Creating a great looking bathroom that suits your lifestyle is easier than you might think, says Jane Drew. And a revamp will do wonders for your property's resale value.
1. Indulging in pipe dreams
It's almost impossible to put a price on remodelling a bathroom because costs vary so much - you can pay HK$2,500 for a bath or HK$70,000 - and remember you also have to factor in all the sub-contractor fees. To refit a 100-square-foot bathroom, budget end, expect to pay between HK$50,000 and HK$60,000.
2. Getting the ambience right
Designing a bathroom is a kind of balancing act: a calming atmosphere is desirable, and functionality is paramount. You want the layout to be workable, the fixtures to be efficient, comfortable and easy-to-use and the lighting to be flattering yet effective.
3. Where to look
Head down to Lockhart Road in Wanchai to see just how many different varieties of tiles, fixtures, fittings and accessories there are on offer. Your contractor will walk you through the options. In return for a kickback (normally about 10 percent) from the stores he takes you to, your contractor should be able to negotiate a discount.
4. Sticking with tile
Durable and easy-to-clean, tile is by far the best option for the bathroom. Slate, marble, granite, limestone or travertine tiles are the basis of any home-spa; basic ceramics are less than half the price (HK$35 per square-foot on average) and a hundred and one colours and finishes are available on tap.
5. Winning combinations
Current trends dictate that you use identical tiles for walls and floors (employing slip-resistant finishes underfoot), as a uniformly clad space is easiest on the eye. In a small space, choose over-sized tiles (30.5 x 30.5 cm rather than the standard 11.4 x 11.4 cm) - these make a room seem larger, and there is less grout to keep clean.
6. Colouring up
A chequerboard effect for walls and floors works well in large bathrooms, with navy-and-white ceramics being the tried-and-tested combo. In smaller spaces, consider panelling just one wall, to the back of the shower cubicle, or vanity in clay or glass single-toned mosaics. Think bold blocks of colour with white.
7. Making a splash
In a really tight space, many people now forsake a tub in favour of a glass-sided shower cubicle fitted with powerful showerheads, and maybe even a music system. For a basic over-the-tub showerhead you’re looking at HK$1,500, while a freestanding unit costs at least as much as a decent bath: HK$5,000.
8. Bathing beauties
If you have room for a bathtub, think bigger than the standard model designed to fit into a three-walled alcove. Circular hot tub, whirlpool and spa baths can be integrated into almost any shaped room whether your model of choice comes with LED lights, internet access or even a plasma TV.
9. Awash with style
Nine times out of ten, you’ll buy the basins as part of a suite along with the bath. This makes for a smooth, cohesive look and gets around the hardest part of the installation - choosing which designs you like best. The range on offer covers everything from classic marble washstands and pedestal sinks, to counter-top mounted circular or square bowls. Bank on spending around HK$2,000 on a basin, HK$1,200 per tap.
10. Finishing touches
Splash out on some accessories (cabinets, soap holders, candles and rubber ducks) and there you have it: a special place for getting away from the pressures of everyday life, for long soaks or therapeutic showers, at-home spa treatments or bath time with the kids.
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