Still haven’t repainted our greige primary bath which can feel a bit gloomy in winter (ever toying with the idea of SW Eider White). Am I taking my time to get it right or just stuck in paralysis? As an inspiration blogger, it is all too easy to simply dream of the possibilities! Obviously paint is the easiest bath tweak. As a DIY serial bath renovator, I assure you bathroom redesigns are especially tricky. Critical decisions will yield realities with which you’ll live for a long time. TAKE YOUR TIME with those decisions if at all possible, and maybe these bath tips will help.

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Bath Tips from a Renovator for Redesigns & Inspiration
Glimpses of Our Renovations
Here’s where our most recent bath renovation began:

It was awkward (hello, 1990s) with soffits, steps to a sunken bath, a custom shower bench on the wrong end of the shower, and a sea of brown tile. Perfect if you’re into funky and clunky.
Fortunately, this space has a million dollar view of a gorgeous forest preserve so attending to the details was well worth it.

Bathroom designs are so PERSONAL. Plumbing, electrical, and space planning must all be addressed before the pretty finishes. Also lighting! Storage needs, and of course safety is a priority. Due to health issues, the old bath was enough of a death trap that I didn’t use it a single day until we renovated.

Bathroom redesigns may be even trickier than when you start from scratch. Changing the locations of existing plumbing and electrical? A specialized skill set and wads of cash are required.



So much better now!

Here are particulars for this bath:



A Classic White Bath We Redesigned
In our former home, we opted for separate, individual, freestanding vanities and created a custom bridge as a makeup area.

I love how the angles of our vanitiy tops and bases echoed other architecture in that space.


Need ideas for cabinets and vanity organization? Who couldn’t use a little more space for THE STUFF?
Clear Bins to Store Like Items
It’s the mirrored base in the bins that really does it for me!
Drawers Behind Doors
Super Smart Styling Organization


Tips for Scoring the Right Bath Vanity
Notice the Relationship of Vanity and Top
Are you a fan of high contrast? As you collect inspiring photos of bath vanities you admire – notice the consistencies. Do you prefer high contrast, low contrast, ornamentation, minimal style, or modern lines?

Lighting Needs for Vanity Area
I have no trouble sourcing beautiful sconces for the bath, but they aren’t always the right scale. The most flattering vanity light comes from placement where the sides of your face are lit.
However, sometimes this isn’t possible when space is limited.
It often comes down to planning to the inch! Also, as far as flattering light, maybe it’s my age, but I no longer stand at the vanity for extended periods. Consequently, the decision to install vanity lights above our medicine cabinet mirrors made sense. Think specifically about your individual needs and be guided by how you actually live more than trends on Pinterest.

When you begin to look closer at pretty bathrooms, it becomes clear lighting options are endless. There are not hard and fast rules for the design.

Let’s face it – we are all different heights and have different daily needs and preferences.

Simple Bath Refresh
Before we painted the vanity below in our son’s condo, it was a 20-year old builder-grade oak vanity with orange stain. Just a little paint (didn’t even change the old faucet or cultured marble top) transformed it.

This paint color (above) is an interesting charcoal color with both brown and navy blue undertones. It was discontinued but is similar to Farrow & Ball Railings. In some lighting, it looks like oil rubbed bronze, and in others, a soft black.

Repurposed Antiques for a Traditional Vanity
This vanity area with a lamp just charms me! If you have the opportunity to repurpose an existing vanity, antique, table, console, etc. what fun!

I love seeing a bath that feels like an escape to serenity:

Most of us wouldn’t dream of wallpapering a bathroom where there’s a shower, but what a lovely prospect when you can:
In our bath’s redesign, I initially thought we would refinish the existing solid wood vanity and add vessel sinks since the height of the cabinets was too low. However, quotes for a custom marble countertop were much greater than new vanities with proper height. (Another issue is time. Refinishing a vanity? A dusty, laborious, possibly toxic process.)

Don’t you love the basket storage below the vanity above?
Jennifer creates the most beautiful baths for herself and lucky clients!


Modern French & Old World Vanity Inspiration
Here’s a sconces with mirror look I love:

And yes, we’re down to earth today, but that doesn’t mean we can be inspired by a fantasy powder bath moment!

Don’t forget that makeup vanities can move to a closet or dressing area.

White is a natural color for a bath, and here are three contenders if you care to sample a few.

Inspiration for Coastal Style Baths
If you have shopped for bath design elements, coastal and Shaker styles are most commonly available.
Is this my favorite traditional yet modern cottage vintage look?

The beautiful wall of mosaic tile would probably blow the budget!





Traditional Vanity Inspo
Remember when there was no selection whatsoever for readymade vanities or bathroom sinks?

Sheets of mirror on the wall can still be a great idea, but there are plenty of other possibilities too.




Here are a few more possibilities:


Petite & Modern Ideas



Bath Vanities in Our Former Bath Were Budget-Friendly

When we tackled our master bath above, we first demo’d everything to begin from scratch. I wanted budget friendly traditional white vanity sets with simple clean lines.

In lieu of a long double sink bathroom vanity, a custom makeup counter joins two separate single vanities.
Our DIY bathroom remodel was a mix of high and low. In fact, the Kohler Purist faucets cost more than the vanities.


Modern Country Vanity Inspiration

This mirror is a FAVORITE among famous designers…if it’s in stock, snag it!

Rustic Elegance & Vintage Charm

Who can resist the charm of a checkered floor?

Find beautiful bathroom design inspiration from my PINTEREST BOARD HERE.
In the mood for a bit of fantasy dream home tour (hint: The Fox Group!)?
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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To me one of the most important things to incorporate into bathroom design is adding a quad outlet under the sink inside the cabinets. Then you have a place to keep your hair dryer plugged in ready to pull out and use, a place to keep your electric tooth brush plugged in and anything else that’s electrical plugged or chargeable and off your counters.
Author
oooooh yes – that should be at the top of the list! I should talk about where we placed our outlets (out of sight inside medicine cabinets and below eye level for aesthetics). THANK YOU!