Bathroom Cabinet Upgrades: 7 Steps to A Luxurious Retreat
Seven Steps to A Luxurious Retreat
When it comes to choosing the perfect bathroom cabinets, one of the first things you will discover is that you have plenty of options available. After all, bathroom cabinets are available in a vast range of styles, colors, sizes, and price ranges.
While this does sound great, it can perhaps make the process extremely overwhelming for you. So, to help you out, we have curated a list of 7 steps you need to follow to get the process right the very first time!
1. List Down Your Needs
The bathroom cabinets you pick should take into consideration the people who will use them and how they will use them. This thoughtful approach ensures that your bathroom is not only stylish but also functional and tailored to fit your specific needs.
For instance, if you are remodeling an en suite for yourself and your partner, both of whom need to use the sink at the same time in the morning, opting for a cabinet with a double sink can prevent morning congestion and streamline your routines. This design allows for simultaneous use, promoting efficiency and harmony during busy morning preparations. However, if you live alone, a more compact cabinet might be a better choice, saving valuable space while still meeting all your needs.
Moreover, consider the functionality of your vanity in terms of your daily habits. If you are someone who spends time doing their hair and makeup, incorporating ample storage and ample counter space becomes crucial. Drawers and compartments designed for accessibility and organization can greatly enhance your experience by keeping essentials at your fingertips. In such cases, a vanity with extended counter space offers the added benefit of comfortably accommodating all your beauty and grooming supplies, ensuring a clutter-free environment conducive to your daily routine.
2. Decide the Layout
In this step, understanding where your cabinets are going and how large they’re going to be is crucial for maximizing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
A galley layout is an excellent choice for those looking for efficiency and privacy. This layout features two separate vanity spaces divided by a pass-through, allowing multiple people to use the bathroom without disrupting each other. Each space can be equipped with a sink, providing ample room for washing up. Alternatively, you can dedicate one area for washing and the other for seating, creating a comfortable space for grooming or dressing.
On the other hand, horizontal vanities are ideal for those who prefer a sleek, streamlined look in their bathroom. This style typically features one section of cabinetry that extends across the wall, making efficient use of the available space. Horizontal vanities offer ample counter and storage space, allowing for easy organization of toiletries and bathroom essentials. The continuous line of cabinetry ensures clean lines throughout the design, contributing to a modern and tidy bathroom aesthetic. These vanities are particularly suitable for family bathrooms or those seeking a minimalist yet functional design.
3. Pick the Style
After you’ve decided the layout that best suits your bathroom and determined how many sinks you need, the next crucial step is choosing the vanity design that complements both your functional needs and aesthetic preferences. The style of vanity you select can significantly influence the overall ambiance of your bathroom.
If you are drawn to traditional bathroom cabinets, there are several key factors to consider that will ensure your vanity meets both your stylistic and practical requirements:
- Finish: Do you prefer the rich, natural look of stained wood, or would a painted cabinet better suit your bathroom’s color scheme?
- Color: What color aligns with your desired aesthetic? Would you like something bold or more neutral that blends seamlessly with the rest of your decor?
- Door Style: What kind of door style captures your interest? Are you looking for something with classic panel doors, or something more modern with a sleek, flat design?
- Storage Options: Consider what type of storage would be most useful. Do you prefer doors that open to reveal shelves, pullouts for easier access, or drawers for organizing smaller items?
Additionally, floating cabinets present a modern twist to traditional setups. These are mounted directly to the wall and feature open space underneath, enhancing the feeling of openness in your bathroom. This option is perfect for creating a clean, contemporary look while making cleaning the floor easier.
For those looking to add a unique, personal touch, consider repurposing a family heirloom, such as an antique table stand or dresser, into a vanity. This not only provides a functional piece with distinctive charm but also preserves a slice of history, making your bathroom stand out with a time-tested character that new furnishings simply cannot replicate. These vintage pieces can be adapted to include modern plumbing fixtures, combining old-world elegance with contemporary functionality.
4. Set Your Budget
Unlike a kitchen remodel, cabinets aren’t always the most expensive thing involved in a bathroom remodel.
Nevertheless, the cost of new bathroom cabinets can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Therefore, after pinpointing your ideal cabinet design, it’s crucial to realistically assess what kind of cabinet you can afford. Budget considerations play a key role in guiding your purchasing decisions without compromising the overall quality and functionality of your bathroom renovation.
