The Perfect Bathroom Design-Important Options to Consider During the Planning Phase

Spend a little time planning your bathroom and you'll get a lot more than "functional" - you'll get an integral part of your decor that enhances your home value. Here's a few things to consider:

Styles and materials have changed since your bathroom was last remodeled (10, 20, 50 years ago?) Don't just replace to get the maximum out of your remodeling. Stop into a bathroom showroom to see products, looks and possibilities you may not have even imagined before - like vessel sinks, furniture-like cabinets, stylish fixtures.
Favorite tile: line the floor, walls - wherever you need eye-catching waterproof materials - if a pattern is too strong, just add a row of it around the middle or top of plainer tiles.
Take cues from your home's architecture. Arches, pillars, steps up to your tub. Molding is a quality touch that sometimes gets skipped. Interior doors can give a more finished appearance by coordinating with cabinets or nearby furniture.
A popular trend these days is his and her sinks and mirrors. Get ready in the morning without the usual "traffic jam".
Want a jolt of color but are afraid you may tire of it in a few years? Try just adding a wall of special tile and tie it together with coordinating towels or ceramics. When you update, you won't have to redo the entire room.
When you need a bathroom with a masculine feel, opt for sleek design in neutrals. Try grey, taupe, beiges. Black, dark wood and naturals work especially well with a more modern style.
All white bathrooms never go out of style. Try the new off-white and cream shades for a clean, relaxing atmosphere that goes with anything and is a safe-bet if you're planning on selling your home in the near future.
A fireplace is a special addition to a bathroom that will make evening "stress-soaks" feel like a day at the spa. Try a heated floor and you'll never have a chilly moment in the bathroom.
Plants and flowers add color and organic peace to a room.
You can't have enough cabinets, linen towers, shelving in a bathroom. Cabinets today can have the look of furniture and gives the room a symmetrical appearance. Organization is key so make sure you plan thoroughly to make the best use of your space and avoid bathroom clutter by taking inventory of what needs to go where.
Powder rooms and very small bathroom spaces beg for interest. Get a lot of impact with paint -deep colors look rich, enhance your fixtures, and create atmosphere. Try a deep cocoa, charcoal, plum, or garnet. This is the perfect place for a sculptural vessel sinks can make a small bathroom artistic, elegant and inviting.
Lighting doesn't have to be a row of bulbs. Think of accent lighting that sets the mood like a mini-chandelier or mirror-mounted sconces with shades.
Natural lighting is important and can open up your space. If you have empty wall space -think of expanding your window(s). Windows today are much more energy efficient so get rid of that drafty window and go for flattering sunlight or a pretty property view instead. You can even open up the ceiling to the stars with skylights or a sunroom if your bathroom resides in the top level of your home.
Historical renovation is popular in the older Metro areas. You may want to remodel to preserve, not change. Take a look at retro and Victorian styles in cabinetry and fixtures. tip: Older homes may need more structural work so make sure your remodeler is confident that a thorough inspection has been done before they start work or you could get an expensive surprise behind the walls.
You want a Spa. Find out if you can remove a wall to expand for a whirlpool, soaking tub, or walk-in shower, dressing/grooming area. A fireplace is a nice touch to a bathroom that will make evening "stress-soaks" feel like vacation. Try a heated floor and you'll never have a chilly moment in the bathroom. Lavish with candles and orchids.
Shower is all you need? Today's showers have many options: glass doors or glass block walls, handheld showerheads, bodysprays & jets, thermostatic valves, seating and shelves & much more.
If the bathroom is for a person with limited abilities make sure you look at adding seating in the bathing area with grab bars for safety. You may want to look at the new walk-in tubs for extra ease of use.
Clip magazines and bookmark or printout interesting bathrooms on the internet. Anything can be inspiring (a garden walk, a mountain village, a piece of furniture) so start collecting, making lists for your designer, and create a bathroom for modern times that you'll love for a long time because you took the time to plan.