One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom remodeling is to tour other bathrooms to get some ideas. Pay attention to what you like and don't like., check out design magazines, . Ask yourself questions to generate your own bathroom remodeling ideas.
 
Do you want a soothing bathroom for relaxation or a practical, functional bathroom for busy mornings? If relaxation is your goal, try separating the space into areas to pamper you. Have soft lighting near your tub, a cozy dressing area with plenty of space to try on outfits, and a bench in between two vanities so you can sit while getting ready. If you want a more utilitarian space, use different types of storage to keep everything in its place and at arm's reach. Use simple, elegant containers to group your supplies. Keep hair care tools in one area, shower supplies in another. Pay attention to how you get ready in the morning and design your bathroom remodeling about how you operate. For a clean look, line the storage containers flush with the wall.

If you share the bathroom in the mornings, add special features to help control the space. If you put your makeup on over the bathroom sink, add a separate sink and mirror for you to put on your make-up while your partner brushes his or her teeth at the other sink with no bumping into each other.
 
Also avoid recessed lights in a grooming area. These lights may set the right mood, but they will put your mirror in shadows. You want clear, bright light for applying makeup or shaving.

Put the shower and toilet in a separate area so one person can groom while the other bathes. Alternatively, move the prep center into the bathroom. It will free bathroom space and cost a fraction of a bathroom remodel.
 
If space is at a premium, then storage is your answer. Build up with cabinets -- even kitchen cabinets -- or shelves. Put the things you use all the time at eye level, and the extra towels above. Put your things in their place with different, stylish storage containers either on shelves or on the ground. In a small room, make sure to keep only the things you actually need. Useless clutter will make the bathroom seem smaller.

Mount cabinets to the wall so that they open up floor space. Use a sliding pocket door to tuck your bathroom door away. Keeping your color scheme neutral will quiet the space. Use different shades of the same color all over the bathroom, and use brighter colors and accents. Also use different textures like wooden baskets, smooth tile, and soft towels to add interest, and mirrors to stretch the space.

If the bathroom is dark, don't be afraid to add windows or skylights to brighten the space. But don't block the windows with fancy curtains. Keep the windows simple to keep a small bathroom neat and bright.

Don't limit yourself to only fixtures in the bathroom section. Check out cabinets, faucets, and tiles for the kitchen or outdoors. You never know what bathroom remodeling ideas will inspire you.

Choosing a Type of Bathroom

The best way to begin developing a bathroom plan is to clarify what you want and need. Do you want a place to bathe the kids, a luxurious adult retreat, or a stylish half-bath where guests can freshen up? As you are deciding what features your bathroom should include, focus on the specific needs and preferences of the people who will use it.
 
Master Baths

No longer just a washroom attached to the bedroom, the master bath can now feature luxurius amenities, from sitting areas and entertainment centers to fireplaces and panoramic views. The once ubiquitous boxy white bathtub has been replaced with whirlpool and soaking tubs, and the shower may feature water-massage jets for a soothing spa experience. Two sinks and an oversized mirror are a must. To accommodate all these extras, the master bath has grown to huge proportions.

If your house was built for a bygone era, you may have difficulty finding enough space for an elaborate master bath. It may be possible to annex a closet, a landing or a small bedroom, but be aware that older homes often lack adequate support for modern fixtures such as oversized whirlpools and soaking tubs. Unless you are building an addition, you may need to have a contractor reinforce the floors and supporting structure. If you want to keep things simple or you can't find the room to expand, consider skipping the oversized tub and substituting it with a roomy shower or a smaller, lightweight whirlpool.

Shared Baths

If your bathroom will serve more than one person at a time, it should offer each user a little personal space. A typical configuration isolates the toilet and shower from the sink and grooming area. Ideally, the toilet should be concealed in a separate "water closet", but a low wall, or even a decorative screen can provide a measure of privacy.

To effectively accommodate multiple users, a shared bathroom should have two sinks, as well as a personal storage area for everyone. Whether you install a dual-sink vanity or separate pedestal sinks, each grooming station should have a mirror, an electrical outlet, and adequate lighting.


Children's Baths

A shared bath that will be used mostly by children has to be kid friendly, low maintenance, and, above all, safe. It should also be easy to update, as the kids grow older, and their needs, tastes and sizes change.

Try to situate the bath in a convenient location; if possible, place it between two children's bedrooms, and install a door on each side. Put shelves, towel bars and towel stands and clothes hooks within easy reach, and create a color-coded storage area for each child.

Consider pullout bathroom faucets and shower nozzles for tearless hair washing. For safety, choose slip-resistant flooring, skid-proof rugs, and a tub with a textured bottom. All glass shower doors should have tempered safety glass. A countertop with rounded edges will help prevent cuts and bruises.
 
Powder Rooms

A two-fixture (toilet and sink) bathroom in a public area of the house, the powder room is also known as half-bath. Because it is small yet conspicuous, it should be carefully planned.

A powder room should be private, so the door should not open into a public area such as the living room or kitchen. Ideally, it should be off of a hallway.

Designers consider 4.5 by 5 feet to be minimum dimensions for a half-bath, but at this size, your options for arranging fixtures will be very limited. It is not always that easy to find place for a powder room. Many designers like to use space beneath the staircase. Sometimes the solution to creating enough space for a person to be able to stand is to rearrange the floor joists, creating a step down into the room. Another option is to cut into the overhead stringers and add steel braces to hold the staircase up.