For those working within a tight budget, exploring alternative shopping venues can lead to significant cost savings. Beyond the usual home improvement stores, consider visiting resale shops, specialty shops, and even garage sales. These places often offer unique finds at substantially lower prices than mainstream retail options. You might stumble upon a hidden gem that perfectly fits your design vision at a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, purchasing unfinished cabinets can be another cost-effective strategy. Opting for these allows you to customize the finish according to your specific preferences and potentially save money. However, it’s important to be aware that this approach involves considerable effort. The process of installing and finishing the cabinets yourself can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. If you’re handy and have the time to dedicate to this project, it can be a rewarding way to stretch your renovation dollars further.
Furthermore, don’t overlook the potential of online shopping. The internet is a vast marketplace where you can compare prices and find the best deals. Many online retailers offer competitive pricing and discounts that can help you make the most of your renovation budget. By carefully researching and comparing your options, you can ensure that you invest wisely in cabinets that enhance your bathroom’s aesthetics and functionality without breaking the bank.
5. Choose Your Sink Style
You have probably invested a lot of time deciding what taps and faucets you need. But keep in mind that they’re only one part of the sink. You also have to meticulously consider the bowl and how it’s going to impact the utility and look of your cabinets.
As there are several options for sink styles, it can be slightly overwhelming trying to choose the one that you’ll like the most. The best way to approach it is to determine how much counter space you need and how much should be assigned to the sink.
A sink will take up some counter space, no matter the style. However, depending on the one you choose, you can reduce the amount of counter space it takes up. Compare regular sinks with under-mount, all-in-one, and vessel styles to get a good idea of how you want your own cabinet set up.
The size of your sink also depends on your priorities for the cabinet. For instance, if you have a limited surface area, a smaller sink will help maximise the most space.
6. Ensure Your Cabinets are Durable
Your bathroom cabinets will inevitably come into contact with various substances throughout their lifetime, such as spilled makeup, water, and cleaning products. Additionally, the bathroom environment is typically much more humid than other rooms in your house, a result of the steamy showers that are a part of daily routines.
This unique setting demands that your bathroom cabinets be both durable and easy to maintain. While you might be drawn to the aesthetic appeal of a particular finish or material, it’s crucial to consider its practicality in such a challenging environment. Not all materials are waterproof, and some may be prone to scratches or other damage when exposed to the harsh conditions typical of a bathroom.
Materials like laminate, thermofoil, and wood veneers are excellent choices for bathroom cabinetry because they combine durability with visual appeal. Laminate is particularly resistant to water and is easy to clean, making it ideal for high-humidity areas. Thermofoil offers a moisture-resistant surface and comes in a variety of designs and finishes that can mimic more expensive materials like solid wood. Wood veneers provide the classic beauty of real wood but are often treated or coated to resist moisture and wear, making them more suitable for the bathroom than untreated wood.
Choosing the right materials for your bathroom cabinets is about balancing functionality with style. Opt for materials that not only fit your design vision but also stand up well to the bathroom’s demanding conditions, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.
7. Buy with Confidence
Lastly, once you have a clear understanding of exactly what you’re looking for in bathroom cabinets, making a confident purchase becomes straightforward. With thorough research and careful consideration of your needs and preferences, you eliminate the need for second-guessing or worrying about potential regrets. This clarity allows you to select the perfect cabinet that not only meets your functional requirements but also complements your aesthetic vision. You can then proceed to take it home, have it installed, and start enjoying its functionality and beauty immediately.
It’s important to remember that when it comes to the final design of your bathroom cabinets, there are no wrong choices. Each decision is a reflection of your unique style and living requirements. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional feel, your choice should align with what makes you feel comfortable and happy in your home. Embrace your personal preferences as these will guide you to the ideal cabinet choice that you will appreciate for many years to come. This personalized approach ensures that your new bathroom will not only look great but also offer a level of comfort and satisfaction tailored specifically to you.
Conclusion
At Superior Stone & Cabinet, we sell and install bathroom cabinets. Our diverse range of cabinets and countertops give you more options for your bathroom. Start by scheduling a free in-home estimate with the experts in our team.