Get a notebook or notepad and write down a complete list of all the things you are going to need.  List all of the tools that you need, check to make sure that you have these tools, if not, put them on the list to purchase.   Next make the materials list.  Trust me the list is very important.  I’m lucky that my home improvement store is less than ½ mile from my house but that didn’t stop my from several daily trips on my first remodel job.  Check prices at several places to make sure you are getting the best price you can.  Usually is there is one home improvement store, their competitor isn’t too far away.

If you have any friends or family that you can call in some favors for, it will help,at least with the demo portions, if you are doing demo.  My daughter and I have a blast doing demo on both my bathroom and kitchen backsplash area.  You just need to make sure that you are not standing close to each other if you are swinging hammers.

If you are lucky enough to have some help, remember, these folks are not being paid and are there out of their friendship to you or paying you back for you helping them.  Don’t work them like slaves and remember to have plenty of refreshments on hand.  Pay for their lunch or have lunch already made up and be sure to take the lunch break and eat outside if you can.   Don’t drink alcohol during these breaks.  Alcohol and power tools don’t mix well.  Make sure everyone wears eye protection and gloves if possible, especially during demo.

If you get to a point that you can’t figure something out, check out YouTube to see if you can find any tips or hints.  If you can’t complete the project, don’t be embarrassed to call a professional in to help you.  The guy I had to call was kind enough to show me how to do it correctly as he was doing it.  I was able to learn and he got paid.

If you find yourself getting irritated while working on your project, STOP.  If you don’t, the chances of you making a large costly mistake are enhanced.  Trust me.  I finally had to realize that taking a 10 min break and going outside and taking a few deep breaths really helped me calm down and focus on how to complete my task without getting pissed off.

Remember that when you plan your home improvement project, it is supposed to be fun and be beautiful.  If you can’t enjoy it, you won’t be happy with the final outcome. If you have friends and family come over to help, make sure someone takes a few photos along the way.  It will bring back fun memories when you look at the photos in the future.

A few final suggestions:
•    Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing for any home improvement job
•    If you have long hair, pull it back in a ponytail.
•    Don’t wear jewelry as it can get damaged during any home improvement task.
•    Wear gloves
•    Keep plenty of wet paper towels to clean up any mess nearby.
•    Protect your countertops and floors

In the design world of today, lush and luxurious master baths with separate showers, whirlpool tubs and wonderful sinks and vanities are the standard. Our bathroom was so small only one of us could be in there at a time. One step inside the door brought you to the small vanity with its single sink, bounded on its right side by the back wall of the house and on its left by the toilet. The door rested against the bedroom wall, as it had to swing out when opened, thus eliminating the wall space for a nightstand on one side of our bed. The tub and shower unit completely filled the left end of the room from front to back wall, less than a foot from the toilet.  Bounded on the front by our bedroom and the back wall by the hall bath, there was no way to add additional space.  It was cramped with heavy dark tile and dated wallpaper. Our challenge was to make the most of the small space available.

With several home improvement projects already under our belts, we felt we could handle our own small bathroom remodeling.  We would be replacing some of the plumbing fixtures, but not moving them. We chose to use a shower unit without a tub and selected one with clear glass, as privacy was not an issue since only one of us fit in the room at a time. My husband could handle that, saving us the cost of a plumber. We did want to add some lighting, so we contracted with an electrician for those changes. The demolition was up to us. We removed the old plumbing fixtures and the vanity cabinet, stripped out the old tile, took down all the accessories and the strip light fixture that was over the medicine cabinet, and got rid of the old drywall. We keep the toilet to put back in the new design, saving some money. When all construction debris was hauled off in the rented dumpster we had placed on our driveway for the demolition, we had a room with exposed studs and the bare subflooring visible. This was the foundation on which we would build our “new” (but still small) bath.

