Truth be told, there are (unthinkably) a ton of things you should consider if you’re about to adventure into a master bathroom remodel. To name just a few — there’s layout + lighting, then there’s airflow + ventilation, not to mention fixtures, finishes, materials, paint and of course, the all encompassing budget. 

No doubt, all of this can be utterly overwhelming because when push comes to shove + you finally decide to invest in creating a healthy home (+ your life) you want it done right.

Certainly, remodeling your bathroom is a huge undertaking, especially when it comes to time energy + investment which is why first + foremost the team that leads you there is kind of a big deal. Because if what you want is a bathroom with timeless style + livable luxuries made for your everyday life. If you want a bathroom that feels calm, relaxing + intentional. As though it’s been customized just for you. That caters to your every whim + accommodates your needs perfectly *sigh!* boo, you need to assemble what I like to call –– you’re A-team.

And while, as five-star Seattle based interior designers, we’ve tackled more design related challenges with clients than you could possibly imagine, I’m here to share with you a handful of considerations that you should put on your radar in an effort to ensure that master bathroom remodel of your’s is a success.

With over a decade of experience, let's dive in — shall we?

Layout For Your Master Bathroom

For some, the layout of your bathroom may not be changing, which isn’t a bad thing because it allows you to focus on other areas of your master bath design. That said, before you totally turn a blind eye + in cases where you want to make changes to your existing layout, here are a couple things to consider around master bathroom layouts.

First, we like to approach redesigning master bathrooms, as we do with all things at Elegant Simplicity, by looking at the overall function of the space before getting all wrapped up in aesthetics. My friend, when it comes to bathrooms, there are a gazillion variations, shapes, sizes + configurations but the last thing we want is to be guessing which is right for you. No ma’am, we want to be 100% certain that the layout you decide on, or decide to remodel as it already is, truly makes your life better.

And don’t forget when we’re talking about layout we’re not just talking about where the shower is located but how the plumbing fixtures are laid out as well, not only where the toilet room is but do we have enough space to fully enclose it, not only the best location for a free standing tub but where the floor mounted tub faucet goes too.

So without further ado, here are just a few basic questions that you can ask yourself about bathroom layout, specifically, which will help ensure you fully maximize the space you have.

How are you currently using the bathroom? 

In other words, is this where you get dressed for the day? Do you do your makeup here? Do you prefer taking a bath or are you more of a shower person?

How are you NOT using the bathroom –– but could be?

Could you organize + store your jewelry here or incorporate a makeup vanity for getting ready? 

What currently works with how you’re using the bathroom?

Think about things that are working well (if any). And gawd-forbid, if you’re really unhappy + irritated with your bathroom don’t just write this one off as nothing. Obviously you want to transform this area of your home + remodel your bathroom (or you wouldn’t be reading this) but really give it some serious thought… AND be honest with yourself about what works.

What isn’t working?

It’s easy to pick out the flaws in a space but stay away from aesthetics here (unless they relate to functionality). Flip the script. Think about your daily routines + really focus on how your bathroom isn’t serving you.

And though we’re not focusing on costs, right now (we’re focused on envisioning a home you never want to leave) –– keep in mind that the more walls, plumbing or electrical that need to be moved in order to accommodate a master bathroom layout change the quicker the cost of your bathroom remodel creeps because, welp, there’s more heavy lifting + elbow grease involved in making it all happen. 

Sometimes layout changes are unavoidable + that’s ok to (if you know what to expect). However, it can be difficult to imagine the best new layout for your master bathroom which is why as interior designers in Seattle + the surrounding King county areas, we believe in delivering the highest quality conceptual details, floor plan layouts + room rendering to represent our design ideas.

Lighting For Your Master Bathroom

“I want a master bathroom with horrible lighting” said no-one, ever, but I’m pretty sure we’ve got your attention *wink* because it’s true!

When we broach the conversation with our clients, about lighting, most immediately start envisioning gorgeous new sparkly light-fixtures. Which is what, as your decorating bff I’m here to tell you to hit the brakes scooter, because when it comes to master bathroom lighting, what we’re referring to is actually O-N-E of the 7 interior design elements. If you haven’t already, give it a read, but generally speaking, lighting can be simplified down to just two types of lights in each room — natural lighting + artificial lighting. And when you get this part right it’s like magic!

Natural Lighting

Of course, a master bathroom that’s flooded with a ton of natural light is definitely magical + an excellent problem to have. In fact, layer light filtering window coverings into a bathroom design actually elevates the overall mood of the space + takes the room to a whole new level of “I want, I need, I must have.” 

A space with great natural light radiates feelings of warmth + happiness –– but what if it doesn’t?

If natural light isn’t filtered adequately or in an aesthetically pleasing way it evokes the opposite emotions. Instead of warm + happy feelings it’ll be harsh + uncomfortable. Ugh, you know the feeling of sitting in a chair on a midsummer afternoon sweating bullets but trying to act like it doesn’t bother you *wink* 

If this is you... if you’re master bathroom struggles when it comes to natural light –– first + foremost, know that I feel your pain. Could you potentially add a window, skylight or turn to artificial lighting?

Artificial lighting

The key to adding lighting in your bathroom is to make it intentional. As you flip through the glossy pages of Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping + Elle Decor, you’ll notice that most well-designed bathrooms have multiple different natural + artificial light sources.

Think about it — vanity lights, recessed can lights, task light above the toilet. Maybe even ambient lights like spot lights over tubs + a sleek whisper-quiet fan/light combo in the shower. However, when it comes to get your lighting plan layout right, you really need to think about the individual activities that take place in your master bathroom.

