Bathroom remodeling isn’t merely about enhancing the look and functionality of your home; it’s also a smart investment that can significantly increase its value. On average, a bathroom remodel yields an impressive 62% return on investment. This aspect holds particular significance in highly competitive housing markets such as Oklahoma City. Homes in this area tend to receive an average of three offers and sell within approximately 24 days. Notably, the median sale price of a home in Oklahoma City hit $250K last month, reflecting a 1.2% increase compared to last year.
In this blog, we’ll delve into practical and effective tips for modernizing your outdated bathroom design, helping you make informed decisions to add value and appeal to your home.
Things To Consider While Upgrading Your Bathroom
Is your bathroom in dire need of a makeover, feeling trapped in a different era with outdated fixtures, dull colors, and limited functionality? If so, it might be time for an upgrade.
Before diving in, it’s essential, especially for Oklahoma City residents, to understand the associated costs. On average, bathroom remodels can range from $2,500 for a budget-friendly approach to upwards of $30,000 for high-end projects. Typically, renovation expenses fall between $70 to $250 per square foot, contingent upon the upgrades selected and the desired level of luxury. Oklahoma City offers a variety of affordable services for this job, but conducting preliminary research proves beneficial. Look up the keyword Oklahoma City shower replacement cost online, jot down numbers from reliable sources, and reach out to well-reviewed services to confirm and negotiate. This step significantly influences decisions regarding fixture selection and space optimization during the renovation process.
Now, let’s discuss the top 10 tips to modernize your outdated bathroom.
1. Revamp the Fixtures
To give your bathroom a modern touch, start by updating the fixtures. Replace the old toilet, sink, faucet, and tub with newer models featuring fresh and contemporary designs. Opt for clean lines and straightforward forms. Popular finishes nowadays include chrome, nickel, bronze, and matte black.
Explore efficient options like a pedestal sink design or a stylish vessel sink resting on the vanity. Consider a seamless acrylic tub for a sleek, built-in appearance. Verify the faucets’ water efficiency – newer low-flow models conserve water without compromising on flow rate.
2. Upgrade the Lighting
Effective lighting is crucial in a bathroom. Assess the current lighting situation and replace any fixtures that are outdated, dim, or have inconsistent colors. For ambient lighting, consider evenly spaced pot lights across the ceiling. Add decorative sconces or pendants near the vanity to enhance style. Utilize under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the sink area, particularly for tasks like shaving. Install dimmer switches to control the ambiance as needed.
3. Choose Wall Tiles
Swap out old wall tiles with visually engaging options. Popular modern choices include mosaics, subway tiles, marble, and stone. To avoid visual overload, minimize complex patterns.
For a sense of increased height, lay rectangular or square tiles vertically rather than horizontally. Opting for white and gray tones creates an airy, spacious feel. Alternatively, injecting vibrant colors can add energy to the space—consider accenting with one brightly colored wall.
4. Upgrade the Floors
Bathroom floors endure significant wear, so opt for durable and water-resistant materials. Consider tile, natural stone, resilient-vinyl, or poured concrete as reliable choices. Avoid carpeting or laminates that don’t withstand moisture well.
Choose large-format tiles to reduce visible grout lines and create a seamless appearance. Mosaic tile patterns can add decorative touches to the floors. Opt for anti-slip tiles in wet areas to ensure safety. Additionally, consider radiant floor heating for added comfort.
5. Maximize Storage
Many struggle with limited bathroom storage. Smart storage solutions can declutter the space. Consider built-in cabinetry, organizers, shelves, bins, and baskets to neatly stow toiletries and essentials. Floating shelves can serve as display areas, while a medicine cabinet above the toilet is handy for small items. Opt for drawer organizers and pull-out cabinets for added convenience. Choose a vanity with drawers instead of cabinets below to conceal plumbing and increase space.
6. Improve Ventilation and Control Humidity
Proper ventilation ensures bathroom comfort and prevents mold. Use exhaust fans powerful enough to completely refresh the room’s air at least ten times per hour. Models with humidity sensors activate automatically when moisture accumulates. If windows are lacking, skylights can introduce natural light. Consider heated towel racks to add a touch of luxury while reducing the use of damp towels on bars and doors.
7. Upgrade the Shower/Tub Area
Revitalize your shower or tub using new tile, an acrylic surround, or waterproof panels made of mold-resistant materials. Opt for minimal-frame doors and enclosures for a sleek appearance. Hand-held showerheads provide added flexibility, while adjustable body jets can transform a regular shower into a spa-like experience. Consider adding digital interfaces and thermostatic controls for high-tech luxury. Modern tubs offer ergonomic shapes with contoured seats and gentle slopes for enhanced comfort and accessibility.
8. Modernize the Vanity
An outdated vanity can impact the entire room’s feel. Consider replacing it with a more contemporary style, such as a floating vanity, for a modern, spacious look. Highlight the counter with striking vessel sinks. Choose neutral colors and rich materials like quartz, and accentuate the vanity with matte black or bronze hardware. Incorporate soft-closing doors and drawers for added convenience. Adequate lighting around the vanity and mirror is essential for tasks.
9. Add Personal Touches with Wall Decor and Accents
Add some oomph to your bathroom’s design with art, wallpaper, or tile backsplashes for visual interest. Introduce plants to bring vitality and improve air quality. Decorative mirrors can create an illusion of more space in smaller bathrooms. Consider freestanding pedestal tubs as potential focal points. Elements like a tranquil rain shower or a spa-like ambiance elevate ordinary bathrooms into calming retreats.
10. Integrate Smart Technology
Incorporating smart home technology improves bathroom convenience. Digital shower systems allow presetting temperatures and settings for a personalized experience. Toilets equipped with built-in bidets, heated seats, automatic lids, and hands-free flushing offer optimal comfort and hygiene. Touchless faucets, automatic soap and lotion dispensers, and high-tech toilets minimize germ spread. Voice-activated controls can manage ambient lighting, mirrors, and entertainment for added convenience.
Conclusion
Renovating an old and outdated bathroom involves strategic updates and improvements to key components, providing a much-needed facelift. Enhance lighting, storage, layout, fixtures, and finishes using durable, low-maintenance materials ideal for humid environments. Incorporate personal touches that turn this area into a personal spa retreat. With proper planning and design, your outdated bathroom can evolve into a timeless and comforting space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.