Master bathroom design plans that will spark your creativity and help you transform your master bathroom into a haven of serenity and style.
April 3, 2024
Renovating our master bathroom has been on our radar since we bought our home 9 years ago.
The challenge has been coming up with a design plan and layout that meets our needs, in the basic footprint of the space.
And as my husband would say it’s a trifecta, we need the desire, the time and the money in order to make it happen.
At last I finally settled on a design plan that would work for me and even more thrilled that my husband agreed with all of the changes.
He didn’t love the layout of the bathroom either!
So, last fall I gathered all my inspo, started sourcing my supplies for our bathroom remodel, but I didn’t have the energy to dive into such a big undertaking.
Clearly, I’ve been dreaming what this bathroom could become since the day we moved in and I’m thrilled that it’s really happening!
Through our master bathroom remodel, our goal is to enhance not only the functionality and comfort of the entire space, but also update it with a classic, modern and cottage core appeal, while elevating the value of our home.
If you have a bathroom that feels a little dated, or the functionality needs to be improved, get ready to be inspired as we walk you through the steps to Design a Master Bathroom you’ll love.
One Room Challenge
And we’ve done it again, we’ll be participating in theOne Room Challengeas a guest participant as our master bathroom transforms.
We are no strangers to the One Room Challenge, in fact, this is our sixth challenge .
Participating in the ORC has given us lots of opportunities to learn and grow, just take a look at our previous challenges (Spring 2021,Fall 2021, Spring 2022,Fall 2022, Spring 2023.
As a reminder you can easily navigate through each week of this master bathroom renovation by clicking on the links below.
Week 1you’re here|Week 2| Week 3 |Week 4|Week 5|Week 6|Week 7|Week 8
In this post . . .
- Assess Your Needs and Desires
- Explore Master Bathroom Design Inspiration
- Consider Your Bathroom Lighting
- Set a Realistic Budget
Assess Your Needs and Desires
The first crucial step in planning the design of your master bathroom remodel is to assess your needs and desires for the space.
Begin by evaluating how you currently use the space and what aspects could be improved to better suit your lifestyle.
Then consider factors such as storage issues, specific functionality needs, the number of users and how you’d like it to feel.
In addition, think about your desires and dreams for the space.
Do you dream of a spa-like retreat with a luxurious soaking tub, or perhaps a sleek, modern design with high-tech features?
Understanding both your practical needs and personal preferences will serve as a foundation for crafting the master bathroom design plans that not only meets your needs, but also fulfills your vision for your home.
Master Bathroom Before Renovations
Let’s take a look at what my bathroom looks like before we make major renovations along with our needs and desires for this space.
This first image is what the bathroom looked like when we purchased the home 9 years ago.
It was cold and sterile, lacked personality and did not function well for 2 people.
The bathroom was plumbed for 2 sinks, but the second sink was never installed.
Then 4 years ago we decided to give this master bathroom an inexpensive makeover with basically paint, vinyl decals and added a sink.
But this didn’t address the main problems with the bathroom.
First of all when you open the bathroom door the first thing you see is the toilet, not very inviting or appealing.
The second problem is the electrical switches.
In order to turn on a light you either need to reach behind the door and flip the switch which is across from the toilet, or reach past the shower door to the vanity light switch.
And this master bathroom lacked one major feature for me, a bath tub.
I missed my deep soaker tub from our previous home.
My wish list for the perfect master bathroom retreat includes:
- soaker bath tub
- relocate the toilet to a better location
- open up the closed off shower
- make turning on a light more convenient
- two sink vanity
- add my style and personality
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Measure Your Space & Create Master Bathroom Design Plans
If you have challenges with the function and layout of your master bathroom, then creating a design plan that will meet your needs is a must!
For years I tried many different scenarios, from moving the bathroom door to a different location to incorporating the linen closet space into the bathroom.
At first I sketched different options on graph paper, then I decided to create the room layout in a Home Designs program.
I began with the original foot print of the master bathroom, and started moving the fixtures around until I found a way to make it all fit in the space.
In order to add a soaker tub and to relocate the toilet, I need to steal 17″ from the closet.
By moving the wall and enlarging the space by 17″ I was able to make everything fit, while my vanity will be a little smaller, I get a soaker tub.
Before diving into your renovation, it’s essential to create a detailed design plan.
Begin by taking accurate measurements of your space, noting the location of existing fixtures, doors, and windows.
This step will help you understand the layout possibilities and constraints of your space.
With these measurements in hand, sketch out your design plans, considering placement of key pieces like the vanity, tub, shower, and toilet.
And if you’re having a difficult time making it work, seek help from a design professional.
Never start a renovation without a plan!
I was worried about what my hubby would think about moving the wall, but he actually loved the idea!
As you can see, every plumbing fixture is getting relocated to make our bathroom more functional.
While it’s a lot of work now, in the end I know we’ll love it!
Welcome to Our Site
If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.
Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.
Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.
You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.
Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.
Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.
We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.
We love new friends.
Explore Master Bathroom Design Inspiration
Now is the time you get to dream and explore how you want your new master bathroom to feel.
This is definitely the fun part!
