Bathroom renovations are a popular home improvement project that can make your bathroom more comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Like most home transformation projects, the hardest part is figuring out what to do with the space.

Check out this guide to bathroom remodel ideas to get inspired.

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Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

A new paint coat is the quickest and most affordable way to brighten up your bathroom. Paint helps protect your bathroom walls from water damage, mildew, and mold and smooths out minor flaws. Choose a semi-gloss paint to increase mildew and mold resistance. Semi-gloss is also easier to clean.

Have tile walls in your bathroom? In the video below, This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner paint his tiles with an epoxy paint.

Keep your bathroom’s design in mind when choosing a color scheme. You can’t go wrong with neutral tones if you want something timeless. Consider the lighting before going with dark or bold hues. 

You can test the paint on a small section of wall before committing. This will give you a better idea of how the color looks under your bathroom lighting.

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Install New Tile

Replacing tile is a big job, whether on the floor, in the shower, or on the vanity backsplash. Bathroom tile varies widely in price, but with so many colors, materials, patterns, and sizes, it’s possible to personalize your bathroom while staying within your budget.

Consider your style, color palette, material preference, and desired pattern when picking tiles. The tiles and grout should complement the bathroom. Large, light tiles make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious. Choose a floor tile pattern that fits with your interior design ideas. For example, a herringbone pattern adds visual interest, while a straight-set subway tile creates a more modern bathroom look.

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Replace Your Toilet

You can find smart technology in almost everything these days—even the toilet. While there’s nothing wrong with a basic toilet, a bathroom remodel allows homeowners to try something new.

Bidets have become a popular bathroom trend, but there are other extravagant toilet features to be aware of. Heated and motion-activated seats, automatic deodorizers, and Bluetooth speakers are just some of a modern toilet’s available features.

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Add a Statement Vanity

A vanity upgrade is a popular bathroom remodel idea for many homeowners. You can turn your bathroom vanity into a double unit, or add splashes of color to make it a focal point.

Engineered quartz is a top choice for countertops, followed by natural stones such as quartzite and marble.

While you can replace the entire vanity, there are cheaper do-it-yourself (DIY) options. For example, you can add a new coat of paint to the cabinets, replace the countertop, or install a new faucet for an affordable facelift.

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Incorporate Touches of Greenery

Adding greenery to your bathroom helps create a calm environment. Pops of green increase style, help purify the air, and fight unpleasant odors. Use the natural light in your bathroom and choose plants that thrive in a humid environment. Hang a spider plant, philodendron, pothos, or fern on the shower’s far side, ensuring they don’t collect too much water.

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Update the Bathtub

There are several methods to update your bathtub, depending on your budget and preferences. 

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Upgrade to a Walk-In Shower

According to the 2023 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends study, walk-in showers, also called curbless, are among the top styles chosen by renovating homeowners upgrading their showers. Some homeowners even choose to remove their bathtub to fit a larger shower, especially in small spaces. A walk-in shower can open up the bathroom and help maintain continuity throughout the room.

Unlike standard showers, walk-in showers don’t require a curtain or door to block the water from spraying onto the floor. Custom tile walk-in showers typically have a sloping floor, but some prefabricated options have a small curb. Walk-in showers come with a multi-nozzle spray. A rainfall showerhead is another popular add-on.

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Add an Accent Wall

An accent wall is a fun bathroom remodeling idea that adds visual interest and pops of colors and textures. Accent walls draw attention to an area in the room that you want to highlight while showcasing your personal style. Your focal point could be behind the tub, on the back wall, or above the vanity.

An accent wall in a small bathroom could make the room feel even smaller and more disjointed, but you can still add visual interest by opting for an accent ceiling.

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Add Extra Storage

Bathroom storage is a must in any home. Add upright cabinets next to the vanity to store your towels if you have the spare room, or use vertical space to take advantage of floating shelves. You can add an over-the-toilet storage shelf or open shelving beneath the sink as an effective storage option.

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Replace Plumbing Fixtures

After years of use, your bathroom’s plumbing fixtures could begin to suffer from numerous issues. Leaks, frequent clogs, and lower water pressure are signs to consider a replacement.  

Switching out faucets and other plumbing fixtures is an easy way to spice up your bathroom aesthetic. Do you prefer faucets with separate knobs for hot and cold? Do you want the standard wall-mounted showerhead, or will you upgrade to a rainfall showerhead for a relaxing waterfall experience? There’s also a range of materials to match your bathroom design.

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Make Lighting a Priority

Vanity lighting is important, but it shouldn’t be your bathroom’s only light fixture. Pick an ambient light paired with wall sconces that make a statement or exchange the standard vanity bulbs for pendant lights. Simple pendant lighting catches the eye and can be modified to fit your personal taste. Place a mirror near your light source to amplify your bathroom’s overall brightness.

Consider bringing in more natural light by adding a window or skylight if you have the ability and the budget.

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Create a Spa-Like Atmosphere

The bathroom is a space many homeowners use to relax and feel rejuvenated. You can easily turn this area into your personal sanctuary by integrating calming elements.

Replace your showerhead with one that has spa-like features, such as a steam shower or massaging spray patterns. Use a calming color scheme and swap out old towels for plush and cozy bath towels. Incorporate aromatherapy—oil diffusers, candles, or lotion—into your bathroom with calming scents, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

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Install Heated Floors

Heated bathroom floors will save you money on energy bills, increase your home’s resale value, and keep your feet toasty. Radiant heating technology can provide gentle and consistent warmth throughout the room. Heated floors can also help quickly dry out wet surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. There’s a range of materials available, from tile to vinyl.

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Consider a Transitional Style

It’s common for homeowners to change their overall bathroom style during renovations. One of the most popular styles is the transitional style, followed by modern and contemporary. The transitional style blends traditional and modern elements, like pairing a traditional clawfoot tub and pedestal sink with slate tiling and floating shelves.

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Upgrade Home Systems

Not all bathroom remodel ideas are cosmetic. Homeowners also use bathroom renovations to update crucial systems, such as ventilation, or upgrade to a tankless water heater or radiant heating. These are some of the most expensive bathroom renovations, but it’s a wise investment if your home’s systems are old, outdated, or not functioning correctly. This can help prevent future problems and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

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Professional vs. DIY Bathroom Remodeling

Homeowners can complete renovations on their own depending on their skills, experience, and the project’s scope and complexity. However, some projects may require professional expertise.

Simple projects such as painting, installing fixtures, or updating cabinet hardware are within most homeowners’ capabilities. Plumbing and electrical jobs, or those that require skilled carpentry, are best left to pros. Not only do professionals have the necessary tools, but they also have the know-how to complete these jobs safely and correctly.

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Our Conclusion

Evaluate the scope of your bathroom remodel before beginning the project. There are plenty of simple bathroom remodel ideas you can do on your own, but don’t hesitate to seek professional help for more complex jobs. Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to take the next step in your bathroom remodel project.

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FAQ About Bathroom Remodeling

What is a good budget for a bathroom remodel?

According to Home Advisor, a bathroom remodel costs $11,977 on average, with most homeowners spending between $6,626 and $17,521. The price you pay depends on the project size, materials, labor, floor plan modifications, demolition, and permits.

What is a timeless color for a bathroom?

When in doubt, go for a neutral color palette. This will ensure your bathroom remains timeless.

What are the best bathroom colors for 2024?

Designers say that shades of blue, light green, and warmer neutral tones are the best bathroom colors for 2024. Other bathroom trends include taupe and all-white bathrooms.

What is the most popular tile for bathrooms?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are most commonly found in bathrooms. The best bathroom tiles are durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant.

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