Did you know that bathroom remodeling projects are, by far, the most popular project that homeowners choose to spend their time and money on? Why? Because bathrooms are generally small enough to renovate on a budget, and the project doesn't take as long.

Not to mention the fact that you can recoup a very decent return when it comes time to sell your home (if that's your goal, down the line). In fact, you could recoup up to 67 percent of your costs for a mid-range bathroom remodel.

If you find these numbers inspiring enough to plan your bathroom makeover, here are a few tips to help you through the planning stage.

1. Don't Build Out, Build In

If you're looking to upgrade a particularly small space, such as a guest bathroom, it's always a good idea to build in, rather than out. Basically, this means adding recessed elements into the wall, rather than shelving that juts out of the wall. This only takes up more space.

Think about adding a built-in cupboard or shelving above both your toilet and sink for a good amount of storage space. You can even recess smaller items such as soap dispensers and toilet roll holders -- you'd be surprised how much extra space this can add.

If you have a hanging light, consider adding recessed lighting instead to open up the space even more.

2. Change Up the Flooring

Aside from the kitchen, there is no room in the home where flooring choice is more important. If you have the bathroom remodel budget, it's a good idea to invest in a new bathroom floor that's durable, moisture-proof and has a timeless look. While solid hardwood floors are gorgeous, they're not a practical choice for bathrooms.

Instead, opt for porcelain or ceramic bathroom tiles, or vinyl plank. For a 100 percent waterproof option that's also on the more affordable end of the spectrum, there's sheet vinyl flooring.

3. Improve Your Bathroom Ventilation

Ventilation in bathrooms is always a contentious issue. As it stands, all bathrooms require some form of ventilation as per U.S. building code. This includes either a window or an exhaust fan.

However, some exhaust fans are just not up to the task -- depending on their capacity and your bathroom size. If your exhaust fan is on its last legs, this is the best time to replace it. When choosing one, make sure that it offers the right capacity according to your bathroom's square footage.

Not only will this improve ventilation and prevent mold growth, but it will also improve the acoustics in your bathroom.

4. Open Up the Space By Repainting

There's a general rule of thumb when it comes to color and room size. If your room is on the smaller side, it's a good idea to steer clear of darker colors. Remember the white-or-light rule. A smaller bathroom suits a lighter coat of paint -- something along the lines of white, off-white, beige, or light grey.

It goes without saying that darker colors have a way of enclosing a room, making it seem even smaller than it is. There's nothing wrong with dark paint accents here and there. But keep wall colors on the lighter end of the spectrum during your bathroom renovation.

5. Upgrade Your Bathroom Lighting

Just like paint color, your bathroom lighting has a way of making the room seem larger or smaller than its actual size. If there's one bathroom upgrade to focus on, it's installing the right lights for your bathroom size.

Don't make the mistake of installing just one light, especially not a pendant light that concentrates the brightness on one spot of the room. But if you're going to opt for a pendant light, make sure you offer good lighting around your sink area, too. Scones are a great option for either side of your mirror.

6. Think Carefully About Adding a Bathtub

This is a common adjustment that many homeowners opt for -- replacing a shower with a bathtub, or vice versa. If you're thinking about adding a tub, do so with caution. Bathtubs may look fabulous, especially the free-standing kind, but they come with a hefty price tag.

Not only this, but you might have to invest in new plumbing, as well as an increase in your water usage and monthly bills. However, if you already have a bathtub, it's a good idea to refinish it with a new color and seal to uplift the aesthetic of the room.

7. Breathe Life Into Your Bathroom With Plants

While the purpose of a bathroom is to be a sterile environment, you still want it to look inviting. Plants have a knack for adding a sense of life, character, and calmness to any space.

A simple improvement is to add a floating shelf and adorn it with trailing plants to inject color and coziness into the space.

8. Add Beadboard for Moisture Protection

If you want to ramp up the waterproof value of your bathroom, beadboard is a good way to do this. It's especially useful if you have children who love to splash about at bath time.

Breadboard offers more than one function though. While it's a great way to add an extra protective layer to the bottom half of your walls, it's also a good way to add texture and visual appeal to your bathroom. If you're keen on a vintage-inspired, antique look, adding beadboard is your go-to.

Always opt for beadboard treated with oil-based paint to ensure it's 100 percent moisture-proof.

 

9. Create Additional Hanging Space

If you don't have the luxury of space in your bathroom, one of the best ways to add it is by creating hanging space. This is especially useful if you have limited countertop or cabinet space.

Scout out areas in your bathroom that allow for hooks, whether it's an open wall, the back of a door, inside your shower, or inside your cabinets. Hanging space allows you to store towels, gowns, clothing, bath and shower accessories, and even cleaning tools.

10. Add Light and Space With Mirrors

Don't make the mistake of thinking that a mirror in the bathroom serves the singular purpose of fixing your hair or makeup. Mirrors are your greatest tool for creating the illusion of additional space while brightening up the room too.

Think of mirrors as a part of the design of the bathroom. Assess where you can hang a mirror so that it reflects light, i.e. opposite a window, another mirror, or a large light fixture.

If you have a smaller bathroom, stick to mounting one large mirror that takes up the entire span of the main wall.

 

Bathroom Remodeling Pros, Just a Click Away

The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most influential areas of your home when it comes to resale value. But it's a proven fact that bathroom remodeling tends to offer the best return on investment.

If you're looking to makeover a specific bathroom -- whether it's the main ensuite or a simple guest bathroom, Cabinet Wholesalers have the right pros for the job. Learn more about what we offer, here.