Take the time to immerse yourself in a myriad of possibilities, from sleek modern designs to cozy cottage core aesthetics.
Begin by creating a Pinterest board with ideas that inspire you, from colors and textures to layouts and lighting.
Browse through magazines, the web and scroll through social media and save a variety of creative styles.
Once you’ve gathered your master bathroom inspiration, place your favorite ideas on a mood board.
I find this to be the easiest way to see how different colors and finishes will work together.
My favorite way to create a mood board is digitally with Canva.
It’s free to use and you can easily add and delete items on your mood board until you’re happy with your master bathroom design plans.
Don’t be afraid to mix styles, colors and textures.
I believe many of us like a combination of design styles, for instance I love vintage, cottage core, French country, modern and a bit eclectic.
And with careful layering you can achieve a style that’s uniquely you!
Mood Board
Here’s the vision for my master bathroom remodel!
I’ve included warm wood tones on the floor, a black marble feature wall and shower surround, a marble basketweave tiled shower niche and a combination of black and gold fixtures.
The black floral curtain panels became the jumping off point for this entire design plan.
I wanted it to have a traditional, cottage core feel, yet with a modern touch.
When designing a room I like to start with one must have piece as my inspiration for the room.
It can be a rug, art, fabric or in my case the curtain panel.
Choosing tiles that are neutral and timeless will keep this bathroom remodel always on trend.
And if I tire of the black floral and other accents, they are easily switched out while the shell of the room remains the same.
When designing rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, I like to use a neutral palette with patterns that are classic and timeless.
Trendy can be fun, but when you tire of it, or it goes out of style it can be expensive to replace.
I like to design classic, timeless and sensible.
Double Vanity
An excellent budget-friendly choice for bathroom remodels is investing in a furniture-like vanity complete with pre-installed sinks and countertops.
In my original design plan I had chosen a furniture-like double vanity with beautiful legs and a marble countertop.
Then I found out that all of the plumbing would need to come up through the floor in the vanity area.
I certainly didn’t want unsightly pipes in view under my vanity, so it was back to the drawing board.
With a little more research I found another vanity with oak herringbone details, solid wood construction that includes a Carrara marble quartz countertop all for $1600.
It was a real bargain if you’ve priced countertops recently.
I was shocked at the quote of $1300 for the small laundry room countertop a few years ago.
Luckily I found a remnant and saved a $1000.
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Consider Your Bathroom Lighting
When planning your master bathroom renovation, don’t overlook the importance of lighting.
Thoughtfully considering your bathroom lighting can significantly impact the ambiance and functionality of the space.
Start by evaluating the natural light sources in your bathroom, such as windows or skylights, and how they affect the room throughout the day.
Then, complement natural light with strategic artificial lighting, including overhead fixtures, task lighting around mirrors, and accent lights for ambiance.
Choose fixtures that not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your bathroom design.
Whether you prefer bright and energizing lighting for your morning routine or soft and relaxing illumination for evening baths, finding the right balance will ensure your master bathroom is both practical and inviting.
Set a Realistic Budget
When planning your master bathroom renovation, it’s crucial to consider both your budget and DIY skills.
Take a realistic look at your financial situation and determine how much you’re willing and able to invest in the project.
Consider factors such as material costs, labor expenses, and any unexpected contingencies.
In addition, assess your DIY skills honestly.
While tackling certain tasks yourself can save money, it’s essential to recognize your limitations and know when to enlist professional help.
Research cost-effective alternatives and prioritize upgrades that align with your budget and abilities.
By carefully balancing your financial resources and DIY capabilities, you can create a stunning master bathroom that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
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The key to designing a bath with traditional, modern and cottage core elements is balancing each of the design styles.
With thoughtful planning the master bathroom of your dreams can become a reality.
By taking into account your needs, exploring endless design options, and aligning your budget and DIY skills, you’re well on your way to creating a space that you’ll love.
Please follow along over the next 7 weeks as we make our master bathroom design plans into a reality.
Bathroom Remodel To Do List
- demo bathroom
- move closet wall
- rough in plumbing and electrical
- change swing of door
- repair walls and ceiling
- install shiplap ceiling, paint
- paint doors
- install shower pan
- lime wash walls
- install vanity
- prime and paint baseboards
- install cement backer board
- install shower niche
- waterproof shower
- tiling & grout
- install waterproof luxury vinyl plank floors
- install soaker tub
- install plumbing fixtures
- install toilet
- shower enclosure
- recessed shelves
- install lighting
- mirrors
- curtains
- towel hooks
- art and decor
Also remember to check out the many other room transformations taking place on theOne Room Challenge blog.
Clearly you’ll be inspired with countless design styles and creative ideas.
If you’re new here, WELCOME! We love having new readers and friends!
You can learn more about ushere.
Let’s stay connected!Join our DIY community of doersand you won’t miss the weekly updates on ourOne Room Challenge and more inspiration for you always on a budget.
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WE HOPE TO BRING YOUR HOME TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET!
DISCLAIMER
This blog’s content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to recreate a project, you assume all responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred. Read my full disclaimer here.
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