On average, a bathroom remodeling project costs between $10,000 and $20,000 according to a report by Networx. This may seem like an awful lot but it is absolutely worth every dime. For starters, it will increase the value of your home guaranteeing a 70.1% return on investment. Secondly, it will make your bathroom more functional. Lastly but more importantly, it will transform that otherwise mundane room you spend a few minutes showering into a stunning, regal and stylish space you will want to stay in for hours. Seeing how costly the venture can be, you want to be well informed about the latest trends so you don’t have to rip it all apart after a few years when you are remodeling or upgrading your home. Luckily, below are some great, trendy and absolutely stunning ideas.
Floating Toilets
Floating toilets, otherwise known as wall mounted toilets are all the rage this year and for good reason. Talk of a space-saving, sleek, and exotic design. Unlike standard floor mounted toilets which come at a standard height, floating toilets can be fixed with your height in mind provided they are 15 inches above ground making them all the more convenient. Additionally, they eliminate the cistern tank which can be unsightly as this part is usually hidden behind the wall, supported by a steel or cast iron carrier. The only visible parts of a floating toilet are the suspended bowl and the flash button. This not only makes for a beautiful design, but it also makes the bathroom more spacious which can be very advantageous for small and unconventional houses like mobile homes. You see, the building code clearances for most municipalities dictate that there should be a 21-inch space in front of the toilet in any bathroom. By tucking the cistern behind a wall, floating toilets take off about 10 inches of this. The fact that they are not mounted to the wall has another added advantage; it’s easier to clean the area around and beneath the toilet. Floating toilets are the true mark of a modernized home bathroom.
Marble Slabs
Marble as a bathroom and kitchen material is only growing in popularity. This could be attributed to its durability, and sense of class. Marble, be it grey, white, black or purple hued is an interesting way of introducing elegance into your bathroom and contrary to popular belief, incorporating marble into your bathroom is not that costly. As opposed to the usual grouted or tiled floors, modern bathrooms feature large marble slabs which are usually sandblasted to make them nonslippery. The fact that each of these slabs usually different and unique veining works to add interest and variety to the room. Marble can also be featured in bathroom walls, tubs, sinks, and benchtops.
Open Showers
Open showers, popularly referred to as walk-in showers are just as luxurious as they sound. Although they do not feature the privacy aspect so many people value, they bring much more to the table. Walk-ins have the power to turn an otherwise ordinary shower into a luxurious indulgence as they give off the vibe you are in a spa. They also help create more space in the bathroom allowing for the installation of a bigger tub to wind and relax in, another upcoming bathroom trend. They create the illusion of space and are accessible to everyone including people with limited mobility as there is nothing to step over or on.
Vanity Mirrors
Mirrors have been incorporated in bathroom designs since the 19th century. However, unlike back then when they were more functional, modern day mirrors are stunning edgy centerpieces that impact and elevate the look of a bathroom. Vanity mirrors come in many designs and shapes but the most popular at the moment are rectangular or floating ones. The wave has moved from circular mirrors which have dominated the interior decor industry for the past decade as people jump on the minimalistic bandwagon. You can place these mirrors in front of or directly opposite the window or above the sink. If you want to create a vertical feel, go for two long mirrors and if you want to create an illusion of space, go for a single but wide vanity mirror. Consider adding lighting fixtures, say sconces, or art around the mirrors just to add some extra pizzazz.
Metal Fixtures
Bid adieu to chrome and stainless steel and welcome gold, bronze, brass, and copper bathroom fixtures. Metal fixtures are experiencing a resurgence from faucets, piping, mirror edges and what have you. Warmer accents of these metals add a luxurious feel to any bathroom. With the exception of brass, they are fairly easy to maintain. They are also durable, especially bronze which only gets better with age. The way light reflects off metal fixtures can be very eye-catching adding an interesting dimension to the room. As opposed to the past where metal fixtures were only polished, modern metal fixtures come in different finishes from matte to satin to spun gold. The secret to hacking this trend is, however, going for cutting edge shapes.
Simple renovations like swapping fixtures can make quite the impact in a bathroom. Major overhauls are also welcomed if the idea is to completely revamp the look and feel of your home. The bathroom is a vital part of any house and just because it is not openly visible does not mean it shouldn’t make a statement. Nevertheless, it is savvy and advisable to only spend up to 10% of your home’s value on bathroom remodels.