8 High-Value Bathroom Upgrades to Know About
When you’re renovating a bathroom, every dollar counts. Here are eight things worth splurging on, the experts say
Georgia Madden
12 августа, 2023
If you’re redoing your bathroom, chances are your budget isn’t endless and you need to think carefully about where to spend and where to save. So which upgrades are worth the extra expense and will make a significant difference to the look and functionality of the space? It’s a question we asked three bathroom experts. Here’s what they said.
1. Skylight
“Adding a skylight is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to a bathroom,” says Giulianna del Popolo, principal designer at GDP Interior Design. “Having natural light streaming in from overhead creates a serene, spa-like atmosphere. It also means you can do away with having a window, which gives you more scope with shower placement.
“There are many options available, from solar-powered and electrically operable skylights to ones with tinted glass in various sizes and finishes. What you choose will depend on your roof type and budget,” del Popolo says.
“For a new build, plan the skylight early so it’s factored into the roof shape and orientation. If you’re renovating, you’ll need a builder to assess for obstructions in the roof space before you can commit,” she says.
“Also be aware that having constant sun streaming into a bathroom can make it uncomfortably hot, depending on the room’s size and orientation. If this is the case in your bathroom, be sure to invest in some motorized blinds to cut the glare.”
Find a bathroom designer near you
“Adding a skylight is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to a bathroom,” says Giulianna del Popolo, principal designer at GDP Interior Design. “Having natural light streaming in from overhead creates a serene, spa-like atmosphere. It also means you can do away with having a window, which gives you more scope with shower placement.
“There are many options available, from solar-powered and electrically operable skylights to ones with tinted glass in various sizes and finishes. What you choose will depend on your roof type and budget,” del Popolo says.
“For a new build, plan the skylight early so it’s factored into the roof shape and orientation. If you’re renovating, you’ll need a builder to assess for obstructions in the roof space before you can commit,” she says.
“Also be aware that having constant sun streaming into a bathroom can make it uncomfortably hot, depending on the room’s size and orientation. If this is the case in your bathroom, be sure to invest in some motorized blinds to cut the glare.”
Find a bathroom designer near you
2. Integrated Electrical Outlets
“If you have chargeable shavers or electrical toothbrushes or if you plan on using or charging any electrical devices in the bathroom, consider installing electrical outlets inside cabinets or drawers to avoid countertop clutter and messy, dangling power cords,” del Popolo says.
“Power docks aren’t just for custom vanities — you’ll find them in some off-the-shelf vanities too. Just be sure to tell your electrician early on that you want outlets integrated into your vanity or drawers so he or she can plan for them,” she adds.
Shop for bathroom vanities
“If you have chargeable shavers or electrical toothbrushes or if you plan on using or charging any electrical devices in the bathroom, consider installing electrical outlets inside cabinets or drawers to avoid countertop clutter and messy, dangling power cords,” del Popolo says.
“Power docks aren’t just for custom vanities — you’ll find them in some off-the-shelf vanities too. Just be sure to tell your electrician early on that you want outlets integrated into your vanity or drawers so he or she can plan for them,” she adds.
Shop for bathroom vanities
3. Mirrored Cabinet
“Upgrading from a regular mirror to a mirrored cabinet will help keep your countertop clear,” del Popolo says. “It’s the perfect spot to house all those small creams, tubes and bottles at a convenient eye level.
“Mirrored cabinets do not need to be expensive and can either be partially recessed into the wall or surface-mounted. Just be aware that your choice of installation will affect your lighting options for around the mirror,” she says.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
“Upgrading from a regular mirror to a mirrored cabinet will help keep your countertop clear,” del Popolo says. “It’s the perfect spot to house all those small creams, tubes and bottles at a convenient eye level.
“Mirrored cabinets do not need to be expensive and can either be partially recessed into the wall or surface-mounted. Just be aware that your choice of installation will affect your lighting options for around the mirror,” she says.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
4. Exhaust Fan
“Problems with air circulation will bring down even the loveliest of bathrooms,” del Popolo says. “Ensure that you specify an exhaust fan within the design to remove excess moisture and odors, and help prohibit the formation of mold in your bathroom. If you’re concerned about noise, check the labelling and choose an exhaust fan with a lower decibel rating.”
“Problems with air circulation will bring down even the loveliest of bathrooms,” del Popolo says. “Ensure that you specify an exhaust fan within the design to remove excess moisture and odors, and help prohibit the formation of mold in your bathroom. If you’re concerned about noise, check the labelling and choose an exhaust fan with a lower decibel rating.”
5. Underfloor Heating
“Stepping onto a warm bathroom floor is a joy on those cold winter mornings, and it’s something I’d particularly recommend if you’re designing an en suite,” says Anoushka Allum, interior designer and principal at Anoushka Allum Design. “Be aware that you’ll need to specify it right at the start of the build or remodeling process.”
