Bathroom Design

First Steps | Bathroom Types | Challenges

Homeowners are focusing their spending on the home to make it a secure, comfortable environment for their hectic lifestyles. Interested in expressing their individuality and sense of style, homeowners want a beautiful, relaxing space they can call their own.

The bathroom is an essential room in a home. The space should be comfortable while reflecting lifestyle and personality as much as possible. However, finding that perfect balance in the bathroom is no easy task. From choosing a designer to picking out colors, materials, and styles, these projects can be daunting to any homeowner.

TN Miller Remodeling is here to assist you with this daunting yet exciting project.

Working with our designers we will combine design, product selection, and craftsmanship to create the bathroom you desire.
Weather your bathroom remodeling project consists of simply changing fixtures or knocking down walls to make the bathroom more functional and comfortable, TN Miller Remodeling is the perfect partner for your project.

First Steps

The first step in planning your new design is:

• Gather style ideas and make notes. Perhaps buying a decorating magazine and possibly a book on bathroom ideas.
• Sketch out your ideal floor plan to help us establish a design guideline.
• Determine the major fixtures you want in your new bathroom.
• Determine colors, finish materials, lighting, storage details and accessories.

The bathroom is becoming more of a centerpiece in the home with design trends ranging from the bold and colorful to the simple and elegant

There are three (3) distinct bathroom types designed in today’s modern homes. They are Powder Rooms, Full Baths, and Master Bathroom Suites.

Bathroom Types

Half Bath or Powder Room

The defining characteristic of a half bath or “powder room” as it is referred to by designers is that it does not have a shower or bathtub. It’s often located near the front door or the living room so that it is easily accessible to guests. Because the powder room is not used for daily functions such as washing faces, brushing teeth, or shaving, it allows for creative design of vanities, sinks and faucets that make a statement of personal style. Characteristics of a powder room include:

• 30 to 50 square feet.
• A toilet.
• A vanity with one sink.

Full Bath

Full baths can have a variety of functions. In older houses that do not have master suites, this is often the primary bathroom. In newer homes with master suites, it can be used as the guest bathroom or a bathroom for the kids. While the master bath focuses on comfort and relaxation, full baths often are more utilitarian. Characteristics of a full bath include:

• 40 to 60 square feet for full-size baths. 
• An individual shower or a tub and shower combination.
• Vanity with one or two sinks.
• Toilet and bathing fixture in the same area.

Master Bathroom / Spa

One of today's most popular remodeling trends among homeowners is the decision to convert bathrooms into spa like retreats. Homeowners are expanding the size of their bathrooms and adding larger fixtures such as separate showers and baths, bathroom furniture and decorative fixtures with the goal of transforming their space into more comfortable and stylish area.

Some of the most popular trends are free standing baths, whirlpools and above the counter sinks. Master bathrooms are typically accessed from the master bedroom and are the largest baths in most homes. Master baths have more space than full baths and half baths, allowing for extra amenities that can give the room a spa-like feel. A master bathroom suite incorporates closets, dressing areas, or both into a master bathroom, so actually having enough space to incorporate these design elements is a must. In this particular instance you’ll need to make sure two people can maneuver comfortably within the bathroom. Characteristics of a master bathroom include:

• 70 to 200 square feet
• Separate shower, often with glass or tile walls.
• Separate tub with whirlpool or air bath features.
• Vanity with two sinks or his-and-hers vanities.
• A water closet separated from the shower and prep areas.

Bathroom Remodeling Challenges

Probably the greatest challenge in remodeling a bathroom is figuring out how to achieve the style and build in the features you want within the limits of what is probably the smallest room in the house. A second limiting factor is the location of existing plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. Remodeling a bathroom is relatively easy if you don't have to move them. If you make radical changes in the existing layout, we will need to investigate whether or not we can make the necessary structural changes.

Layout. Think about the layout in your existing bathroom and decide which are the most serious problems you want to fix. If more than one person uses the bathroom at the same time, for example, is there adequate counter space, or do you need a second sink or a shower compartment for greater privacy?

Mechanical systems. From the plumber's point of view, the best bathroom layout is one that has all the rough plumbing–water supply and drain-waste-vent pipes–all in one wall. A "wet wall," as it is called, not only saves materials, but makes it a lot easier to make repairs if needed.

Electrical outlets and switches are usually easier to move than plumbing pipes, provided there is reasonably easy access to the wiring. Likewise with heating ducts–if you can get to the duct, it usually isn't too much trouble to relocate the vent. Keep in mind, however, that any mechanical changes you make will cost extra.

Maintenance. Think about the maintenance problems you have in your existing bathroom–stained grout, mildew, soap buildup, etc. Some materials look great when they're brand new, but don't weather very well in a high-moisture location. As you choose materials, make sure they are waterproof and washable.

Energy and water conservation. Hot water heaters are one of the largest energy hogs in the house, and the toilet uses more water than any other single fixture. Consider installing tankless water heaters, low-flow shower heads, and insulating hot water pipes. The extra money you spend on an ultra-low-flush toilet will often come back in the first year in reduced water bills.

Finally today's bathrooms are equipped with more than just the traditional bath and sink. As homeowners increase the size of their bathrooms, they are experimenting with armoires for storage, music or television and chaise lounges for reading and relaxing. Vintage furniture is also making a splash in the bathroom. Homeowners are using vintage pieces as vanities or for more decorative purposes such as a towel rack or sitting chairs. Combining different materials is another hot design trend. Everything from glass, chrome and china can be found in baths across the country.