Interior design tips to help you redesign, renovate your bathroom

Jul 15, 2023

According to a recent article in The New York Times, the average bathroom makeover increases a home's resale value by more than enough to pay for the renovation. And even if you aren't planning on selling your home, you might want to consider giving your restroom a makeover.

Kristen Pawlak, owner and interior designer at KP Designs/ Decorating Den Interiors, says you should put as much effort into outfitting your bathroom as you would any other room in your home.

"Invest in nice … furnishing pieces," she told The Courier Journal. "You definitely want (to incorporate art.) And (you should always) treat the windows."

She adds that when it comes to complete bathroom renovations, it's important to be honest with yourself about how much you’re willing ― and able ― to spend.

"Get really comfortable with your investment and your budget," Pawlak advised, "because a bathroom is a really important room. It's (a room) you’re in every day, and the comfort, the flow, the aesthetic, the function — all of that — is important to our wellbeing. (So) don't be afraid to invest a little bit."

She suggests considering features people might consider luxuries, like heated floors or towel bars. Incorporating everything you want during your renovation the first time around will almost always cost less than revisiting ideas and installing items after the fact.

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Pawlak adds that there are some practical considerations to take into account as well.

"Copper pipe issues are really prevalent here in Louisville," she said. "(Be sure to) get rid of (any) copper plumbing and update it so you can prevent flooding and (other) possible issues in the future."

Pawlak has renovated dozens of bathrooms around Louisville. Here, she discusses three past projects and offers pro tips.

This bathroom evokes all the grandeur of the historic Victorian Anchorage home in which it sits. Pawlak chose cream, black, and butter gold hues to complement the Carrera marble. A mix of dark woods, chrome fixtures, and gold and champagne metallic accents add interest as well as a sense of luxury, while the fleur-designed wallpaper accentuates the room's tall walls and high ceilings.

"(Being) bold with large-patterned wallpaper really makes a difference," Pawlak said, adding that if she had opted to simply paint the walls instead, the space would look completely different. "Don't be afraid to go bold, … especially in a high-ceiling bathroom."

Pawlak finished the space with equine-themed artwork. A large painting of two horses hangs above the fireplace, while four smaller framed pieces are set above the bench.

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The main bathroom in this Prospect home hadn't been updated in 25 years when Pawlak first set foot inside. There was no vanity; the shower stall was closed off; a large, jetted tub was sitting unused; and there was no functional storage.

Though the footprint of this bathroom remained unchanged, a renovation allowed for a refreshed space that is now fully functional and more aesthetically pleasing. It now boasts a smaller, freestanding tub, as well as a built-in vanity.

Pawlak incorporated vibrant blue cabinets and quartzite countertops, plus lots of glam gold accents. Though wallpaper was used in most parts of this renovated room, Pawlak notes that it isn't completely wallpapered throughout.

"What we’ll often do," she explained, "is (use) wallcovering in the main area of the bathroom or the dressing area, but we can break it up a little bit (by painting) the water closet. You don't have to do wall coverings all over — (this) makes it more interesting."

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Though the house in which this en suite main bathroom sits wasn't totally outdated, the room needed to be completely reconfigured. It now boasts a larger shower, better access to the bedroom closet, a freestanding soaking tub, and more pleasing aesthetics.

"Don't be afraid to reconfigure (your) bathroom," Pawlak advised. "Even if you’re not flipping the plumbing around, (consider reconfiguration) for better flow."

She explains that in this Prospect bathroom, one side of the vanity was previously almost right up against the shower, and the water closet and tub were cramped next to each other.

"We really flipped it around with our contractor," she said. "Really think through traffic flow. If something was awkward and didn't work, (feel free) to close up a wall (or) put a door in a different place."

Once the layout of this bathroom was improved, Pawlak gave the space a subtle nautical nod with soft gray cabinets, small-patterned blue wallcoverings, and quartzite vanity tops. She also incorporated blue penny tile for a pop of color, then finished off with fun seaside art in the water closet.

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Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].

Home: This bathroom is in a 7-bed, 5-bath, 6,000-square-foot, Victorian Gothic home in Anchorage that was built in 1868.

Distinctive elements: Historic home, marble fireplace in bathroom, fully marbled shower.

Applause! Applause! KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors; designer Kristen Pawlak; Bellarmine Women's Council.

Home: This bathroom is in a 5-bed, 4-and-a-half bath, 4,300-square-foot, traditional two-story home in Prospect that was built in 1993.

Distinctive elements: Custom cabinetry; quartzite countertops; freestanding tub.

Applause! Applause! KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors; designer Nancy Gillespie; RK Renovations.

Home: This bathroom is in a 5-bed, 3-bath, 3,049-square-foot, traditional two-story home in Prospect that was built in 1994.

Distinctive elements: Custom cabinetry; quartzite countertops; heated floor, bench in the shower; freestanding tub; LED-lighted vanity mirrors.

Applause! Applause! KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors; designer Kristen Pawlak; RK Renovations.