1 Example of a space saving bathroom sink

By doing the demolition, drywall, tiling, and painting ourselves we saved a great deal of money, which we use for the plumbing and electrical work we needed and the new shower, sink, lights and shelving we installed.  There are many interesting small bathroom design ideas on a budget like ours, and we enjoyed studying these and making our choices. We learned we could replace that inconvenient bathroom door with a pocket door, sliding into the wall between the bedroom and bath to eliminate wasted wall and floor space.  We made much better use of the right side window’s natural light by installing a mini blind that could remain raised when the room was empty and allow light through when lowered for privacy. In fact, we went for a lot of light, in many different ways. Since cool and pale colors reflect light, we used tiles in a soft white and beige mosaic on the shower walls and the bathroom floor, and painted the drywall and all trim a light glowing beige.  The tub was replaced with a frameless shower, providing a little more space between it and the toilet and really opening up the look of the room through its clear glass doors. We reinstalled the old toilet.

A white pedestal sink replaced the vanity and sink, allowing much more floor room but cutting down on storage. My husband very cleverly built replacement storage with shelving that was recessed into the wall over the toilet, with clear shelves that seem to disappear and widen the space further.  A large gold-framed oval mirror now hangs over the sink and reflects all the light, enlarging the look of the space. Wall sconces mounted on either side of it and a ceiling light in the shower really brighten this formerly dark space.  Someday, when our budget will allow, we can add even more light by installing a skylight.  Our bathroom is still the same size in square footage, but looks and feels so much bigger with its open floor, recessed storage, reflective mirror, natural light and light enhancing colors and fixtures. A final great advantage to all the clear glass and neutral color tones is the chance to add dazzle with colorful towels and bath accessories.

Replace the toilet.
Older toilets are usually larger, so replacing these with newer ones will help save space. New toilet models are sleeker and come in compact sizes. They are also much more efficient, which is an even better reason to use them.

Use mirrors.
Mirrors are some of the oldest tricks used in small bathroom designs. Mirrors reflect light, making the room brighter and eliminating shadows that take away from visual space. Mirrors also create the illusion of more space, whether they are used alone or with other mirrors.

When using mirrors in small spaces, try to avoid bulky designs. Do not use mirrors that come with bulky frames because these take up more space than is necessary. Use flat, simple mirrors that are big enough to be functional but unobtrusive enough to help you conserve wall areas.

If you prefer, buy mirrors that come with other bathroom necessities such as small shelves or cabinets. Cabinets with mirrors are small enough to fit the space above the sink and functional enough to be used to store toiletries.

Mirrors also come in many shapes and sizes. With creativity and a little imagination, it is possible to use more than one mirror in the room to allow optimum light reflection. As functional as they are, however, mirrors can also be too much for a tiny space so use them wisely.

Think functionalism when it comes to fixtures.
Sinks typically use up space in the bathroom. However, in small bathroom designs, sinks can be chosen carefully to make sure they offer sufficient function and still fit in the room. There are sinks for small bathrooms that are designed to offer both function and style. Sinks for small bathrooms are typically 15%-35% smaller than average ones, so there is some space-saving factor you can take advantage of.

Another trick to use is to install sinks for small bathrooms in one area of the room along with other fixtures such as the toilet and the tub or shower. Save floor space further by installing a wall-mounted sink. That way, there will be a few square feet of free area underneath that you can utilize for other things.

Downsize other fixtures as well, such as the faucet and the vanity. Choose a faucet with a single control for easier manipulation in a tight area and install a smaller-sized vanity. There will be less room for toiletries and knick-knacks but more space to move.

Stay in the corner.
The shower can take up space if you do not choose the style and location well. To make more room for other fixtures, install a corner shower on one end of the area. Some corner showers can even be customized to fit a particular space, while others may be bought at standard sizes.

You may also choose to use a shower screen or a sliding door for the shower. These enclosures are typically flat. Using clear or frosted glass can also create the illusion of a window, which helps open up the area visually.

Choose one color and stick to it.
Small bathroom designs often utilize one solid color for walls. Intricate patterns, while interesting, often make the area appear smaller than it is. Use a light and natural shade to give the illusion of an open space. If you must use borders, do so sparingly and avoid bold approaches. If you must use prints, choose light, simple ones. You could also focus on using textures on walls for aesthetic appeal instead of using patterns.

What works, what does not? What stays; what goes? Generally speaking, the bathtub can stay.
Nicks and scratches can be repaired while the tub color, tub fixtures, and shower head can be changed. It is less expensive to add a shower to a bathtub than it is to replace it with a walk-in shower. Unless the plumbing is very old, the sink and commode can be easily replaced.

