Bathroom remodel tips: smart ideas for remodeling design
Bathroom remodel tips: smart ideas for remodeling your space
I’ve been through my share of bathroom renovation projects, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel at the start. The good news is that with the right plan, some clever ideas, and a little patience, remodeling a bathroom can actually be enjoyable. Over twenty years ago, when I finished my first bathroom remodel, I was amazed at how much the new design elevated both the style and the function of my house. Since then I have renovated several bathrooms. Design and style have changed with each project, but the approach and planning stayed the same.
Thinking about the overall cost early on will help you set priorities and create a realistic budget for your bathroom remodel. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the same steps I used so you can create a bathroom design that fits your space, budget, and personality. A thoughtful remodeling project can improve your bathroom layout, add more storage, and even increase the resale value of your house.
A modern bathroom remodel can transform your space into a spa-like retreat.
How to start your bathroom remodel
Create a mood board
Before diving into your bathroom remodel, gather inspiration. Collect images from Pinterest, design magazines, or online galleries to help you visualize color palettes, textures, and finishes. A mood board will guide your decisions and keep your style consistent.
When I created mine, I realized how different bathroom design elements like cabinetry finishes, fixtures, and tile work looked together. A mood board not only saves time but also gives homeowners confidence during the renovation process. Mood boards are also great for DIY projects, helping homeowners narrow down bathroom design ideas before committing to materials or a contractor.
A mood board helps you visualize colors, textures, and finishes for your bathroom remodel.
Plan your layout
Think about the placement of fixtures, shower, and storage. A well-planned layout prevents costly changes later and ensures your remodel meets your needs. Think carefully about the toilet placement, since moving it later can greatly increase costs. Mapping everything out ahead of time also makes it easier to stick to a realistic budget without cutting corners on important features.
Even a small change in bathroom layout can make a big difference in how the space feels. For homeowners planning a bathroom renovation, mapping out where cabinetry, lighting, and plumbing will be installed helps avoid mistakes later. Considering where your toilet, sink, and cabinets will be installed ahead of time ensures a smooth process and keeps the overall cost of the bathroom renovation under control.
Choosing materials and finishes
Select the right tile
The right bathroom design choices can make your house feel more modern and inviting. Tile will define the look of your remodeled bathroom. Choose the type, color, and layout carefully, since it covers the largest surface area. Subway tile, mosaic, or large-format tiles can all set very different moods. If you’re going for a timeless look, I suggest avoiding trendy, busy-looking tiles, since this material is difficult and costly to change in the future.
Quality materials are worth the investment because they add durability and even resale value to your house. Many homeowners overlook how much style comes from the tile work itself, so take your time choosing a design you’ll love. High-quality materials not only enhance the style but also add lasting value to your bathroom renovation. High-quality tile work on the walls and floor not only adds lasting value but also makes your bathroom easier to maintain over time.
Tile choice sets the tone of your bathroom remodeling project.
Decide on grout color
Grout might seem minor, but it affects the entire look of your tile. Decide whether you want grout to blend in seamlessly or stand out in contrast. Always choose grout with sealant for easy cleaning.
This detail may seem small, but it ties the entire bathroom design together. I suggest testing a few grout colors against your tile samples before final installation. Your choice of grout can highlight the style of the tile and provide a subtle design accent that elevates the entire room.
Handpick tile edge trim
For tiles without finished edges, use a trim such as Schluter to create clean lines and a polished look.
This is one of those renovation details that really separates a basic bathroom remodel from a high-end bathroom renovation. Matching trims with your chosen materials helps create a seamless style across the whole space. Using the right trim ensures your remodel looks complete, with smooth transitions that blend seamlessly into the bathroom design.
Shower design ideas
Choose the shower entrance
Decide between a curbless shower for a seamless, modern flow or a traditional entrance with a small lip to keep water contained.
Curbless showers are especially popular in bathroom design right now because they make the space feel bigger and more open. They also appeal to homeowners thinking about long-term accessibility. Adding a walk-in shower with the right installation creates a modern look while making your bathroom remodel more functional long-term.
(H3) Add a built-in shower niche
A shower niche provides convenient storage for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Plan its size and placement based on how you use your shower products.
