How to Create a Welcoming Guest Bath in Your Home

A small bathroom remodeling project is one of the best things you can do for your home. It’s also good for you and your guests. Whether you plan to stay put for years or want to sell soon, there’s no downside to making updates. Creating a welcoming guest bathroom is sure to please visiting friends and family — it also makes a good impression on future buyers.

If you’re preparing to sell, home buyers almost always check bathrooms more thoroughly than any other room. They’ll inspect the toilet, tiling, lighting, and the condition and style of your cabinets. Is there plenty of storage and would their family and guests enjoy spending (necessary) quality time in this small bathroom?

For a full or half guest bathroom remodel, there are some simple and creative ideas to keep in mind that can make your project a success.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, you should expect to spend between 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value on a bathroom remodel. Of course, a small bathroom remodel will be on the lower end because its footprint is smaller than a master bathroom. Unless you’re making major structural changes, the total cost is often very affordable. Simple additions such as a new vanity and vertical storage cabinets go a long way to brighten a drab and outdated guest bath.

Bathrooms and kitchens get the most use of any room in your house, so it makes sense to keep them updated if you plan to hang onto your home for a while. While your guest bath can reflect your personal style, it should be on a more subdued level. Bathroom cabinets and drawers should all be in good working order.

Lighten up small bath spaces with fairly neutral colored cabinets, but throw in some brighter colored accents, textures, and pops of color. Choose artwork that can be changed out easily. Framed wall art or photos can be rearranged or switched out as needed to freshen the decor.

Generally go for mass appeal with designs and lighter colors most guests in your home would be comfortable with. Muted tones will make your bathroom feel calm and aesthetically pleasing. Also, most people associate the color white with cleanliness, particularly in bathrooms.

Too many dark colors shrink an already small space. Bright, clean spaces are refreshing and relaxing. If your guest bathroom has windows, open up the blinds and let natural light shine in.

Make sure all lighting fixtures are clean and have sufficient bulb wattage that’s not too overpowering.

Whether house guests are staying overnight or for a week or more, they’ll be bringing their own toiletries and will need to store them somewhere. Be sure guests have plenty of room on a counter top, in the vanity cabinet and drawers. Vertical space is also recommended, as extra wall cabinets are ideal for storing towels, washcloths, shampoos and soaps. Free up counter space by storing (rather than displaying) your family’s personal products.

Avoid displaying too many knick-knacks or objects that don’t serve a purpose. Make sure you’re adding only those design elements that are functional. You can also store guest towels on open shelving and provide plenty of racks and hooks for used (wet) towels to dry. Another creative option is to include drawer organizers. For example, pull-out spice racks are the perfect solution for combs and brushes. CliqStudios designers can help you with many additional storage ideas and cabinet styles to fit your project.

Creating a welcoming guest bath in your home is easier than you think. It’s also an investment with great returns!