Assuming the homeowner is not going to undertake a total renovation the place to begin is a home builder’s center that has a design department. Be sure to take the bathroom measurements – width x length x height – and a sketch of the current room layout including window and door. The designer can make suggestions as to what will or will not work in the available space.

The greatest expense is plumbing. The base cabinet, sink and bathroom fixtures can be changed, but a four-foot base cabinet can easily cost $600. Sinks can be as simple as a replacement, or it can be under-counter, over-counter, vessel sink, copper sink, enamel design overlay or colored enamel. Fixture selection can be just as daunting in price and design. It is all part of the ‘look’ the homeowner is trying to achieve. The finished look can include everything from a copper sink with matching bathroom fixtures to faucet shape and design. Commodes come in various heights, colors and bowel shape. The young family generally does not need a commode that is 16″ high as it is more suitable for seniors than a small child.

The base cabinet and countertop are generally considered after the features are selected. The cabinet base comes in many colors and styles from a furniture grade finish to the ready-to-stain, or paint, unfinished wood. Countertops can be granite, ceramic tile, engineered stone, marble or laminate. Granite colors are extremely popular as there is approximately 1000 colors and designs to choose from. Granite is no longer limited to one color, but it can be cost prohibitive as it ranges from $50 -$200 per square foot. Granite does increase the value of the home as much as new smart bathroom flooring such as cork or bamboo. Many of the beautiful granite colors are also available in other countertop materials. Granite, ceramic tile, and some of the other popular countertops require special care whereas the laminate does not.

Bathroom decor, lighting, and accessories such as drawer pulls and door knobs, toilet paper holder and soap dish require attention to detail. Lighting is the most important feature of the bathroom regardless of the style, be it a hanging light, an over the sink light, a wall mounted light or a ceiling fixture. Whether or not a hanging light can be installed is dependent upon ceiling height and the intended use. A 14 foot ceiling and excellent ventilation is why it is possible to hang a chandelier in a room-size shower. Most lights that hang are installed in a large bathroom from a ceiling more than 9′ high for maximum lighting and effect. However a great mirror and proper lighting may be a better bargain for the budget conscious buyer.

Bathroom decor is very much a personal opinion. Baskets filled with washcloths tied with ribbon, or sample-size gifts for guests, can be just as effective as wall decorations such as small glass shelves or accent mirrors. On the other hand a unusual piece of art work or a great painting can be just as captivating. It is all about space.

Whether it is wall decorations or baskets, bathroom decor comes down to budget.

A quick and easy way to incorporate bathroom design ideas for a small bathroom is by the use of different types color. This is a favorite among house owners and decorators alike because there is so much that can be accomplished by making use of color. The color that a person chooses can not only set the overall tone for the room, but can also be used to offset and accent other colors and accessories within the room. Color can add a certain quality to a room that no other form of decorating can. It can be used to highlight other colors as well as compliment other colors at the same time.

When a person is in the process of decorating their bathroom, the first thing they will want to consider is the use of primer. This is an essential step that should be incorporated into the painting task. This is because the paint will adhere better to a wall that has primer on it, then it will to being painted over another color. This will also help the paint go on a lot smooth during the application process.

Another way that people can make the most out of decorating this specific room in the house is by using various painting techniques, such as sponge panting and other tools that give the room a different affect. The sponge painting technique gives the walls a more textured look and is great for combining two types of colors to give the room added depth and character.

When using painting techniques as a means for redecorating it is essential to buy high quality paint as well as products to help you in your painting task. The reason for this is because high quality tools can actually help make the application process easier. It has also been known to help produce better results that only a professional painter might have. Did you know that a beginning painter that uses good quality tools can have better results painting a room then a professional painter with inexpensive paint and panting tools.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing the color to paint the bathroom or any room in the house is to remember that all paint dries a shade darker than it does when it is first applied. This tip will help you choose the right paint color when deciding on which paint to buy.

Another great way to add a nice touch to your decorating is by implementing decorative mirrors into your bathroom. There are many varieties when choosing on the right style to add to your design scheme. Among some of the favorites are etched decorative mirrors and personalized mirrors. These can give that unique and personalized touch to this room in the house. Many of these mirrors can be specially made to suit your designing needs and create the specific look you are wanting to capture.