Adding a niche during your renovation is far easier than retrofitting one later. If you install accent tile inside the niche, it can become both a functional feature and a stylish design element. And, if you need more storage, consider adding a double niche or pairing a niche with shelving for maximum function. These built-ins keep your shower head area clutter-free, and paired with sleek fixtures, they enhance both style and usability.
A shower niche adds both convenience and style to your bathroom remodel.
Consider a bench or ledge
If space allows, a tiled bench or ledge adds comfort and function—perfect for sitting or propping your foot. A built-in ledge can also double as a stand for keeping extra bath products or even décor items.
Many bathroom remodel projects now include built-in benches because they add both practicality and style. For homeowners with extra space, installing one also adds a luxury feel without too much extra cost. Whether paired with a soaking tub or a new tub, a bench offers comfort and practical storage while making your bath feel more like a retreat.
Fixtures and features
Pick your fixtures
From rain showers to handheld wands and massage sprays, fixtures can make or break your bathroom remodel. Decide if you want simple controls or advanced features like preset water temperatures.
During one of my bathroom renovations, I discovered that fixtures are where you can show off your style most easily. Homeowners should weigh function against aesthetics when choosing which ones to install. From choosing the right shower head to adding smart hardware, upgrading your fixtures is a small renovation step that has a big impact on style.
If you’re ready to upgrade your fixtures, here are some top-rated systems I recommend:
A shower system with flow control adds comfort and style to any bathroom remodel.
Upgrade the shower door
Replacing builder-grade doors with frameless glass instantly elevates the style of your bathroom.
This update can completely transform how the space feels. Frameless glass is a smart renovation choice for homeowners who want their bathroom design to look sleek and modern.
A frameless glass door pairs beautifully with a sleek high-pressure rain shower system for a spa-like bathroom remodel. A frameless door is one of those finishing touches that can make your bathroom renovation feel like a high-end remodeling project.
Bathroom remodeling process: Step by step
From demolition to final touches, a bathroom remodel can dramatically change your space.
This example shows how a shower remodel can transform a space:
Demolition – Remove tiles, shower pan, and backer boards down to the studs.
Prep work – Install a new drain pipe slope and smooth the surface with cement.
Rebuild – Install cement boards, waterproofing, and wall tiles.
Floor tile – Use mosaic tiles for proper drainage and visual contrast.
Finishing touches – Install fixtures, seal grout, and add a frameless glass door.
Every bathroom remodel follows a similar process, and while it takes effort, the results are worth it. By carefully selecting materials and installing them correctly, you ensure the renovation lasts for years.
The same process you follow here can often be applied to other projects in your house, from kitchen renovations to laundry room upgrades. Following a clear step by step approach helps avoid mistakes, and calling in professional help for plumbing or drain issues can save both time and cost.
Bathroom remodel ideas to inspire you
A modern bathroom remodel with a sleek soaking tub and warm finishes creates a spa-like retreat full of design inspiration.
A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re upgrading a shower, adding storage solutions, or experimenting with new tile designs, careful planning ensures a beautiful result. Even something as simple as upgrading your toilet can improve style, comfort, and efficiency in a bathroom remodel.
I’ve seen homeowners transform outdated bathrooms into stylish retreats with just a few renovation ideas. Whether it’s custom cabinetry, creative lighting, or updated tile work, the right design choices will maximize your space and improve daily life. From a double vanity to adding grab bars or upgrading your toilet paper holder, the right bathroom remodel ideas give you more options to personalize your space and make the most of your remodeling project.
What’s one feature you’d love to include in your own bathroom remodel? A rainfall shower? A built-in bench? Share your must-have idea.
Watch my full video here:
Here are a few bathroom remodel products I’ve personally found helpful:
Bathroom Remodel Product links:
Shower System with Body Spray Jets & Rain Overhead Shower & Handheld: https://amzn.to/4b8fVFe
Shower Flow Control Valve Temperature: https://amzn.to/3Oh3InP
Shower System : https://amzn.to/48MN1cc
High Pressure Rain Shower System: https://amzn.to/3Ud1MR8
