Master Bathroom Remodel Ideas: How to Enhance Comfort and Elegance
According to Norada Real Estate, 2024 ushered in a modest housing market rebound in the Bay Area. Sales increased by just over 16%, indicating a return of buyer interest and demand. Still, we’re nowhere near the numbers in 2020 and 2021, especially when it comes to mortgage rates.
It’s unsurprising that many of the homeowners we talk to still feel “locked in” to the homes they have now. We’re here to tell you that the locked-in effect doesn’t have to come with significant compromise.
Today, we’re here to share master bathroom remodel ideas to transform your current Bay Area property into your dream home. Read on for modern bathroom ideas, bathroom renovation tips, and more.
Bathroom Renovation Tips for Getting Started
Before we dive into our top master bathroom remodel ideas, let’s talk about the steps you need to take to get started. From building a reasonable budget to finding your ideal contractor, these steps will set your entire remodel up for success.
Don’t Skip the Budgeting Stage
Every bathroom remodel needs to start with a conversation about financing. If you go into a remodel without a budget, it’s easy to overspend, particularly in the early stages before you start thinking about the final cost.
Determine the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend to remodel your master bathroom, factoring in the overall value of your home. Once you have a number in mind, designate about 10% to unforeseen costs.
Create a Vision Board
Even if you plan to leave most of the decision-making to your remodel contractors, we still urge you to create a loose vision board. This can be as simple as a folder full of pages from home renovation magazines or a Pinterest board of pinned posts.
When you have an idea of what you’re hoping to accomplish, you can use it to guide your search for a contractor, which we’ll discuss below.
Consider Possibilities and Constraints
How much square footage does your master bathroom currently offer? Where is it located in your home? If necessary, are you able to expand it or do you need to work within the current size and layout?
Being realistic about the possibilities and constraints you’re working with will make the remodel process easier to navigate. Fortunately, a great contractor will bring creative solutions to even the smallest remodels.
Shop Contractors for the Perfect Fit
It’s time to bring a general contractor into the fold to guide the design process and oversee its execution. To find the perfect contractor for the job, pay close attention to factors like:
- Years of previous experience
- Portfolios of existing work
- Reviews from past clients
- Pricing structures and estimates
- Licensing and insurance
This is where your vision board will come in handy. Compare your own ideas to the contractor’s portfolio and select a company that has completed remodels that align with your taste.
Designing Your Layout
Once you’re working with a contractor, it’s time to start thinking about the layout of your bathroom. At LRL Builders, we’ll create 3-D renderings of your layout to make it easier to visualize and tweak. Here are the factors we urge clients to consider while finalizing their blueprints.
Designate Bathroom Zones
If you’re sharing your master bathroom, one of the best ways to create a more comfortable space is to create designated zones for each user. Double vanities are a popular choice, but they’re not your only option. If you have the width for it, consider a galley bathroom in which you have vanities on opposite walls, creating an elegant walkway to the other fixtures.
Prioritize Your Top Features
When you imagine your dream bathroom, what is the most important feature in it? There is no right answer, and we’ve had clients who are most excited about:
- A more spacious tub
- A new waterfall shower
- An easy-to-organize vanity with increased storage
Make your top priority the focal point of your design and work around it.
Maximize Natural Light
Few things increase the elegance of a luxury bathroom design like natural light. Make sure you’re not blocking your windows or cutting off the flow of sunlight.
For example, this could mean surrounding your shower with clear glass or replacing your current window treatments. It could even mean removing the door that separates your bathroom from your bedroom and enclosing just the toilet so you aren’t losing any ambient light (or gorgeous views) the bedroom windows afford.
Follow or Restructure Existing Utilities
With a bigger budget, you can consider moving fixtures like your sink and shower and restructuring your plumbing as needed. However, it’s important to remember that any utility renovations will not only cost more but also add to your remodel timeline.
A more conservative bathroom remodel involves upgrading fixtures and appliances without relocating them. In some cases, you may be able to slightly adjust the location of appliances without having to move your utility lines. Always discuss the options with your general contractor.
Choosing Your Fixtures and Finishes
What do you want out of your tub or shower? What metals do you envision in your luxury bathroom space? Now is the time to start thinking about fixtures and finishes, and these ideas can help.
Incorporate Modern Technology
With high utility costs, we’re seeing a bigger push in the Bay Area for modern, efficient appliances that use less water and electricity. Not only do they save money on utilities, but they often come with additional features that appeal to modern homeowners. For example, these smart toilets rated by Good Housekeeping come equipped with built-in bidets.
Don’t Forget Practical Considerations
When you’re picking plumbing fixtures, it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetic. We urge you to also consider practical considerations, especially if you’re upgrading a bathroom for elderly or disabled residents in your home.
For example, you may need a walk-in bathtub or a 19-inch toilet, both of which are recommended for certain disabilities. You may also benefit from a floating vanity that leaves space for a wheelchair or mobility device. Remodeling your bathroom is a great time to create a space that works for your specific needs, rather than against them.
Go Timeless Over Trendy
We live in the age of viral trends, and while some are simply reimaginings of classic designs, others are pretty out there. We want every homeowner to end up with the remodel of their dreams, and we’ll never steer you away from something you love. However, when picking things like metal finishes, we encourage you to consider timeless choices, like brass or copper, or you may find yourself remodeling again sooner rather than later.
Playing With Color and Texture
Finally, it’s time to create design cohesion with paint, tiles, and textures. These are our top tricks for creating a symphony of color and texture in the master bathroom.
Create the Illusion of More Space
Cover an accent wall with the same tiles you used on the floor or paint the ceiling a darker color than the walls. Hang an oversized mirror over the vanity or opposite from the window.
If you’re working with a small bathroom, use color and texture to make it look and feel larger. Creating drama with the interplay of dark and light colors can make a huge difference.
Embrace Color Psychology
HGTV provides a great outline of how color psychology can be used in interior design. Examples include:
- Warm earth tones (like chestnut or clay) for a cozy environment
- Light neutrals (like marble and taupe) for relaxation and peace
- Shades of green for a grounding effect
The idea is that the colors you choose can set the tone for the emotions your bathroom can evoke. Whether you want spa-like bathroom features or an energizing environment, select the colors that create that frame of mind.
Incorporate Artwork
One of our favorite modern bathroom ideas is to bring artwork into a space that’s often overlooked. Something as simple as a framed print can add personality and show off your refined taste. In fact, starting with a really great piece of artwork can help to bring together all your other design ideas to create true cohesion.
Choose Lush Textiles
Textiles in the bathroom are also often overlooked because homeowners are much more focused on details like fixtures and tiles. However, you can really increase the comfort and elegance of your bathroom remodel by selecting soft, lush textiles.
This includes things like window treatments and bath mats. To really embrace textiles in your bathroom, consider making space for a towel or robe warmer.