The use of porcelain tile can also be an effective decorating method when trying to give the bathroom a certain look and feel. There are many different color schemes and designs to give your bathroom the particular look and level of durability desired. One of the newer and savvy of porcelain tile are the ones that also have added benefits aside from being aesthetically pleasing. One such trait is the use of heat. The heat is a great feature that can be used to help dry a wet floor as well as keep the person warm after showing or bathing.

The use of ceiling lights can also add a certain look and visual clarity that is needed in the bathroom. One particular type of this lighting is known as recess lighting. These can come in many different sizes and strengths that can be customized for each individual’s needs. These also come in a variety of colors, which also gives you maximum control over your designing efforts. The use of ceiling lights allows one to take decorating to an entirely new level and gives the added lighting feature that appeals to many people.

By using some or all of these techniques when implementing bathroom design ideas for a small bathroom one can create a well balanced visually appealing setting that is well planned and organized. These techniques will help ensure the quality and time one spends in decorating their bathroom will be time well spent.

You may have heard light colors make a room look spacious. While this is true, there are some ideas you may not have considered. First, you do not have to limit yourself to a white bathroom, unless it is your preference. While pastel colors look lovely in small rooms, so do brighter colors. Pale peach, blue, yellow, or pink will give your bathroom a soft, gentle appearance. Bright, bold colors can be chosen instead for a unique look.

A second point in choosing colors is to include a little variety. If your walls, curtains, and and floors are all the same color, the room will appear smaller. Choosing two or three colors, or a solid color and a pattern, will add to the appeal of your new bathroom, and make it appear much larger.

The furnishings you choose can enhance a smaller-sized bathroom. When you think of small toilet furniture, an above-toilet cabinet is a good choice. There are a number of points to consider when purchasing one of these cabinets. First, the right material and color can give a light, airy look to the entire room. Solid plastic, aluminum, and natural wicker cabinets will do more for your bathroom’s appearance than dark wood. Cabinets with glass or mirrored doors will also produce this effect. Second, cabinets should be useful and convenient. Make sure it is the correct height for your family members to easily access, and contains the number of shelves you want. Installing a small cabinet underneath the sink is a better option for small bathrooms than separate cabinets or vanities. They do not take extra space, and can hold all of your essential grooming items. It is a great way to eliminate clutter, so the room will always look its best.

Shower upgrades can also turn a plain bathroom into something quite impressive. A shower with a sliding door is one idea. Sliding doors conserve space when they are in use, and look nice when the shower is not being used. Another idea is to install a shower that fits snugly into a corner. Corner shower units are compact and neat, requiring very little space. If you wish, you can have a sliding door shower or corner unit with towel racks installed on the door. This option means you will not need to have extra towel racks installed on your walls.

Small bathroom ideas for decorating can turn it into the nicest room in your home. When purchasing decorative accents, moderation is important. Whether you would like to decorate with plants, sea shells, or other favorite objects, keep in mind that more does not add up to better. A few decorative objects will highlight the room and give it special points of interest, without appearing busy or crowded.

There is nothing quite like a clean, fresh bathroom to bring comfort, convenience, and beauty into a home. Even if you have a tiny bathroom, there is no reason for it to be anything less than wonderful. It is a room you, the members of your family, and your guests will use every day. When you begin with these tips, it will be much more than functional. It will surely be the nicest bathroom you have ever owned. Whether you do all of the decorating yourself or hire someone to help, you will love the results.

Luckily, there are shower upgrades widely available on the market that offer the ideal solution for all bathroom remodeling dilemmas. Known in the industry as “shower kits,” these interior home decor improvements have a one-piece design that facilitates easy installation. They are sold at all major home improvement retailers and online vendors. An upscale feature available in many stylish designs, such kits come as sections that may be custom-fit to best suit your specific mobility and spacing requirements. These interlocking sectional units fit together to form a complete shower stall for both master and secondary bathrooms.

