Any seasoned home buyer or seller will tell you that one of the big ticket items when it comes to homes is the bathroom. But why do we care so much about them?
Scott Skinner, an Anniston-based decorating consultant who has been in home and business design for about 20 years, said this is because the bathroom is where we start and end the day.
“The bathrooms are where you gather your thoughts and improve,” Skinner said. “They can get expensive, but with careful planning and the right fixtures and finishes, you can have the space of your dreams.”
Whether you want to transform your bathroom into a completely new oasis or just want to beautify it subtly, these trends and tips are sure to give you a boost of inspiration!
What trends do you see in bathroom renovations?
• Lots of freestanding tubs. People want bigger showers too, and sometimes that means taking out the built-in tubs to make room. Often times, the built-in tubs are under dark decorative windows, and you can include the window in the new shower (creating new tile trim).
• Two freestanding washbasins for him and her (not just typical pedestal washbasins) instead of a long one.
• Medicine cabinets are making a comeback. Not yours hanging on the wall, but cut into the wall. I had a cabinet man make a frame (then put it in a mirror) to match the vanity. This can create a custom look.
• Much back to classic, timeless designs. Classic doesn’t mean boring.
• Natural elements that flow into a bathroom design. Tan and creamy white with a touch of nature.
Conversions from bathtub to walk-in shower seem to be growing in popularity. Have you seen or done this before?
Yes, but I think it depends on your needs, long term or resale. I designed some wet rooms that contain the shower and bathtub in the same area of the bathtub. One thing to consider is a curly-free walk-in shower. They are ideal for glass fronts and sides.
Bathroom designs by local interior designer Scott Skinner.
When someone wants to renovate their bathroom, what do you suggest?
Take some time to plan. I know this sounds easy, but you wouldn’t believe how many people just start using all of their “likes” without making sure they are flowing. Write down all of your needs, from storing personal items to towels and water bottles. There are many variables in a bathroom design so we need to create an outline: measure and scale the space and plan the lighting accordingly (wall lights or vanity lights?). Don’t forget the ceiling lights. Think of unique features to make your space stand out.
When I meet a client about a bathroom remodel or freshening up, you have your tough landscapes like flooring, cabinets and wall structures and softscapes like countertops, lighting, mirrors and faucets. We want to find out what’s the cheapest right now, but always make sure that if you come back later to do something more you haven’t wasted any money or hurt the overall design.
Are there any DIY projects that you would recommend to a homeowner looking for quick and easy upgrades?
You can swap out your lights and vanities (don’t forget to support your local lighting and plumbing stores). Have fun with mirrors. Once I collaged a client’s children’s pictures around a mirror frame, added their favorite color, and the result was that they had their own washbasin room. Even something as simple as changing towels can make a difference. Add some color in these natural baths.
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