

Storage

In addition to a new shower or tub, a luxury bathroom remodel can include many other changes, such as installing a built-in storage solution. This can help keep your space clean, organized and uncluttered so you can focus on the things that really matter, such as enjoying your spa-like retreat.

Begin by emptying every nook and cranny of your current storage and evaluating what needs to go, such as past-their-prime beauty products, dingy towels and overflowing cabinet shelves. Group similar items together and plan for what you’ll use daily. This will give you a good idea of how much extra storage you need for your new bathroom remodel.

Then, look for solutions that will provide the most functionality with minimal costs. For example, a simple shelf over the sink can hold everything from eyeglasses and jewelry to cotton swabs and skincare products. Use pretty glass jars to keep items at eye level and add labels for easy organization.

Over-the-door baskets are perfect for hair tools, such as blow dryers and curling irons, which tend to take up a lot of space in the cabinet or drawer. They can also be moved around the room, so you can easily grab what you need when it’s time to style your hair or get ready for bed.

If you don’t have the budget for built-in shelves, try using a decorative ladder to hold linens and extra towels. This is a great way to add height and character to your bathroom design, while providing plenty of storage for all those fluffy bath towels.

Another option is to install a floating shelf in the corner of the room. This is ideal for small spaces, and it can be custom-built to fit your space. Adding a pleated fabric skirt around the bottom of the shelf will add color, pattern and soft texture while hiding eyesores like plastic storage bins. You can also make a DIY repurposed Mason jar organizer for makeup, swabs and other smaller items. This project from The DIY Playbook is both quick and inexpensive. It looks rustic and is a great alternative to an unsightly basket or plastic container.