“Stepping onto a warm bathroom floor is a joy on those cold winter mornings, and it’s something I’d particularly recommend if you’re designing an en suite,” says Anoushka Allum, interior designer and principal at Anoushka Allum Design. “Be aware that you’ll need to specify it right at the start of the build or remodeling process.”
6. Custom Cabinetry
“Custom cabinetry is probably my favorite upgrade as it adds so much to a bathroom,” Allum says.
“Often clients will start off thinking they will buy something off the shelf. However, you can never achieve the perfect fit, look and functionality this way. I always encourage clients to spend a little more for custom cabinetry so they can achieve an outcome that is completely tailored to their bathroom and their individual needs. And again, it needs to be decided upon in the planning stage of your build or renovation to allow for space planning,” she says.
“Custom cabinetry is probably my favorite upgrade as it adds so much to a bathroom,” Allum says.
“Often clients will start off thinking they will buy something off the shelf. However, you can never achieve the perfect fit, look and functionality this way. I always encourage clients to spend a little more for custom cabinetry so they can achieve an outcome that is completely tailored to their bathroom and their individual needs. And again, it needs to be decided upon in the planning stage of your build or renovation to allow for space planning,” she says.
7. Drawer Storage
“Upgrading your vanity from a style with doors to one with drawers is worth the extra outlay as it gives you far more functional storage,” says Ashleigh Teune, interior designer at Smarter Bathrooms+. “Drawers are also easier to clean as you don’t have to reach awkwardly into the back of cupboards.”
“Upgrading your vanity from a style with doors to one with drawers is worth the extra outlay as it gives you far more functional storage,” says Ashleigh Teune, interior designer at Smarter Bathrooms+. “Drawers are also easier to clean as you don’t have to reach awkwardly into the back of cupboards.”
8. Shower Niche
“Dispense with the shower shelf and opt for a niche instead,” Teune says. “It provides a neat, practical spot to store shampoos and soap, and it won’t encroach on your standing space in the shower. Plus, a niche creates a far more sophisticated and streamlined look.”
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom design stories
Browse bathroom photos
Find a home professional
Shop for bathroom products
“Dispense with the shower shelf and opt for a niche instead,” Teune says. “It provides a neat, practical spot to store shampoos and soap, and it won’t encroach on your standing space in the shower. Plus, a niche creates a far more sophisticated and streamlined look.”
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom design stories
Browse bathroom photos
Find a home professional
Shop for bathroom products
Похожие статьи
Статья практикующего дизайнера
Пошаговое руководство: Как выбрать своего дизайнера интерьера
Автор: Natalia Mitina
Практикующий дизайнер описывает методику поиска автора вашего будущего проекта
Читать
Советы по декору
Вопрос: Как определить, какого размера ковер вам нужен
Автор: Ольга Божко
Перед тем как завести ковер или расположить уже имеющийся — повторим несколько правил
Читать
Статьи о кухнях
Что лучше: Матовый или глянцевый фасад для кухни
Автор: Евгения Назарова
Как отметил один из дизайнеров, вопрос уровня «брюки или юбка». И все же
Читать
Статьи про наведение порядка
Все запущено: Как навести порядок в квартире и начать новую жизнь
Автор: Юлия Володина
Мы за интеллектуальный подход к уборке, потому составляем план действий, чтобы разобрать домашние завалы
Читать
Советы для маленьких комнат
Скромные метры: 12 мест для хранения, которые вы зря игнорировали
Автор: Юлия Девятова
Используйте каждый квадратный сантиметр с пользой — изучите наши идеи для хранения
Читать
Почему не мне
Почему не мне это пришло в голову: 17 идей в закладки
Автор: houzzrussia
Так тоже можно! Сохраните в закладки, вдруг пригодится
Читать
Статья практикующего дизайнера
Эргономика: Как правильно вешать светильники
Автор: Наталья Преображенская
Важно всё: высота относительно пола, потолка, уровня глаз. И даже габариты мебели в комнате
Читать
Статьи про наведение порядка
Где сушить белье в квартире... красиво
Автор: Екатерина Кулиничева
Если не хочется развешивать его над ванной и ставить сушилку посреди гостиной. А балкона — нет
Читать
Советы по ремонту
Как выбирать строителей: 11 советов от дизайнера интерьеров
Автор: Дарья Харитонова
Чтобы ремонт не превратился в кошмар, выберите правильного подрядчика
Читать
Статьи о кухнях
Дизайн-дебаты: Надо ли планировать кухню по рабочему треугольнику
Автор: Татьяна Гронская
Правило рабочего треугольника помогает экономить силы и время на кухне. Но часто ли применяют это правило на практике?
Читать
Drawer storage...Yes!!! Always hated the vanities with just doors and no drawers. Everyone needs a drawer for toothpaste and toiletries.