Planning an upcoming bathroom renovation? Although much of the focus on bathroom renovations goes into the selection of tiles and large fixtures such as vanities, basins, tapware and shower screens. There are a number of more subtle upgrades that go a long way into making your bathroom functional, safe, modern, and adds a touch of elegance and class. In this post we’ll discuss some simple yet effective ways to enhance your brisbane bathroom renovation with these top electrical upgrades, some of which you may not have even thought of.
LED Lights
Many old bathrooms still use traditional incandescent bulbs which are not energy efficient. If you are doing a renovation, you should upgrade to LED lighting to save on energy costs. Led lights are more cost-effective and also offer a wide range of colours you can choose from to match your bathroom’s aesthetics. There are LED lighting products that have a colour-changing feature that allows you to adjust it depending on your mood. Replacing old lights with newer, more energy-efficient lights is an excellent upgrade for all bathroom renovations.
Task Lighting
The bathroom is the best place for grooming and applying makeup. That’s why having good lighting is important. To make these styling routines easier, consider installing task lighting. Task lighting is a type of lighting used to direct illumination to a particular area. It gives adequate and focused lighting so it greatly helps during makeup application and styling. Vanity lights are examples of task lighting. They are usually placed at the top of a mirror or along the sides to provide balanced lighting and minimise shadows on the face. You can also choose mirror-integrated lighting for diffused illumination, providing a flattering light.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting sets a relaxing and comforting atmosphere in your bathroom while still providing widespread illumination. Most ambient lighting products are dimmable which allows you to control its brightness depending on the time of day. Some examples of ambient lighting are recessed lighting and chandeliers. Due to it being integrated into ceilings or walls, recessed lighting offers a seamless look that blends many bathroom styles. It also provides a well-lit bathroom with even light distribution. On the other hand, chandeliers offer a more sophisticated look while providing soft lighting in your bathroom.
Motion Sensor Lighting
Improve the safety inside your bathroom by putting in motion sensor lights. They are a really handy feature to have if you have kids or elderly parents in your household. It’s a simple way to keep your bathroom accident-free. Also, you won’t have to worry about accidentally forgetting to turn off the lights because motion sensor lights only work when someone is using the bathroom.
Power Outlets
During bathroom renovations it’s often common for homeowners to change the layout of their bathroom. When this is done you may wish to change the locations of your power outlets in more strategic locations such as beside the vanity or storage areas. If you want a clutter-free countertop, you may also install these outlets inside cabinets and drawers so the power cords can be hidden from sight. When performing such work it’s also a good time to get your electrician to check to make sure that your power circuit is protected by a safety switch, otherwise it may be wise to look into upgrading your switchboard and getting one installed.
Ventilation Fans
Excess moisture in the bathroom encourages the growth of mould and mildew, presenting a health risk for the occupants of your home. To prevent this from happening, install ventilation fans to extract the excess steam and moisture from your bathroom and ensure a healthy environment. In addition to being energy efficient and quiet, some modern ventilation fans have sensors that detect the moisture conditions inside the bathroom and will automatically adjust fan speed accordingly.
Heated Floors
It can be dreadful having to walk over icy cold tiles in chilly Brisbane winter mornings. Heated floors can make that an issue of the past. Many people believe that this luxurious upgrade is just that, a luxury, but the truth is a well designed heated flooring system can actually be much more energy efficient than other methods of heating. There are two common types: electric and hydronic systems. Electric systems, ideal for smaller spaces like bathrooms, are easy to install and use electric cables or mats to generate heat, though they are not energy-efficient in the long run. Hydronic systems, better suited for larger spaces, are more complex and costly to install, requiring a boiler, pump, and network of pipes to circulate hot water, but they are more energy-efficient overall.
Built-in Speakers
If you enjoy soothing music or relaxing nature sounds whilst using your bathroom, installing built-in speakers can enhance your bathroom experience. These speakers blend seamlessly into your bathroom’s design, creating a spa-like atmosphere, especially when you’re in the tub. Most built-in speakers are also waterproof, so you don’t have to fret about getting them wet. For the best sound quality, place the speakers in the ceiling or walls and connect them to your smart home device for easy control via phone or tablet.
Smart Mirrors
Smart mirrors have built-in lighting and digital displays which improves the functionality of a bathroom. Some also have a defogging feature which is useful after having a hot shower. Many mirrors are also equipped with in-built speakers, which is perfect for those who like to catch up on their favourite podcasts, or relax to some soothing music whilst in the bathroom.