For instance, if you get ready + do your hair or makeup in the bathroom then you’ll likely need to take into consideration how to create flattering light around the mirror. This way, you can confidently step outside knowing that you’re having a good hair day + that your makeup lines are perfectly blended.

Which is why, when it comes to overhead lights (like recessed cans) keep in mind that even though they can cast a few shadows on your face –– they create incredible ambient light when married with other light sources + put on a dimmer switch.

Ventilation For Your Master Bathroom

Speaking of fan/light combinations — ventilation is nothing to be overlooked my friend. Especially in the PNW. 

As you know, bathrooms are naturally the most damp, moist, humid environments in our homes. So, when it comes to remodeling your master bathroom don’t just focus on those handcrafted shower tiles, the stunning countertop you’d like for your vanity or the jaw-dropping vanity lights that pull it all together. 

Nope. While we love curating those things too — interior design has to be practical first. So, be sure you don’t merely rely on cracking a window but have given seriously considered all that goes into choosing the best possible vented exhaust fans (glamorous, I know *wink*). 

One tip is to ensure your fans are tied into + operate on sensor switches. This way they’ll automatically turn on when they sense humidity in the air + turn back off when they don’t. #HotDamn

Bathroom Fixtures, Finishes and Materials For Your Master Bathroom

F-I-N-A-L-L-Y we get to the pretty!

This is probably the most on the nose consideration + it is likely what you jump to first when discussing a bathroom remodel because it’s the fun part. It’s the first thing you see every time you step foot in the room + like everything else, you simply don’t want to get this wrong. 

Remodeling your master bathroom is an investment of time, energy and certainly money. Which is exactly why you don’t just any old fixtures, finishes and materials that neither wear well over time nor come together to make a truly spectacular master bathroom.

What you really want is a custom + comprehensive design plan that leaves you feeling confident in your investment. You want the security in knowing that you’re in good hands + that we’re not cutting corners and an appreciation of how much consideration has gone into creating this deep, rich, beautiful, healthy, happy + relaxing corner of your home. 

Boo, your peace of mind is priceless. Knowing that down the very last touch, every single detail has been well thought out... for you. Is functional... for you (+ your family) and will live up to the gargantuan amount of love not to mention the wear + tear of everyday life!

But when it comes to Elegant Simplicity, there’s more — when we work with our full service interior design clients on a master bathroom remodel we go above + beyond to delight by taking into consideration all of the very things that would make you feel spoiled, appreciated, heard + seen on day-to-day basis. Not to mention we transform their homes into a place they never want to leave.

And you know what, boo? You deserve that. Even if ultimately, you decide not to embark on implementing any of these wildly luxurious + dreamy ideas with us, you should still owe it to yourself to create the clarity in knowing what a truly exceptional bathroom looks and feels like –– on your terms.

There is no better time than before you begin to consider heated floors, heated towel bars, wall-mounted fixtures like faucets + toilets, bidets or ceiling-mounted tub fillers.

Budgeting For Your Master Bathroom Remodel

Undertaking a bathroom remodel on your own is no small feat, but it’s also not an insurmountable mountain to climb either — even if you've never done it before. 

When it comes down to a project of this level your energy shouldn’t be solely focused on how you can complete your master bathroom remodel as cheaply as possible. Certainly budget is a considerable influencer when making decisions, but it shouldn’t be the driving force + if it was you wouldn’t be reading this. 

While there are a wide range of reasonable cost considerations, budget is actually more about assembling the right team of talented designers + contractors that will guide you through the entire process with open communication, expertise + consistent transparency this my friend is what creates for you, an exceptional experience.

Ultimately, what you want is a great master bathroom that softly whispers, “hello, gorgeous” everytime you walk into the room without thinking about dollars + cents around ever corner. Am I right?

After a decade of exceeding expectations as an interior designer, I pride myself on knowing that’s exactly what you want. Great design, a great remodeling experience and a home that feels like the ultimate guilty pleasure. 

So, how do you get there? Well, I’d say holler at your girl :) which you can do by setting up a FREE 30-minute Clarity Call. But I’m also a believer in providing you with more than enough information to make your decision with excitement.

Here’s a few things I recommend to consider around budgeting for your master bathroom remodel: 

Set a realistic budget

Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket relying merely on googling ‘how much does the average master bathroom remodel costs’ — because you’re not average + your home is uniquely different. 

Instead, set a realistic budget by getting comfortable with an amount you are willing to invest. And you’re investing in your home so you obviously want a return on this investment but you’re also investing in making your life easier, happier and healthier by living everyday in a home you truly love.

Once you’ve set a realistic budget you’re willing to invest, then what?

Assemble Your Interior Design Team

The truth is in the pudding, my friend. At Elegant Simplicity we pride ourselves on designing a space + delivering that swoon-worthy designer bathroom with real numbers so you know actual costs (not ballparks).

Speaking of actual costs, did you know that the typical return on investment for a bathroom remodel when you go to sell your home is around 70%?! So, whether or not you plan to stay in your home for the long haul, to actually love + enjoy it yourself, an updated master bathroom is definitely worth its investment + should come in pretty high when making decisions around ROI.

As always, we’re in your corner. If you need a nudge in the right direction or some support in terms of bringing that beautiful dream home of your to life, both John + I would be over-the-moon and delighted to help! For real, boo! Guiding you + helping you fall head over heels for your home is why we exist. It’s our passion + our purpose.

Go on, book a one-on-one FREE 30-minute Clarity Call with us + get ready for some magic, sister!