In addition to their compact physical design, shower upgrade kits offer exceptional value – especially for more “handy” homeowners. Constructed of durable materials that stand up to corrosion and rust, they are also very easy to clean and maintain. All components are contained within a single kit. The number and size of the included parts depend upon the relative complexity of your planned project. There are some kits that include all accessories such as shelving or wall-mounted bath linen bars. Others feature only the bare essentials. Regardless of your final choice, however, you will find that shower upgrades are convenient, cost-effective options that are also easy to install. You can even select pre-coordinated components that appeal to your personal preferences.

If your bathroom area is relatively large or you want a fancier look, consider one of the steam-generating shower upgrades. In the past, steam showers were unavailable to individual consumers. Only industrial and commercial clients such as gyms or health clubs were able to buy them. All that has changed, however. Steam showers have many benefits that are very valuable for maintaining the health of your sinuses and skin. Not to mention the relaxation and tension relief that we all tend to yearn for after a hard day at work. Now, you may experience the same ambiance of expensive saunas without ever having to leave home! To begin your odyssey into aquatic ecstasy, just touch the digital dials displayed upon the control panel of the handheld device. Then, merely relax and enjoy your reverie into rejuvenation and bodily restoration.

Installing a steam shower unit will most likely entail contacting one or more local contractors. This is invariably the case if internal plumbing and steam generating shower units are concerned. However, the high tech professional techniques commonly employed today make replicating the incredible relaxation and rejuvenation of high-end saunas and spas a realistic expectation. In fact, it can even offer more long-term economy than ordinary bathtubs – particularly for those who like to take long, luxurious bathing sessions. The water and money you stand to save are substantial. Although electrical costs may increase somewhat, most homeowners agree that the expense pales in comparison to the results. Gone are the days when bathrooms were mere cubbyholes designed for hurried morning preparations to face the upcoming day. Today’s modern household restrooms take the concept of “bathing” to a whole new level!

When I started working on interior design ideas for my master bathroom, I knew I wanted it to become my favorite place to go unwind, whether it is a hot shower or a long leisure soak in my tub. ahhhhhhhhh

The old notion that one person’s trash is another persons treasure holds much truth. I recently found a fantastic hand thrown ceramic vessel sink in a thrift store. It came with a wooden stand; however, I chose to build this piece into an old kitchen cabinet by cutting a hole in the top and plumbing it. I fauxed the cabinet to resemble a dark wood, which went great with the sink. This piece is one of a kind; exactly the element I felt was important to add. If you do not feel confident to change out these pieces yourself, a plumber can do this or hire a licensed and bonded handyman instead. There are vessel sinks which can be found online that come in glass, ceramic, porcelain, stone and copper. Simply changing out an old sink can do wonders for a small bathroom.

If your bathroom is space challenged, you can still have a bathtub, though it may smaller. There are still deals out there to find 5’ claw foot tubs. Sometimes someone may be giving it away or selling it for a nominal cost. Make sure they have their feet and that the porcelain inside is in good shape. This can be your shower as well, using a circular shower curtain that goes completely around so that the water stays inside. This is a creative way to utilize the space instead of having a separate bathtub and shower. It may be a consideration to choose the Japanese style tub which is great for soaking. These traditional bathtubs are made from wood, which would feel grounding with its warm earth colors. Many tubs are made with the small bathroom in mind. Whether you can buy new or must find it second hand, there are unique choices which will fit just right in your space.

Many people are under the assumption that color makes a room look smaller, especially when there is not a lot of room. In my experience, the right colors enhance rooms. I chose to take two colors which were in my ceramic sink and paint the walls with one of them and stain the doors with the other. Bathroom color themes should reflect who you are. You may prefer more subtle colors such as sage green or soft rye. These colors work well with just about anything. On the other hand, darker colors can work well alongside light fixtures and countertops, as long as there is adequate light. Warm earth colors in rust and mahogany can enliven a small bathroom without making it feel enclosed and cramped.

A small bathroom is a fun challenge. Since it is a place that time is spent in, it should feel comfortable and look beautiful.

Small Bathroom Vessel Sink

When it comes to small spaces, there are many things that you can do to make it appear larger. Bathroom color themes should be considered above all else before thinking about replacing fixtures. Simply changing the color to something lighter and more vibrant can make a significant difference in what the bathroom will look like. Light blues will fill the space and make it look as airy as the sky. If white is too boring for you, try a rich cream color. Using darker colors will confine the space and make it feel darker and smaller than ever.

