Repair Bathroom Without Mistakes: 12 Pro Tips

Read this post before starting bathroom renovation. It will help you avoid serious mistakes and save your budget.

Julia Fambulova Designer. Practicing designer for over 18 years. Member of the Union of Designers and Architects

Draw a plan of the bathroom

Do it to scale. To understand if plumbing and furniture will fit in the bathroom, visit websites of leading plumbing manufacturers and choose the most compact models.

Develop several layout options for equipment

Don't forget to leave space for doors, access panels, and drawers to open.

Place plumbing fixtures as close as possible to the sewer stack

Also pay attention to the slope of the drainage pipe: it should be at least one degree per meter, otherwise water will stagnate.

Plan the location of inspection access

This is needed for access to plumbing and water meters. It's better to make the access large - this will simplify the task. You'll find it convenient to read meters and shut off water. In case of unexpected plumbing problems, technicians will quickly reach the cause of the issue and won't damage the pipes.

This refers to water heaters and towel warmers. If you place them further away, you'll disrupt the circulation of hot water, and the towel warmer won't reach the required temperature.

Calculate the height of the shower cabin tray

And the height of the sewer stack outlet. If the tray is too low (not enough slope), water will stagnate.

Don't forget about aesthetics

Choose a model of hidden access panel that matches the size of the tile. You can select dimensions based on small tiles or mosaic.

Julia Yangirova Designer. Founder of her own interior design bureau

Don't be afraid to use black color

It is perfect for plumbing, shower partitions or towel warmers, especially if your bathroom is in a loft style. Just remember that black must always be spotlessly clean - dust and dirt are more visible on dark surfaces.

Combine budget materials with expensive ones

For example, tiles: you can choose affordable options that look like concrete or natural stone. Then mix them with elegant Spanish wall panels.

Combine tiles with paint and plaster. Or use microcement: then you can do without tiles entirely. Also don't forget about winning combinations: concrete and wood, marble and metal.

Plan the lighting

Besides general ceiling lighting, plan additional lighting - top and side lights near the mirror.

And storage

Cosmetics, household chemicals, laundry - all this needs space. Use your imagination and 'play Tetris': storage can be in pull-out drawers under the sink, above door frames, or under the bathtub. A mirror-mounted unit is great for storing bottles and creams.

On the cover: Design project by Julia Fambulova