In general, you’ll get the best return on your investment in bathroom renovations by:
• Hiring a professional designer.
• Making the space light and bright.
• Using high-quality materials.
• Decorating with classic colors.
• Installing white fixtures.
• Wisely incorporating recent design trends.

The following tips will help you create a bathroom that will serve you well for the next 10 years and bring maximum return at resale time:

Storage
Use cabinetry, vanities, and shelves that provide maximum storage in a minimum of space. Wire storage systems can do wonders for organizing cabinets. If you can, incorporate a closet or large cabinet just for towels and other bulky items. If you have two sinks, consider having two medicine cabinets. Also consider buying or building a storage unit that makes use of space above the toilet.

Materials
Avoid materials that require frequent maintenance. Look for floor, cabinet, countertop, and wall surfaces that resist stains and clean up in a snap. Polished marble, granite, and solid-surface materials such as Corian cost more but pay you back with stain resistance and durability.

Size
Don’t think that the only way to improve a bath is to make it larger; instead, try going for cozy, but don’t forgo the luxuries. Most people find they don’t often have time to fill a whirlpool tub. Even so, you may want one in your remodeling plan because of the sizzle it can add at resale time. Avoid the morning rush hour crunch by including dual sinks and a shower that is separate from the tub.

Light
Bring in all the natural light you can with skylights, glass doors, wall cutouts, glass block, and windows. Fill in shadows with built-in fixtures.

Openness
Mirrors, glass block, large windows, skylights, and open or glass-enclosed showers make any space appear larger than its actual dimensions.