When most people have a small space, everything inside of it is miniature as well. Tiny bathtubs shouldn’t even exist. No one can fit in them comfortably, so why even have one? If you can’t stretch out and have the horizontal space, you can still enjoy the same volume as those luxurious homes. The different is going for a deeper tub. A deep tub can turn a tiny bathtub into something you’d want to soak in daily.

Deep bath tubs can transform a bathroom. They are meant for soaking but can relax the entire body because of being able to submerge the entire body into the tub. Deep bath tubs also help with chromatherapy, which is relaxation in conjunction with comforting hues. So now we’re back to bathroom color themes. Choosing colors based upon how they correspond with emotional states will enhance your bathing experience. Cool colors will ensure that you sink into a calm state, such as blues and greens.

Vessel sinks are another thing that you can add to a small space to enhance the look. Vessel sinks are often free standing and made of glass or metal. These ensure that there is room for other things in the bathroom instead of a bulky cabinet surrounding a boring sink. Vessel sinks can be found in a variety of colors that will go with your bathroom color theme and make the space look very classy. When I was looking for a vessel sink I noticed that some have higher sides than others, make sure you will be comfortable reaching over the top of the vessel sink.  I have noticed that some of the newer vessel sinks are not as “tall” as some of the original designs.

Bathrooms don’t have to be small. Whether the space is small or not, it doesn’t mean that you have to have a tiny bathtub or a tiny anything. It’s all a matter of how you choose to theme the bathroom and the fixtures you choose for it.

Every bathroom has some basics to it that everyone must have. Toilets, sinks and tubs are standard. But which ones they choose is completely up to the owner of the house. Small spaces can be challenging, but I happen to like a good challenge. I also happen to like a nice soak in a deep tub. Once you’ve gone with a deep tub for your small space, you’ll never go to a regular tub ever again.

deep tubs for small spaces

Installing a bathroom vanity with even broad-spectrum lighting is a good idea if you plan on creating a bathroom environment that is conducive to applying makeup in the morning. Having multiple forms of lighting can be important, especially if you plan on using your bathroom for makeup application. Your makeup will look dramatically different under various lighting conditions such as natural sunlight, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting. Installing sunlight for your bathroom is a good option if you are looking for a way to bring natural light into a bathroom setting. People prefer natural sunlight for the broad spectrum and natural warmth.  Another advantage to using sunlight’s as supplemental bathroom lighting is that it allows people to receive sunlight, without giving up the privacy aspects of a windowless room.

Lighting can also be a useful tool used to create and enhance mood. Proper lighting such an important but often overlooked aspect of interior decorating and design. High end Kohler overflowing bathtubs have taken lighting to the next level, by installing fiber optic lighting rods, which rotate and change color.

Increasing the amount of available light available in smaller bathrooms is extremely important if you wish to remove the sense of claustrophobia. If you have a smaller bathroom, you should also consider using 100% clear glass shower doors. Clear doors are great for smaller bathrooms because of the fact that they do allow a great amount of light to fully pass through. In contrast, frosted privacy glass style shower doors can create a claustrophobic feeling due to the fact that they absorb a large amount of the ambient light in the room.

Remodeling existing bathroom light fixtures can be quite easy if you can utilize the existing electrical framework.  There are many DIY home improvements you find both from Home Depot and regular bookstores such as Barnes & Noble. Although it may be cheaper to purchase books from Amazon, you may want to purchase your bathroom interior lighting books from brick and mortar stores instead. If you are looking for inspirational ideas it’s a good idea to full skim through the lighting book, to make sure that you and the author have the same basic general styles and tastes.

If you are looking for the most recent trends in bathroom lighting you may want to read magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens or Dwell magazine. Instead of paying for an interior designer, you can also directly attend industry lighting shows. This is the best way to keep fully abreast of innovative lighting trends.

Personally my favorite lighting upgrade that I have just done in my kitchen is recessed lights on a dimmer. OMG, what a difference it makes in the evening when we are sitting in the family room.  As a bonus I’m using less electricity. My next upgrade is my bathroom lighting on a dimmer switch also.  I think it will make taking a long soaking bath even more relaxing with having bright lights on.